Robert Gould, a 35-year-old native from Scotland, came to America with the intentions of settling in Canada to teach the deaf. He was sent to Sing Sing for two years due to pick-pocketing. A day after Hopper wrote about him in his diary, he and Robert got into an altercation in the New York Heraldon April 29^th, 1848. The article began by explaining a little background about the discharged convict Robert Gould.  

We received yesterday, from the agent of the committee on discharged convicts of the prison association, the following reply to the appeal made by Robert Gould, the discharged convict, who was refused assistance by the philanthropic association. 

Hopper responded to the accusation in a letter to the newspaper. He stated “that the association uses great caution when granting discharged convicts relief.” He explained that Gould had called twice in two days, asking for money to help him get on his feet, but both times Hopper was convinced her was under the influence of liquor. Hopper finished his statement by saying “that they were very confident that he didn’t need help from the Prison Association and that not everyone who is discharged from prison gets the relief from the Prison Association. The editor of the paper goes on to agree that Hopper’s argument is reasonable enough except for the part when Isaac made the assumption that Robert Gould was under the influence of liquor.

The article makes the suggestion to Robert Gould to apply to the generous feelings of Alderman McElrath because he has been receiving big sums of money for his work as alderman of the third ward. It is possible that he will be denied because of his record at Sing Sing, but the New York Herald says “there has to be some fraternization between such principles and parties.” The article ends by saying “we advise Mr. Gould, therefore, to apply to Alderman McElrath, and there is no doubt he will receive prompt assistance in these days of liberty, equality, and fraternity”. 

Sources: 

“The Discharged Convict Gould.” The New York Herald, April 29^th, 1848.