The Project Gutenberg eBook of ELIZABETH FRY, by MRS. E.R. PITMAN. (2024)

The Project Gutenberg EBook of Elizabeth Fry, by Mrs. E. R. PitmanThis eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and withalmost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away orre-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License includedwith this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.orgTitle: Elizabeth FryAuthor: Mrs. E. R. PitmanRelease Date: August 27, 2005 [EBook #16606]Language: EnglishCharacter set encoding: ISO-8859-1*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ELIZABETH FRY ***Produced by Mark C. Orton, Martin Pettit and the OnlineDistributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net

ELIZABETH FRY.

The next volumes in the Famous Women Series will be:

The Countess of Albany. By Vernon Lee.

Harriet Martineau. By Mrs. Fenwick Miller.

Mary Wollstonecraft. By Elizabeth Robins Pennell.

Already published:

George Eliot. By Miss Blind.

Emily Brontë. By Miss Robinson.

George Sand. By Miss Thomas.

Mary Lamb. By Mrs. Gilchrist.

Margaret Fuller. By Julia Ward Howe.

Maria Edgeworth. By Miss Zimmern.

Elizabeth Fry. By Mrs. E.R. Pitman.

BY

MRS. E.R. PITMAN.

BOSTON:
ROBERTS BROTHERS.
1884.

Copyright, 1884,
By Roberts Brothers.

University Press:
John Wilson and Son, Cambridge.

CONTENTS.

ELIZABETH FRY.

CHAPTER I.

LIFE AT EARLHAM, A HUNDRED YEARS AGO.

A hundred years ago, Norwich was a remarkable centre of religious,social and intellectual life. The presence of officers, quartered withtheir troops in the city, and the balls and festivities which attendedthe occasional sojourn of Prince William Frederick, Duke of Gloucester,combined to make the quaint old city very gay; while the pronouncedelement of Quakerism and the refining influences of literary societypermeated the generation of that day, and its ordinary life, to anextent not easily conceived in these days of busy locomotion andnew-world travel. Around the institutions of the established Church hadgrown up a people loyal to it, for, as an old cathedral city, the charmof antiquity attached itself to Norwich; while Mrs. Opie and othersknown to literature, exercised an attraction and stimulus in theircircles, consequent upon the possession of high intellectual powers andgood social position. It was in the midst of such surroundings, and witha mind formed by such influences, that Elizabeth Fry, the prisonphilanthropist and Quaker, grew up to young womanhood.

She was descended from Friends by both parents: her father's family hadbeen followers of the tenets of George Fox for more than a hundredyears; while her mother was granddaughter of Robert Barclay, the authorof the Apology for the People called Quakers. It might be supposedthat a daughter of Quaker families would have been trained in thestrictest adherence to their tenets; but it seems that Mr. and Mrs. JohnGurney, Elizabeth's parents, were not "plain Quakers." In other words,they were calm, intellectual, benevolent, courteous and popular people;not so very unlike others, save that they attended "First-day meeting,"but differing from their co-religionists in that they abjured the strictgarb and the "thee" and "thou" of those who followed George Fox tounfashionable lengths, whilst their children studied music and dancing.More zealous brethren called the Gurneys "worldly," and shook theirheads over their degenerate conduct; but, all unseen, Mrs. Gurney wastraining up her family in ways of usefulness and true wisdom; while"the fear of the Lord," as the great principle of life and action, wasconstantly set before them. With such a mother to mould their infantminds and direct their childish understandings, there was not much fearof the younger Gurneys turning out otherwise than well. Those who shooktheir heads at the "worldliness" of the Gurneys, little dreamt of theremarkable lives which were being moulded under the Gurney roof.

One or two extracts from Mrs. Gurney's diary will afford a fair insightinto her character:—

If our piety does not appear adequate to supporting us in theexigencies of life, and I may add, death, surely our hearts cannotbe sufficiently devoted to it. Books of controversy on religion areseldom read with profit, not even those in favor of our ownparticular tenets. The mind stands less in need of conviction thanconversion. These reflections have led me to decide on what I mostcovet for my daughters, as the result of our daily pursuits. Aspiety is undoubtedly the shortest and securest way to all moralrectitude, young women should be virtuous and good on the broad,firm basis of Christianity; therefore it is not the tenets of anyman or sect whatever that are to be inculcated in preference tothose rigid but divine truths contained in the New Testament. As itappears to be our reasonable duty to improve our faculties, and bythat means to render ourselves useful, it is necessary and veryagreeable to be well-informed of our own language, and the Latin asbeing most permanent, and the French as being the most in generalrequest. The simple beauties of mathematics appear to be soexcellent an exercise to the understanding, that they ought on noaccount to be omitted, and are, perhaps, scarcely less essentialthan a competent knowledge of ancient and modern history, geographyand chronology. To which may be added a knowledge of the mostapproved branches of natural history, and a capacity of drawingfrom nature, in order to promote that knowledge and facilitate thepursuit of it. As a great portion of a woman's life ought to bepassed in at least regulating the subordinate affairs of a family,she should work plain work herself, neatly; understand thecutting-out of linen; also she should not be ignorant of the commonproprieties of a table, or deficient in the economy of any of themost minute affairs of a family. It should be here observed thatgentleness of manner is indispensably necessary in women, to saynothing of that polished behavior which adds a charm to everyqualification; to both which, it appears pretty certain, childrenmay be led without vanity or affectation by amiable and judiciousinstruction.

These observations furnish the key-note to Mrs. Gurney's system oftraining, as well as indicate the strong common-sense and highprinciples which actuated her. It was small wonder that of her family oftwelve children so many of them should rise up to "call her blessed."Neither was it any wonder that Elizabeth, "the dove-like Betsy" of hermother's journal, should idolize that mother with almost passionatedevotion.

Elizabeth was born on May 21st, 1780, at Norwich; but when she was achild of six years old, the Gurneys removed to Earlham Hall, a pleasantancestral home, about two miles from the city. The family was an oldone, descended from the Norman lords of Gourney-en-brai, in Normandy.These Norman lords held lands in Norfolk, in the time of William Rufus,and have had, in one line or another, representatives down to thepresent day. Some of them, it is recorded, resided in Somersetshire;others, the ancestors of Mrs. Fry, dwelt in Norfolk, generation aftergeneration, perpetuating the family name and renown. One of theseancestors, John Gurney, embraced the principles of George Fox, andbecame one of the first members of the Society of Friends. Thus it cameto pass that Quakerism became familiar to her from earlychildhood—indeed, was hereditary in the family.

Elizabeth tells us that her mother was most dear to her; that she seldomleft her mother's side if she could help it, while she would watch herslumbers with breathless anxiety, fearing she would never awaken. Shealso speaks of suffering much from fear, so that she could not bear tobe left alone in the dark. This nervous susceptibility followed her foryears, although, with a shyness of disposition and reserve which was butlittle understood she refrained from telling her fears. She wasconsidered rather stupid and dull, and, from being continuallydescribed as such, grew neglectful of her studies; while, at the sametime, delicacy of health combined with this natural stupidity to preventanything like precocious intelligence. Still, Elizabeth was by no meansdeficient in penetration, tact, or common-sense; she possessedremarkable insight into character, and exercised her privilege ofthinking for herself on most questions. She is described as being a shy,fair child, possessing a poor opinion of herself, and somewhat given tocontradiction. She says in her early recollections: "I believe I had nota name only for being obstinate, for my nature had a strong tendencythat way, and I was disposed to a spirit of contradiction, always readyto see things a little differently from others, and not willing to yieldmy sentiments to them."

These traits developed, in all probability, into those which made her sofamous in after years. Her faculty for independent investigation, herunswerving loyalty to duty, and her fearless perseverance in works ofbenevolence, were all foreshadowed in these early days. Add to thesecharacteristics, the religious training which Mrs. Gurney gave herchildren, the daily reading of the Scriptures, and the quiet ponderingsupon the passages read, and we cannot be surprised that such a characterwas built up in that Quaker home.

At twelve years of age Elizabeth lost her mother, and in consequencesuffered much from lack of wise womanly training. The talents shepossessed ripened and developed, however, until she became remarkablefor originality of thought and action; while the spirit of benevolententerprise which distinguished her, led her to seek out modes ofusefulness not usually practiced by girls. Her obstinacy and spirit ofcontradiction became in later years gradually merged or transformed intothat decision of character, and lady-like firmness, which were soneedful to her work, so that obstacles became only incentives toprogress, and persecution furnished courage for renewed zeal. Yet allthis was tempered with tender, conscientious heart-searching into bothmotives and actions.

During her "teens" she is described as being tall and slender,peculiarly graceful in the saddle, and fond of dancing. She possessed apleasing countenance and manner, and grew up to enjoy the occasionalparties which she attended with her sisters. Still, from the records ofher journal, we find that at this time neither the grave worship ofQuakerism nor the gayeties of Norwich satisfied her eager spirit. Wefind too, how early she kept this journal, and from it we obtain thetruest and most interesting glimpses into her character and feelings.Thus at seventeen years of age she wrote:—

I am seventeen to-day. Am I a happier or a better creature than Iwas this day twelvemonths? I know I am happier—I think I ambetter. I hope I shall be happier this day year than I am now. Ihope to be quite an altered person; to have more knowledge; to havemy mind in greater order, and my heart too, that wants to be put inorder quite as much.... I have seen several things in myself andothers I never before remarked, but I have not tried to improvemyself—I have given way to my passions, and let them have commandover me, I have known my faults and not corrected them—and now Iam determined I will once more try with redoubled ardor to overcomemy wicked inclinations. I must not flirt; I must not be out oftemper with the children; I must not contradict without a cause; Imust not allow myself to be angry; I must not exaggerate, which Iam inclined to do; I must not give way to luxury; I must not beidle in mind. I must try to give way to every good feeling, andovercome every bad. I have lately been too satirical, so as to hurtsometimes: remember it is always a fault to hurt others.

I have a cross to-night. I had very much set my mind on going tothe Oratorio. The Prince is to be there, and by all accounts itwill be quite a grand sight, and there will be the finest music;but if my father does not wish me to go, much as I wish it, I willgive it up with pleasure, if it be in my power, without amurmur.... I went to the Oratorio. I enjoyed it, but I spoke sadlyat random—what a bad habit!

There is much difference between being obstinate and steady. If Iam bid to do a thing my spirit revolts; if I am asked to do athing, I am willing.... A thought passed my mind that if I had somereligion I should be superior to what I am; it would be a bias tobetter actions. I think I am by degrees losing many excellentqualities. I am more cross, more proud, more vain, moreextravagant. I lay it to my great love of gayety and the world. Ifeel, I know I am falling. I do believe if I had a little truereligion I should have a greater support than I have now; but Ihave the greatest fear of religion, because I never saw a personreligious who was not enthusiastic.

It will be seen that Elizabeth at this period enjoyed the musical andsocial pleasures of Norwich, while at the same time she had decidedleanings towards the plain, religious customs of the Friends. It is notwonderful that her heart was in a state of unrest and agitation, that attimes she scarcely knew what she longed for, nor what she desired toforsake. The society with which she was accustomed to mingle containedsome known in Quaker parlance as "unbelievers"; perhaps in our day theywould be regarded as holding "advanced opinions." One of the mostintimate visitors at Earlham was a gentleman belonging to the RomanCatholic communion, but his acquaintance seemed rather to be a benefitthan otherwise, for he referred the young Gurneys in all matters offaith to the "written word" rather than to the opinions of men or booksgenerally. Another visitor, a lady afterwards known to literature asMrs. Schimmelpenninck, was instrumental in leading them to form soundopinions upon the religious questions of the day. They were thuspreserved from the wave of scepticism which was then sweeping over thesociety of that day.

Judging from her journal of this date, it is not easy to detect much, ifany, promise of the future self-denying philanthropy. She seemednervously afraid of "enthusiasm in religion"; even sought to shunanything which appeared different from the usual modes of action amongthe people with whom she mingled. A young girl who confessed that shehad "the greatest fear of religion," because in her judgment andexperience enthusiasm was always allied with religion, was not, onewould suppose, in much danger of becoming remarkable for philanthropy.True, she was accustomed to doing good among the poor and sick,according to her opportunities and station; but this was nothingstrange—all the traditions of Quaker life inculcate benevolence andkindly dealing—what she needed was "the expulsive power of a newaffection." This "new affection"—the love of Christ—in its turnexpelled the worldliness and unrest which existed, and gave a tone toher mental and spiritual nature, which, by steady degrees, lifted herup, and caused her to forget the syren song of earth. Not all atonce,—in the story of her newborn earnestness we shall find that thehabits and associations of her daily life sometimes acted as drawbacksto her progress in faith. But the seed having once taken root in thatyouthful heart, germinated, developed, and sprang up, to bear a gloriousharvest in the work of reclaiming and uplifting sunken and debasedhumanity.

