GROUP OF GIRLS IN AN INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS STATE PRISON AT CHESTER.
CHAPTER VIII.
Incidents in My Prison Work.
LETTER FROM THE PRISONERS AT CHESTER, ILL.
Southern Illinois Penitentiary,
Menard, Ill., Nov. 27, 1902.Dear Mother:
We are writing you from within these dark grim walls. Although we are condemned as the outcasts of society and separated from friends and loved ones and continually laboring under great mental strain and worry, still there is no pain or sorrow great enough to destroy our happiness in our thoughts of you. Your love and thoughtfulness for us and our spiritual welfare is a priceless jewel that all the wealth of the world cannot buy nor sorrow rob us of. No, never. Although the world has condemned and despised us, but we know that there is one—if only one—that loves even the outcasts.
Several of your boys have gone from here since you were among us. Some have crossed to the beyond; others to blessed freedom. Still a greater number are left here with fondest recollections of all you have done for us, which is one of the greatest among our causes for thanksgiving. It is hardly necessary to say, Remember us. We all remain your sons until death.
Your Boys of Chester, Illinois.