Collections : [University of Michigan William L. Clements Library]

The Class Union Society of Beloit College's class of 1866 met irregularly between November 20, 1861, and July 2, 1866. This volume contains the group's meeting minutes and biographical sketches of class members.

The Class Union Society of Beloit College's class of 1866 met irregularly between November 20, 1861, and July 2, 1866. This volume contains the group's meeting minutes and biographical sketches of class members. The society's secretaries filled 81 of 131 numbered pages.

The pages numbered 1 to 57 are comprised of the group's constitution, which it adopted on November 21, 1861, and meeting minutes covering the entirety of the class's time at Beloit College. Secretaries regularly reported on administrative issues, such as the election of officers and the appointment of various committees, and on the group's activities. The class adopted a Greek motto, Νικήσομεν ("we are victorious"); discussed the possibility of procuring class photographs; and circulated a petition to reinstate two dismissed members. They also initiated social activities, such as football games against the other Beloit classes, celebrations of members' birthdays, a visit to the Rockford Female Seminary, and social engagements with women. Later entries concern the organization of a junior exhibition, commencement planning, and the purchase of memorial class trees. A note dated October 29, 1864, explains a large gap in recorded minutes resulting from the enlistment of many class members in the Union Army (pages 30-31).

Brief biographical sketches of 23 members of the Beloit College class of 1866 (including several non-graduating members) are on the pages numbered 101-131. See the additional descriptive data section of this finding aid for the names of members represented in the biographical sketches.

This collection contains meeting minutes for several religious societies associated with the Congregational Church of Chichester, New Hampshire, between 1792 and 1903. The volumes include "Records of the Congregational Church in Chichester," "Records of Union Congregational Society in Chichester," "Records of the Sunday school and Bible class Society," and the constitution and meeting minutes of the Chichester Congregational Sabbath School Society. The minutes relate the societies' administrative affairs and reflect the contemporary religious life of the town.

This collection contains meeting minutes for several religious societies associated with the Congregational Church of Chichester, New Hampshire, between 1792 and 1903. Volume 1 contains "Records of the Congregational Church in Chichester," compiled between March 21, 1792, and December 25, 1840. These contain meeting minutes, about the church's admission requirements, deacons, procedures for discipline, and administrative affairs. The volume also holds "Articles of Faith, Form of Covenant, Principles of Discipline, and Rules of Practice; also Standing Rules & Regulations, adopted by The Church of Christ in Chichester (N.H.) October 5, 1832," signed by members of the church on January 1, 1833. It also includes a running list of members admitted to the church, maintained until September 1, 1839.

Volume 2, entitled "Records of Union Congregational Society in Chichester," covers the group's meeting minutes, kept between its founding meeting, held between December 1826 and January 1827, and a meeting held on October 13, 1888. The notes originate from both annual and special meetings. The volume also records the names of those who resigned their membership. The society's constitution occupies seven pages of the volume.

Volume 3 contains "Records of the Sunday School and Bible Class Society," covering the period between November 4, 1833, and April 26, 1846. These reflect the appointments of officers and teachers, and frequently include reports from the society's librarian and treasurer, as well as from various committees.

In Volume 4 are the "Constitution of the Chichester Congregational Sabbath School Society" (adopted January 16, 1882), and meeting minutes kept regularly until December 28, 1903. The society, formed to promote Bible study, held annual meetings and also wrote brief memorials for deceased members. Minutes reflect administrative affairs, such as the appointment of officers and the group's activities, the adoption of different curricula, and the organization's total receipts and expenditures for each year.

This collection contains receipts, bills, accounts, court documents, and other materials related to the expenses and operations of the Corporation of the City of New York between 1798 and 1873.

This collection contains receipts, bills, accounts, court documents, and other materials related to the expenses and operations of the Corporation of the City of New York between 1798 and 1873. The first 6 documents, written in 1798 and 1799, are minutes of the Common Council of the City of New York, concerning a bill to provide the city with fresh water in order to improve public health. The council's deliberations, with the input of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, focused on whether the water supply should be a municipal or a privately funded project. The council resolved to permit a private company, under direction of the city recorder, to provide the city with water on February 28, 1799 (paving the way for the unsuccessful waterworks enterprises of the Manhattan Company).

The bulk of the collection, dated between 1806 and 1865, pertains to the efforts of New York City's governing body to build and sustain a local infrastructure. Approximately 1,250 bills, receipts, requests for payments, and miscellaneous administrative documents provide financial information about the construction and repair of roads, wharves, piers, slips, and docks; the supply of fresh water; the employment of men for the night watch; the dredging of the river; purchase of printed forms; and the regulation of city lighting. Some of the items reflect broader city events, such as the May 14, 1849, check for janitorial services which likely relates to the aftermath of the Astor Place Riot. Some receipts and accounts reflect the Common Council's 1811 plan to fix block and lot sizes, which resulted in Manhattan's gridded street pattern, and many documents, bills, and accounts provide insight into the city's interactions with individuals for goods and labor. The collection illustrates the increasing responsibilities and expenditures of the city government in the first half of the 19th century.

The collection also includes approximately 90 documents produced by the Marine Court of New York between 1872 and 1873. These summonses, affidavits of merit, and other court documents primarily regard individual complaints related to unpaid debts.

This collection holds 2 volumes of meeting minutes and 1 volume of dividend payment records documenting the affairs of the Gloucester Manufacturing Company of Gloucester, New Jersey. Also included are related enclosures, including receipts, accounts, and correspondence.