CHAPTER II.

LIFE'S EARNEST PURPOSE.

There was no sharp dividing-line between worldliness and consecration oflife in Elizabeth Gurney's case. The work was very graduallyaccomplished; once started into earnest living, she discerned, what wasall unseen before, a path to higher destinies. Standing on the ruins ofher former dead self, she strove to attain to higher things. Theinstrument in this change was a travelling Friend from America—WilliamSavery.

These travelling Friends are deputed, by the Quarterly Meetings to whichthey belong, to visit and minister among their own body. Theircommission is endorsed by the Yearly Meeting of the Ministers and Eldersof the Society, before the Friend can extend the journey beyond his owncountry. The objects of these visits are generally relating tobenevolent and philanthropic works, or to the increase of religion amongthe members of the Society. Joseph John Gurney himself visited Americaand the Continent upon similar missions, and in some of his journeyswas accompanied by his illustrious sister.

William Savery was expected to address the Meeting of Friends atNorwich, and most, if not all, of the Gurney family were present.Elizabeth had been very remiss in her attendance at meeting; any andevery excuse, in addition to her, at times, really delicate health,served to hinder attendance, until her uncle gently but firmly urged theduty upon her. Thenceforward she went a little more frequently, butstill was far from being a pattern worshipper; and it will be concededthat few, save spiritual worshippers, could with profit join in thegrave silence, or enjoy the equally grave utterances of ordinarymeeting. But William Savery was no ordinary man, and the young people atEarlham prepared to listen to him, in case he "felt moved" to speak,with no ordinary attention. Giving an account of this visit, RichendaGurney admitted that they liked having Yearly Meeting Friends come topreach, for it produced a little change; from the same vivacious pen wehave an account of that memorable service. Memorable it was, in that itbecame the starting-point of a new career to Elizabeth Gurney.

The seven sisters of the Earlham household all sat together during thateventful morning, in a row, under the gallery. Elizabeth was restlessas a rule when at meeting, but something in the tone of William Savery'svoice arrested her attention, and before he had proceeded very far shebegan to weep. She continued to be agitated until the close of themeeting, when, making her way to her father, at the men's side of thehouse, she requested his permission to dine at her uncle's. WilliamSavery was a guest there that day, and, although somewhat surprised athis daughter's desire, Mr. Gurney consented to the request. To thesurprise of all her friends Elizabeth attended meeting again in theafternoon, and on her return home in the carriage her pent-up feelingsfound vent. Describing this scene, Richenda Gurney says: "Betsey sat inthe middle and astonished us all by the great feelings she showed. Shewept most of the way home. The next morning William Savery came tobreakfast, and preached to our dear sister after breakfast, prophesyingof the high and important calling she would be led into. What she wentthrough in her own mind I cannot say, but the results were most powerfuland most evident. From that day her love of the world and of pleasureseemed gone."

Her own account of the impressions made upon her reads just a littlequaintly, possibly because of the unfamiliar Quaker phraseology."To-day I have felt that there is a God! I have been devotional, andmy mind has been led away from the follies that it is mostly wrapped upin. We had much serious conversation; in short, what he said, and what Ifelt, was like a refreshing shower falling upon earth that had beendried for ages. It has not made me unhappy; I have felt ever sincehumble. I have longed for virtue: I hope to be truly virtuous; to letsophistry fly from my mind; not to be enthusiastic and foolish but onlyto be so far religious as will lead to virtue. There seems nothing solittle understood as religion."

Good resolutions followed, and determined amendment of life, as far asshe conceived this amendment to be in accordance with the Bible. Whilein this awakened state of mind, a journey to London was projected. Mr.Gurney took her to the metropolis and left her in charge of atrustworthy attendant, in order that she might make full trial of "theworld" which she would have to renounce so fully if she embraced plainQuakerism. Among the good resolutions made in view of this journey toLondon, we find that she determined not to be vain or silly, to beindependent of the opinion of others, not to make dress a study, and toread the Bible at all available opportunities. It was perhaps wise inher father to permit this reasoning, philosophical daughter of his tosee the gayeties of London life before coming to a final decisionrespecting taking up the cross of plain Quakerism; but had her mind beenless finely balanced, her judgment less trained, and her principles lessformed, the result might have been disastrous.

She went, and mingled somewhat freely with the popular life of the greatcity. She was taken to Drury Lane, the Covent Garden theatres, and toother places of amusem*nt, but she could not "like plays." She saw somegood actors; witnessed "Hamlet," "Bluebeard," and other dramas, butconfesses that she "cannot like or enjoy them"; they seemed "soartificial." Then she somewhat oddly says that when her hair was dressed"she felt like a monkey," and finally concluded that "London was not theplace for heartful pleasure." With her natural, sound common sense, herdiscernment, her intelligence and purity of mind, these amusem*ntsseemed far below the level of those fitted to satisfy a rationalbeing—so far that she almost looked down on them with contempt. Thetruth was, that having tasted a little of the purer joy of religion, allother substitutes were stale and flat, and this although she scarcelyknew enough of the matter to be able correctly to analyze her ownfeelings.

Among the persons Elizabeth encountered in the metropolis, are foundmentioned Amelia Opie, Mrs. Siddons, Mrs. Inchbold, "Peter Pindar," andlast, but by no means least, the Prince of Wales. Not that she reallytalked with royalty, but she saw the Prince at the opera; and she tellsus that she admired him very much. Indeed, she did not mind owning thatshe loved grand company, and she certainly enjoyed clever company, forshe much relished and appreciated the society of both Mrs. Opie and Mrs.Inchbald. This predilection for high circles and illustrious people wasafterwards to bear noble fruit, seeing that she preached often tocrowned heads, and princes. But just then she had little idea of thewonderful future which awaited her. She was only trying the experimentas to whether the world, or Christ, were the better master. Deliberatelyshe examined and proved the truth, and with equal deliberation she cameto the decision—a decision most remarkable in a girl so young, and sodangerously situated.

Her own review of this period of her life, written thirty years later,sums up the matter more forcibly and calmly than any utterance of abiographer can do. She wrote:—

Here ended this important and interesting visit to London, where Ilearned much, and had much to digest. I saw and entered manyscenes of gaiety, many of our first public places, attended ballsand other places of amusem*nt. I saw many interesting characters inthe world, some of considerable eminence in that day. I was alsocast among the great variety of persons of different descriptions.I had the high advantage of attending several most interestingmeetings of William Savery, and having at times his company andthat of a few other friends. It was like the casting die of mylife, however. I believe it was in the ordering of Providence forme, and that the lessons then learnt are to this day valuable tome. I consider one of the important results was the conviction ofthose things being wrong, from seeing them and feeling theireffects. I wholly gave up, on my own ground, attending all publicplaces of amusem*nt. I saw they tended to promote evil; therefore,even if I could attend them without being hurt myself, I felt inentering them I lent my aid to promote that which I was sure, fromwhat I saw, hurt others, led them from the paths of rectitude, andbrought them into much sin. I felt the vanity and folly of what arecalled the pleasures of this life, of which the tendency is not tosatisfy, but eventually to enervate and injure the mind. Those onlyare real pleasures which are of an innocent nature, and are used asrecreations, subjected to the Cross of Christ. I was in my judgmentmuch confirmed in the infinite importance of religion as the onlyreal stay, guide, help, comfort in this life, and the only means ofhaving a hope of partaking of a better. My understanding wasincreasingly opened to receive its truths, although the gladtidings of the Gospel were very little, if at all, understood byme. I was like the blind man, although I could hardly be said tohave attained the state of seeing men as trees. I obtained in thisexpedition a valuable knowledge of human nature from the variety Imet with; this, I think, was useful to me, though some were verydangerous associates for so young a person, and the way in which Iwas protected among them is in my remembrance very striking, andleads me to acknowledge that at this most critical period of mylife the tender mercy of my God was marvelously displayed towardsme, and that His all-powerful—though to me then almost unseen andunknown—hand held me up and protected me.

Self-abnegation and austerity were now to take the place of pleasantfrivolities and fashionable amusem*nts. Her conviction was that her mindrequired the ties and bonds of Quakerism to fit it for immortality. Notthat she, in any way, trusted in her own righteousness; for she gives itas her opinion that, while principles of one's own making are useless inthe elevation and refinement of character, true religion, on thecontrary, does exalt and purify the character. Still the struggle wasnot over. Long and bitter as it had been, it became still more bitter;and the nightly recurrence of a dream at this period will serve to showhow agitated was her mental and spiritual nature. Just emancipated fromsceptical principles, accustomed to independent research, and decidingto study the New Testament rather than good books, when on theborder-land of indecision and gloomy doubt, yet not wholly convinced orcomforted, her sleeping hours reflected the bitter, restless doubt ofher waking thoughts. A curious dream followed her almost nightly, andfilled her with terror. She imagined herself to be in danger of beingwashed away by the sea, and as the waves approached her, she experiencedall the horror of being drowned. But after she came to the decidingpoint, or, as she expressed it, "felt that she had really and truly gotreal faith," she was lifted up in her dream above the waves. Secure upona rock, above their reach, she watched the water as it tossed androared, but powerless to hurt her. The dream no more recurred; thestruggle was ended, and thankful calm became her portion. She acceptedthis dream as a lesson that she should not be drowned in the ocean ofthis world, but should mount above its influence, and remain a faithfuland steady servant of God.

Elizabeth's mind turned towards the strict practices of the Friends, asbeing those most likely to be helpful to her newly-adopted life. A visitpaid to some members of the Society at Colebrook Dale, intensified andconfirmed those feelings. She says in her journal that it was a dreadfulcross to say "thee," and "thou," instead of speaking like other people,and also to adopt the close cap and plain kerchief of the Quakeress;but, in her opinion, it had to be done, or she could not fully renouncethe world and serve God. Neither could she hope for thoroughappreciation of these things in her beloved home-circle. To be a "plainQuaker," she must in many things be far in advance of father, sisters,and brothers; while in others she must tacitly condemn them. But she wasequal to the demand; she counted the cost, and accepted thedifficulties. At this time she was about nineteen years of age.

As a beginning, she left off many pleasures such as might havereasonably been considered innocent. For instance, she abandoned her"scarlet riding-habit," she laid aside all personal ornament, andoccupied her leisure time in teaching poor children. She commenced asmall school for the benefit of the poor children of the city, and in ashort time had as many as seventy scholars under her care. How shemanaged to control and keep quiet so many unruly specimens of humanity,was a standing problem to all who knew her; but it seems not unlikelythat those qualities of organization and method which afterwardsdistinguished her were being trained and developed. Added to these, mustbe taken into account the power which a strong will always has overweaker minds—an important factor in the matter. Still more must betaken into account the strong, earnest longing of an enthusiastic youngsoul to benefit those who were living around her. Earnest souls makehistory. History has great things to tell of men and women of faith; andElizabeth Gurney's life-work colored the history of that age. A briefsentence from her journal at this time explains the attitude of her mindtowards the outcast, poor, and neglected: "I don't remember ever beingat any time with one who was not extremely disgusting, but I felt a sortof love for them, and I do hope I would sacrifice my life for the goodof mankind." Very evidently, William Savery's prophesy was coming topass in the determination of the young Quakeress to do good in hergeneration.

CHAPTER III.

ST. MILDRED'S COURT.

After a visit in the north of England with her father and sisters,Elizabeth received proposals of marriage from Mr. Joseph Fry of London.His family, also Quakers, were wealthy and of good position; but forsome time Elizabeth seemed to hesitate about entering on married life.Far from looking on marriage as the goal of her ambition, as is thefashion with many young women, she was divided in her mind as to therelative advantages of single and married life, as they might affectphilanthropic and religious work. After consultation with her friends,however, the offer was accepted, and on August 19th, 1800, when she waslittle more than twenty years of age, she was married to Mr. Fry, in theFriends' Meeting House, at Norwich. Very quickly after bidding herschool-children farewell, Mrs. Fry proceeded to St. Mildred's Court,London, her husband's place of business, where she commenced to take upthe first duties of wedded life, and where several of her children wereborn.

