To the Honorable Senate and House of

Representatives in Legislature assembled :

AGREEABLY to the law of the state, I herewith submit the following as the annual report of the State Prison of Maine, for the year ending April 30th, 1849.

At the close of last year there were 67 convicts-received since that time, 19-discharged by expiration of sentence, 16-pardoned 3-remaining, 67. They are employed as follows, to wit:

Thus the number is the same at the close as at the beginning of the year. The general health of the prisoners has been good. At the close of last year three convicts were in solitary confinement;

Wm. T. Johnson, Printer to the State.

now we have but one-one having been discharged, and the other having had his sentence commuted to imprisonment for life, leaving as before stated, but one in solitary.

The building to be erected by order of the last legislature, for a hospital and solitary cells for labor, has been commenced, so far as to contract for materials and labor, and will undoubtedly be completed during this season. The appropriation made for its erection and completion, I think quite too small.

The warden and inspectors made an estimate last year and stated to the committee of the legislature, that about $4,700, would be needed from the state, besides the resources of the prison, to complete the same. I am now of the same opinion.

The prison, I think, will be taken care of as usual, by the state paying the officers' salaries for the next year. It is unnecessary for me to make a lengthy report, having given my views so often and so freely to the legislature, touching the affairs of the prison. I hope however, to be permitted to say that I congratulate the citizens of the state, that all the anticipations formerly entertained, are realized in the new prison, and will undoubtedly be, in the hospital which is now under way for completion. I shall have the pleasure when I leave the prison, to believe, that during my stay there, many improvements have been for the comfort and convenience of the prisoners. I am aware however, that these accommodations have cost money, but I trust no one will find fault with that, provided they are satisfied the money has been judiciously expended.

The standing of the prison in its financial affairs, is as good as it has been in former years.

The tables will show that we have more stock on brand, have more debts due the prison, and owe less than last year. Therefore the prison has paid all its expenses during the last year, except salary of officers, and thus leaving a balance towards paying officers' salaries and other expenses of $1,598.69.

The legislature will undoubtedly understand that in so large an amount of outstanding debts, many of them will prove to be entirely worthless, when finally settled. Therefore the debts due the prison

cannot all be considered good; yet I think they will compare in value with other trading establishments for the same number of persons and amounts. The question will very naturally arise, shall we not put a stop to this multiplicity of accounts at the prison, whereby so many balances are due, and so many losses happen to the state? In answer, I will ask leave to give it as my opinion, that it is decidedly for the interest of the state to continue this barter trade, even if losses occasionally happen. Though I am quite sure it makes three times the labor for the warden, yet he is supposed to be paid for his services, and if faithful, can make the prison pay its expenses, or much nearer than he could if confined to an entire cash trade.

During the nine years I have been at the prison, no appropriation has been called for, except to help make improvements in the buildings, and but a small part of that has been asked for. The state has every year paid the officers' salaries and probably will have to pay them for years to come. Owing to the large amount of stock on hand and balances due from individuals, the prison will be able to pay all other expenses and do much towards improvements.

The general conduct of the prisoners during the past year has been good, but few punishments inflicted, and those it will be perceived of a mild character.

I am happy to be able to say we are blessed with as good a set of subordinate officers as ever were at the prison. All seem to take an interest in its welfare and assist the warden much in the discipline of the prison. This enables the warden to spend more of his time out of the prison.

The inspectors I presume, will as usual, go more fully into detai and give a minute account of all our affairs. To their report I would more particularly refer you.

The chaplain's report will inform you of the moral and religious condition of the convicts.

I have the honor gentlemen, to remain your ob't serv't,
BENJAMIN CARR, Warden.

Thomaston, April 30, 1849.

Dr. The State Prison in account with the State of Maine, Cr.

Personally appeared, Benjamin Carr, and made oath that the above account by him subscribed, is true to the best of his knowledge and belief.

BEFORE ME,

GEORGE A. STARR,

Justice of the Peace.

Examined and compared with vouchers and found correct.

BENJAMIN F. BUXTON,

GEORGE A. STARR,

STEPHEN BARROWS,

Inspectors.

Convicts.

67 Whole number received since July 2d, 1824,
Discharged on expiration of sentence,

19

Crimes.