Augustus, John Report of the labors Boston 1852
Augustus, John. A report of the labors of John Augustus, for the last ten years, in aid of the unfortunate: containing a description of his method of operations; striking incidents, and observations upon the improvement of some of our city institutions, with a view to the benefit of the prisoner and of society. Boston: Wright & Hasty, 1852. 104 pp. 8vo, original tan printed wrappers (spine a bit worn). First edition. A remarkable autobiographical account by an eccentric philanthropist, published by John Augustus some seven years before his death at the age of 74. "In 1841 he was a humble shoemaker in Boston, employing several assistants. Present in the police court one day that year, he became interested in a man charged with being a common drunkard. At Augustus's request and offer of bail, sentence was deferred for three weeks and the man released. At the end of that short probation the man was able to convince the judge of his reformation, and received a nominal fine. Thereafter, Augustus was present daily, at first in the police, and later in themunicipal court, acting as couynsel for prisoners, and furnishing bail. He also found homes for juvenile offenders, and made possible a fresh start in life for men and women who through intemperance or vice had gone wrong. . . . Hurrying about on his errands in a chaise, he became one of the familiar sights of the city. He was warm-hearted, impulsive, and direct of speech, often in trouble with court officials, sometimes because they thought him presumptuous and a hindrance to the transaction of business, and often because his activities lessened their fees. Between 1842 and 1858, according to the court records, he bailed 1946 persons, making himself lieable during that period to the extent of $243, 235. . . . He was never the agent of any sect or society and never received salary or remuneration." -- DAB. Augustus is now commonly described as America's first probation officer. A very good copy of a scarce title; the NUC lists four copies (DLC, OClWHi, MnHi, PPL). Sabin 2384.
£200
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