1551

One of the military bands in the city is largely composed
of former inmates, and it is gratifing to know that, profiting
by the experiment commenced and successfully prosecuted in
the Refuge, other Institutions and large Schools have followed
the example with as complete satisfaction.

The Superintendence of the Refuge still continues under
the charge of Mr. William R. Lincoln, who with his corps of
assistants, have used their best endeavors to perform their
difficult duties aright, and to earn the respect and thanks of
the Board by their faithfulness and labors.

In casting over the history of the Refuge for the past year,
the Board sensibly feel their indebtedness to a merciful Pro-
vidence for the many benefits bestowed upon the Institution.
For this they would desire to express their sincere thankful-
ness, and while they would thus gratefully acknowledge the
blessings of the past, they would also earnestly look forward
in reverent trust for the future. The children have singularly
enjoyed good health, the appliances for their moral and mental
instruction have been well supplied, and all their necessary
wants abundantly provided for.

From those who have gone to homes provided for them, we
have generally good reports, as may be learned from the let-
ters in the appendix. That here and there an exception may
be found, cannot be denied, but when we recur to the ante-
cedents of these, and remember the advanced age at which
they were committed to the House, the only wonder is, that
there are not found more who defiantly spurn all human in-
struction and restraints, and wilfully pursue a course that can
only end in shame. An Almighty hand can alone control
them. Notwithstanding such failures, however, so much is
found to cheer us on in our labors, that we gladly accept the
responsibilities imposed upon us. Seeking no other reward
than the grateful consciousness, that we have been able to do
some little good in our day, in the special sphere alloted to

118.

Respectfully submitted,

CHARLES M. KEYSER,
President.
JOHN J. GEAVES,

Secretary.
Baltimore, January 1st, 1867.