The first prisoner was received Oct. 25, 1829. The first report of the Committee to visit the Eastern Penitentiary was made to the Acting Committee on Nov. 11, 1829, and shows that there were two prisoners at that time in the institution, one a white man from Chester Co., the other a colored man from Delaware Co. By June 8, 1830, the number of prisoners had increased to 25. The following extracts from the report of the Visiting Committee, made in June, 1830, will prove interesting to those who are familiar with the present conditions at the Penitentiary. “* * * The best order prevails among the prisoners who are industriously, and it is believed, profitably employed. Each is supplied with a soup-pan, washbasin, brush, fine and coarse tooth comb, spoon, knife and fork, and every week with a clean towel. Each prisoner is required to keep his room clean and neat. * * * The food consists of half a pint of milk, mixed in the same amount of hot water, bread made of rye and Indian meal (one pound) for breakfast; for dinner one pint soup, three-fourths pound meat, one-third pound bread; for supper one pint Indian mush and a half gill molasses. * * * No conversation can take place between the prisoners, and no communication from without be permitted. It has not been found necessary to inflict any punishment so far, except in two cases: in one case where a prisoner had neglected to keep his mess-pan clean, he lost two meals; in another case, a prisoner who neglected his work was for three days deprived of his meat. The principal trades are weaving and shoemaking, trades which may be carried on in cells to advantage. The health of the prisoners continues good.” The report is signed June 8, 1830, by the entire Visiting Committee consisting of David Weatherly and James J. Barclay. Now after 80 years the supply of furniture is practically the same, a table or stand being added. Sanitary arrangements have been vastly improved, and the addition of a superior grade of homemade wheat bread and coffee to the bill of fare has made a more palatable menu.