USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > History of the Albany penitentiary. > Part 3
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It shall be the duty of the Inspectors to visit the Penitentiary jointly at least four times in each year, to examine and audit the accounts of the Superintendent, to inquire into all matters con- nected with the government, discipline and police of the prison, the punishment and employments of the prisoners, and to make such rules and regulations as they may deem expedient and ne- cessary, provided, however, that such rules and regulations shall not conflict with the laws of the state, or with the general rules and regulations now adopted by this joint meeting.
It shall be the duty of the Inspectors individu- ally, to visit the Penitentiary once in each month, or oftener, as they deem necessary ; to diligently examine and inquire into the condition of the
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prison and prisoners ; each Inspector shall keep a journal of his visits and proceedings, and shall report the same to the Inspectors at their next joint quarterly meeting.
The Inspectors shall approve of, or appoint, on the nomination of the Superintendent, all the sub- ordinate officers employed at the Penitentiary, and shall fix their compensation. They shall also appoint a Physician and Chaplain, and prescribe their payment, who shall hold their offices during the pleasure of the Inspectors.
The Inspectors shall annually, on or before the first day of December, render a report to the board of supervisors and mayor and recorder, in joint meeting assembled, showing the state and condition of the Penitentiary, and the prisoners confined therein, the amount of money drawn from the treasury and otherwise received and ex- pended ; together with all the transactions of the Penitentiary during the year preceding. The Inspectors may also communicate, in the same manner, with the authorities aforesaid, at any other time and on any subject connected with the Penitentiary, whenever they deem it to be ne- cessary.
In case of the death, resignation or refusal to
*
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serve, of any one or two, of the Inspectors appointed, the remaining one or two Inspectors, as the case may be, shall have the power to fill the vacancy or vacancies so occasioned, and designate the term for which he is or they are to serve; which appointment or appointments shall remain valid until the joint authorities direct otherwise.
The Inspectors shall receive no pecuniary com- pensation for their services whatever. It shall be an office of honor.
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ITS SUPERINTENDENT.
WHILE it will be demanded by the public, it is but simple justice to the Superintendent of the Penitentiary that an account should be given of his labors in this department of public ser- vice; for more than any man in this country he has devoted himself to prison discipline; has been engaged therein for a longer period, and his efforts have been attended with unrivaled success.
Amos Pilsbury1 is the son of honored parents. He was born in Londonderry, N. H., February 8th, 1805. His father, Moses Cross Pilsbury, was a native of Newbury, Mass. His mother, Lois Cleaveland, was a granddaughter of the Rev. John Cleaveland, of Ipswich, a clergyman of dis- tinguished piety and patriotism, who served his country as chaplain, in two campaigns of the
1 This sketch is principally taken from one written by a dis- tinguished gentleman of New York city, who is familiar with the history of the family, and knew its subject from early manhood.
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French war, and in three campaigns of the revo- lutionary struggle. His grandfather, on the other side, was one of the "happy few" who fought at Lexington and on Bunker's Hill.
Mr. Pilsbury's father was no common man. From the age of ten to that of twenty-one, he hammered iron in his father's shop. Freed, at length, from this hard apprenticeship, he soon worked his way to a position of comfort and of high respectability. So carefully did he seek and so well did he employ every opportunity of self- culture, that at the beginning of our second con- test with England, he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the United States army -in which capacity, and also as adjutant, he served through the war.
