s. Hence, at early morn, he announced to
the men that he was about to give them a real Fourth, causing their
hearts to leap for joy.

At 9 o'clock they met in the chapel for the reading of the Declaration
of Independence, singing, &c., after which they marched into the prison
yard, where were tables beautified by floral decorations and spread by
fair hands, with picnic dainties, lemonade being prepared expressly for
the prisoners. The blessing asked, the men having done ample justice to
the good cheer, and the tables having been removed, speaking by a number
of distinguished gentlemen from various towns followed. This ended and
prayer offered, the sports followed as various as the different tastes
could devise. Nothing rude, boisterous, insubordinate, or unkind
appeared from any. One standing outside the walls would not have
supposed, from anything heard, that a real, live Fourth was being so
greatly enjoyed within. And probably the pleasures of the day were
never more keenly felt anywhere, in prison or out. One and another would
say, "This is the happiest day of my life." A somewhat large delegation
of ladies and gentlemen from various parts of the State was present, who
seemed delighted with the occasion. The female prisoners partook of
their picnic dainties in their own room, but were permitted, with their
attendants, to witness the yard scenes from the chapel windows.
Everything passed off satisfactorily. The speaking was excellent, just
fitted to the occasion, showing the need of laws and prisons, that those
present were here for crimes, yet that they could reform, for which they
should strive, that numerous willing hands were reached out for their
encouragement and aid.

The time at length came for separating, when each man went to his cell
with a cheer of heart which he had never carried there before. And this
cheer long pervaded their minds, leading them to obey with greater
alacrity. Nor did I hear of a case of a contrary character. They would
afterwards often refer to the occasion as that _happy day_.

30. _The true principles of imprisoning and prison-managing on the idea
of reform in the convict._ For the sake of brevity these principles are
here set forth mainly by questions and answers.

What is the object of imprisoning?

This object is fourfold:

1. To prevent the criminal from injuring the public.

2. To deter from committing crime.

3. To punish the wrong doer.

4. To reform the erring