Page:Elizabeth Fry (Pitman 1884).djvu/68

60 minds, when those poor creatures were going to Botany Bay, the little fund we allow them to collect for themselves, in a small box under our care, they entreated might all be given to those that were going, those who remained saying that they wished to give up their little share of the profit to the others.

"Do you know anything of the room and accommodation for the women in 1815?

"I do not; I did not visit it in that year.

"What was it in 1817?

"Not nearly room enough. If we had room enough to class them, I think a very great deal more might be accomplished. We labour very much in the day, and we see the fruit of our labour, but if we could separate them in the night, I do think that we could not calculate upon the effect which would be produced.

"At present, those convicted for all offences pass the day together?

"Very much so; very much intermixed, old and young, hardened offenders with those who have committed only a minor crime, or the first crime; the very lowest of women with respectable married women and maid-servants. It is more injurious than can be described, in its effects and in its consequences. One little instance to prove how beneficial it is to take care of the prisoners, is afforded by the case of a poor woman for whom we have obtained pardon (Lord Sidmouth having been very kind to us whenever we have applied for the mitigation of punishment since our committee has been formed). We taught her to knit in the prison; she is now living respectably out of it, and in part gains her livelihood by knitting. We generally endeavour to provide for them in degree when they go out. One poor woman to whom we lent money,