Not long after this, through the influence of his neighbor and friend, Governor Bell, he was appointed Warden of the New Hampshire state prison. Here his peculiar talents at once shone forth. Like all the prisons of that day, it was, when he took it, an ill-contrived, badly managed and expensive establishment. Under the new keeper, irregularity, idleness, and waste, were replaced by discipline, industry and thrift until the prison, with its orderly and busy inmates,
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became the wonder and boast of the state; pre- senting, it is believed, the first instance recorded in penal annals, of convicts who supported them- selves. Nor was this all. Under the perfect system introduced by Capt. Pilsbury, the prison, after paying all expenses, had a handsome surplus for the state treasury. This important result was attributable to no additional rigor, and to no severity of exaction. In its moral and reforma- tory aspect, the improvement was equally marked, and infinitely more important. To his honor be it said, he was the first prison keeper who intro- duced the practice of reading the Bible daily to the prisoners assembled. He was a man of me- dium stature, calm and gentle in aspect and demeanor, full of tenderness and Christian sym- pathy. His mere look was sufficient to quell the fiercest of those hardened creatures with whom he had to deal. All who were placed under him knew full well that they must obey; and very few were those who did not obey willingly. He deserves an honorable place among the benefactors of his race. His last days were spent on his farm in Derry, N. H., where he died at the age of seventy in the year 1848.
Amos Pilsbury after having served an appren-
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ticeship at the tanning and leather dressing business, was, at the age of nineteen years, made one of the guards in the Concord prison, and in this subordinate capacity, so approved himself to the state authorities, that a year after he was appointed Deputy Warden. In 1827, he went with his father to Wethersfield, to assume the same position in the prison there. In 1830, he was advanced to the sole superintendence of that large and important establishment. It was a high responsibility for a young man of twenty-five years. All doubts-if doubts there were - on account of his youth, were soon dispelled. The very first year of his administration proved his eminent fitness for the post. As a disciplinarian, as a manager, as an economist, as a man of integrity, and humanity, and honor, he fell not a whit behind his father.
For fifteen years, some nine months excepted, Mr. Pilsbury held this office, with a fidelity that was never surpassed, and a success, of which there had been in prison management, no previous example. During the second year of his superin- tendence, the earnings of the prison, over and above its entire expenditures, amounted to more than eight thousand seven hundred dollars. To
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a frugal community, like that of Connecticut, this result must have been particularly gratifying. But Connecticut, we trust, would never have welcomed even this advantage, had it come to her through any sacrifice of morals or humanity.
The condition of the state purse was not more benefited, than was, in every particular, the con- dition of the prisoner. Indeed, a bright, busy New England town and a village of Neapolitan lazzaroni, scarcely differ more in appearance, in character, or in results, than a Penitentiary under the Pilsbury regime differed from the prisons generally in use before.
During the seventeen years which preceded the changes, while Connecticut was compelling her prisoners to work in irons by day, and sending them down manacled and fettered, to pass the night on damp straw sixty feet below the surface, the Newgate prison cost the state a hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars beyond all its earn- ings. The Pilsbury administration -at once efficient and humane -lasted seventeen years, during which the huge establishment was made to sustain itself handsomely, and also to pay into the state treasury the sum of ninety-three thou- sand dollars. Any tyro in arithmetic will readily 8
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estimate the amount which was saved to the commonwealth.
The profits which Mr. Pilsbury conferred on Connecticut, were not limited to the prison under his immediate control. Through his suggestion and aid, the old and miserable county jails were replaced by new and well arranged structures, where industry and order could and did supplant idleness and vice. . In this reform, Hartford county led the way, aud other counties followed - their benevolence being greatly stimulated by a bonus of $1,000, which the surplus earnings of the Weth- ersfield prison enabled the state to bestow on those who rebuilt after the Hartford model.
Allusion has been made to an interruption which occurred in the early part of Mr. Pilsbury's wardenship. For the good name of Connecticut, we regret that this disgraceful affair can not here be ignored. In the second year of his superintend- ence, while he was engaged with unexampled devotion and success in the arduous duties of his office, charges were brought against him and he was removed. At Mr. Pilsbury's request, a com- mittee of the legislature investigated the case. The committee was composed of able and honora- ble men. Their examination covered the entire
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field, it reached the minutest items of management and expense, and resulted in the triumphant vin- dication of Mr. Pilsbury. His accusers were left without an inch of ground to stand on. The discarded officer was restored and the grateful legislature, after paying the actual cost of his defense, voted to compensate him for his loss of time, and for the unpardonable vexation to which he had been subjected. The action of the state government, and general sentiment of the people, are not the only condemnation passed on that act of petty and personal malice. The prison itself was grossly mismanaged and all but disorganized, during the nine months it was in other hands. In a few months the former order was restored, and its previous prosperity secured.