The family into which she married was a Quaker family of the strictestorder. So far from being singular by her orthodoxy of manners andappearance, she was, in the midst of the Frys, "the gay, instead of theplain and scrupulous one of the family." For a little time sheexperienced some difficulty in reconciling her accustomed habits withthe straight tenets of her husband's household and connections, but inthe end succeeded. It seems singular that one so extremely conscientiousas Elizabeth Fry, should have been considered to fall behindhand in thatself-denying plainness of act and speech which characterized others; butso it was. And so determined was she to serve God according to herlight, that no mortification of the flesh was counted too severeprovided it would further the great end she had in view. Her extremeconscientiousness became manifest in lesser things; such, for instance,as anxiety to keep the strict truth, and that only, in all kinds ofconversation.

Thus, she wrote in her journal:—

I was told by —— he thought my manners had too much of thecourtier in them, which I know to be the case, for my dispositionleads me to hurt no one that I can avoid, and I do sometimes butjust keep to the truth with people, from a natural yielding to themin such things as please them. I think doing so in moderation ispleasant and useful in society. It is among the things thatproduce the harmony of society; for the truth must not be spokenout at all times, at least not the whole truth. Perhaps I amwrong—I do not know if I am—but it will not always do to tell ourminds.... I am one of those who try to serve God and Mammon. Now,for instance, if I wish to say anything I think right to anyone, Iseldom go straight to the point, but mostly by some softening,round-about way, which, I fear, is very much from wishing to pleaseman more than his Maker!

It is evident that Elizabeth Fry dared to be singular; very possiblyonly such self-renouncing singularity could have borne such remarkablefruits of philanthropy. It required some such independent, philosophicalcharacter as hers to strike out a new path for charitable effort.

During the continuance of the Yearly Meeting in London, the home in St.Mildred's Court was made a house of entertainment for the Friends whocame from all parts of the country. It was a curious sight to see theolder Friends, clad in the quaint costume of that age, as they mingledwith the more fashionably or moderately dressed Quakers. The sightseersof London eighty years ago must have looked on amused at what theyconsidered the vagaries of those worthy folks. The old Quaker ladies aredescribed as wearing at that date a close-fitting white cap, over whichwas placed a black hood, and out of doors a low-crowned broad beaverhat. The gowns were neatly made of drab camlet, the waists cut in longpeaks, and the skirts hanging in ample folds. For many years past thesesomewhat antiquated garments have been discarded for sober"coal-scuttles," and silk dresses of black or gray, much to theimprovement of the fair wearer's appearance. These Friends wereentertained at Mr. Fry's house heartily, and almost religiously. Anddoubtless many people who were of the "salt of the earth" were numberedamong Mr. Fry's guests, while his young wife moved among them theembodiment of refined lady-like hospitality and high principle.Doubtless, too, the quiet home-talk of these worthy folks was only onedegree less solemn and sedate than their utterances at Yearly Meeting.

Mrs. Fry followed up her chosen path in ministering to the sick and pooramong the slums of London. She visited them at their homes, andtraversed dirty courts and uninviting alleys in the quest of individualsneeding succor. Sometimes she was made the instrument of blessing; butat other times, like all philanthropists, she was deceived and imposedupon. One day a woman accosted her in the street, asking relief, andholding an infant who was suffering evidently with whooping-cough. Mrs.Fry offered to go to the woman's house with the intention ofinvestigating and relieving whatever real misery may have existed. Toher surprise the mendicant slunk away as if unwilling to be visited; butMrs. Fry was determined to track her, and at last brought her to earth.The room—a filthy, dirty, poverty-cursed one—contained a number ofinfants in every conceivable stage of illness and misery.Horror-stricken, Mrs. Fry requested her own medical attendant to visitthis lazar-house; but on going thither next morning he found the womanand her helpless brood of infants gone. It then turned out that thiswoman "farmed" infants; deliberately neglected them till she succeededin killing them off, and then concealed their deaths in order tocontinue to receive the wretched pittances allowed for theirmaintenance. Such scenes and facts as these must have opened the eyes ofMrs. Fry to the condition of the poorest classes of that day, andeducated her in self-denying labor on their behalf.

She also took an interest in educational matters, and formed anacquaintance with Joseph Lancaster, the founder of the Monitorialsystem, and quickly turned her talents to account in visiting theworkhouse and school belonging to the Society of Friends at Islington.

About this time, one sister was married to Mr. Samuel Hoare, andanother to Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton. Other members of her family passedaway from this life; among them her husband's mother, and a brother'swife. Some time later Mr. Fry senior, died, and this event caused theremoval of the home from St. Mildred's Court to Plashet, in Essex, thecountry seat of the family. Writing of this change, she said: "I do notthink I have ever expressed the pleasure and comfort I find in a countrylife, both for myself and the dear children. It has frequently led me tofeel grateful for the numerous benefits conferred, and I have alsodesired that I may not rest in, nor too much depend on, any of theseoutward enjoyments. It is certainly to me a time of sunshine."

CHAPTER IV.

A COUNTRY HOME.

The delight expressed in her diary upon her removal to Plashet, foundvent in efforts to beautify the grounds. The garden-nooks andplantations were filled with wild flowers, gathered by herself andchildren in seasons of relaxation, and transferred from the coppices,hedgerows and meadows, to the grounds, which appeared to her to be onlysecond in beauty to Earlham. Mrs. Fry was possessed of a keen eye forNature's beauties. Quick to perceive, and eager to relish the delightsof the fair world around, she took pleasure in them, finding relaxationfrom the many duties which clustered about her in the spot of earth onwhich her lot was cast. Her journal tells of trials and burdens, andsometimes there peeps out a sentence of regret that the ideal which shehad formed of serving God, in the lost years of youth, had been absorbedin "the duties of a careworn wife and mother." Yet what she fancied shehad lost in this waiting-time had been gained, after all, inpreparation. This quiet, domestic life was not what she had lookedforward to when in the first flush of youthful zeal. Still, she wasthereby trained to deal with the young and helpless, to enter intosorrows and woes, and to understand and sympathize with quiet suffering.But the time was coming for more active outward service, and when thecall came Elizabeth Fry was found ready to obey it.

Towards the end of 1809 her father died, after great suffering; summonedby one of her sisters, Elizabeth hurried down to Earlham to catch, ifpossible, his parting benediction. She succeeded in arriving soon enoughto bear her much-loved parent company during his last few hours of life,and to hear him express, again and again, his confidence in the Saviour,who, in death, was all-sufficient for his needs. As he passed away, herfaith and confidence could not forbear expression, and, kneeling at thebedside, she gave utterance to words of thanksgiving for the safe andhappy ending of a life which had been so dear to her. The truth was, aburden had been weighing her down for some time past, causing her toquestion herself most seriously as to whether she were willing to obey"the inward voice" which prompted her to serve God in a certain way.This specific way was the way of preaching in Meeting, or "bearingtestimony," as she phrased it, "at the prompting of the Holy Spirit." Itwill be remembered that this is a distinguishing peculiarity of thesociety which George Fox founded. Preaching is only permitted upon thespur of the moment, as people of the world would say, but at theprompting of the inward voice, as Quakers deem. Certainly no one everbecame a preacher among the Friends "for a piece of bread." If fanaticssometimes "prophesied" out of the fullness of excited brains, or fervidsouls, no place-hunter adopted the pulpit as a profession. Only,sometimes, it needs the presence of an overwhelming trial to bring outthe latent strength in a person's nature; and this trial was furnishedto Elizabeth Fry in the shape of her father's death. The thanksgivinguttered by her at his death was also publicly repeated at the funeral,probably with additional words, and from that time she was known as a"minister."

In taking this new departure she must not be confounded with some femaleorators of the present age, who often succeed in turning preaching intoa hideous caricature. She was evidently ripening for her remarkablework, and while doing so was occasionally irresistibly impelled to giveutterance to "thoughts that breathe and words that burn." Still, afterreaching the quiet of Plashet, and reviewing calmly her new form ofservice, she thus wrote, what seemed to be both a sincere andcommon-sense judgment upon herself:—

I was enabled coming along to crave help; in the first place, to bemade willing either to do or to suffer whatever was the Divine willconcerning me. I also desired that I might not be so occupied withthe present state of my mind as to its religious duties, as in anydegree to omit close attention to all daily duties, my belovedhusband, children, servants, poor, etc. But, if I should bepermitted the humiliating path that has appeared to be openingbefore me, to look well at home, and not discredit the cause Idesire to advocate.

Wise counsels these, to herself! No woman whose judgment iswell-balanced, and whose womanly-nature is finely strung, but willregard the path to the rostrum with shrinking and dismay. Either thedesire to save and help her fellow-creatures, "plucking them out of thefire," if need be, is so strong upon her as to overmaster all fear ofman; or else the necessities and claims of near and dear ones laycompulsion upon her to win support for them. Therefore, while everywoman can be a law unto herself, no woman can be a law unto her sistersin this matter. As proof of her singleness of heart, another passage maybe quoted from Mrs. Fry's journal. It runs thus, and will be by nomeans out of place here, seeing that it bears particularly upon the newform of ministry then being taken up by her:—

May my being led out of my own family by what appears to meduties, never be permitted to hinder my doing my duty fullytowards it, or so occupy my attention as to make me in any degreeforget or neglect home duties. I believe it matters not where weare, or what we are about, so long as we keep our eye fixed ondoing the Great Master's work.... I fear for myself, lest even thisgreat mercy should prove a temptation, and lead me to come before Iam called, or enter service I am not prepared for.... This matterhas been for many years struggling in my mind, long before Imarried, and once or twice when in London I hardly knew how torefrain. However, since a way has thus been made for me it appearsas if I dared not stop the work; if it be a right one may it go onand prosper, if not, the sooner stopped the better.

Very soon after penning these words, the Meeting of which she was amember acknowledged Mrs. Fry as a minister, and thus gave its sanctionto her speaking in their religious assemblies.

But, not content with this form of service, she visited among her poorneighbors, bent on actively doing good. She secured a large roombelonging to an old house, opposite her own dwelling, and established aschool for girls on the Lancasterian pattern there. Very quickly, underthe united efforts of Mrs. Fry, the incumbent of the parish, and abenevolent young lady named Powell, a school of seventy girls wasestablished, and kept in a prosperous condition. This school was stillin working order a few years ago.

Plashet House was a depot of charity. Calicoes, flannels, jackets,gowns, and pinafores were kept in piles to clothe the naked; drugssuited to domestic practice were stored in a closet, for healing thesick; an amateur soup-kitchen for feeding the hungry was established ina roomy out-building, and this long years before public soup-kitchensbecame the rage; whilst copies of Testaments were forthcoming on alloccasions to teach erring feet the way to Heaven. But her charity didnot stop with these things.

An unsavory locality known as "Irish Row," about half a mile off, soonattracted her attention. The slatternliness, suffering, shiftlessness,dirt and raggedness, were inducements to one of her charitabletemperament to visit its inhabitants, having their relief andimprovement in view; while her appreciation of the warm-heartedness anddrollery of the Irish character afforded her genuine pleasure. Proximityto English life had not refined these Irish; their houses were just asfilthy, their windows as patched and obscured with rags, their childrenjust as neglected, and their pigs equally familiar with those childrenas if they had lived in the wilds of Connemara. Shillalahs, wakes,potatoes, and poverty were distinguishing characteristics of thelocality; whilst its inhabitants were equally ready, with the free andeasy volatility of the Irish mind, to raise the jovial song, or utterthe cry of distress.

The priest and spiritual director of "Irish Row" found himself almostpowerless in the presence of this mass of squalid misery. That Mrs. Frywas a Quaker and a Protestant, did not matter to him, provided she couldassist in raising this debased little colony into something like orderlylife and decency. So he cooperated with her, and with his consent shegave away Bibles and tracts, vaccinated and taught the children, as wellas moved among them generally in the character of their good genius.When delicate and weak, she would take the carriage, filled withblankets and clothes for distribution, down to Irish Row, where thewarm-hearted recipients blessed their "Lady bountiful" in terms morevoluble and noisy than refined. Still, however unpromising, the soilbore good fruit. Homes grew more civilized, men, women, and childrenmore respectable and quiet, while everywhere the impress of a woman'sbenevolent labors was apparent.

