1854: Escapes led governor to ask for prison statistics

May 16, 2019

Early San Quentin prison staff, undated. (William B. Secrest Collection.)

In 1854, rumors surrounding the State Prison and multiple escapes sparked the governor to demand specific prison statistics.

His letter reminded those inspectors of certain duties they were required to fulfill. The letter eventually led to more formal reports carrying on to the modern prison system and today’s CDCR Office of Research.

In his letter to prison inspectors, the Gov. John Bigler laid out expectations. The following year, a massive report on the conditions of the prison caused major changes and the eventual seizure of the prison from private contractors.

The former newspaper editor arrived in California in 1849. His wife was the first female settler in Sacramento, according to many accounts. Bigler ran for State Assembly and won. His next elected office was as governor, serving from 1852-56.

Governor’s 1854 letter demands answers

Black and white photo of man sitting in a chair. — Gov. John Bigler, 1852-56. California State Library.

“Executive Department, Sacramento, Oct. 20, 1854. Messrs. Miller, Carpenter, and Snowden, State Prison Inspectors:

Gentlemen, Having learned from various reliable sources that quite a number of escapes have recently occurred from the State Prison, which, to some extent, is in your charge, I deem it my duty respectfully to invite your attention to the section of law regulating your duties. (It) reads as follows: Sec. 7. The Inspectors shall make all rules and regulations which they may deem proper for the discipline of the Prison, and not inconsistent with law, for the safe keeping, health and cleanliness of the prisoners; copies of which they shall cause to be posted up in conspicuous parts of the prison and prison grounds.

“On or before the first day of February of each year, … inspectors shall make a report in writing to the Legislature, (with) account of the condition and management of the prison, and … the government and discipline thereof.

“It is true that under the above section of law you are required to report to the Legislature on or before the first day of February of each year, but the peculiar state of things now existing it is hoped will induce you at once to give the matter careful attention (and report) the facts of the case to the Executive (as soon) as possible. (Then,) at the time named in the law, make another report to the Legislature. The escapes which have recently occurred render it necessary (to) to restore public confidence.

Escapes ‘increase crime’

“A rigid examination should at once be had as to the condition of the building and the conduct of those having charge of the prisoners. Until (the) examination, and the true state of the case made known, (rumors) will gain currency and credence.

“These escapes … give great force to allegations, daily and publicly made, that the prison building is insecure, and that its management is not such as to fully accomplish the object of its erection in the prevention and punishment of crime.”

“The number and frequency of these escapes … greatly embolden the vicious. Unless carefully guarded hereafter, (it will) increase crime. It is, therefore, deemed highly important that a thorough examination should be made. All defects, whether in the building or the discipline of the prison, (be) remedied immediately, so as to render escape hereafter impossible.

“The lessee and those employed by him in guarding the prisoners are deeply interested in having the true state of the case made known. You (will) obtain from them information in relation to the building, as well as to their management of the prisoners while employed outside of the prison building.

Numbers, sentences, and names

“I also desire you to report fully:

the whole number received by the lessee and their respective names
number and names of those released by expiration of time
number and names of those pardoned by the Executive
and the number and names of those who have escaped
the number and names of those retaken
the number and names of those who have died
and the number and names of those now in prison, the date of sentence of each, and the date of expiration of time.

“If the lessee, or those in his employ, as keepers, desire to introduce testimony explanatory of the causes of the escape effected, I would suggest the propriety of affording them the opportunity. The great and only (goal is) to ascertain the facts, and guard against … escapes in the future.

“The (state) constitution authorizes the Governor at any time to require information in writing from public officers … relating to (their) duties.

“I (don’t) entertain doubts as to your willingness to respond (but want) to (assure you and others) my action … is fully authorized. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, John Bigler.”

Did you know?

In 1854 the Legislature honored the governor by naming a lake after him, Bigler Lake. In 1862, because Bigler supported the South’s secession, the federal government renamed it Lake Tahoe. In 1945, California officially adopted the same name.
During his tenure, the state capital was moved to Sacramento and three new counties were formed.
Bigler wasn’t without controversy, advocating for the exclusion of Chinese migrant miners. “They come to acquire a certain amount of the precious metals, and then return to their native country,” he said.
Bigler was appointed the U.S. Minister to Chile in 1857.
He died on Nov. 29, 1871, in Sacramento, and is buried at the City Cemetery.

By Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Office of Public and Employee Communications

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