Letter from Superintendent Robert Kells to Superintendent Z. A. Philips; January 25, 1870

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Letter from Superintendent Robert Kells to Superintendent Z. A. Philips; January 25, 1870

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People

Bryant, Lee JOhnson, Thomas H.Kells, Robert Philips, Z. A.Ripley, Bigler L.

Events

Criminal Procedure--Pardon

Organizations and Businesses

Mississippi. State Penitentiary (Jackson, Miss.)Prisons

Occupations

Physicians Superintendents Surgeons

Places

Jackson (Miss.)

Social Identifiers

African Americans Criminal Status--Imprisoned people Historically free and newly freed African Americans

Vital Statistics

Disease and illness

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[note] Jan. 25, 1870 [/note]

[seal]

Col Z. A. Philips
Sup't for Lessee
Miss State Penitentiary:

Sir

I have the honor to acknowledge Yours, dated Jan 24^th,,; req-uesting me to report upon the Condition of three Convicts, viz: No'^s 90, 295 and 400. In reply, I have to say that No 90 is labouring under abdominal dropsy, has been under treatment for the past twelve months and no important improvement in his Case has been obtained. It Certainly would be humane, to Send him to his friends to be Cared for,—as I Entertain but little hope of his ultimate recovery. His general health seems pretty good at this time and Could no doubt maKe the trip home without injury.

No 295 is a Case of Consumption,—somewhat advanced,—and in my judgment,

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his life would be prolonged by having the free and untainted air of the Country, and well regulated Exercise &c.

No 400 is somewhat [?], his Constitution tainted with Syphilis; and otherwise singularly affected from nervous affections. It needs no ar=gument to prove that the "Damps" of prison walls prejudice Such Cases more or less.

I would however Suggest (if Pardoned) that he be allowed to remain until the matter becomes Pleasant & Settled & his general health—improved,unless it seems that he Can be better provided for by his friends.

Yours very Respectfully

Robert Kells
Physician & Surgeon

Miss State Penitentiary

Jackson Miss
Jan,,Y 25^th,,/ 70