From The Gazetteer of the State of New Hampshire (in three parts), 
compiled from the best authorities, by Eliphalet Merrill and the Late 
Phinehas Merrill, Esq.,
Printed by C. Norris & Co. , Exeter, NH, ©1817, pg 49-50
Part I - General View

State Prison - The State prison of New Hampshire is a handsome stone building erected at 
Concord three stories high containing thirty-six cells.  The prison is connected with the 
keeper’s house, a building of four stories.  The whole is enclosed by a wall fourteen feet in 
height.  The workmanship of this edifice is not surpassed by anything of the kind in the 
United States.  The internal affairs of the prison are under the superintendence of three 
directors and a warden who officiates as the keeper.  These officers are appointed by the 
governor and  council.  The minister of the town officiates as chaplain.  The business of 
the prison is regulated in a manner highly creditable to the immediate officers.  At present 
there are about thirty convicts, most of whom are employed in the manufactory of wooden 
screws, of which article, nearly ten thousand gross were manufactured for the proprietors 
in less than twelve months.  There are other articles fabricated here, such as door hinges 
and almost every description of smiths work.  The employment of the prisoners is constant 
and systematized, and their food plain and wholesome.  These circumstance, in addition to 
the regularity of their discipline, and the healthy situation of the prison, at once alleviate 
the pains of confinement and afford opportunity for reflection and amendment. This 
subject naturally lead to a cursory retrospect of the criminal laws of the state.  In 1792, the 
following crimes were punishable with death by the laws then existing; murder, treason, 
rape, sodomy, burglary, arson, robbery, and forgery of public securities.  In June, 1812, a 
bill was enacted by the legislature, making great alterations in this criminal code. By that 
and subsequent statutes, murder and treason only are made punishable by death, while 
other crimes, before considered capital, are now made punishable by imprisonment for life 
in the state prison; for minor offenses the term of confinement is proportionally shortened.

Submitted by T.C. Parziale 5/30/00
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