The fame of results so benignant and remark- able as were those of the Connecticut prison, could not long be confined within state limits. Through the enlightened and earnest efforts of the Prison Discipline society, the evils and abuses of the old prisons were made known, and the whole subject of prison construction, arrange- ments, and discipline, became a topic of general interest and frequent discussion throughout the country. The old practice of allowing prisoners
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freely to associate in their workshops, or in their sleeping rooms, was universally condemned. But there arose an important question. Was a system of joint labor by day with complete isolation at night -or one of absolute, solitary confinement, the best adapted to produce reform? Each sys- tem had its advocates, equally ardent and confi- dent- while prisons of great size and cost were going up in different parts of the United States, to carry out the two dissimilar ideas. But while others were idly theorizing, or actually launch- ing forth on the sea of untried experiment, Mr. Pilsbury, on the banks of the Connecticut, just went forward and resolved the problem.
Many were the visitors -men of science and. philanthropy - who came from other states and even from distant shores-to learn in Connecticut, how felons might and should be treated. Here they were seen unitedly and busily engaged in some simple but profitable occupation; unitedly and yet silently. No word, or look, or sign, was allowed to pass between the convicts. Ever watchful guards, judiciously placed, checked the slightest infraction of the rules. Under the same restrictions and the same vigilance, they marched at meal times and at night, to their still and
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solitary cells. Their little sleeping rooms were all above ground - well warmed, perfectly venti- lated, and kept scrupulously clean. As these were built and arranged on the principle of a whispering gallery, all attempts at communication were instantly detected, so that a single watchman was sufficient to enforce the rule on a hundred of these involuntary Trappists. As a sanitary ope- ration, the system we are describing worked well. Not only were the fevers and fatal contagions, that once made jails so fearfully dangerous, driven far away -sickness in its milder forms became an infrequent visitant. The well re- mained well, and even the invalid often grew strong. No discipline could be more strict - yet it was the discipline of Christian humanity - that true kindness which never stiffens into cruelty, and never melts into weak indulgence. All the conditions of the case seemed here to be fulfilled. The unhappy inmates were not hardened in crime by intercourse with beings perhaps worse than themselves. Neither were they driven to despair or to madness, by the unmitigated horrors of per- petual solitude. Restraint and labor, order and silence, company and seclusion, good air and good food every day, with rest and wholesome instruc-
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tion on the Sabbath day-these were the salutary influences kindly brought to bear on the prisoners, and which would lead to reformation, if any thing would. With all these paramount advantages to the criminal and to the community, the pleasing fact was now first established, that the lawless beings known before only as destructives, could by right management, be brought into the ranks of the self-supporting and even of the producing.
We could fill many pages with the testimony of state governors, the reports of directors and com- mittees, and the statements of commissioners and visitors, both American and foreign-showing the high estimation in which Mr. Pilsbury's abilities and services were held. The following must suffice.
The officers of the legislature said in 1842 :
"We should do injustice to the Warden of the prison, if we should omit to bear testimony to his superior qualifications for the arduous and respon- sible office which he holds, and has so long held to the great satisfaction of a large majority of the people of the state, discharging all his official duties with great ability, with fidelity to the state, with humanity to the prisoners, and to the unqualified acceptance of the directors; to his unrivaled skill
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and singular fitness for the station which he holds, that the gratifying results in the management of the Connecticut state prison are mainly attribu- table."
