Within these few days, and after my work was
printed and ready for publication, I have received
from Mr. Hopkins

, one of the commissioners appoint-
ed by the legislature last year, to examine and report
on the state of the prisons at New York, their report
on that subject, which has given me more surprise
and concern than I can express, as it appears to me
to recommend an entire abandonment of the reform-
atory system, and the introduction of a plan of
compulsory labour, more severe than any that has
ever yet been proposed. On the receipt of this docu-
ment, I lost no time in drawing up a few remarks
upon it, with the view certainly, but scarcely with
the hope, that if they should arrive before the passing
of the proposed act, they might have some effect in
strengthening the opposition which will, I trust, be
made, for preventing, or at least modifying, the
measures proposed. Of these I send you a few copies,
entreating you to put them into the hands of such of
your friends, as you may think proper; as it is my
decided opinion, that if the system now proposed
should be adopted, the United States of America will
forfeit their chief glory, and will be as remarkable
for the cruelty of their penal code, as they have
hitherto been for their enlightened humanity.

In the hope of hearing from you on this most inte-
resting subject, and of learning that you continue to
enjoy a good state of health, I remain, with the most
sincere attachment and affectionate respect,

Most truly yours, W.ROSCOE.
To Mr. THOMAS EDDY, New York.

The lines on solitary imprisonment, are by my
youngest daughter.

New York, 4th month, 14th, 1825. ESTEEMED FRIEND,

I send thee to the care of Cropper, Benson, & Co., a
report of commissioners appointed by our state legis-