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JOHN AUGUSTUS WAS born in Woburn, Massachusetts, in 1785. Voluntarily and unofficially, he assisted minor offenders, including men, women, and children, for 18 years, until his death in Boston in 1859 at the age of 75. With the exception of "A Report Of the Labors of John Augustus" (a thin book of 104 pages, and undersized at 6 × 9 inches), he left little documenting his work. Some of the few remaining traces of his life and work include a picture of his home in Lexington, Massachusetts (where he lived from 1811 to 1828), a photo of his tombstone, and some case files of the offenders he unofficially supervised. Pictures of the aforementioned can be found in the 1939 edition of the book. The book contains no personal or familial information except in relation to his work.
Another important remaining historical item is an anonymous letter, "in reply to certain inquiries, made by a benevolent gentleman...relative to the past philanthropic labors of Augustus." While many criminal justice students are familiar with Augustus' book, few are acquainted with the letter. Although the letter was not originally intended for the press, the writer subsequently released it, hoping that it would "strengthen the hands of Augustus." The letter is entitled "The Labors of Mr. John Augustus, The Well-Known Philanthropist, From One Who Knows Him." It was made available for private circulation in Boston during December of 1858.
The letter was subsequently shown to Augustus, who said in acknowledgement, "I have examined your letter, and have found but few details in it requiring correction, and these of unimportant character. The main statistical statements are true; and I thank you for your solicitude in a matter which I have so much at heart" (Anonymous, 1858:1). Although the writer's name was not attached to the nine-page letter, it was stated that it was written by a person who knows Augustus.
Contents of the Letter
The writer of the letter notes that not only does the law punish the offender indiscriminately for his/her crime, but throughout his life, even after he has atoned for his wrongdoing. He becomes subject to "scorn and finger-pointing suspicion which most of our people arrogate to themselves as a special duty." As a result he suffers...