It was the annual custom of a tribe of gypsies to pitch their tents in agreen lane near Plashet, on their way to Fairlop Fair. Once, after thetents were pitched, a child fell ill; the distracted mother applied tothe kind lady at Plashet House for relief. Mrs. Fry acceded to therequest, and not only ministered to the gypsies that season, but everysucceeding year; until she became known and almost worshipped amongthem. Romany wanderers and Celtic colonists were alike welcome to herheart and purse, and vied in praising her.

About this time the Norwich Auxiliary Bible Society was formed, and Mrs.Fry went down to Earlham to attend the initial meeting. She tells usthere were present the Bishop of Norwich, six clergymen of theEstablished Church, and three dissenting ministers, besides severalleading Quakers and gentlemen of the neighborhood. The number includedMr. Hughes, one of the secretaries, and Dr. Steinkopf, a Lutheranminister, who, though as one with the work of the Bible Society, couldnot speak English. At some of these meetings she felt prompted to speak,and did so at a social gathering at Earlham Hall, when all present ownedher remarkable influence upon them. These associations also increasedin her that catholicity of spirit which afterwards seemed so prominent.Some of her brothers and sisters belonged to the Established Church ofEngland; while in her walks of mercy she was continually co-operatingwith members of other sections of Christians. As we have seen, sheworked harmoniously with all: Catholic and Protestant, Churchman andDissenter.

On looking at her training for her special form of usefulness we findthat afflictions predominated just when her mind was soaring above thesocial and conventional trammels which at one time weighed so much withher. We know her mostly as a prison philanthropist; but while followingher career in that path, it will be wise not to forget the way in whichshe was led. By slow and painful degrees she was drawn away from thecircles of fashion in which once her soul delighted. Then her natureseemed so retiring, and the tone of her piety so mystical, while shedreaded nervously all approach to "religious enthusiasm," that a careerof publicity, either in prisons, among rulers, or among the ministers ofher own Society, seemed too far away to be ever realized in fact anddeed. Only He, who weighs thoughts and searches out spirits, knew orunderstood by what slow degrees she rose to the demands which presentedthemselves to her "in the ways of His requirings," even if "they led herinto suffering and death." It was no small cross for such a woman thusto dare singularity and possibly odium.

CHAPTER V.

BEGINNINGS IN NEWGATE.

It is said by some authorities that in her childhood Mrs. Fry expressedso great a desire to visit a prison that her father at last took her tosee one. Early in 1813 she first visited Newgate, with the view ofministering to the necessities of the felons; and for all practicalpurposes of charity this was really her initial step. The followingentry in her journal relates to a visit paid in February of that year."Yesterday we were some hours with the poor female felons, attending totheir outward necessities; we had been twice previously. Before we wentaway dear Anna Buxton uttered a few words of supplication, and, veryunexpectedly to myself, I did also. I heard weeping, and I thought theyappeared much tendered (i.e. softened); a very solemn quiet wasobserved; it was a striking scene, the poor people on their knees aroundus in their deplorable condition." This reference makes no mention ofwhat was really the truth, that some members of the Society of Friends,who had visited Newgate in January, had so represented the condition ofthe prisoners to Mrs. Fry that she determined to set out in this newpath. "In prison, and ye visited me." Little did she dream on what adistinguished career of philanthropy she was entering.

And Newgate needed some apostle of mercy to reduce the sum of humanmisery found there, to something like endurable proportions. We are toldthat at that date all the female prisoners were confined in what wasafterwards known as the "untried side" of the jail, while the largerportion of the quadrangle was utilized as a state-prison. The women'sdivision consisted of two wards and two cells, containing a superficialarea of about one hundred and ninety yards. Into these apartments, atthe time of Mrs. Fry's visit, above three hundred women were crammed,innocent and guilty, tried and untried, misdemeanants, and those whowere soon to pay the penalty of their crimes upon the gallows. Besidesall these were to be found numerous children, the offspring of thewretched women, learning vice and defilement from the very cradle. Thepenal laws were so sanguinary that at the commencement of this centuryabout three hundred crimes were punishable with death. Some of theseoffences were very trivial, such as robbing hen-roosts, writingthreatening letters, and stealing property from the person to theamount of five shillings. There was always a good crop for the gallows:hanging went merrily on, from assize town to assize town, until onewonders whether the people were not gallows-hardened. One old man andhis son performed the duties of warders in this filthy, abominable holeof "justice." And the ragged, wretched crew bemoaned their wretchednessin vain, for no helping hand was held out to succor. They were"destitute of sufficient clothing, for which there was no provision; inrags and dirt, without bedding, they slept on the floor, the boards ofwhich were in part raised to supply a sort of pillow. In the same roomsthey lived, cooked, and washed. With the proceeds of their clamorousbegging, when any stranger appeared among them, the prisoners purchasedliquors from a tap in the prison. Spirits were openly drunk, and the earwas assailed by the most terrible language. Beyond the necessity forsafe custody, there was little restraint upon their communication withthe world without. Although military sentinels were posted on the leadsof the prison, such was the lawlessness prevailing, that Mr. Newman, thegovernor, entered this portion of it with reluctance."

As Mrs. Fry and the "Anna Buxton" referred to,—who was a sister of SirThomas Fowell Buxton,—were about to enter this modern Inferno, theGovernor of Newgate advised the ladies to leave their watches in hiscare lest they should be snatched away by the lawless wretches inside.But no such hesitating, half-hearted, fearful charity was theirs. Theyhad come to see for themselves the misery which prevailed, and to dareall risks; and we do not find that either Mrs. Fry or her companion lostanything in their progress through the women's wards; watches and allcame away safely, a fresh proof of the power of kindness. Therevelations of the terrible woes of felon-life which met Mrs. Frystirred up her soul within her. She emphatically "clothed the naked,"for she set her family to work at once making green-baize garments forthis purpose until she had provided for all the most destitute.

To remedy this state of things appeared like one of the labors ofHercules. Few were hopeful of the success of her undertaking, while attimes even her undaunted spirit must have doubted. In John Howard's timethe prisons of England had been distinguished for vice, filth,brutality, and suffering; and although some little improvement had takenplace, it was almost infinitesimal. Old castles, or gate-houses, withdamp, dark dungeons and narrow cells, were utilized for penal purposes.It was common to see a box fastened up under one of the narrow,iron-barred windows overlooking the street, with the inscription, "Pitythe poor prisoners," the alms being intended for their relief andsustenance. Often the jail was upon a bridge at the entrance of a town,and the damp of the river added to the otherwise unhealthy condition ofthe place. Bunyan spoke, not altogether allegorically, but ratherliterally, of the foul "den" in which he passed a good twelve years ofhis life. Irons and fetters were used to prevent escape, while those whocould not obtain the means of subsistence from their friends, sufferedthe horrors of starvation. Over-crowding, disease, riot, and obscenityunited to render these places very Pandemoniums.

It seemed almost hopeless to deal with ferocious and abandoned women.One of them was observed, desperate with rage, tearing the caps from theheads of the other women, and yelling like a savage beast. By so muchnearer as woman is to the angels, must be measured her descent into ruinwhen she is degraded. She falls deeper than a man; her degradation ismore complete, her nature more demoralized. Whether Mrs. Fry feltunequal just then to the task, or whether family affliction pressed toosorely upon her, we do not know; her journal affords no solution of theproblem, but certain it is that some three years passed by before anyvery active steps were taken by her to ameliorate to any decided extentthe misery of the prisoners.

But the matter seethed in her mind; as she mused upon it, the fireburned, and the spirit which had to burst its conventional trammels and"take up the cross" in regard to dress and speech, looked out for othercrosses to carry. Doing good became a passion; want, misery, sin andsorrow furnished claims upon her which she would neither ignore nordeny.

John Howard had grappled with the hydra before her, and finallysuccumbed to his exertions. As the period of his labors lay principallybetween the years 1774 and 1790, when the evils against which Mrs. Fryhad to contend were intensified and a hundred times blacker, it cannotdo harm to recall the condition of prisons in England during the lastquarter of the eighteenth century; that is, during the girlhood ofElizabeth Fry. Possibly some echoes of the marvellous exertions ofHoward in prison reform had reached her Earlham home, and produced,though unconsciously, an interest in the subject which was destined tobear fruit at a later period. At any rate, the fact cannot be gainsaidthat she followed in his steps, visiting the Continent in theprosecution of her self-imposed task, and examining into the mostloathsome recesses of prisons, lunatic asylums, and hospitals.

The penal systems of England had been on their trial; had broken down,and been found utterly wanting. Modern legislation and philanthropy havelaid it down that reform is the proper end of all punishment; hencethe "silent system," the "separate system," and various employments havebeen adopted. Hence, too, arose the framing of a system of education andinstruction under the jail roof, so that on the discharge of prisonersthey might be fitted to earn their own maintenance in that world whichformerly they had cursed with their evil deeds. But it was not so in theera of John Howard, nor of Elizabeth Fry. Then, justice made short workwith criminals and debtors. The former it hanged in droves, and left thelatter to literally "rot" in prison. Two systems of transportation havebeen tried: the one previous to Howard's day succeeded in pouring intothe American plantations the crime and vice of England; whilst theother, which succeeded him, did the same for Australia. After the breachbetween the American colonies and the mother-country, the system oftransportation to the Transatlantic plantations ceased; it was in thesucceeding years that the foul holes called prisons, killed theirthousands, and "jail-fever" its tens of thousands.

Yet, in spite of hanging felons faster than any other nation in Europe,in spite of killing them off slowly by the miseries of these holes,crime multiplied more than ever. Gigantic social corruptions festered inthe midst of the nation, until it seemed as if a war which carried off afew thousands or tens of thousands of the lower classes, were almost ablessing. Alongside the horrible evils for which Government wasresponsible, grew up multitudes of other evils against which it fought,or over which it exercised a strong and somewhat tyrannical upper-hand.In society there was a constant war going on between law and crime.Extirpation—not reform—was the end aimed at; the prison officials ofthat time looked upon a criminal as a helpless wretch, presenting fairgame for plunder, torture and tyranny. The records in Howard's journals,and the annals of Mrs. Fry's labors, amply enlighten us as to the resultof this state of things.

In Bedford jail the dungeons for felons were eleven feet below theground, always wet and slimy, and upon these floors the inmates had tosleep. At Nottingham the jail stood on the side of a hill, while thedungeons were cut in the solid rock; these dungeons could only beentered after descending more than thirty steps. At Gloucester there wasbut one court for all prisoners, and, while fever was decimating them,only one day-room. At Salisbury the prisoners were chained together atChristmas time and sent in couples to beg. In some of the jails, opensewers ran through corridors and cells, so that the poor inmates had tofight for their lives with the vermin which nourished there. At Ely theprison was in such a ruinous condition that the criminals could not besafely kept; the warders, therefore, had had recourse to chains andfetters to prevent the escape of those committed to their charge. Theychained prisoners on their backs to the floor, and, not content withthis, secured iron collars round their necks as well as placed heavybars across their legs. Small fear of the poor wretches running awayafter that! At Exeter the county jail was the private property of agentleman, John Denny Rolle, who farmed it out to a keeper, and receivedan income of twenty pounds per annum for it. Yet why multiply instances!In all of them, dirt, cruelty, fever, torture and abuses reignedunchecked. Prisoners had no regular allowance of food, but depended ontheir means, family, or charity; the prisons were farmed by theirkeepers, some of whom were women, but degraded and cruel; many innocentprisoners were slowly rotting to death, because of their inability topay the heavy fees exacted by their keepers; while the sleeping-roomswere so crowded at times, that it was impossible for the prisoners tolie down all together for sheer lack of space. Torture was prohibited bythe law of England, but many inhuman keepers used thumb-screws and ironcaps with obnoxious prisoners, for the amusem*nt of themselves and theirboon companions. Several cases of this kind are recorded.

So hideous an outcry arose against these horrors, that at lastParliament interfered, and passed two bills dealing with prisoners andtheir treatment. The first of these provided that when a prisoner wasdischarged for want of prosecution he should be immediately set free,without being called upon to defray any fees claimed by the jailer orsheriff; while the second bill authorized justices of the peace to seeto the maintenance of cleanliness in the prisons. The first set atliberty hundreds of innocent persons who were still bound because theycould not meet the ruinous fees demanded from them; while the secondundoubtedly saved the lives of hundreds more. These were instalments ofreform.

