This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1853 Excerpt: ...were worse than when they entered it. " At an early period of her life in London," says her biographer, "she was informed of the terrible condition of the female prisoners in Newgate. The part of the prison allotted to them was a scene of the wildest disorder--swearing, drinking, gaming, singing obscene songs, and ...
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1853 Excerpt: ...were worse than when they entered it. " At an early period of her life in London," says her biographer, "she was informed of the terrible condition of the female prisoners in Newgate. The part of the prison allotted to them was a scene of the wildest disorder--swearing, drinking, gaming, singing obscene songs, and fighting, were their only employments--filth and corruption prevailed on every side. Notwithstanding the warnings of the turnkeys, that her purse and watch, and even her life would be endangered, she resolved to go in without any protection, and to face this disorganized multitude. Afte;"jeing locked up with them, she addressed them with her usual power, dignity, and gentleness--soon calmed their fury and excited their attention--and then proposed to them a variety of rules for the regulation of their conduct, to which, after her kind and honest explanations, they all gave a hearty consent." At her departure, they thronged around her, entreating her to come again and see them. She promised, and kept her word. The visit was repeated again and again, till it became a stated and daily duty with her. A portion of the Bible was read, accompanied by a few plain and simple comments; after which, a short prayer was offered. She spoke kindly to them--avoided all reference to their crimes--told them that she wished only to make them happy--and that she would, through the blessing of God, improve their condition, if they would comply with her directions. Having obtained the sanction of the Governor to her projected reforms--although he, in common with all the officials, pronounced her to be engaged in a hopeless undertaking--she entered on her contemplated course. The first step she took was to appoint a teacher for the children, som...
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