permitted any trifling circumstance to interrupt the very solemn
and important engagement of reading the Holy Scriptures; but in
this instance it appeared unavoidable from the unexpected entrance
of so many persons, besides which, when opportunity offers, we
should pay respect to those in authority over us, to those who
administer justice. She thus, with a Christian prudence peculiar to
herself, controlled the whole assembly, and subdued the feelings of
the prisoners, many of whom were but two well acquainted with the
faces of the magistrates, who were themselves touched and
astonished at being thus introduced to a state of decorum so new
within these walls, and could not help acknowledging how admirably
this mode of treatment was adapted to overcome the evil spirit
which had so long triumphed there. The usual silence ensued after
the reading, then the women withdrew. We could not help feeling
particularly glad that the gentlemen were present at the reading.
The prisoners crowded around the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs to beg
little favors. We had a long conference with these gentlemen
relative to this prison and its object, and to the wisest
regulations for prison discipline, and the causes of crime.
Indeed, we could not have received more kind and devoted attention
to what was suggested. Elizabeth Fry's manner seemed to awaken new
trains of reflection, and to place the individual value of these
poor creatures before them in a fresh point of view. The Sheriffs
came to our committee-room. They ordered a cell to be given up to
the Committee for the temporary confinement of delinquents; it was
to be made to appear as formidable as possible, and we hope never
to require it.

The soldiers who guarded Newgate were, at our own request,
dismissed. They overlooked the women's wards, and rendered them
very disorderly.... I found poor Woodman lying-in in the common
ward, where she had been suddenly taken ill; herself and little
girl were each doing very well. She was awaiting her execution at
the end of the month. What can be said of such sights as these?...
I read to Woodman, who is not in the state of mind we could wish
for her; indeed, so unnatural is her situation that one can hardly
tell how, or in what manner, to meet her case. She seems afraid to
lov