Journal

After an acquaintance of more than eight years with the system of discipline in the Eastern penitentiary, and the influence of separate confinement upon the mind of the prisoner, I am constrained to express my conviction, that that influence is entirely safe and wholesome. Without claiming any special capability for the investigation of mind, I draw my conclusions from facts constantly occurring under my own observation. The facility with which the ignorant learn to read, &c.-the activity of the faculties of imitation and invention the skill and contrivance manifested frequently in the execution of various works of art-the sudden evolution of mind, where scarcely the germ of thought had appeared, show conclusively, that the mind, cast upon its own resources, awakes to newly developed strength and power.

The opportunitie; for reading and reflection, surely cannot dwarf the moral instincts. The poets expression. "How blessings brighten as they take their flight," is as strongly realized by the prisoner, severed from home, as by the survivor of departed relatives. The child feels the awakenings of love to an injured and dishonored parent; the husband to the wife, or the father to the children, such as had probably never been felt, in their ordinary intercourse, before the sad and fearful fall. Deep compunction is felt-many a sincere resolve is uttered-just sentiments are expressed, with an emphasis of feeling, which indicates the reality of their existence. Nor is the change less observable, as it regards the relation subsisting between the soul and God. Many a profane person, in his cell, learns to fear an oath; and many, who had never thought of prayer, now bend the knee in secret, and on the Sabbath attend to the stated religious exercises, with an interest and reverence, scarcely exceeded elsewhere. I am satisfied, with such facts constantly existing, that neither the mental nor moral faculties can be injuriously affected by separate confinement.

I am under renewed obligations, to the various benevolent associations, for continued supplies of Bibles, books and tracts. Of the latter, thirty thousand pages have been circulated. The number of stated visits has been three thousand two hundred. The number of religious exercises, sermons, &c. amount to two hundred and forty-two, averaging forty to each corridor.

Respectfully,

JANUARY 1, 1847.

THOMAS LARCOMBE,
Moral Instructor.