Again in 1843 :
"In conclusion the directors would be doing violence to their own feelings, did they fail to express their gratification at the admirable man- ner in which the Warden has for a long series of years discharged his arduous duties with credit to himself and advantage to the state. As a thorough disciplinarian, he is believed to be unequaled in the country ; and as an able, faithful, energetic public officer, they consider him deserving of the highest respect and commendation."
In a report made by Roger Minot Sherman, that great man said :
"Instead of being a charge on the treasury, it is a source of revenue. In ten years the net earn- ings, above all expenses, have been sufficient to pay every expense of its erection, support, and man- agement, and leave a surplus on hand of over $10,000. The state, however, is greatly indebted to the Messrs. Pilsbury for their superior skill in conducting the institution. By one who was com- petent to judge, and had made extensive inquiry
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in this country and in Europe, they have been pronounced the best prison keepers in the world."
As stated in the preceding chapter, the commis- sioners appointed to erect the Albany Penitentiary having resolved to adopt the best model and to have it erected under the best superintendence, turned their attention to Mr. Pilsbury. He ac- cepted their call. The building was erected under his supervision ; and before they surrend- ered their trust he was unanimously chosen by the joint authorities of the city and county as its Superintendent. In this capacity he has more than maintained his previous reputation. The Inspectors in their report at the close of the first year thus expressed the estimate entertained of his services.
"In the Superintendent of the Penitentiary the county possesses an officer whose service is in- valuable. They are happy to be enabled to add, that his talents and worth are as fully acknow- ledged by all classes and parties of the community, as it is known they are by both the city and county governments. The manner in which Mr. Pilsbury discharges the duties of his office and his eminent qualifications for the position he occupies, command general admiration. It is gratifying
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also to feel assured that the sentiment of regard and attachment is reciprocal. While all appre- ciate his zeal and fitness, and the great good his labors and assiduity have wrought amongst us, he too is sensible that he possesses the respect and confidence of the public.
"The Inspectors trust and believe that the con- nection subsisting between the Superintendent of the Penitentiary and the community to whose welfare and interests his whole time and efforts are directed, will long endure, and not on either hand be lightly or willingly severed. All which is respectfully submitted."
This estimate has never experienced any dimi- nution ; but has been deservedly confirmed and heightened as time advanced, and his services were the better understood. The discipline of the Penitentiary has never relaxed, nor its pros- perity, in his hands, declined. Emergencies have arisen through the fluctuations of trade, and some years the prospect of financial success was dis- couraging ; but he has, as we shall subsequently see, most successfully met them all. From year to year the Inspectors have borne their most empha- tic testimony to his personal worth and labors. In their report for 1852, they said : "In all that
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constitutes excellence in a prison, both morally and physically considered, so far as the Inspectors have seen and know, the Albany Penitentiary has not its superior in the world." And again in 1855 in view of his resignation : "To say what Mr. Pilsbury is, and how his character and service are regarded and appreciated in Albany, is quite superfluous : they are household words. The Albany Penitentiary, now widely re- nowned, is his own creation. The ability and success with which it has been conducted, are unparalleled any where. It has conferred honor on our city, and has constituted a new era in the history of punishment. The example has been copied in three other judicial districts of the state, and is accomplishing a sure revolution through the land. Mr. Pilsbury's pupils, young men whom he has educated in his peculiar sys- tem, are now conducting, with great success, similar institutions in this and other states."
The following voluntary testimonial was given by the late Louis Dwight, Esq., who for years was the distinguished secretary of the Boston Prison Discipline Society. It was never seen, nor known to exist, by Mr. Pilsbury till a few months since.
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BOSTON, Dec. 9, 1845.
To Sam'l Pruyn, Esq., chairman of Commissioners for building Albany County Penitentiary.
