But if it be true, as is reported, that the Warden treated him with such cruel and shameful indignity, what shall be said of _him_? He had sons of the same age, but none more likely or promising; and how did he know that it was not through the means of some of _them_, that this youth was ruined? Every body knows that Wardens of prisons are tyrants, and few will question the perfect right of _this_ one, to a very liberal share of this character. Certainly, if he abused that ruined young man as it is said he did, he richly merits the title of Nero the Second. At any rate, I know enough of him never to call him a _merciful_ man, and I would ask all men, all angels, and all creatures, to look at his conduct just as it is, and decide on his fitness or _un_fitness for the office of Warden of a penitentiary. He never found any fault with those who drove the victim of his anger to distraction; I know not but he applauded them. I know, however, that Mr. Stricklin came to the prison in health; that he was frighted to distraction one night while on duty, by some of the keepers and guard; that he was turned away in the morning; and that he died in a few weeks perfectly deranged. It is reported that he plead with the Warden to stay, remarking that it would injure his character to be turned out so. He was well reported of by all men, was an officer in the militia, and the pride of his family. No one can reflect on his untimely and unhappy death without the most painful emotions of soul. And in concluding this article I feel it to be a duty which I owe to the young men of our country, to exhort them never to become prison keepers, but to shun those places which have a tendency to blunt the finer feelings of the heart, and stupify their moral sensibilities. And I would be equally friendly to such as are already engaged in prisons. Let them try to act like merciful beings, and forget not that cruelty is no part of their office. Let them redeem the character of gaolers, and shew by their conduct that humanity and justice can dwell in their hearts. It is important that they should heed this counsel, for it will be a sad vicissitude after having been _keepers_ on earth, to become _prisoners_ in eternity. OVERWORK. Until 1821, no compensation was allowed the prisoners for what they did over their task. In that year, a regulation was made, granting _one cent_ per yard for all that might be done over _ten_ yards per day in the summer, and _eight_ in the winter, to be paid in goods out of the store, or money, at the option of the Superintendent.