Th: Jefferson returns his thanks to mr Coffey for his view of the inside of the N.Y. state prison. it will certainly have effect towards reforming1 our ideas of the penitentiary system which however humane does not answer the purposes of correction. it is high time to return to the original idea of solitary imprisonmt debarred of all employment. the style too2 of the composn, excepting some neologisms not yet sanctioned by usage, offers favble prospects of success should the author continue his efforts in that line, and with wishes for his success he prays him to accept his respectful salutns.