This collection holds 2 volumes of meeting minutes (approximately 550 pages total) and 1 volume of dividend payment records (approximately 70 pages) documenting the official affairs of the Gloucester Manufacturing Company of Gloucester, New Jersey.

The first 2 volumes (13.5"x8"x2" and 13"x8"x2") contain approximately 550 pages of minutes from meetings of the Gloucester Manufacturing Company's directors and stockholders, compiled between December 4, 1850, and April 20, 1909. The first volume begins with a manuscript copy of the company's charter, followed by 3 brief administrative notes and meeting minutes recorded between December 4, 1850, and June 25, 1894. The second volume contains meeting minutes recorded between November 10, 1894, and April 20, 1909. Most meetings were held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Minutes document the company's internal affairs, such as its finances and elections of its board of directors and other personnel. Many sets of minutes include financial statements about the company's assets and liabilities, often printed or written on enclosures pasted or laid into the volumes. Several records made during the Civil War allude to the war's impact on manufacturing, such as the effects of new commercial legislation and the depressed economy. The minutes made in the spring of 1909 concern aspects of the company's dissolution, such as the sale of its equipment and other property. Both volumes of minutes contain several enclosures, primarily related to the Gloucester Manufacturing Company's financial affairs. These include a printed pamphlet containing its original charter and by-laws, printed in 1862; convertible loan documents; receipts and payment notices; reports on profits and losses; and typed sets of minutes, integrated into the main chronological sequence.

The third volume (15.5"x6"x.75", approximately 70 pages) holds records of dividends the Gloucester Manufacturing Company paid to its stockholders between July 1, 1859, and March 24, 1909. Each record consists of the check number, recipient's name, amount of stock held, amount of dividend due, date of payment receipt, and recipient's signature. Many items are laid or pasted into the volume, such as receipts and payment notices. Several late items, all dated March 24, 1909, document the company's purchase of its stock from shareholders prior to its dissolution.

The James Henry Andrews collection is made up of three volumes, dating between 1862 and 1870, kept largely while Andrews attended Madison University (grad. 1868) and Hamilton Theological Seminary (grad. 1870). The volumes begin with 34 pages of minutes of The Senate of Brooklyn, a society in which the members donned the roles of U.S. Senators and debated current issues, such as the emancipation of slaves in Washington, D.C., and policies related to the Civil War. The minutes date from March to May 1862. The remainder of the volumes is comprised of original theological and religious poetry and writings by James Henry Andrews, 1866-1870, and Andrews’ extensive notes on Ebenezer Dodge’s theological lectures at Hamilton Theological Seminary, 1869-1870.

The James Henry Andrews collection is made up of three volumes, dating between 1862 and 1870, largely kept while Andrews attended Madison University (grad. 1868) and Hamilton Theological Seminary (grad. 1870). The volumes begin with 34 pages of minutes of The Senate of Brooklyn, a society in which the members donned the roles of U.S. Senators and debated current issues, such as the emancipation of slaves in Washington, D.C., and policies related to the Civil War. The minutes date from March to May 1862. The remainder of the volumes is comprised of original theological and religious poetry and writings by James Henry Andrews, 1866-1870, and Andrews’ extensive notes on Ebenezer Dodge’s theological lectures at Hamilton Theological Seminary, 1869-1870.

• Minutes of The Senate of Brooklyn (34 pages)
• “Phases of Life,” delivered before Athenaeum Society of Madison University, Friday evening March 11th 1864 (4 pages)
• [Essays and poems by James Henry Andrews], 1866-1870 (39 pages)

• Introduction (p. 13)
• Theology, or the Doctrine of God (p. 32)
• The Nature of God (p. 50)
• "Part II": Anthropology (p. 115)
• "Part III": Soteriology (p. 171)

• The Work of Christ (p. 17)
• The Atonement (p. 19)
• The Theory of the Atonement (p. 50)
• History of the Doctrine of Atonement (p. 88)
• Pneumatology or The Doctrine of the Spirit (p. 95)
• The Continuance of a Divine Life (p. 121)
• The Divinity of Manifestation (p. 171)
• "Part the Fifth": Eschatology (p. 174)
• Pastoral Theology (p. 226)
• "Sec III": The Ch. Its internal organization (p. 234)

This volume contains the meeting minutes for the Middlebrook Council No. 61 Friends of Temperance in Middlebrook, Virginia. The records cover its founding in 1869 with their constitution and minutes through 1871 (largely consisting of the names of members who attended the meetings). At one meeting, a member was punished for drinking cider on New Years' Day. The remainder of the volume contains scribbles, penmanship practice, maths problems, and additional content.

This volume contains the meeting minutes for the Middlebrook Council No. 61 Friends of Temperance in Middlebrook, Virginia. The records cover its founding in 1869 with their constitution and minutes through 1871 (largely consisting of the names of members who attended the meetings). The remainder of the volume contains scribbles, penmanship practice, maths problems, and additional content.

• A partial dictionary
• A partial account book
• Several letter copies or fragments
• Math problems (fractions, word problems)
• Geography notes
• Dimensions for a blind bridle

The New England Society for the Promotion of Manufactures and the Mechanical Arts record book contains meeting minutes of the society for the duration of its existence, 1826-1868.