Thus it will easily be understood that whatever the condition ofNewgate and other English prisons was, at the date of Mrs. Fry's labors,they were far better than in previous years. Some attempts had been madeto render these pest-houses less horrible; but for lack of wise,intelligent management, and occupation for the prisoners, the wardsstill presented pictures of Pandemonium. It needed a second reformer totake up the work where Howard left it, and to labor on behalf of theconvicts; for in too many cases they were looked upon as possessingneither right nor place on God's earth. In the olden days, some judgeshad publicly declared their preference for hanging, because the criminalwould then trouble neither State nor society any further. But in spiteof Tyburn horrors, each week society furnished fresh wretches for thegallows; whilst those who were in custody were almost regarded as"fore-doomed and fore-damned."

During the interval which elapsed between Mrs. Fry's short visits toNewgate in 1813, and the resumption of those visits in 1817, togetherwith the inauguration of her special work among the convicts, she wasplaced in the crucible of trial. Death claimed several relatives; shesuffered long-continued illness, and experienced considerable losses ofproperty. All these things refined the gold of her character anddiscovered its sterling worth. Some natures grow hard and sullen undertrial, others faithless and desponding, and yet others narrow andreserved. But the genuine gold of a noble disposition comes out brighterand purer because of untoward events; unsuspected resources aredeveloped, and the higher nobility becomes discernable. So it was withElizabeth Fry. The constitutional timidity of her nature vanished beforethe overpowering sense of duty; and literally she looked not at theseen, but at the unseen, in her calculations of Christian service. Yetanother part of her discipline was the ingratitude with which many ofher efforts were met. This experience is common to all who labor for thepublic weal; and from an entry in her journal we can but conclude thatthis "serpent's tooth" pierced her very sorely at times. "A constantlesson to myself is the ingratitude and discontent which I see in many."Many a reformer could echo these words. But the abiding trial seemed tobe the remembrance of the loss of her little daughter, Elizabeth, whopassed away after a week of suffering, and who was laid to rest inBarking churchyard. The memory of this five-year old child remained withher for many years a pure and holy influence, doubtless prompting herto deal tenderly with the young strayed ones whom she met in her errandsof mercy. How often the memory of "the touch of a vanished hand, and thesound of a voice that is still," influences our intercourse with theliving, so that while benefiting them we do it as unto and for the dead.

CHAPTER VI.

NEWGATE HORRORS AND NEWGATE WORKERS.

About Christmas 1816, or January 1817, Mrs. Fry commenced her leviathantask in good earnest. The world had been full of startling events sinceher first two or three tentative visits to Newgate; so startling werethey, that even in the refined and sedate quietude of Quakerism theremust have existed intense interest, excitement, and possibly fear. Weknow from Isaac Taylor's prolific pen, how absorbing was the idea ofinvasion by the French, how real a terror was Bonaparte, and how full ofmenace the political horizon appeared. Empires were rising and falling,wars and tumults were the normal condition of society; the Continent wasin a state of agitation and warfare. Napoleon, the prisoner of Elba, hadreturned to Europe, collected an army, and, contesting at Waterloo thestrength of England and Prussia, had fallen. He was now watched andguarded at St. Helena, while the civilized world began to breathefreely. The mushroom kingdoms which he had set up were fast tottering,or had fallen, while the older dynasties of Europe were feeling oncemore secure, because the man who hesitated not to sacrifice vast myriadsof human lives to accomplish his own aggrandizement, was now bound, and,like a tiger in chains, could do nought save growl impotently.

Meanwhile the tide of prison-life went on, without much variation.Newgate horrors still continued; the gallows-crop never failed; and thefew Acts of Parliament designed to ameliorate the condition of theprisoners in the jails had almost become dead letters. In 1815 adeputation of the Jail Committee of the Corporation of London visitedseveral jails in order to examine into their condition, and to introducea little improvement, if possible, into those under their care. Thisstep led to some alterations; the sexes were separated, and the womenwere provided with mats to sleep upon. Visitors were restrained fromhaving much communication with the prisoners, a double row of gratingsbeing placed between the criminals and those who came to see them.Across the space between the gratings it was a common practice for theprisoners to push wooden spoons, fastened to long sticks, in order toreceive the contributions of friends. Disgusting in its ways, vicious inact and speech, the social scum which crowded Newgate was repulsive,dangerous, and vile in the extreme.

It is evident that the circle to which Mrs. Fry belonged was stillinterested in philanthropic labors on behalf of the criminal classes,because we find that Sir Thomas F. Buxton, Mr. Hoare, and several otherfriends were busy, in the interval between 1813 and 1816, inestablishing a society for the reformation of juvenile thieves. Thismatter of prison discipline was therefore engaging the attention of herimmediate circle. Doubtless, while listening to them, she rememberedmost anxiously the miserable women whom she had visited some three yearspreviously.

It seems that Mrs. Fry succeeded with the women by means of her care forthe children. Low as they were in sin, every spark of maternal affectionhad not fled, and they craved for their little ones a better chance thanthey had possessed themselves. To a suggestion by Mrs. Fry that a schoolshould be formed for the benefit of their little ones they eagerlyacceded. This suggestion she left with them for consideration, engagingto come to a decision at the next visit.

At the next visit she found that the tears of joy with which they hadwelcomed the proposition were not feigned. The women had already chosena school-mistress from among themselves. A young woman, named MaryCormer, who had, although fairly educated, found her way to prison forstealing a watch, was the person chosen. It is recorded of this youngwoman that she became reformed during her stay in Newgate, and soexemplary did she behave in the character of teacher, that Governmentgranted her a free pardon; which, however, she did not live long toenjoy.

It is pleasant to record that the officials aided and furthered thisgood work. An empty cell was granted for the school-room, and wasquickly crammed with the youngest of the criminals. After this step hadbeen taken, a young Friend named Mary Sanderson made her appearance atNewgate to assist, if it were possible, in the work, but was almostterrified away again. She informed Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton of herexperiences and terrors at her first encounter with the women: "Therailing was crowded with half-naked women, struggling together for thefront situations with the most boisterous violence, and begging with theutmost vociferation." She felt as if she were going into a den of wildbeasts, and she well recollects quite shuddering when the door wasclosed upon her, and she was locked in with such a herd of novel anddesperate companions.

Could lasting good be effected there? It seemed hopeless. Indeed, atfirst it was scarcely dreamt of; but, the stone once set rolling, noneknew where it would stop. Marvellous to say, some of the prisonersthemselves asked for ministrations of this sort. Feeling that they wereas low down in the mire as they could be, they craved a helping hand;indeed, entreated not to be left out from the benevolent operationswhich Mrs. Fry now commenced. The officers of Newgate despaired of anygood result; the people who associated with Mrs. Fry, charitable as theywere, viewed her plans as Utopian and visionary, while she herselfalmost quailed at their very contemplation. It also placed a greatstrain upon her nervous system to attend women condemned to death. Shewrote: "I have suffered much about the hanging of criminals." And again:"I have just returned from a melancholy visit to Newgate, where I havebeen at the request of Elizabeth Fricker, previous to her executionto-morrow at 8 o'clock. I found her much hurried, distressed andtormented in mind. Her hands were cold, and covered with something likethe perspiration which precedes death, and in an universal tremor. Thewomen who were with her said she had been so outrageous before ourgoing, that they thought a man must be sent for to manage her. However,after a serious time with her, her troubled soul became calmed." Anotherentry in the same journal casts a lurid light upon the interior ofNewgate. "Besides this poor young woman, there are also six men to behanged, one of whom has a wife near her confinement, also condemned, andseven young children. Since the awful report came down he has becomequite mad from horror of mind. A straight waistcoat could not keep himwithin bounds; he had just bitten the turnkey; I saw the man come outwith his hand bleeding as I passed the cell. I hear that another who hasbeen tolerably educated and brought up, was doing all he could to hardenhimself through unbelief, trying to convince himself that religioustruths were idle tales." Contemporary light is cast upon this matter bya letter which the Hon. G.H. Bennett addressed to the Corporation ofLondon, relative to the condition of the prison. In it this writerobserved:—

A man by the name of Kelly, who was executed some weeks back forrobbing a house, counteracted, by his conversation and by the jestshe made of all religious subjects, the labors of Dr. Cotton toproduce repentance and remorse among the prisoners in the cells;and he died as he lived, hardened and unrepenting. He sent to methe day before his execution, and when I saw him he maintained theinnocence of the woman convicted with him (Fricker, beforementioned), asserting that not her, but a boy concealed, openedthe door and let him into the house. When I pressed him to tell methe names of the parties concerned, whereby to save the woman'slife, he declined complying without promise of a pardon. I urged asstrongly as I could the crime of suffering an innocent woman to beexecuted to screen criminal accomplices; but it was all to noeffect, and he suffered, maintaining to the last the same story.With him was executed a lad of nineteen or twenty years of age,whose fears and remorse Kelly was constantly ridiculing.

About this time, Mrs. Fry noted in her journal the encouragement she hadreceived from those who were in authority, as well as the eager andthankful attitude of the poor women themselves. Kindred spirits werebeing drawn around her, ready to participate in her labors of love. Inone place she wrote almost deprecatingly of the publicity which thoselabors had won; she feared notoriety, and would, had it been possible,have worked on alone and unheralded. But perhaps it was as well thatothers should learn to coöperate; the task was far too mighty for onefrail pair of hands, while the increased knowledge and interest amongthe upper classes of society assisted in procuring the "sinews of war."For this was a work which could not be successfully carried on withoutpounds, shillings and pence. Clothing, books, teachers, and evenofficers had to be paid for out of benevolent funds, for not an idea ofthe necessity for such funds had ever crossed the civic mind.

A very cheering item, in April, 1817, was the formation of a ladies'society under the title of "An Association for the Improvement of theFemale Prisoners in Newgate." Eleven Quakeresses and one clergyman'swife were then banded together. We cannot find the names of these goodwomen recorded anywhere in Mrs. Fry's journal. The object of thisassociation was: "To provide for the clothing, instruction, andemployment of the women; to introduce them to a knowledge of theScriptures, and to form in them, as much as possible, those habits ofsobriety, order and industry, which may render them docile and peaceablewhilst in prison, and respectable when they leave it." Thus, stone bystone the edifice was being reared, step by step was gained, andeverything was steadily advancing towards success. The magistrates andcorporation of the city were favorable, and even hopeful; the jailofficials were not unwilling to coöperate, and ladies were anxious totake up the work. The last thing which remained was to get the assentand willing submission of the prisoners themselves to the rules whichmust be enforced, were any lasting benefit to be conferred; and tothis last step Mrs. Fry was equal.

On a Sunday afternoon, quickly following the formation of theassociation, a new and strange meeting was convened inside the oldprison walls. There were present the sheriffs, the ordinary, thegovernor, the ladies and the women. Doubtless they looked at each otherwith a mixture of wonder, incredulity, and surprise. The gloomyprecincts of Newgate had never witnessed such a spectacle before; theSamaritans of the great city no longer "passed by on the other side,"but, at last, had come to grapple with its vice and degradation.

Mrs. Fry read out several rules by which she desired the women to abide;explaining to them the necessity for their adherence to these rules, andthe extent to which she invited coöperation and assistance in theirenforcement. Unanimously and willingly the prisoners engaged to be boundby them, as well as to assist each other in obedience. It will interestthe reader to know what these rules were. They were:—

1. That a woman be appointed for the general supervision of the women.

2. That the women be engaged in needlework, knitting, or any othersuitable employment.

3. That there be no begging, swearing, gaming, card-playing,quarrelling, or universal conversation. That all novels, plays, andother improper books be excluded; that all bad words be avoided, andany default in these particulars be reported to the matron.

4. That there be a good yard-keeper, chosen from among the women, toinform them when their friends come; to see that they leave their workwith a monitor when they go to the grating, and that they do not spendany time there except with their friends. If any woman be founddisobedient in these respects, the yard-keeper is to report the case tothe matron.

5. That the women be divided into classes of not more than twelve, andthat a monitor be appointed to each class.

6. That the monitors be chosen from among the most orderly of the womenthat can read, to superintend the work and conduct of the others.

7. That the monitors not only overlook the women in their own classes,but, if they observe any others disobeying the rules, that they informthe monitor of the class to which such persons may belong, who isimmediately to report them to the matron, and the deviations be set downon a slate.

8. That any monitor breaking the rules shall be dismissed from heroffice, and the most suitable in the class selected to take her place.

9. That the monitors be particularly careful to see that women comewith clean hands and faces to their work, and that they are quiet duringtheir employment.

