I don't know about Cable's influence on Twain in regard to the convict-lease
system, but if he spoke to him about it, it probably evoked childhood
memories for Twain.  Missouri had similar laws on the books for the sale or
indenture of paupers (of any race) before 1860, though Conard says that
communities seldom invoked the law (_Encyclopedia of the History of
Missouri_ 1901).

Perry McCandless also writes about the Missouri law and its practice in his
1972 _A History of Missouri_, but in contrast to Conard, he says the
practice was common:

"men were expected to support self and dependents, and failure to do so was
considered a sign of moral or personal deficiency.  It followed that the
unemployed or vagrants were dealt with very harshly.  Authorities frequently
hired these men out for a period to time to work for the highest bidder or
lashed them if no bids were received" (McCandless 222).

Hope this helps.

Sharon McCoy