Arkansas True Democrat
[Little Rock], October 31, 1861
The Arkansas penitentiary has been made a useful institution during the present war.–Among the articles turned out during the summer were wagons, harness, tents, cartridge boxes, belts, knapsacks, camp chests, stools and cots, caissons, etc. Besides these a large lot of army clothing were made up and a great many shoes for soldiers. Mr. Ward, the energetic contractor, tells us that by spring he will have turned out 10,000 pairs of boots and shoes for the soldiers. These were sold to the State at cash prices and payment taken in war bonds. A great deal of difficulty has been experienced in getting a supply of leather. The most of our readers are aware that the penitentiary was leased for a term of years, with a view to the introduction of machinery to spin and weave cotton goods. For this purpose an appropriation was made for the erection of buildings for the factory and additional cells for the prisoners. But the breaking out the war checked this enterprise and the contractor has wisely set the convicts to work making such things as were needed by the troops. There are about 120 convicts in the prison now.