The reasons which prompted the organization, and the basis of the action contemplated, can hardly be better set forth than by here introducing the simple, but eloquent preamble to the Constitution:—“When we consider that the obligations of benevolence, which are founded on the example and precepts of the Author of Christianity, are not cancelled by the follies or crimes of our fellow creatures; and when we reflect upon the miseries which, penury, hunger, cold, unnecessary severity, unwholesome apartments, and guilt (the usual attendants of prisons) involve with them, it becomes us to extend our compassion to that part of mankind who are the subjects of those miseries. By the aid of humanity, their undue and illegal sufferings may be prevented; the links which should bind the whole family of mankind together under all circumstances, be preserved unbroken; and such degrees and modes of punishment may be discovered and suggested, as may, instead of continuing habits of vice, become the means of restoring our fellow creatures to virtue and happiness.” The principles thus enunciated at the outset, have controlled the plans and efforts of the Society from its origin to the present time, and their truth and value have been abundantly confirmed by large experience. The late venerable William White (Protestant Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese) was elected the first President of the Society, and held the office until his death, on the 17th of July, 1836, a period of nearly fifty years. The general sentiment of the community with regard to this worthy man, was beautifully expressed in an editorial notice published in one of our daily newspapers, shortly after his decease, of which the following is an extract:—“If he went forth, age paid him the tribute of affectionate respect, and children rose up and called him blessed.”