Charlestown, Mass., June 4, 1887.
Dear Sister Wheaton:
Things here seem to be getting on to the praise of Jehovah. I had a good, long letter from Sister B. this morning. It is most blessed to feel that Jesus abides in the ship and commands the winds and sea as well. Praise his glorious name!
What a blessing it is to be on the altar in God's service, ready to go or stay; ready to labor or to rest; to bear burdens or be free.
I trust that the fullest rays of the Sun Divine may warm your heart and make your life fruitful.
God be with you richly in all things.
With best of wishes,
J. W. F. Barnes, Chaplain.
Massachusetts State Prison.
Charlestown, Feb. 13, 1896.
Dear Mrs. Wheaton:
Your postal to the Warden concerning —— was put into my hands. This is the first moment I have had to devote to an answer. He is in the city working. He has made excellent friends. He stands well in the church he has joined; is connected with a very large Bible class of young men and frequently has to be its teacher. He is active in the church, but closely confined to his work.
We are in fair condition, comparatively, in the prison. We have tonight, 761 prisoners. I send you one of our reports with this.
A. is still keeping a Rescue Mission and doing well.
I presume you are still after the welfare of the prisoners. I have been very ill since I saw you, but am able to be at my work again. Our little prayer meeting on Saturday P. M. still goes on doing good. The Lord is with us in the enlightening and building up of souls.
Such work as you used to do has been left out of the prison life and no one is allowed now to go into the chapel on Sundays. Once each month I take in some people to help us sing in our praise service. The same people every time, however. Pray for us.
Sincerely yours,
J. W. F. Barnes, Chaplain.
Massachusetts State Prison.
Charlestown, June 14, 1899.
Dear Sister Wheaton:
Yours came on Monday last. I was glad to hear from you, and to get the enclosures in your letter. They are good—very good—for my work and my own life. I heartily reciprocate all your good wishes for me and pray that you may be preserved from all evil.
We have had some blessed conversions here and one or two of our men have gone to their reward in great peace and joy.
F. is doing well and much loved in his work for Christ. He is at same address I sent you before.
Truly yours in the work,
J. W. F. Barnes, Chaplain.
