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by a faithful and industrious attention to the public interests, by a due regard to the situation of our fellow citizens and by exerting all our official influence on the side of morality and good order. In thus performing our respective duties, we may expect for ourselves the confidence of our constituents, and, for our State, the blessings of a kind and superintending Providence.

Whatever difference in opinion there may be relative to measures of minor importance, all will unquestionably agree in those which promote the public tranquility, and guard the public morals.

As a community we have reason to hope that the moral and relative obligations of our citizens are not more frequently violated; that the evils of vice are not more frequently felt here than in other parts of our land, and, that with us the influence of the example and correct habits of our ancestors, aided by the restraints of law, but more especially by our system of general education, has had a salutary effect. Let it be our case to strengthen the barriers which our predecessors erected.

Under the law to provide for the erection and government of a State Prison, passed by the last Legislature, a Committee of three discreet persons was appointed to purchase a suitable lot of land in Thomaston, on which to erect said Prison, and other buildings necessary for the employment of convicts. The Committee, in pursuance of their authority proceeded to contract for a lot comprising about ten acres, including an inexhaustible quarry of limestone, lying on St. Georges river, and affording room for a commodious wharf