Early Governors' Papers

ing in their vicious courses, are, either convicted of second offences, and sent back again to the Penitentiary of this State, or persevere in their career of crime in other states. A reference to Mr Scott's statement, will shew, that as a means of "reformation", but little is to be hoped for, from the system. But it is attended with one advantage, at once obvious and incontestible, and which is admitted on all hands: That is - that the con victs for the time they are confined at least, are restrained from committing crimes and from infect ing society with their presence and example.

Viewing the advantages and disadvantages of the system, I think the conclusion may be safely assumed; that ^although the people of this state are aware, that it is attended with some inconveniences and imperfections, yet that it meets their approbation generally; and that there is no disposition manifes ed, to any considerable extent, at change it for any other.

I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the highest respect, Your obt. Servant. J. C. Pickett Secretary of State