Is it not, therefore, wise in us to endeavor to do what we can, and leave the result to Him “who maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good; and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust?” “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand, for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that; or whether they both shall be alike good.” In conclusion, your Committee may state that they have desired to possess themselves of such practical information as might be within their reach, and have taken some pains to do so; all of which has but confirmed their favorable feeling. Much of what has been thus obtained, is the result of the experience of prison officers in other States. But still further to satisfy themselves, one of their number had interviews with two officers of long standing in one of our own prisons, both of whom warmly commended the plan proposed, and desired to see it carried out. If the proposed change be adopted, your Committee are encouraged to believe, not only that the character of the prisoners may be improved, but that, in time, the number of applications for pardon may be materially diminished. And finally, they are reminded, from high authority, that a persecutor of the righteous, on his way to Damascus, was suddenly converted; and that a touch of the Saviour’s garment healed an otherwise incurable disease. While instances are on the same record, of others who, having committed grievous offences, were, on repentance, graciously forgiven, and through faithfulness made instruments for good in the hand of their heavenly Master; so among these unfortunates there may be some who, through the influence of divine grace, may yet prove as brands plucked from the burning. TOWNSEND SHARPLESS, CHARLES ELLIS, CHAS. C. LATHROP, ISAAC BARTON. _Philadelphia, 2d Mo. 20th, 1861._ * * * * * LETTERS FROM THE JUDGES IN FAVOR OF THE MEASURE. PHILADELPHIA, _March 18, 1861_.