10. That at the ringing of the bell at nine o'clock in the morning, thewomen collect in the work-room to hear a portion of Scripture read byone of the visitors, or the matron; and that the monitors afterwardsconduct the classes thence to their respective wards in an orderlymanner.

11. That the women be again collected for reading at 6 o'clock in theevening, when the work shall be given in charge to the matron by themonitors.

12. That the matron keep an exact account of the work done by the women,and of their conduct.

As these rules were read out, the women were requested to raise theirhands in token of assent. Not a hand but was held up. In just the samemanner the names of the monitors were received, and the appointmentsratified. After this business had been concluded, one of the visitorsread the twenty-first chapter of St. Matthew's Gospel; and then ensued aperiod of solemn silence, according to the custom of the Society ofFriends. After that the newly-elected monitors, at the heads of theirclasses, withdrew to their wards.

The work room was an old disused laundry, now granted by the sheriffs,and fitted up for the purpose. Repaired and whitewashed, it proved acapital vantage-ground whereon to give battle to the old giants ofIgnorance, Crime and Vice, and ultimately to conquer them.

The next thing was to obtain a sufficiency of work, and at the same timefunds to purchase materials. At first, the most imperative necessityexisted for clothing. For a long time the most ample help came from Mrs.Fry's own family circle, although many others contributed various sums.Indeed, the Sheriffs of London on one occasion made a grant of £80towards these objects, showing thus that, although punitive measureswere more in their way, they were really glad to uphold the hands ofanybody who would deal with the vexed problems which such hordes ofcriminals presented.

After the criminals themselves were clothed, their work went to providegarments for the convicts at Botany Bay. Some tradesmen to whom Mrs. Fryapplied, willingly resigned these branches of their trade, in order toafford the opportunity of turning the women's industry to account. Thiswas a decided step gained, as the Corporation then learnt how to makethe prisoners' labors profitable, and at the same time to avert themischiefs of vicious idleness.

The ladies tried the school for a month quietly, and found it sosuccessful that they determined to lay a representation before theSheriffs, asking that this newly-formed agency should be taken under thewing of the Corporation. They wisely considered that the efficiency andcontinuance of this part of their scheme would be better ensured if itwere made part and parcel of the City prison system, than by leaving itto the fluctuating support and management of private benevolence.

In reply to this petition and representation, an answer was receivedappointing a meeting with the ladies at Newgate. The meeting took place,and a session was held according to the usual rules. The visitingofficials were struck with surprise at the altered demeanor of theinhabitants of this hitherto styled "hell upon earth," and were ready togrant what Mrs. Fry chose to ask. The whole plan, both school andmanufactory, was adopted as part of the prison system; a cell wasgranted to the ladies for punishment of refractory prisoners, togetherwith power to confine them therein for short intervals; part of thematron's salary was promised out of the City funds, and benedictions andpraises were lavished on the ladies. This assistance in the matter of amatron was a decided help, as, prior to her appointment, some of theladies spent much of each day in the wards personally superintendingoperations. So determined were they to win success, that they evenremained during meal times, eating a little refreshment which theybrought with them. After this appointment, one or two ladies visited theprison for some time, daily, spending more or less time there in orderto superintend and direct. Some months after this a system of work wasdevised for the "untried side," but for various reasons, the success inthat department of Newgate was not as marked. It was found that as longas prisoners indulged any hope of discharge, they were more carelessabout learning industrious and orderly habits.

At this meeting with the civic authorities, Mrs. Fry offered severalsuggestions calculated to promote the well-being of the prisoners,sedately and gently explaining the reasons for the necessity of each.They ran thus:—

"1. Newgate in great want of room. Women to be under the care of women,matron, turnkeys, and inspecting committee.

"2. As little communication with their friends as possible; only atstated times, except in very particular cases.

"3. They must depend on their friends for neither food nor clothing, buthave a sufficiency allowed them of both.

"4. That employment should be a part of their punishment, and beprovided for them by Government. The earnings of work to be partly laidby, partly laid out in small extra indulgences, and, if enough, part togo towards their support.

"5. To work and have their meals together, but sleep separate at night,being classed, with monitors at the head of each class.

"Religious instruction. The kind attention we have had paid us.

"Great disadvantages arise from dependence upon the uncertainty andfluctuations of the Sheriff's funds; neither soap nor clothing beingallowed without its aid, and the occasional help of charitable people."

Two extracts from the civic records prove how warmly the authoritiesreceived these suggestions, and in what esteem they held Mrs. Fry andher coadjutors.

Saturday, May 3, 1817.

Committee of Aldermen to consider all matters relating to the jailsof this city.

Present—The Right Hon. the Lord Mayor, the Sheriffs, and severalAldermen.

The Committee met agreeably to the resolutions of the 29th ult. atthe Keeper's House, Newgate, and proceeded from thence, attended bythe Sheriffs, to take a view of the jail at Newgate.

The Committee, on viewing that part of it appropriated to thefemale prisoners, were attended by Mrs. Elizabeth Fry and severalother ladies, who explained to the Committee the steps they hadadopted to induce the female prisoners to work and to behavethemselves in a becoming and orderly manner; and several specimensof their work being inspected, the Committee were highly gratified.

At another place is the following entry. After giving date of meeting,and names of committee present, the minute goes on to say:—

The Committee met at the Mansion House and were attended by Mrs.Elizabeth Fry and two other ladies, who were heard in respect oftheir suggestions for the better government of the female prisonersin Newgate.

Resolved unanimously: "That the thanks of this Committee be givento Mrs. Fry and the other ladies who have so kindly exertedthemselves with a view to bettering the condition of the womenconfined in the jail in Newgate, and that they be requested tocontinue their exertions, which have hitherto been attended withgood effect."

Mrs. Fry's journals contain very few particulars relating to her work atthis precise time. It seemed most agreeable to her to work quietly andunknown as far as the outside public was concerned. But a lady-workerwho was in the Association has left on record a manuscript journal fromwhich some extracts may fitly be given here, as they cast valuable lighton both the work and workers.

We proceeded to the felons' door, the steps of which were coveredwith their friends, who were waiting for admission, laden with thevarious provisions and other articles which they required, eitheras gifts, or to be purchased, as the prisoners might be able toafford. We entered with this crowd of persons into an ante-room,the walls of which were covered with the chains and fetterssuspended in readiness for the criminals. A block and hammer wereplaced in the centre of it, on which chains were riveted. The roomwas guarded with blunderbusses mounted on movable carriages. Itrembled, and was sick, and my heart sunk within me, when aprisoner was brought forward to have his chain lightened, becausehe had an inflammation in the ankle. I spoke to him, for he lookeddejected and by no means ferocious. The turnkey soon opened thefirst gate of entrance, through which we were permitted to passwithout being searched, in consequence of orders issued by thesheriffs. The crowd waited till the men had been searched by theturnkeys, and the women by a woman stationed for that purpose inthe little room by the door of the entrance. These searchers areallowed, if they suspect spirits, or ropes, or instruments ofescape to be concealed about the person, to strip them to ascertainthe fact. A melancholy detection took place a few days ago. A poorwoman had a rope found upon her, concealed for the purpose ofliberating her husband, who was then sentenced to death for highwayrobbery, which sentence was to be put into execution in a few days.She was, of course, taken before a magistrate, and ordered intoNewgate to await her trial. She was a young and pretty little Irishwoman, with an infant in her arms. After passing the first floorinto a passage, we arrived at the place where the prisoners'friends communicate with them. It may justly be termed a sort ofiron cage. A considerable space remains between the grating, toowide to admit of their shaking hands. They pass into this from theairing-yard, which occupies the centre of the quadrangle roundwhich the building runs, and into which no persons but the visitingladies, or the persons they introduce, attended by a turnkey, areallowed to enter. A little lodge, in which an under turnkey sleeps,is also considered necessary to render the entrance secure. Thisyard was clean, and up and down it paraded an emaciated woman, whogave notice to the women of the arrival of their friends. Most ofthe prisoners were collected in a room newly appropriated for thepurpose of hearing a portion of the Sacred Scriptures read to them,either by the matron or by one of the ladies' committee—which lastis far preferable. They assemble when the bell rings, as near nineo'clock as possible, following their monitors or wardswomen to theforms which are placed in order to receive them. I think I cannever forget the impression made upon my feelings at this sight.Women from every part of Great Britain, of every age and conditionbelow the lower middle rank, were assembled in mute silence, exceptwhen the interrupted breathing of their sucking infants informed usof the unhealthy state of these innocent partakers in theirparents' punishments. The matron read; I could not refrain fromtears. The women wept also; several were under the sentence ofdeath. Swain, who had just received her respite, sat next me; andon my left hand sat Lawrence, alias Woodman, surrounded by herfour children, and only waiting the birth of another, which shehourly expects, to pay the forfeit of her life, as her husband hasdone for the same crime a short time before.

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Such various, such acute, and such new feelings passed through mymind that I could hardly support the reflection that what I saw wasonly to be compared to an atom in the abyss of vice, andconsequently misery, of this vast metropolis. The hope of doing theleast lasting good seemed to vanish, and to leave me in fearfulapathy. The prisoners left the room in order. Each monitor tookcharge of the work in her class on retiring. We proceeded to otherwards, some containing forgers, coiners, and thieves; and almostall these vices were engrafted on the most deplorable root ofsinful dissipation. Many of the women are married; their familiesare in some instances permitted to be with them, if very young;their husbands, the partners of their crimes, are often found to beon the men's side of the prison, or on their way to Botany Bay....

They appear to be aware of the true value of character, to knowwhat is right, and to forsake it in action. Finding these feelingsyet alive, if properly purified and directed it may become afoundation on which a degree of reformation can be built. Thus theyconduct themselves more calmly and decently to each other, they aremore orderly and quiet, refrain from bad language, chew tobaccomore cautiously, surrender the use of the fireplace, permit doorsand windows to be opened and shut to air or warm the prison,reprove their children with less violence, borrow and lend usefularticles to each other kindly, put on their attire with modesty,and abstain from slanderous and reproachful words.

None among them was so shocking as an old woman, a clipper of thecoin of the realm, whose daughter was by her side, with her infantin her arms, which infant had been born in Bridewell; thegrandfather was already transported with several branches of hisfamily, as being coiners. The old woman's face was full ofdepravity. We next crossed the airing-yard, where many persons wereindustriously engaged at slop-work, for which they are paid, andafter receiving what they require, the rest is kept for them by theCommittee, who have a receipt-book, where their earning and theirexpenditure may be seen at any time, by the day or week. Onentering the untried wards we found the women very different fromthose we had just left. They were quarrelling and very disorderly,neither knowing their future fate, nor anything like subordinationamong one another. It resembles the state of the women on the triedside before the formation of the Visitors' Association. Not a handwas employed, except in mischief. One bold creature was ushered infor committing highway robbery. Many convicts were arriving, justremanded from the Sessions House, and their dark associatesreceived them with applause—such is the unhallowed friendship ofsin. We left this revolting scene and proceeded to the school-room,situated on the untried side of the prison for want of room on thetried. The quiet decency of this apartment was quite a relief, forabout twenty young women arose on our entrance, and stood withtheir eyes cast on the ground.

Another extract from the diary of this lady will be found to describe,in graphic terms, the visit to the prison recorded in the Corporationminutes. As one reads the simple and truth-like story, the scene risesbefore the mind's eye:—the party of gentlemen upon their semi-officialvisit; the awe-stricken prisoners, scarcely comprehending whether thisvisit boded ill or well to them; and the little company of quiet, godly,unfashionable Quaker ladies, who were thus "laying hands" upon the lostof their sex, in order to reclaim them. Such a picture might well betransferred to canvas.

