Year: 1869

We happened to be in the Office of
the Auburn state prison few days
since anu there witnessed a scene that
we shall remember as long as we live.
Such scenes are, doubtless, of frequent
occurrence at the prison, but it never
was our lot to witness one of the kind
before. Our visit to the prison was
one relating to business. When we
entered ta clerks office, our attention
was arrested by the violent sobOings
of female, who, We should think,
wac about twenty-five years of age
She was richly dressed, and appeared
to belong to the better class Of socie-
ty. Our business with the clerk of
the prison detained US some half an
hour. Without asking him any quest
ions as to the cause OF the lady'S grief,
we concluded that a friend or relative
OF hers had, through crime, become an
inmate of the prison. Her emotions
were OF an unmistakable character
They told too plainly of the deep sor-
row that was pressing upon her heart.
After We had been in the Office a short
time, a convict entered the room in
charge of one Of the keepers of the
prison. He had the appearance of
being man OF intelligence, and had
he worn any other than a convict s
dress, we should have taken him to
be a man of honor. He had a fair
open countenance, and bore no out.
ward sign that he had a depraved na.
ture. 1t was evident from his com
pressed lips and nervous twitching of
the eye that he found it difficult to re-
strain his feelings while passing from
the door 70 the seat occupied by the
lady. Before she was aware of the
convict'8 presence, he had approached
very nearly to her chair. At that mo-
ment she raised her eyes, and in an
instant the question as to what rela
tive or friend of hers was incarcerat
ed within the gloomy walls was solv
ed.


With an anguish that no pen can
describe the sorrowing woman sprang
from her chair. and throwing her arms
around the neck of the man in the de-


grading garment of a convict, and i'm
printing kiss upon his cheek, she
gave utteranCe amid her sobs ano
tears to tue eXclamatlon-"O, my hus


band my husband p and sank back
into her seat. 1t was several minutes
before the emotions of the husband
and wife could be controlled so as tC
admit of any conversation between


them. When, however, their feelings


had become somewhat calmed, The


manner in which the husband quest


ioned his wife in regard to the affairs


at home, and his rapid inquiries abou


his little boy, showed how dearly ht


priced the few precious moments be


would be allowed to spend In conver


sation with his companion. Upon in


quiry as to the nature of his crime


we were told that he was com
mitted for forgery. 1t was his frs
offence against the laws and previous
to its commission he had been regard


ed as worthy and honest man.
Tempted by the hope of obtaining {


large amount OF money he yielded tt
| the promptings of the evil one, ant
thus plunged himself into difhcultie
that cannot be described, and his wifi
and family into unutterable sorrow
The wife, with true woman's low
and affection, still remains firm in he


attachment for him, and doubtles
|. would cheerfully share his imprison
, ment if she could thereby shorten hi
! ten years sentence The interview W
have attempted to describe was tn
, first that had taken place since the in
| generation of the wretched man. |
: was such as to force upon our mind
} the belief that the wife will die of
broken heart before the expiration OF
) his term. May We never witness an
, other SO painful a scene. '