Israel Boles, an African American man, was born in Middletown New Jersey in 1813. At the age of 18 he moved to New York City in search of work. It was at this time that Israel Boles was arrested for grand larceny and sentenced to Sing Sing prison in New York for 3 years. In 1834 he was released for the first time and was a free man for about 9 months. During these 9 months he was convicted of larceny again and was sent to Sing Sing for 2 years and 3 months. Again, Israel Boles served his time and was set free. However, 15 days after his release he was arrested for burglary in 1840. This offense earned Israel his longest sentence of 7 years. For the third time Israel served his time in his old cell and was released in 1847. After being released from his 7 year prison time he was informed that his wife and two children had passed away in New Haven. He was released from prison and found a job with Henry Gardner working as a cooper. However, in 1848,  again he was arrested for suspicion of an attempt to commit burglary. He was sent to the Tombs for several days yet was sent free when no further evidence was found. This arrest lead to Israel to become industriously unemployed and ITH had loaned him 2 dollars in order to find rent. 

This process of being brought back to prison several times begs the question of why he was accused of so many crimes while on his way to living a crime free life. We can see in the diary that Israel came to Issac Hopper looking to find gainful employment, however he was still sentenced to many terms in prison. Was Hopper unable to help Isreal because of his status as an african american living in New York? 

Hopper says 

He professes to have determined to live an honest life in the future.

This shows that Hopper was willing to help as long as Israel attempts to live an honest life. 

After meeting with Isreal once Hopper helped Isreal procure work with Henery Gardner and gave Israel two dollars to help him with rent. After his first visit Hopper goes further to try to help Israel out.  Later in the Diary  Hopper gives Isreal clothes and overalls to better suit him for his work as a cooper.

Israel Boles- Employment has been obtained for him with Henry Gardner at the coopering business- gave him a shirt, overalls $1,,75-

This giving of clothes shows that Hopper was trying to secure stability in Israel's life as giving him suitable clothes to wear to work would allow him to better fit in as a member of society. I imagine with all the time spent in prison Israel hasn't had a long term job before and showing up on the first day in the clothes you wore when leaving prison would not have promoted a life of stability as a reformed man.