3

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