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In the last newsletter, we noted the 200th anniversary of the approval of plans for the "new" Newburyport Jail. Thanks to Charles Griffin, owner of the 1825 jail, for sharing those documents with us.
In 1878, the residents of the jail sent a note to the good people of Newburyport to thank them for their kindness at Thanksgiving. We reprint the letter here in its entirety.
Newburyport Jail, November 29th, 1878.
Editor of Herald: I know that you will feel both pride and pleasure in knowing how we poor prisoners spent our Thanksgiving Day in the Newburyport jail. The morning came upon us, with its dark clouds and dreary looks, with occasional rains, which added grief to woe. Some of us felt blue and lonely, thinking of the many happy Thanksgivings which we heretofore enjoyed in the home circle, with our families and friends around us. Some of us laid down, some incessantly pacing. No cheer, everything dismal, lonely and silent, all thinking of the past happy times.
Soon our deep meditation was abruptly brought to a close by a rumor that although the sun did not shine in upon us, the outside world did not frown on us poor deluded captives, one of whom stands incarcerated for a simple drink, and never knew what prison life was before this, although being an adopted citizen for the last 28 years. About 11:00 the footsteps of our kindhearted and generous keeper were heard skipping gracefully along, and announced to us that we may now enjoy the run of the entire prison. Locks were unlocked, iron cell doors were all thrown open. I know well that you would have been highly pleased to see us poor and deluded captives made happy. Such shaking of hands and exchange of congratulations, all wishing each other a happy time.
To our un-expectation, precisely at 12:00 noon, Colonel Ayers, our gallant keeper, cried out “boys fall into your dinners.” It was a dinner long to be remembered, consisting of an overabundance of the best roast turkeys, chickens, etc., mince and apple pies, cake of various kinds, vegetables and fruit, enough to gladden the heart of the most hardened and lonely, and without any matter of doubt we done it ample justice.
The table was laid in perfect style, with dishes white as snow, knives and forks bright and silver. In fact, it was an honor to our noble hearted caterer and keeper, also to his noble and generous hearted lady, who sent in to us everything in good order. After dinner, it was unanimously resolved, in convention assembled, to thank Colonel Ayers and lady, and such outside philanthropists who lent their aid and added comfort to their misguided neighbors in jail assembled, to which we all spontaneously agreed.
Colonel Ayers responded in very able and eloquent words of good cheer and advice we listened to with respect. It no doubt left an impression on our minds - a supernatural or spiritual mark which cannot be soon forgotten nor easily defaced or obliterated. He then wished us joy and to be joyful for the remaining portion of the afternoon, which we cheerfully took advantage of by the singing of hymns, promenading, etc. The day passed pleasantly away, and here we are again at 5:00 PM, locked up in our cells, highly pleased with our Thanksgiving Day in the Newburyport jail.
May God and his mercy pour forth showers of blessings on the good and charitable citizens of Newburyport who never go back on the poor, and we hope they never will.
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