Due to the brutal nature of the Convict Lease System paired with the new "Black Code" laws, many of the prisoners were incredibly young. Presumably so that the leasers could utilize the children's small bodies and stamina. One-third of the prisoners in this report were under the age of 21. This report is somewhat unique in that it has a blend of white and black convicts. The youngest is reported to be 12 years old; however, Inspector Campbell noted that the boy does not look any older than 10. This system punished even children severely, and many died young due to malnutrition and other forms of abuse. | Source: [1]Commission, Texas State Library and Archives. Fear, Force, and Leather: The Texas State Prison’s First Hundred Years, 1848-1948, 2010.Download Original File
Source
[1]Commission, Texas State Library and Archives. Fear, Force, and Leather: The Texas State Prison’s First Hundred Years, 1848-1948, 2010.
