Early Governors' Papers

9

no feelings of sympathy beyond the justice & humanity of the law, should prevail to ex-empt the offender from that correction his country has prescribed for his wickedness; were this universaly the case, there is but little doubt (comparatively) few crimes would be committed; to produce this desirable and man has not, nor ever can; devise a more sure & efficient, system ^than the Penitentiary, where all offenders may be brought to a sense of the evil done, their country & the moral influences it must necessarily have upon others by the certainty of meeting that justice of punishment, which the nature of the offence merits;

any further information in power will be cheerfully given

with esteem thy friend Saml. P Parsons

John Tyler Esq

His Ex. John Tyler Governor of Virginia

Sam^l P. Parsons on the Penitentiary of Virginia Aug^t 1826.