I know no man living, nor have I ever seen the man, during twenty years observation, on prisons and prison officers, who is as certain to bring about favorable pecuniary results in the manage- ment of a Penitentiary, as Amos Pilsbury. He seems to have obtained very honestly from his father, partly by birth, and partly by education, the faculty and the integrity necessary to do this. He is unrivaled, except by his father, in the beauty and accuracy of prison accounts, and he is absolutely unrivaled, after he has made his thousands, above all expenses, from the labor of prisoners, in paying over the money into the trea- sury of the government. I do not speak of this, because I consider it the most important object of prison discipline; but because of the proof which it affords of wisdom, industry, economy, caution, energy, activity and faithfulness, which makes the man so reliable, as a public officer, and a Prison Keeper. These high qualifications would be of great consequence, in the first place, to the county of Albany, and through the county of
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Albany, as the great centre of the state, to all the counties in the state. If the question be whether the County Prisons, in the state of New York, shall become self-supporting institutions, and, at the same time, disciplinary and reformatory in character and morals, Amos Pilsbury is the man, in my opinion, above all others, to hasten this great and important result, in political economy. It will make a difference of a million of dollars, in my opinion, to the state of New York, whether his services are secured, as a Prison Keeper for that state or not; provided he lives and serves the state four years. And the difference to public morals will be of still greater consequence. Who can do so much to trust indus- try and self-support, to the very dregs of society, and obedience too, without undue severity, principally by constant supervision and care and safe keeping, as Amos Pilsbury? Am I asked for proof I refer to the life. No other man has ever shown such results in this or any other country, for so long a course of time, so far as my knowledge and observation extends.
Most respectfully your friend,
And obedient servant,
LOUIS DWIGHT.
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RESIGNATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT.
AMONG the charitable institutions near the city of New York, is that on Ward's island, which was established by the legislature to relieve the towns and counties of the state from the tax of support- ing pauper immigrants, and to provide a hospital and home for those of this class who may land in New York, and are sick and needy; or who may become so within a limited time. This institution is in the charge of a board appointed by the governor of the state, called the commis- sioners of emigration. Extensive and suitable buildings have been erected there for the purposes designed, and the institution has commendably answered the end for which it was established.
In the year 1855, notwithstanding their large receipts, the commissioners were very seriously embarrassed by its pecuniary state. The expendi- tures were so large that they were brought to the verge of insolvency. They were consequently compelled to adopt some measure for relief. At
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that time the Hon. E. D. Morgan, since governor of the state, and now a senator of the United States. was a member of the board. He sug- gested that they should get a thoroughly able and good man to take charge of the institution, and thus. if possible, improve its condition. Hav- ing long known Mr. Pilsbury he at once introduced his name to the commissioners, and assured them that he was the man to accomplish the task.
An invitation was consequently given him to take charge of the institution, at a salary of $4,000 per annum, with a residence on the island, and necessary provision for his table. This, apart from pecuniary considerations, was an in- viting offer, for it opened a new and larger sphere of action; it presented a different field for his administrative powers, and that, when he was justly conscious of ability to enter it ; and it pro- mised greatly extended usefulness. Nevertheless the call occasioned him considerable perplexity ; for the Albany Penitentiary was to him as the offspring of his own genius and practical nurture. He had been identified with it as no other man could be ; and its prosperity had been the object of his constant thought and toil. His associations moreover with Albany had been always pleasant.
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Here for more than ten years he had been per- mitted and encouraged to carry out his plans, without political rivalry, or unfriendly suspicion. To leave such an institution, and such associations for the "populous solitude" of Ward's island, was certainly not abstractedly inviting. But after repeated solicitation he reluctantly con- sented to do so. feeling that Providence called him to it. and that it was in some respects. a self-denying mission for good.
The Inspectors in speaking of his resignation in their report for 1855, said: "The Inspectors have long been aware of the urgent efforts, made by leading and influential men in this state, to induce Mr. Pilsbury to assume the control and government of the Refuge and Hospital of the commissioners of emigration on Ward's island, at New York ; and that the appliances and argu- ments used by them, have at length prevailed with him to consider it a matter of duty and patriotism, on his part. to comply with their wishes.
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