Friend Hopper was a strict disciplinarian while he was inspector, and it was extremely difficult for the prisoners to deceive him by any artful devices, or hypocritical pretences.  But he was always in the habit of talking with them in friendly style, inquiring into their history and plans, sympathizing with their troubles and temptations, encouraging them to reform, and promising to assist them if they would try to help themselves.  It was his custom to take a ramble in the country with his children every Saturday afternoon.  All who were old enough to walk joined the troop.  They always stopped at the prison, and were well pleased to deliver to the poor inmates, with their own small hands, such little comforts as their father had provided for the purpose.  He was accustomed to say that there was not one among the convicts, however desperate they might be, with whom he should be afraid to trust himself alone at midnight with large sums of money in his pocket.  An acquaintance once cautioned him against a prisoner, whose temper was extremely violent and revengeful, and who had been heard to swear that he would take the life of some of the keepers.  Soon after this warning, Friend Hopper summoned the desperate fellow, and told him he was wanted to pile a quantity of lumber in the cellar.  He went down with him to hold the light, and they remained more than an hour alone together, out of hearing of everybody.  When he told this to the man who had cautioned him, he replied, “Well, I confess you have good courage.  I wouldn’t have done it for the price of the prison and all the ground it stands upon; for I do assure you he is a terrible fellow.”

“I don’t doubt he is,” rejoined the courageous inspector; “but I knew he wouldn’t kill me.  I have always been a friend to him, and he is aware of it.  What motive could he have for harming me?”

One of the prisoners, who had been convicted of man-slaughter, became furious, in consequence of being threatened with a whipping.  When they attempted to bring him out of his dungeon to receive punishment, he seized a knife and a club, rushed back again, and swore he would kill the first person who came near him.  Being a very strong man, and in a state of madness, no one dared to approach him.  They tried to starve him into submission; but finding he was not to be subdued in that way, they sent for Friend Hopper, as they were accustomed to do in all such difficult emergencies.  He went boldly into the cell, looked the desperado calmly in the face, and said, “It is foolish for thee to contend with the authorities.  Thou wilt be compelled to yield at last.  I will inquire into thy case.  If thou hast been unjustly dealt by, I promise thee it shall be remedied.”  This kind and sensible remonstrance had the desired effect.  From that time forward, he had great influence over the ferocious fellow, who was always willing to be guided by his advice, and finally became one of the most reasonable and orderly inmates of the prison.