Rose early and visited Newgate, where most of the Committee met toreceive the Lord Mayor, the Sheriffs, several Aldermen, and some ofthe Jail Committee. Even the irritable state of city politics doesnot interfere with this attempt at improvement. The women wereassembled as usual, looking particularly clean, and Elizabeth Fryhad commenced reading a Psalm, when the whole of this party enteredthis already crowded room. Her reading was thus interrupted for ashort time. She looked calmly on the approaching gentlemen, who,soon perceiving the solemnity of her occupation, stood still midstthe multitude, whilst Elizabeth Fry resumed her office and thewomen their quietude. In an impressive tone she told them she neverpermitted any trifling circ*mstance to interrupt the very solemnand important engagement of reading the Holy Scriptures; but inthis instance it appeared unavoidable from the unexpected entranceof so many persons, besides which, when opportunity offers, weshould pay respect to those in authority over us, to those whoadminister justice. She thus, with a Christian prudence peculiar toherself, controlled the whole assembly, and subdued the feelings ofthe prisoners, many of whom were but two well acquainted with thefaces of the magistrates, who were themselves touched andastonished at being thus introduced to a state of decorum so newwithin these walls, and could not help acknowledging how admirablythis mode of treatment was adapted to overcome the evil spiritwhich had so long triumphed there. The usual silence ensued afterthe reading, then the women withdrew. We could not help feelingparticularly glad that the gentlemen were present at the reading.The prisoners crowded around the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs to beglittle favors. We had a long conference with these gentlemenrelative to this prison and its object, and to the wisestregulations for prison discipline, and the causes of crime.Indeed, we could not have received more kind and devoted attentionto what was suggested. Elizabeth Fry's manner seemed to awaken newtrains of reflection, and to place the individual value of thesepoor creatures before them in a fresh point of view. The Sheriffscame to our committee-room. They ordered a cell to be given up tothe Committee for the temporary confinement of delinquents; it wasto be made to appear as formidable as possible, and we hope neverto require it.

The soldiers who guarded Newgate were, at our own request,dismissed. They overlooked the women's wards, and rendered themvery disorderly.... I found poor Woodman lying-in in the commonward, where she had been suddenly taken ill; herself and littlegirl were each doing very well. She was awaiting her execution atthe 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 wishfor her; indeed, so unnatural is her situation that one can hardlytell how, or in what manner, to meet her case. She seems afraid tolove her baby, and the very health which is being restored to herproduces irritation of mind.

This last entry furnishes, incidentally, proof of the barbarity of thelaws of Christian England at that time. Human life was of no accountcompared with the robbery of a few shillings, or the cutting down of atree. This matter of capital punishment, in its turn, attracted theattention of the Quaker community, together with other philanthropicindividuals, and the statute book was in time freed from many of thesanguinary enactments which had, prior to that period, disgraced it.

By this time notoriety began to attend Mrs. Fry's labors, and she wascomplimented and stared at according to the world's most approvedfashion. The newspapers noticed her work; the people at Court talkedabout it; and London citizens began to realize that in this quietQuakeress there dwelt a power for good. Given an unusual method of doinggood, noticed by the high in place and power, together with praise orcriticism by the papers, and, like Lord Byron, the worker wakes somemorning to find himself or herself famous. But growing fame did notagree with Elizabeth Fry's moral or spiritual nature. She possessed fartoo noble a soul to be pleased with it; her responsibility and hersuccess, except so far as they affected the waifs she desired to bless,were matters for her own conscience, and her God. She mentioned in herjournal her fears whether or not this publicity, and the evident respectpaid her by the people in power in the city, might not develop worldlypride of self-exaltation in her. Highly-toned and pure as her spiritwas, it shrank from any strain of self-seeking or pride. Only such aspirit could have conceived such a work of usefulness; only such an onecould endure the inevitable repulsion which attends such work among thedegraded, and conquer.

CHAPTER VII.

EVIDENCE BEFORE THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.

Public attention was so far aroused on the subject of prison discipline,and the condition of criminals, that a Committee of the House of Commonswas appointed to examine into evidence respecting the prisons of themetropolis. On the 27th of February, 1818, Mrs. Fry was examined by thisCommittee, relative to her personal experiences of this work, and herown labors in connection with it. The clear, calm statements made by herbefore this Committee cast considerable light upon her doings, and theprinciples upon which she acted. There is no exaggeration, nobraggadocio, no flourish of philanthropy,—simply a straightforwardstory of quiet but persistent endeavors to lessen the human miserywithin the walls of the prison at Newgate; for, hitherto, her effortshad been confined to that jail.

"Query. You applied to the Committee of the Court of Aldermen?"

"Ans. Not at first; I thought it better to try the experiment for amonth, and then to ask them whether they would second us, and adopt ourmeasures as their own; we, therefore, assembled our women, read over ourrules, brought them work, knitting, and other things, and ourinstitution commenced; it has now been about ten months. Our rules havecertainly been occasionally broken, but very seldom; order has generallybeen observed. I think I may say we have full power among them, for oneof them said it was more terrible to be brought up before me than beforethe judge, though we use nothing but kindness. I have never punished awoman during the whole time, or even proposed a punishment to them; andyet I think it is impossible in a well-ordered house to have rules morestrictly attended to than they are, as far as I order them, or ourfriends in general. With regard to our work, they have made nearlytwenty thousand articles of wearing apparel, the generality of which issupplied by the slop-shops, which pay very little. Excepting three outof this number that were missing, which we really do not think owing tothe women, we have never lost a single article. They knit from aboutsixty to a hundred pairs of stockings and socks every month; they spin alittle. The earnings of work, we think, average about eighteenpence perweek for each person. This is generally spent in assisting them to live,and helps to clothe them. For this purpose they subscribe out of theirsmall earnings of work about four pounds a month, and we subscribe abouteight, which keeps them covered and decent. Another very important pointis the excellent effects we have found to result from religiouseducation; our habit is constantly to read the Scriptures to them twicea day. Many of them are taught, and some of them have been enabled toread a little themselves; it has had an astonishing effect. I never sawthe Scriptures received in the same way, and to many of them they havebeen entirely new, both the great system of religion and moralitycontained in them; and it has been very satisfactory to observe theeffect upon their minds. When I have sometimes gone and said it was myintention to read, they would flock up-stairs after me, as if it were agreat pleasure I had to afford them."

"You have confined yourself to reading the Scriptures, and pointing outgenerally the moral lessons that might be derived from them?"

"Yes, generally so."

"Without inculcating any particular doctrine?"

"Nothing but the general Scripture doctrine; in short, they are notcapable of receiving any other."

"Nothing but the morals of the Scripture,—the duties towards God andman?"

"That is all; we are very particular in endeavoring to keep close tothat. We consider, from the situation we fill, as it respects thepublic, as well as the poor creatures themselves, that it would behighly indecorous to press any particular doctrine of any kind, anythingbeyond the fundamental doctrines of Scripture. We have had considerablesatisfaction in observing, not only the improved state of the women inthe prison, but we understand from the governor and clergyman at thepenitentiary, that those who have been under our care are very differentfrom those who come from other prisons. We also may state that when theyleft Newgate to go to Botany Bay, such a thing was never known in theprison before as the quietness and order with which they left it;instead of tearing down everything, and burning it, it was impossible toleave it more peaceably. And as a proof that their moral and religiousinstruction have had some effect upon their minds, when those poorcreatures were going to Botany Bay, the little fund we allowed them tocollect for themselves, in a small box under our care, they entreatedmight all be given to those that were going, those who remained sayingthat they wished to give up their little share of the profit to theothers."

"Do you know anything of the room and accommodation for the women in1815?"

"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 avery great deal more might be accomplished. We labor very much in theday, and we see the fruit of our labor: but if we could separate them inthe night, I do think that we could not calculate upon the effect whichwould be produced."

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

"Very much so; very much intermixed, old and young, hardened offenderswith those who have committed only a minor crime, or the first crime;the very lowest of women with respectable married women andmaid-servants. It is more injurious than can be described, in itseffects and in its consequences. One little instance to prove howbeneficial it is to take care of the prisoners, is afforded by the caseof a poor woman, for whom we have obtained pardon (Lord Sidmouth havingbeen very kind to us whenever we have applied for the mitigation ofpunishment since our committee has been formed). We taught her to knitin the prison; she is now living respectably out of it, and in partgains her livelihood by knitting. We generally endeavor to provide forthem in degree when they go out. One poor woman to whom we lent money,comes every week to my house, and pays two shillings, as honestly and aspunctually as we could desire. We give part, and lend part, to accustomthem to habits of punctuality and honesty."

"Is that woman still in Newgate, whose husband was executed, and sheherself condemned to death, having eight children?"

"She is."

"Has not her character been very materially changed since she has beenunder your care?"

"I heard her state to a gentleman going through the other day, that ithad been a very great blessing to her at Newgate, and I think there hasbeen a very great change in her. Her case is now before Lord Sidmouth,but we could hardly ask for her immediate liberation."

"What reward, or hope of reward, do you hold out?"

"Rewards form one part of our plan. They not only have the earning oftheir work, but we endeavor to stimulate them by a system of marks. Wedivide our women into classes, with a monitor over every class, and ourmatron at the head. It is the duty of every monitor to take up to thematron every night an account of the conduct of her class, which is setdown; and if they have a certain number of what we call good marks atthe end of any fixed period, they have for rewards such prizes as wethink proper to give them—generally small articles of clothing, orBibles and Testaments."

"Be so good as to state, as nearly as you can, what proportion of thewomen, without your assistance, would be in a state of extreme want?"

"It is difficult to say; but I think we average the number of eightytried women. Perhaps out of that number twenty may live very well,twenty very badly, and the others are supported by their friends in somedegree. When I say twenty who live very well, I mention, perhaps, toolarge a number—perhaps not above ten. I think their receiving supportfrom out-of-doors is most injurious, as it respects their moralprinciples, and everything else, as it respects the welfare of the city.There are some very poor people who will almost starve at home, and beinduced to do that which is wrong, in order to keep their poor relationswho are in prison. It is an unfair tax on such people; in addition towhich, it keeps up an evil communication, and, what is more, I believethey often really encourage the crime by it for which they are put intoprison; for these very people, and especially the coiners and passers ofbank-notes, are supported by their associates in crime, so that itreally tends to keep up their bad practices."

"Do you know whether there is any clothing allowed by the city?"

"Not any. Whenever we have applied or mentioned anything about clothing,we have always found that there was no other resource but our own,excepting that the sheriffs used to clothe the prisoners occasionally.Lately, nobody has clothed them but ourselves; except that the latesheriffs sent us the other day a present of a few things to make up forthem."

"There is no regular clothing allowed?"

"It appears to me that there is none of any kind."

"Have you never had prisoners there who have suffered materially forwant of clothing?"

"I could describe such scenes as I should hardly think it delicate tomention. We had a woman the other day, on the point of lying-in, broughtto bed not many hours after she came in. She had hardly a covering; nostockings, and only a thin gown. Whilst we are there, we can never see awoman in that state without immediately applying to our fund."

"When they come in they come naked, almost?"

"Yes, this woman came in, and we had to send her up almost everyarticle of clothing, and to clothe her baby. She could not be tried thenext sessions, but after she had been tried, and when she wasdischarged, she went out comfortably clothed; and there are many suchinstances."

"Has it not happened that when gentlemen have come in to see the prison,you have been obliged to stand before the women who were in the prisonin a condition not fit to be seen?"

"Yes, I remember one instance in which I was obliged to stand before oneof the women to prevent her being seen. We sent down to the matronimmediately to get her clothes."

"How long had the woman been in jail?"

"Not long; for we do not, since we have been there, suffer them to be aday without being clothed?"

"What is the average space allowed to each woman to lie upon, taking theaverage number in the prison?"

"I cannot be accurate, not having measured; from eighteen inches to twofeet, I should think."

"By six feet?"

"Yes. I believe the moral discipline of a prison can never be completewhile they are allowed to sleep together in one room. If I may beallowed to state it, I should prefer a prison where women were allowedto work together in companies, under proper superintendence; to havetheir meals together, and their recreation also; but I would always havethem separated in the night. I believe it would conduce to the healthboth of body and mind. Their being in companies during the day, tends,under proper regulations, to the advancement of principle and industry,for it affords a stimulus. I should think solitary confinement properonly in atrocious cases. I would divide every woman for a few weeks,until I knew what they were, but I would afterwards regulate them as Ihave before mentioned."

"Has gaming entirely ceased?"

"It has of late: they have once been found gaming since we had care ofthe prison, but I called the women up when I found that some of them hadbeen playing at cards, and represented to them how much I objected toit, and how evil I thought its consequence was, especially to them; atthe same time I stated that if there were cards in the prison, I shouldconsider it a proof of their regard if they would have the candor andthe kindness to bring me their packs. I did not expect they would do it,for they would feel they had betrayed themselves by it; however, I wassitting with the matron, and heard a gentle tap at the door, and incame a trembling woman to tell me she had brought her pack of cards,that she was not aware how wrong it was, and hoped I would do what Iliked with them. In a few minutes another came up, and in this way I hadfive packs of cards burnt. I assured them that so far from its beingremembered against them, I should remember them in another way. Ibrought them a present of clothing for what they had done, and one ofthem, in a striking manner, said she hoped I would excuse her being soforward, but, if she might say it, she felt exceedingly disappointed;she little thought of having clothing given her, but she had hoped Iwould give her a Bible, that she might read the Scriptures. This hadbeen one of the worst girls, and she had behaved so very badly upon hertrial that it was almost shameful. She conducted herself afterwards inso amiable a manner, that her conduct was almost without a flaw. She isnow in the Penitentiary, and, I hope, will become a valuable member ofsociety."

