Yet such was
the adherence to that ancient system of English criminal
jurisprudence, that it was almost impossible for the most innocent
person to get a hearing, except at the regular sessions, "which sit
seldom, and with large intervals between." There is indeed a city
court in Charleston, somewhat more modern in its jurisprudence than
the sessions. It has its city sheriff, and its city officers, and
holds its terms more frequently. Thus is Charleston doubly provided
with sheriffs and officials. Both aspire to a distinct jurisdiction
in civil and criminal cases. Prisoners seem mere shuttlecocks
between the sheriffs, with a decided advantage in favor of the
county sheriff, who is autocrat in rei over the jail; and any
criminal who has the good fortune to get a hearing before the city
judge, may consider himself under special obligation to the county
sheriff for the favor.
We noticed these cells were much cleaner than those below, yet there
was a fetid smell escaping from them. This we found arose from the
tubs being allowed to stand in the rooms, where the criminals were
closely confined, for twenty-four hours, which, with the action of
the damp, heated atmosphere of that climate, was of itself enough to
breed contagion. We spoke of the want of ventilation and the noxious
fumes that seemed almost pestilential, but they seemed to have
become habituated to it, and told us that the rooms on the south
side were lighter and more comfortable.
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