[Ill.u.s.tration: SMELTER AND WORK-SHOPS, CHESTER, ILL.]
CHAPTER XI.
Work in Stockades and Prison Camps in Southern States.
During the first years of my missionary work I was led to stay much of the time in the South. I was learning lessons in patience, faith and humility before G.o.d. The cross was very heavy. In many places I was not allowed to stay with white people if I preached to the negroes.
THE RACE QUESTION ran high and the color line was very closely drawn.
In those days I could not understand why this should be. I was taught in the word of G.o.d that all nations were made of one blood and that G.o.d was the Father of us all. I was ignorant and the views of the southern people were new to me. In many cases, perhaps, I offended them when I might have avoided it. I knew no better and they often thought me obstinate. But I was only obeying G.o.d the very best I knew in trying to keep immortal souls out of h.e.l.l, and I knew that I must obey G.o.d though all the people should misunderstand and misjudge me. I found nearly all of the prisoners of the South confined in Stockades and Prison Camps. In many cases the prisons themselves were almost empty.
The following are from among the many letters of introduction and recommendation, received while laboring in the southern states:
Montgomery, Ala., Dec. 30, 1884.
Col. J. T. Milner, Superintendent.
Dear Sir: This will be handed you by Mrs. Wheaton, who is a prison missionary. She has been having religious exercises at the various prisons in the state, and I respectfully request that you will permit her to do so at New Castle.
Yours truly, R. H. DAWSON, President Board of Inspectors of Prisons.
Raleigh, N. C., June 10, 1893.
Gulf, N. C., C. F. & Y. V. Railroad, Halifax farm (near Weldon); Captain Bradshaw (near Weldon); Captain McMurray (near Weldon, on ca.n.a.l); Captain McIver (near Tillery); Captain Hamlet (near Tillery); Captain Lashley (near Castle Hayne).
The superintendent desires that every courtesy be shown Mrs.
Wheaton and Mrs. ----, and that they be given opportunities to talk to the prisoners.
JNO. M. FLEMING, Warden.
Rusk, Texas, Jan. 9, 1888.
Mr. George Egbart, Coling Camp.
Dear Sir: This will introduce to you Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton, prison missionary, who is making a tour through southern prisons.
She pa.s.sed the day with me yesterday in the prison. I was pleased with her manner and with her talk to the men. She wants the privilege of talking with your men today at the dinner hour. I think you will be pleased with her. Please give her the necessary attention and may G.o.d bless you, bless her effort, and bless the men.
J. C. WOOLAM, Chaplain.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT OF ALABAMA.
Convict Bureau.
Pratt Mines, Ala., Nov. 30, 1889.
Mr. Thomas C. Dawson, Warden of State Prison, Wetumptka, Ala.
Dear Tom: This letter will introduce to you Mrs. Elizabeth R.
Wheaton and Mrs. ----, two ladies who are devoting their lives to the benefit of convicts all over the United States.
These good ladies have done much good, and they should be treated with every consideration. Give them rooms and access to your convicts at both prisons. I hope a visit from them will result in much good.
Your Father, R. H. DAWSON, President Board of Inspectors.
Huntsville Penitentiary, Huntsville, Texas, Jan. 13, 1892.
Capt. Abercrombie, Wynne Farm.
Dear Sir: This will introduce to you Mrs. Wheaton, who wishes to talk to your men in a body. Any courtesies shown her will be appreciated by me.
Yours truly, J. G. SMITHER, a.s.st. Supt.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Executive Department, Raleigh, June 9, 1893.
Hon. A. Deazer, Supt. State"s Prison.
Dear Sir: This introduces Mrs. Elizabeth Rider Wheaton, prison evangelist. I have a.s.sured her that you will grant any request she may make not in conflict with prison rules.
Very respectfully yours, ELIAS CARR, Governor.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Executive Department, Raleigh, June 15, 1893.
His Excellency, B. R. Tillman, Governor of South Carolina, Columbia, S. C.
Dear Sir: I have the honor and it gives me pleasure to state that Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton and Mrs. ----, prison evangelists, have held religious services at the penitentiary farm and at the penitentiary and have given satisfaction to the authorities in both places, and it is thought that their services were productive of great good. With highest esteem, I am,
Very truly yours, ELIAS CARR, Governor.