Alexandria Gazette & Daily Advertiser

An example of peculiar atrocity occurred in the state prison at Charlestown not long ago, which has not often been paralleled, in regard to ferocity of temper. The warden had ordered one of the most ingenious workmen among the prisoners, to make a blade for a penknife, in which he was very expert, and fix it in a handle, which he held in his hand. The convict gave him an impudent look, told him if he would let him have a quart of rum, he would perform the work. This being refused, he offered to do it for a pint of spirit,--but the keeper told him to begin immediately. He then peremptorily refused, swearing he would not obey him. "You wont," said the keeper, "then I'll find means to make you do it." The criminal at once placed his left hand upon the work-bench, took up a hatchet, and chopping off the ends of his fingers with it, looked in the Warden's face, and called out "There, now you can't make me."

[Boston paper.]