The New England Society for the Promotion of Manufactures and the Mechanical Arts record book contains 146 pages of meeting minutes of the society for the duration of its existence, 1826-1868. The volume begins with copies of legislative acts of the Boston City Council and Massachusetts state government incorporating the society. As stated in the Act of Incorporation, passed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, March 3, 1826, the society’s purpose was:

the promotion and encouragement of domestic manufactures of all descriptions, and of mechanical skill, in every department of industry, by public sales and exhibitions of the products of the arts, by awarding premiums for new inventions, and for the best specimens of skill, by introducing any new discoveries, which may be made in other countries, and by collecting models of inventions…and communicating the same to the manufacturers and mechanics of New England. (p. 2)

The society held an inaugural meeting on June 1, 1826, to create its by-laws. The remainder of the volume contains meeting minutes, including lists of its current members and officers, financial accounts, winners of the society's awards, and plans for exhibitions and public sales. The society's 1868 dissolution is reflected over the course of several late entries.

This collection consists of two volumes of organizational records from the Scots Thistle Society of Philadelphia, a fraternal mutual aid society. The volumes include the society's constitution, bylaws, and a brief history of the founding of the society, as well as minutes, financial records, and membership lists. Although these volumes were begun in 1806 following the loss of earlier records, they contain information from before that, including the constitution, bylaws, and membership lists from 1805. The bulk of the collection dates to 1806-1865, with one inserted leaflet dated 1904.

This collection consists of two volumes of organizational records from the Scots Thistle Society of Philadelphia, a fraternal mutual aid society. The volumes include the society's constitution, bylaws, a brief history of the founding of the society, minutes, financial records, and membership lists. Although these volumes begin in 1806, after the loss of earlier records, they contain information from before that, including the constitution, bylaws, and membership lists from 1805. The bulk of the collection dates to 1806-1865, with one inserted leaflet dated 1904.

Inserted into the front cover of Volume 1 is a printed reminder note for the Scots Thistle Society meeting held on March 7, 1904, with handwritten meeting notes. Another laid-in leaflet bearing handwritten notes is located in the "Laws section" of the volume. The record of minutes for the meeting held on March 4, 1826, includes a written reference to the United States Constitution.

Four loose sheets of notes are inserted into Volume 2: one sheet in the Quarterly Dues section at the page for 1847; two at the minutes of the meeting held on June 1, 1840; and one at the minutes of the meeting held on June 26, 1845.

See the Detailed Box and Folder Listing for tables of contents for the two volumes.

This volume is made up of three sets of entries: reports of the inspector in charge of Sing Sing Prison, minutes of the Board of Inspectors of State Prisons, and a continuation of reports of the inspector in charge of Sing Sing Prison. The Board of Inspectors concentrated on inspections, facilities, maintenance, personnel, order, discipline, finances, convict labor according to the contract system, the female prison, prisoner transfers (including to Auburn Prison's asylum for mentally ill convicts), and other matters. The minutes and reports are typically brief, but taken as a whole they offer detailed insight into the workings or proposed workings of the State prison from the perspective of this administrative body.

• Reports of the Inspector in Charge of Sing Sing Prison, April 28, 1865-April 1, 1872, section 1, pages 2-187.
• Minutes of the Board of Inspectors of State Prisons, April 12, 1865-May 12, 1873, section 2, pages 1-180.
• Reports of the Inspector in Charge of Sing Sing Prison, May 10, 1873-December 7, 1874, section 2, 181-311.

The Board of Inspectors and the individual inspectors concentrated on prison evaluations, facilities, maintenance, personnel, order, discipline, finances, convict labor according to the contract system, the female prison, prisoner transfers (including to Auburn Prison's asylum for mentally ill convicts), and other matters. The minutes and reports are typically brief, but taken as a whole they offer detailed insight into the workings or proposed workings of the State prison from the perspective of this administrative body.

The philosophies of incarceration expressed explicitly and implicitly in the volume are retribution/deterrence, self-funding and profit making, and rehabilitation through work and discipline. See bulleted notes below for pertinent examples. See also inspector Thomas Kilpatrick's final review of successes and goals at Sing Sing Prison during his tenure (December 7, 1874, sec. 2, pp. 307-311). In it, he discussed ways to make punishments effectual, decrease solitary confinements, improve prisoner equality, reduce prisoner extravagances, and increase discipline and good management so that the coming year would see increased profits. He noted that "good government and Financial success are Identical" and that prisons should be unpleasant, as they are not state boarding houses. A complaint made in September 1873 echoed the sentiment, stating that "our Prisons are fast becoming desirable Homes for the Indolent instead of a place of punishment and terror for evil doers" (September 2, 1873, sec. 2, p. 196). Of rehabilitation, Kilpatrick remarked, "The only true practical method to reclaim and reform a Convict is to have him learn that obedience to the Laws, rules, and regulations of the Prison is essential and required, he will leave the Prison better prepared to enter upon his duties to society by respecting Law and property, than he would by permitting him to enjoy his own self-will while in prison" (December 7, 1874, sec. 2, p. 310). A series of questions to the Board from the Committee of Prison Association includes content on prison goals and a remark that no prisoner should leave the prison unable to read (January 9, 1874, sec. 2, 228-233).

Throughout these records, the inspectors documented increases and decreases in prison populations and total proposed annual expenditures, noted separately for male and female prisons. They also specified assignments of inspectors to the Clinton, Auburn, and Sing Sing prisons (section 2, passim). The inspectors compared books and vouchers with storekeepers' accounts, documented board meetings at any of the three State prisons, and dealt with scores of visitors. They fielded hundreds of tours, "to the annoyance of the officers" (August 25, 1865, sec. 1, p. 16), and attended to annual visits from the Governor and Deputy Governor.

