8.11.1878 E. C. Wines–LM

It has long been in my heart totillagt pre-
pare a work on the state of prisons and of preventive and reform-
atory institutions throughout the civilized world. I have already
gathered a rich store of materials for this work, but am anx-
ious to procure the latest, fullest, and most authentic inform-
ation, with a view to make it as complete as possible. Therefore
I venture to make this appeal to all, in every part of the
world, who desire a right solution of the great problem of
crime-prevention and crime-repression, yourself among
the number, to aid me in this matter, by communica-
ting such information as you may posses, or may read-
ily obtain, touching the criminal laws, the administration
of criminal justice, the prisons, and the preventive and re-
formatory institutions for the young, in the country of which
you are a citizen, or where you are sojourner
as minister, missionary, consul, merchant, banker,
or in whatever other capacity. For information on all or any
of these points, I shall be most grateful.

To some of the persons, who will receive this circular,
I am already largely indebted, and can neither ask nor ex-
pect to receive much more. Still I shall be both glad
and thankful for any additional items they may be able
and willing to impart.

As early a reply as may be convenient is respectfully
asked, and in English or French, if possible.