Research

Scope and Content Note

These volumes contain a morning and evening census of inmates.

The volumes provide number out, in punishment and observation cells, and in hospital, corridors, and halls. In later books the format was changed to include figures on daily population of first, second, third, and fourth offenders, both white and "colored." There are also spaces for number of guards on duty and absent, but these are left blank. Under "Occurrences" are notes on the weather and notable events at the prison, such as: names of inmates transferred to or from the prison, paroled, or discharged; notes of meetings of the Board of Parole and prison assemblies; repairs and construction at the prison; disciplinary action against employees; escapes and captures; statistics of attendance at church services; scores of baseball games; and much else. In later years the narrative under "Occurrences" becomes much shorter.