The regular reports and entries reflect several reoccurring themes, including facilities and personnel; maintenance of order and discipline, and other prisoner matters; convict contract labor; the female prison; and mental health transfers.

Facilities and Personnel

The Inspector in Charge of Sing Sing Prison reported on visits to individual prisoners' cells, the evaluation of buildings, the state of discipline, and upkeep or repair of various locations on site. Tours of inspection typically included the hospital, storehouse, guardhouse, kitchen, office space, bathhouse, mess hall, washhouse, agent's house, blacksmith shop, labor shops, stables, yards, hog house, soap house, pasture grounds, and docks. Inspections included an assessment of the needs of these departments. In the case of the kitchen, for example, they recorded the need for more storage for vegetables, refrigeration, ration evaluations, overabundance of food, etc. They mentioned the subject of garbage disposal.

Various security and other improvements were made over the course of the volume. They implemented revisions to ventilation and lighting, constructed a new hospital spring, and built a fence around the hog house (to be less offensive to the public, April 29, 1865, sec. 1, pp. 2-5), for example. Although the prison had no wall around it until 1876, this volume documents the construction of fences--notably between the grounds and the rail line (April 17, 1866, sec. 2, p. 21; May 4, 1867, sec. 2, p. 42; November 19, 1868, sec. 2, p. 99). On October 11, 1869, the prison purchased "watchmen's detectors" (sec. 2, p. 128).

Natural and negligent accidents occurred. Flooding from the breakage of a dam in a storm required cleanup and repair from June 26 to August 26, 1867 (sec. 1, pp. 81-82, 88). On April 11, 1872, the inspector reported that "old and weak" wooden Galleries were in significant disrepair and needed to be replaced with iron to prevent fire hazards. The State Legislature refused to appropriate funds (April 12, 1872, sec. 2, p. 154). The following year, the Galleries collapsed and killed one convict, injured several more, and injured one keeper (May 22, 1873, sec. 2, pp. 182-183). They rebuilt the structure, as reported on February 10, 1874 (sec. 2, p. 239).

The inspectors' reports reflect individual personnel changes, suspensions, dismissals, reinstatements, retirements, and new hires. The positions included guards, keepers, principal keepers, agents/wardens, assistant matrons, matrons, teachers, clergymen, and others. No lists of the complete staff exist in the volume. In three cases, the records indicate the hire of Civil War veterans (April 17, 1866, sec. 1, p. 39; May 22, 1866, sec. 1, p. 44; and August 13, 1866, sec. 1, p. 50).

Officers and keepers might be suspended or dismissed for various prison rule violations. These included reading while on duty, sleeping while on duty, dereliction of duty, language unbecoming of a guard, speaking poorly of other officers rather than working together, intemperance, trading with prisoners, receiving money from convicts, assisting in prison escapes, theft, not having sufficient knowledge to conduct their jobs, and other issues. In one case a prison keeper was suspended for stealing a "fancy box" made by convicts (May 30, 1865, sec. 1, p. 6). In another case, the shoe shop supervisor was suspended for stashing whiskey, Port, Champagne, eggs, tea, coffee, butter, pipes, and sugar (December 30, 1867, sec. 1, p. 114).

Other miscellaneous personnel issues arose. The Board deliberated on whether or not minor officers or guards should be required to wear uniforms; dissent argued that much of the staff could not afford the expense (July 21, 1873, sec. 2, p. 187).

Maintenance of Order and Discipline, and Other Prisoner Matters

Prisoners needed special privileges to engage in activities like writing letters, drawing money on deposit, receiving visits by relatives, etc. The minutes include entries specifying the nature of a privilege and the name of the convict receiving the permission. Male convicts repeatedly drew on their money deposited at the prison to send to mothers, wives and sisters, brothers (e.g. June 15, 1865, sec. 1, p. 8; June 17, 1865, sec. 1, p. 9), purchase books (such as a German dictionary, April 17, 1866, sec. 1, p. 39), and acquire additional food for health reasons (August 4, 1865, sec. 1, p. 13). One prisoner required special permission to use his money to pay for wooden leg repairs (June 16, 1865, sec. 1, pp. 9; November 7, 1867, sec. 1, p. 99), and another, George Smith, received permission to grow his whiskers after the first of June (April 29, 1865, sec. 1, p. 4).

The inspectors assessed and acted on various health and medical issues in the prison, particularly when outbreaks of illness occurred, such as an August 11, 1866, spreading of a bowel sickness (sec. 1, p. 48). In two cases, disinfection of the prison was performed (June 24, 1868, sec. 2, p. 71; April 5, 1869, sec. 2, pp. 123-124). Prisoners were required to be vaccinated, costing the State $200 (April 11, 1872, sec. 2, p. 155).

Inspectors occasionally made notes on prison clergy (Catholic and Congregational) and educators, and they attended chapel services at times. One inspector remarked that the convicts' singing could stand for improvement (January 26, 1866, sec. 1, p. 29). The teachers and clergy requested supplies for their work. On April 10, 1867 (sec. 1, p. 75), the chaplain ordered six dozen each of slates and spelling books. They purchased an organ for the chapel on January 1, 1868 (sec. 2, p. 57). In a show of public support for improving the character of officers and government of the prison (and, as they remarked, increasing intelligent, thinking visitors), the prison received an appropriation for the prison library (August 4, 1873, sec. 2, p. 189). Convicts' own books required approval from the chaplain (July 10, 1869, sec. 2, p. 127). Evidence of disorder in the chapel was also noted, as when the inspectors noticed convicts chewing tobacco during services (December 13, 1873, sec. 2, p. 225).

