Samuel Cowell to Richard Yates

Lockport, Dec 1/64

Gov Yates

My Dear Sir

As the term of office is about to close which you have so honorably filled, I beg leave to suggest once more, that you do what you can to break up that lawless system, which has so long ruled within the walls of the Penitentiary.

It will be a fitting close to your Administration, inasmuch as goodness is the truest greatness.

My sympathies, and I trust my course, have ever been adverse to the principles which have there prevailed. The papers which I largely distributed among the men, were the N.Y. Independent the N. West Christian Advocate papers religious, and loyal

The scanty earnings of the men I directed as far as possible into religious channels.

In my Reports to the Legislature I urged large & indispensible Reforms. And in my influence elsewhere, humble though it might have been, I took ground against those selfish principles that regarded the men as bondmen only, and not as fellow beings. I could not do otherwise, as a Clergyman & philanthropist who ought to do his duty.

In consequence to a certain extent I was a break upon the wheels and no breaks could be tolerated and I was summarily disposed of. Through some plot as hostile as that conceived by Haman I was got rid of. I care not to know in what way you

were approached, whether directly or indirectly, the plan was arranged & carried out. for the Lord allowed it so to be.

But I think the whole regime of the Penitentiary should be changed. The Philanthropy of the age demands it. The example of the older states demand it. The welfare of the community upon whom are daily issuing the released convicts demands it.

Reformation as well as Discipline should shape the Law

Compassion instead of gain should be the argument with the Legislature.

If nothing more can be done honorably by the State the sphere of the Chaplin should be enlarged.

His judgment untrammeled through fear. His power made coordinate with that of the

Warden as regards the Religious services of the Sabbath or caring for the moral welfare of the men. Like the Roman Tribune, he should be regarded by the people as their watchman until such time as the watchman and the censor were unnecessary.

In saying all this I trust I speak understandingly. There is probably no one who is brought more into such personal contact with the men, as the Chaplin, or more sees the morale within Prison walls.

In the hope that the next Legislature may discharge a duty more honorable than the building lofty towers, and perform a work more permanent than laying costly walls upon tables of stone

I remain

Yrs faithfully in the Gospel

Sam'l Cowell

To His Excellency

Gov. Yates

[along side] Abstract & return

Cowell Sam'l

Lockport Dec 1st 1864

As you are about to retire from Executive Office suggests that you break up the horrible system at the Penitentiary