But such instances were exceptions.  As a general rule, gratitude was manifested for the assistance rendered in time of need; though it was always limited to the urgent necessities of the case.  One day, the following letter, enclosing a dollar bill for the Association, was addressed to Isaac T. Hopper:  “Should the humble mite here enclosed be the means of doing one-sixteenth part the good to any poor convict that the sixteenth of a dollar has done for me, which I received through your hands more than once, when I was destitute of money or friends, then I shall have my heart’s desire.  With the blessing of God, I remain your most humble debtor.”

From the numerous cases under Friend Hopper’s care, while Agent of the Prison Association, I will select a few; but I shall disguise the names, because the individuals are living, and I should be sorry to wound their feelings by any unnecessary exposure of past delinquences.

C.R. about twenty-nine years old, called at the office, and said he had been lately released from Moyamensing prison; having been sentenced for two years, on account of selling stolen goods.  When Friend Hopper inquired whether it was his first offence, he frankly answered, “No.  I have been in Sing Sing prison twice for grand larceny.  I served five years each time.”

“Thou art still very young,” rejoined Friend Hopper; “and it seems a large portion of thy life has been spent in prison.  I am afraid thou art a bad man.  But I hope thou seest the error of thy ways, and art now determined to do better.  Hast thou any friends?”

He replied, “I have a mother; a poor hard-working woman, who sells fruit and candies in the streets.  If you will give me a start, I will try to lead an honest life henceforth; for I want to be a comfort and support to her.  I have no other friend in the world, and nobody to help me.  When I left prison, I was advised to come to you.  I am a shoemaker; and if I had money to buy a set of tools, I would work at my trade, and take care of my mother.”

Necessary tools were procured for him, and he seemed very grateful; saying it was the first time in his life that he had found any one willing to help him to be honest, when he came out of prison.  Great doubts were entertained of the success of this case; because the man had been so many times convicted.  But he occasionally called at the office, and always appeared sober and respectable.  A few months after his first introduction, he sent Friend Hopper a letter from Oswego, enclosing seven dollars for his mother.  He immediately delivered it, and returned with a cheerful heart to enter it on his Record; adding, “The poor old woman was much pleased that her son remembered her, and said she believed he was now going to do well.”