Order and discipline were chief concerns for the prison administration. Groups of male convicts were forbidden from congregating without the presence of a guard, pausing their work to gaze at visitors, possessing contraband, among many restrictions. Examples of the establishment of disciplinary rules, re-emphasis on existing rules, and punishment issues include:

• No female prisoners are permitted to be walked through any workshop (April 16, 1869, sec. 2, p. 126).
• Order to investigate punishments of a female and male prisoner (January 20, 1872, sec. 1, p. 184).
• Discipline respecting the allowance of women to visit the male prison (February 6, 1872, sec. 1, p. 185).
• No officer, keeper, or guard at the prisons will be permitted to keep horses, cattle, or other animals in the yards or grounds, or to feed them from food belonging to the State (January 2, 1873, sec. 2, p. 170).
• No punishments are to be administered by a guard for any offenses unless the warden is consulted and the punishment approved. Twelve hours must pass between approval and the application of the punishment, giving the convict time to take in the gravity of the offense (January 3, 1873, sec. 2, p. 171).
• On the Fourth of July/Independence Day 1873, convicts put on a vocal and instrumental performance, had an "excellent" dinner, had no restrictions until 6:00pm, and engaged in talking, laughing, singing, and speaking. The inspector remarked that the prisoners "were not unmindful of our National Birth day" (July 4, 1873, sec. 2, p. 185). However, by the end of the year, convicts were discovered practicing their art for a New Year's entertainment, which took them away from work. The inspector noted that such activities were detrimental to order and discipline, and had "no moral benefit" to the prisoners. He remarked that previous entertainments led to drunkenness, dissipation, and violation of rules (December 11, 1873, sec. 2, p. 224).
• Loose discipline is destructive with respect to society's expectations of the prison, and it "also leads to greater necessity for punishment than a firm but humane policy" (August 12, 1873, sec. 2, p. 191).
• No one is allowed to bring anything into the prison to sell or give to convicts, except tobacco in limited quantities (September 1873, sec. 2, p. 195).
• Prisoners are not allowed to have civilian clothing as it increases the likelihood of escape; guards must monitor the movements of all prisoners. No prisoner may be given any keys (September 1873, sec. 2, p. 196).
• No fishing is permitted on the prison docks during working hours (September 5, 1873, sec. 2, p. 198).
• No cooking is permitted by inmates in any out house, shanty, or yard anywhere on the prison grounds, except in the prison kitchen, because it causes inequality among the prisoners (September 5, 1873, sec. 2, p. 199).
• No convicts are allowed to roam around the grounds after prison hours, because "Great evil has heretofore prevailed and will again" if the actions continue (September 8, 1873, sec. 2, p. 201).
• All huts and shanties that have arisen around the yards and quarries will be taken down because inmates meet in them and plot mischief (September 8, 1873, sec. 2, p. 201).
• Visitors are not permitted in the prison without a ticket. A blue ticket indicates those entitled to visit for free, while a red ticket indicates a paid visitor. No officer may accept compensation from visitors for any favors (October 10, 1873, sec. 2, p. 207).
• Only one convict is allowed in the water closet at a time (October 11, 1873, sec. 2, p. 208).
• Wagons or sleighs must be observed by guards when loading and must be under watch when moving to or from prison grounds (November 11, 1873, sec. 2, p. 213.
• Discussions of commutation are rare. On one occasion, the inspectors considered commutation because "it is self evident that crime is increasing at a fearful rate and the Capacity of our Prisons entirely inadequate to accommodate that increase" (December 10, 1873, sec. 2, p. 223; see also January 9, 1874, sec. 2, p. 229).
• "The important trust of taking care of and provided for the moral & physical wants of unfortunate depraved and suffering humanity is too sacred to be confided to any who do not sympathize with their success and reform." All punishments are to be delivered "in kindness yet with firmness" (January 12, 1874, sec. 2, p. 235).
• In one of the only instances of positive reinforcement stated in the records, the administration discussed implementing a coat sleeve mark to distinguish meritorious conduct (August 14, 1874, sec. 2, p. 274).
• The keepers and guards on night duty will enforce quiet with punishment and the removal of the light in the offender's cell (September 2, 1874, sec. 2, p. 287).

Mount Pleasant Female Prison

The Board of Inspectors evaluated the Mount Pleasant Female Prison in much the same way as they assessed the male prison. Notes and reports on aspects of the female prison cover facilities upkeep and improvement, personnel issues, order and discipline, contract work, health, and other subjects. The inspectors reviewed processes related to children, female-specific rules (such as disallowing women from using tobacco), visitor arrangements, and lack of infrastructure to tend to mentally ill women (August 25, 1865, sec. 1, p. 16). One entry documents the punishment of female inmates for reporting unspecified misconduct by an officer (September 22, 1868, sec. 1, pp. 128-129).

• Problem with children of female convicts being brought to the prison; arrangements with Superintendents of the Poor; and movement of children to the almshouse (April 12, 1865, sec. 2, p. 4).
• The only woman identified in the volume who received special permission to have her child with her in prison (June 26, 1867, sec. 1, p. 82).
• All children brought to or born in the female prison are to be taken to the almshouse at the age of one year, as arranged by the warden and the Superintendent of the Poor, Westchester County. An alternative is to have a relative take the child (October 9, 1873, sec. 2, p. 206).

