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now released and afterwards examined on the subject of the treatment of the prisoners by the jailors - when any motive for the suppression of truth will have ceased to exist.  I suggest as a proper person for this experiment William Young - formerly of 29th Illinois - (Cold.)  His case was once sent by the War Dept. to these Hd. Qrs. for report and was returned with unfavorable remarks chiefly on the ground that the jailor gave to Captain Mc Donnell who investigated the case, a very bad character of this prisoner.  One of the jailors now gives me a very good character of the man.  He was sentenced by the Hustings Court of this city for petty larceny - to an imprisonment of 9 months - The sentence was given on 28th. September, and six months of the sentence has therefore expired.  He has been in the prison since 24th. August and is unusually intelligent.  I think not much harm could result from his pardon, and it might be productive of benefit.

The subject of the propriety of the imprisonment of the convicts, as apart from their treatment while in confinement, was not submitted to me.  It is however proper for me to notice that a very large proportion are confined simply for want of bail - either as awaiting trial, or as for future good behaviour.

Respectfully submitted
Garrick Mallery
Capt. 43rd. U.S. Inftry.
Actg. Inspector Genl.