• Issues associated with the night matron of the female prison sleeping and leaving no one at attention (April 13, 1865, sec. 2, p. 3).
• Women's wardrobe is to be directed by the principal matron (July 9 and 10, 1865, sec. 2, p. 8).
• At Auburn Prison, allowance for unemployed female convicts is to be utilized by assistant matrons for their own benefit (July 12, 1865, sec. 2, p. 9).
• Improvements to the key room in the Female Prison, (August 4, 1865, sec. 1, p. 13).
• Mary Watterson, assistant matron of the female prison, is severely injured by inmates, "who as I understand, manifested more the disposition of fiends than human beings" (September 4, 1865, sec. 1, pp. 17-18).
• Mr. Woodruff's contract with female prisoners expired and now many of them are unemployed; hope for another contract soon (November 22, 1865, sec. 1, p. 23; continued concerns, plus overcrowding, December 14, 1865, sec. 1, p. 25).
• The female prison is not to be closed on foggy days (as the male prison is) and women will be required to work full days (January 30, 1866, sec. 1, p. 30).
• Purchase of Mrs. Hubbard's cow for the female prison (December 7, 1866, sec. 1, p. 61).
• Order to fill a well in the female prison yard, as the water is filthy because of its proximity to the sewer (March 4, 1867, sec. 1, p. 73).
• Relocation of a bridge near the female prison because it was not easily viewed by guards (July 8, 1867, sec. 2, p. 47).
• Purchase of new stair carpets for the female prison matron (March 1, 1868, sec. 2, p. 62).
• Two women convicts punished for "reporting an Officer"; reaffirmation that no official notice will be taken of the testimony of a convict and that the principal matron may administer whatever punishment she sees suitable for "reporting any action or language of any officer" (September 22, 1868, sec. 1, pp. 128-129).
• The matron of the female prison determines how much washing is requisite for the department. (January 6, 1869, sec. 2, p. 114).
• Hire of Mary Wright as assistant matron (Feb. 10, 1870, sec. 1, p. 150; May 8, 1870, sec. 1, p. 156).
• Suspension of Mrs. Smith by the principal matron, attributable to a misunderstanding and malicious stories; reinstated as assistant matron (May 7, 1870, sec. 1, p. 155).
• One female convict has permission to see her imprisoned husband every three weeks; also, female prison rations and pay (July 7, 1870, sec. 2, p. 138).
• Discussion of the need for a kitchen in the female hospital; suggests moving the nursery up a floor and using the space it formerly occupied (July 22, 1873, sec. 2, p. 188).
• In the Clinton Prison, contractors may supply tobacco to male but not female convicts, "there being no necessity for its use by them it is forbidden." They may, however, be allowed snuff in reasonable quantities (October 16, 1873, sec. 2, p. 209).
• Mrs. Hubbell and her daughter may deliver luxuries to the female prisoners in the prison hospital, "as they think will add to their comfort" (November 7, 1873, sec. 2, p. 211).
• Warden to furnish knitting needles to female prisoners to knit stockings (January 9, 1874, sec. 2, p. 229).
• Female prisoners dying in the hospital should receive a room free from noise and human traffic (May 6, 1874, sec. 2, p. 258).
• Assistant matron Mrs. Chase fell down the stairs, has brain damage, and is likely to die; grief experienced by prisoners (October 4, 1874, sec. 2, p. 292).

Mental Illness

The content in these records pertinent to mental health takes the form of assessment of prisoners and transfer of convicts to the asylum at Auburn Prison. See, for example:

• John Donnelly of the buckle shop was laboring under delusions, treated at the hospital, and is now apparently better (August 25, 1865, sec. 1, p. 16).
• The State Lunatic Asylum will not accept mentally ill female convicts and they have no proper accommodations at Sing Sing: "there seems at present no satisfactory answer to the question 'What shall be done with the insane female convicts'" (August 25, 1865, sec. 1, p. 16).
• One of the prisoners in "the Dark Cells" is "a fit subject for the Asylum" (March 7, 1866, sec. 1, p. 37).
• • Transfers to Auburn Prison asylum; most entries provide names of the transfers (the following list is not proofed, but is believed to document all such entries in this volume):
  • Physician informs the inspector that a particular convict is unfit for prison discipline on account of being "insane" (November 12, 1866, sec. 1, p. 58).
  • Two patients (February 4, 1867, sec. 1, p. 70).
  • Two patients (May 20, 1867, sec. 1, p. 80).
  • Four patients (December 11, 1867, sec. 1, p. 108).
  • Four patients (June 24, 1868, sec. 2, p. 72).
  • One patient from the Clinton Prison to Auburn (June 24, 1868, sec. 2, p. 72).
  • Four patients (February 4, 1869, sec. 1, p. 134).
  • Two patients (March 6, 1869, sec. 1, pp. 136-137.
  • Five patients, including one Black man (May 27, 1869, sec. 1, p. 144).
  • One patient (December 13, 1869, sec. 2, p. 133).
  • One patient (August 3, 1870, sec. 1, pp. 158-159).
  • One patient (May 4, 1871, sec. 1, p. 170).
  • One patient (May 25, 1871, sec. 1, p. 172).
  • Two patients (July 12, 1871, sec. 1, p. 174).
  • Four patients, including one woman (January 4, 1872, sec. 1, p. 183-184).
  • Two men and two women; assessment of prisoners for mental health issues in male and female prisons (August 25-26, 1873, sec. 2, pp. 192-193).

Finances, the Contract System, and Profit

The managerial responsibilities of the Board of Inspectors included paying close attention to the financial aspects of the State Prisons. These Sing Sing records include documentation of expenditures, anticipated annual financial need, money received from the State, the value of stock held by the prison or from the State, requisitions, and management of prisoner contract labor. The minutes of the Board of Inspectors are at times dominated by advertising contract leases, considering proposals and applications by contractors, negotiating wages, maximizing the numbers of laboring inmates, handling contractors in arrears, balancing labor for the State versus labor for contractors, maintaining profitability, and discussing the value of keeping prisoners from being idle.

The State prison contract system included a wide variety of natural resource gathering, processing, and manufacturing operations. Among them were limestone, coal, and marble quarrying; limekiln operations; stonecutting, woodcutting, and printing; manufacturing of linen, clothing (and "convict cloth"), hats, tapestries, cabinets, saddles, harnesses, whips, shoes, boots, tools, skates, malleable iron, nails, cutlery, furniture, chain, cigars, brushes, marble dust, augurs, and brassware. On May 12, 1873, the inspectors made arrangements for the construction of buildings at the extreme south end of the grounds for the manufacture of sulfuric acid and terre alba (sec. 2, p. 180). Entries also pertain to the infrastructure needed for these contacts, such as acquiring machinery, kilns, forges, and workspaces.

During the financial panic of 1873 and the accompanying decrease in the prices of goods, the Board of Inspectors minutes show a flurry of efforts by the State and the contractors to decrease costs, increase inmate employment, and reduce the number of prison guards and keepers.

• Women laborers tended to make around 20-24c per day, while men largely made around 40-60c per day (see section 2 passim).
• The State advertised contracts based on the number of able-bodied inmates (October 4, 1865, sec. 2, p. 11). An example advertisement is located on October 17, 1866 (sec. 2, p. 32).
• While prisoner transfers occurred for mental health and overcrowding reasons, a good number of prisoners were moved between State prisons to manage the workforce needed for contract labor (for example, March 14, 1866, sec. 2, p. 19). In one case, Sing Sing had "more convicts than can profitably be employed," necessitating transfers (July 22, 1873, sec. 2, p. 188). The Board also discussed the transfer of prisoners based on types of work skills needed at different State prisons, except when a convict had family members who could not visit the other prisons (June 12, 1874, sec. 2, p. 263).
• "The contractors all seem doing a prosperous business and it really seems to me that with the high price of labor out of the prison, they can well afford to pay more for the service of convicts" (November 12, 1866, sec. 1, p. 58).
• Implementation of orders against the overwork of prisoners on contracts, and against promises of additional pay to convicts for extra work (March 4, 1867, sec. 1, p. 74).
• The inspectors sought support from the State to improve iron-working facilities and be more productive for the State (by rolling scrap iron, processing coke, etc.). By November 1867, they had set up twelve forges with the anticipation of more (November 22, 1867, sec. 1, pp. 101-102).
• In 1868, the Prison Committee of the House of Assembly discussed the State taking over the profitable quarrying operations and cutting out the intermediary contractor. They also discussed the abolition of the contract system in order to have the convicts work solely on behalf of the State (February 29, 1868, sec. 2, p. 60). Legislators passed a State law the same year, terminating the quarry contract. These records contain copied correspondence on the State purchase of machinery and tools, and the compensation of contractor Westchester Marble & Lime Company for $125,000 (June 24, 1868, sec. 2, pp. 73-87). The contract itself is copied in sec. 2, pp. 91-93. An example listing of State profits from quarry operations is found on September 22, 1868 (sec. 1, p. 128). However, in 1871, the legislature failed to appropriate funds for the operation of the lime and marble works, prompting a discussion about whether to close the works or again lease to a contractor (May 2, 1871, sec. 2, pp. 145-146). Ultimately, the State authorized the continuation of the work so long as it received 25c net for each barrel of lime and half the proceeds from the sale of marble dust, cut stone, and fluxation (May 30, 1871, sec. 2, pp. 146-147).
• One short-lived contract was a printing operation by James B. Swain and Francis B. Fisher, employing 75 men. By the summer of 1868, the legislature forbade any future printing contracts (February 29, 1868-July 20, 1868, sec. 2, pp. 61, 68-69, 89-90).
• The augur manufacturing contract lost money and changed hands from James Horner to Montauk Auger Co. (July 18, 1868, sec. 2, pp. 88-89). They closed up shop on November 19, 1868, while owing $14,528.43 to the State for convict labor, water, merchandise, and interest; the State negotiated to purchase all the equipment for the work (sec. 2, pp. 100-101).
• Fire destroyed the buildings used by contractor C. H. Woodruff, but his contract expired, so they were uncertain as to whether or not to repair them (July 21, 1868, sec. 1, p. 123).
• Contract of I. G. Johnson & Co. of the Malleable Iron Contract and W. H. Skidmore of the "Female Contract" (100 female convicts employed on linen clothing manufacturing) to obtain their own heating for winter work (November 18, 1868, sec. 2, pp. 96-97; see also the contract of W. H. Skidmore, November 19, sec. 2, pp. 97-98).
• Punishment cells need to be constructed that have room for the convict to work, on the belief that this will answer discipline issues (July 9, 1869, sec. 1, p. 149).
• Contract for female labor transferred to Townsend Young in making linen coats and items like it for summer wear, but not heavy woolen goods (April 8, 1871, sec. 2, p. 143).
• Requirement to collect sums due from contractors for overwork. Discussion of prisoner work hours and idle time, concerned that convicts hurry and complete their work by noon; requirement established that prisoners work from bell to bell (October 11, 1871, sec. 2, pp. 148-149).
• Addition of a shop room for boot and shoe contractor George L. Trask (December 10, 1872, sec. 2, pp. 166-167).
• Auburn Prison's receipt of proposals for the laundry business and manufacture of summer clothing by female convicts (February 5, 1873, sec. 2, p. 175; February 15, 1873, sec. 2, p. 177).
• Review of convict clothing to be conducted so that the State can save funds manufacturing as little clothing as possible (August 11, 1873, sec. 2, p. 190).
• "Wholesome discipline should be maintained by moral suasion if possible, by such force when necessity requires it as may bring the delinquent to obedience, as speedily as possible, and according to their best judgement and time, provided such mode of punishment is not forbidden by law. An opinion prevails that all punishment under any circumstances is prohibited and consequently that want of discipline and insubordination prevails in the prisons, which opinions thus entertained are seriously affecting the letting of Contracts and consequently a great pecuniary loss to the State." All punishment must therefore be delivered only by the principal keeper, with the assent of the warden, and upon inquiry into the case (August 12, 1873, sec. 2, pp. 191-192).
• "The Contractors being in want to men it becomes a necessity that all convicts able to work (and not currently on contracts) should be placed where they could earn something. All available men not thus employed in Kitchen Halls, Mess Room or Yards, or elsewhere should be set at work and their places filled as far as possible by Invalids or those who are too infirm to be placed upon or continued on Contracts. A very large number could be thus changed largely increasing the Income of the Prison, there are far too many unemployed" (September 4, 1873, sec. 2, p. 197).
• Too much milk is being consumed by female prisoners, costing the State money. Reduce rations to former quantities. Reduce expenses in every department: "our Prisons are fast becoming desirable Homes for the Indolent instead of a place of punishment and terror for evil doers" (September 1873, sec. 2, p. 196).
• "The men should work more hours than they are now doing, that the Hours of work should be lengthened not made shorter, it would be better for the Convicts..." (September 5, 1873, sec. 2, p. 197).
• "A determined effort should be made to reduce the expenses of this Prison by increasing the number of convicts upon Contract work and by a reduction of expenses in the number of Keepers and Guards and otherwise" (September 5, 1873, sec. 2, p. 198).
• A decrease in convict labor hours has caused "in some cases dissatisfaction to contractors" and is "injurious to the State." Lost work hours are also injurious to the convicts because they are locked up earlier than they would be otherwise and are unlocked later in the morning. More on reduction of expenses, with a mention of supplying wholesome food and comfortable clothing for the prisoners. Contractors should receive a fair day's labor (October 7, 1873, sec. 2, pp. 203-204).
• The cost of gas from the Sing Sing Gas Company has increased; consideration whether the gas can be manufactured at the Prison (October 9, 1873, sec. 2, pp. 205-206).
• Townsend Young, contractor for women's prison; "Task List" for the contract (November 11, 1873, sec. 2, p. 212).
• A decline in prices renders the plane-making business unprofitable. A reduction in pay and number of prison laborers is necessary to prevent indebtedness (November 12, 1873, sec. 2, p. 216).
• Correspondence and notes regarding the slump in prices and contractors' attempts to hire prisoners at half time for 10c to 20c per day (November 1873, sec. 2, pp. 216-222).
• All legal costs desired or needed by laboring convicts are required to be paid by the prisoner (January 7, 1874, sec. 2, p. 227).
• Decrease in bids for contracts, resulting from lack of discipline in workers and the "high price" of prison labor compared to other States (July 14, 1874, sec. 2, p. 269).
• Complaints about number of able-bodied men in the hospital and unable to work (December 1874, sec. 2, p. 304).

The minute book of the United Sons of Salem Benevolent Society describes the business proceedings of a mid-19th century African American self-help organization. A hybrid of an insurance agency and charitable operation, the United Sons bound together members of the African American community of Salem, New Jersey, providing a social network, a financial safety net, and support in the event of illness or death.

The minute book of the United Sons of Salem Benevolent Society is a rare survival of a mid-19th century African American self-help organization. A hybrid of an insurance agency and charitable operation, the United Sons bound together members of the African American community of Salem, New Jersey, providing a social network, a financial safety net, and support in the event of illness or death. The Society also made small, usually short-term loans to its members to assist in their business endeavors.

The first 18 pages of the minute book contain the constitution of the United Sons, including a preamble and 25 articles, plus the signatures of eighteen founding members. Six of these men appear to have signed, the other twelve making marks. Thereafter, typical entries in the minute book are very brief, including notice that meetings began with "singing and prays," and tersely summarizing the business at hand -- the election of officers, the induction of new members, society discipline, and the disbursement of funds to compensate sickness and death.

The constitution of the Society is of considerable historical value in explicitly laying out the reasons for forming the Society and providing a highly detailed overview of its structure, ideology, and operations. Providing the names of many of its members and their contributions and roles within the organization, the remainder of the book is a valuable key to examining the social and financial relationships among members of the African American community during a critical period of history.