"You have stated three things which to your mind are essential to thereformation of a prison: first, religious instruction; secondly,classification; thirdly, employment. Do you think that any reformationcan be accomplished without employment?"

"I should believe it impossible; we may instruct as we will, but if weallow them their time, and they have nothing to do, they must naturallyreturn to their evil practices."

"How many removals of female prisoners have you had in the last year, inNewgate; how many gone to Botany Bay?"

"Eighteen women; and thirty-seven to the Penitentiary."

"Can you state out of what number of convicts these have been in thecourse of a year?"

"I do not think I can; but, of course, out of many hundreds."

"In fact, has there been only one regular removal within the last year?"

"But one. There is one very important thing which ought to be stated onthe subject of women taking care of women. It has been said that therewere three things which were requisite in forming a prison that wouldreally tend to the reformation of the women; but there is a fourth, viz:that women should be taken care of entirely by women, and have no maleattendants, unless it be a medical man or any minister of religion. ForI am convinced that much harm arises from the communication, not only tothe women themselves, but to those who have the care of them."

"In the present arrangement is it not so with regard to the women?"

"It is very nearly so; but if I had a prison completely such as Ishould like it, it would be a prison quite apart from the men's prison,and into which neither turnkeys nor anyone else should enter but femaleattendants and the Inspecting Committee of Ladies, except, indeed, suchgentlemen as come to look after their welfare."

"In what does the turnkey interfere now with the prison?"

"Very little; and yet there is a certain intercourse which it isimpossible for us to prevent. And it must be where there is a prison forwomen and men, and there are various officers who are men in the prison;it is impossible that they should be entirely separate. In the presentstate of Newgate such a plan as I have in my mind respecting the propermanagement of women prisoners cannot be put into execution. We must haveturnkeys and a governor to refer to; but I should like to have a prisonwhich had nothing to do with men, except those who attended themspiritually or medically."

"Do you believe men to be as much excluded from all communication withthe women now as is possible in the present state of Newgate?"

"Yes, I think very nearly so. My idea with regard to the employment ofwomen is, that it should be a regular thing undertaken by Government,considering (though, perhaps, I am not the person to speak of that) thatthere are so many to provide for; there is the army and navy, and somany things to provide for them; why should not the Government make useof the prisoners? But I consider it of the utmost importance, and quiteindispensable for the conduct of these institutions, that the prisonersshould have part of the earnings of their work for their own use; a partthey might be allowed to take for tea, sugar, etc., but a part should belaid by that there maybe some provision for them when they leave theprison, without their returning to their immoral practices. This is thecase, I believe, in all prisons well regulated, both on the continent ofEurope and America. In a prison under proper regulation, where they hadvery little communication with their friends, where they weresufficiently well fed and clothed, constantly employed and instructed,and taken care of by women, I have not the least doubt that wonderswould be performed, and that many of those, now the most profligate andworst of characters, would turn out valuable members of society. Afterhaving said what I have respecting the care of women, I will just addthat I believe that if there were a prison fitted up for us, which wemight visit as inspectors, if employment were found for our women,little or no communication with the city, and room given to class them,with female servants only, if there were a thousand of the most unrulywomen they would be in excellent order in one week; of that I have notthe least doubt."

The natural consequence of this evidence was increased publicity andincreased usefulness; the first to Mrs. Fry's sorrow, and the second toher great joy. Much as she desired to work in secret, it was notpossible; nor, all things considered, was it for the best that sheshould do so. The prison reform which she desired to see carried out wasdestined to cover, and indeed, required a larger area than she couldobtain. But the fame of her improvements at Newgate, the tales of lionsbeing turned into lambs, and sinners into saints, by the exertions ofthis woman and her band of helpers, caught the ear and thrilled theheart of the public. The excitement produced among the communitydeepened and intensified as more of the work became revealed.Representatives of every class in society visited the gloomy precinctsof Newgate, in order to see and hear for themselves how far thesewonders extended, while at every hospital and fashionable board thetheme was ever the same. At one time Mrs. Fry was at Newgate in companywith the Chancellor of the Exchequer and other celebrities; while atanother time she appeared at the Mansion House, honored by royalty, the"observed of all observers." The Queen of England, among others, wasanxious to see and converse with the woman who had with such quiet powersucceeded in solving a great social problem, and that where municipalauthorities had failed.

Mrs. Fry, although belonging to that religious community which takes notoff the hat to royalty, possessed loyal feelings. Therefore, when QueenCharlotte commanded her to appear at the Mansion House, in order to beformerly presented to her, with true womanly grace and respect shehastened to obey. It was intended that the presentation should havetaken place in the drawing-room, but by some mistake Mrs. Fry wasconducted to the Egyptian Hall, where a number of school-children werewaiting to be examined. Mrs. Fry occupied a post near the platform; andafter a little time the Queen, now aged and infirm, perceived her. Assoon as the examination of the children was over she advanced to Mrs.Fry. Her Majesty's small figure, her dress blazing with diamonds, hercourtesy and kindness as she spoke to the now celebrated Quakeress, whostood outwardly calm in the costume of her creed, and just a littleflushed with the unwonted excitement, attracted universal homage.Around stood several bishops, peers, and peeresses; the hall was filledwith spectators, while outside the crowd surged and swayed as crowds arewont to do. For a few moments the two women spoke together; then thestrict rules of etiquette were overcome by the enthusiasm of theassembly and a murmur of applause, followed by a ringing English cheer,went up. This cheer was repeated by the crowd outside, again and again,while the most worldly butterfly that ever buzzed and fluttered about acourt learnt that day that there was in goodness and benevolencesomething better than fashion and nobler than rank. This was almost, ifnot quite, Queen Charlotte's last public appearance; she very soonafterwards passed to her rest, "old and full of days."

Ever true to her own womanly instincts, we find Mrs. Fry lamenting, inher journal, that herself and the prison are becoming quite a show; yet,on the other hand, she recognized the good of this inconvenience,inasmuch as the work spread among all classes of society. Variousopinions were passed upon her, and on one occasion a seriousmisunderstanding with Lord Sidmouth, respecting a case of capitalpunishment, severely tried her constancy. Some carping critics foundfault, others were envious, others censorious and shallow; but neithergood report nor evil report moved her very greatly, although possibly attimes they were the subject of much inward struggle.

This question of Prison Reform at last reached Parliament. In June,1818, the Marquis of Lansdowne moved an address to the Prince Regent,asking an inquiry into the state of the prisons of the United Kingdom.He made a remarkable speech, quoting facts relating to the miseries ofthe jails, and concluded with a high eulogium on Mrs. Fry's labors amongthe criminals of Newgate, giving her the title "Genius of Good." Thisstep drew public attention still more to the matter and prison-visitingand prison reform became the order of the day. As public attention hadbeen aroused, and public sympathy had been gained for the cause, it isnot wonderful that beneficial legislative measures were at last carried.

Meanwhile the ladies continued their good work. It was one of thecardinal points of their creed, that it was not good for the criminalsto have much intercourse with their friends outside. In past timesunlimited beer had been carried into Newgate; at least the quantity sodisposed of was only limited by the amount of ready cash or credit atthe disposal of the criminals and their friends. This had been stoppedwith the happiest results, and now it seemed time to adopt some measureswhich should secure some little additional comfort for the prisoners. Inorder to effect this a sub-matron, or gate-keeper, was engaged, whoassisted in the duties at the lodge, and kept a small shop "betweengates," where tea, sugar, and other little comforts could be purchasedby the prisoners out of their prison earnings. This step was asuccessful one, for with the decrease of temptation from without, camean increase of comfort from within, provided they earned money andobeyed rules. Plenty of work could be done, seeing that they allrequired more or less clothing, while Botany Bay could take any numberof garments to be utilized for the members of the penal settlementthere.

Two months after Lord Lansdowne's motion was made in Parliament, Mrs.Fry, together with Joseph John Gurney, his wife, and her own daughter,Rachel, went into Scotland on a religious and philanthropic tour. Thechief object of this journey seems to have been the visitation ofFriends' Meetings in that part of the kingdom; but the prison enterprisewas by no means forgotten. In her journal she records visits to meetingsof Friends held at Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool and Knowsley.At the latter place they were guests of the Earl of Derby, and muchenjoyed the palatial hospitality which greeted them. They made a pointof visiting most of the jails and bridewells in the towns through whichthey passed, finding in some of them horrors far surpassing anythingthat Newgate could have shown them even in its unreformed days. AtHaddington four cells, allotted to prisoners of the tramp and criminalclass, were "very dark, excessively dirty, had clay floors, nofire-places, straw in one corner for a bed, and in each of them a tub,the receptacle for all filth." Iron bars were used upon the prisoners soas to become instruments of torture. In one cell was a poor young manwho was a lunatic—whence nobody knew. He had been subject to the miseryand torture of Haddington jail for eighteen months, without once leavinghis cell for an airing. No clothes were allowed, no medical man attendedthose who were incarcerated, and a chaplain never entered there, whilethe prison itself was destitute of any airing-yard. The poor debtors,whether they were few or many, were all confined in one small cell notnine feet square, where one little bed served for all.

At Kinghorn, Fifeshire, a young laird had languished in a state ofmadness for six years in the prison there, and had at last committedsuicide. Poor deranged human nature flew to death as a remedy againsttorture. At Forfar, prisoners were chained to the bedstead; at Berwick,to the walls of their cells; and at Newcastle to a ring in the floor.The two most objectionable features in Scotch prisons, as appears fromMr. Gurney's "Notes" of this tour, were the treatment of debtors, andthe cruelties used to lunatics. Both these classes of individuals wereconfined as criminals, and treated with the utmost cruelty.

According to Scotch law, the jailer and magistrates who committed thedebtor became responsible for the debt, supposing the prisoner to haveeffected his escape. Self-interest, therefore, prompted the adoption ofcruel measures to ensure the detention of the unfortunate debtor; whilehelpless lunatics were wholly at the mercy of brutalized keepers whowere responsible to hardly any tribunal. Of the horrors of that dark,terrible time within those prison-walls, few records appear; few caredto probe the evil, or to propose a remedy. The archives of Eternityalone contain the captive's cries, and the lamentations of torturedlunatics. Only one Eye penetrated the dungeons; one Ear heard. Was notElizabeth Fry and her coadjutors doing a god-like work? And when sheraised the clarion cry that Reformation, not Revenge, was the objectof punishment, she shook these old castles of Giant Despair to theirfoundations.

CHAPTER VIII.

THE GALLOWS AND ENGLISH LAWS.

About this period the subject of Capital Punishment largely attractedMrs. Fry's attention. The attitude of Quakers generally towards thepunishment of death, except for murder in the highest degree, washostile; but Mrs. Fry's constant intercourse with inmates in thecondemned cell fixed her attention in a very painful manner upon thesubject. For venial crimes, men and women, clinging fondly to life, wereswung off into eternity; and neither the white lips of thephilanthropist, nor the official ones of the appointed chaplain, couldcomfort the dying. Among these dying ones were many women, who wereexecuted for simply passing forged Bank of England notes; but as thebank had plenary powers to arrange to screen certain persons who werenot to die, these were allowed to get off with a lighter punishment bypleading "Guilty to the minor count." The condemned cell was never,however, without its occupant, nor the gallows destitute of its prey. SoDraconian were the laws of humane and Christian England, at this date,that had they been strictly carried out, at least four executions daily,exclusive of Sundays, would have taken place in this realm.

According to Hepworth Dixon, and contemporary authorities, thesanguinary measures of the English Government for the punishment ofcrimes dated from about the time of the Jacobite rebellion, in 1745.Prior to that time, adventurers of every grade, the idle, vicious, andunemployed, had found an outlet for their turbulence and their energiesin warfare—engaging on behalf of the Jacobites, or the Government,according as it suited their fancy. But when the House of Hanoverconquered, and the trade of war became spoiled within the limits ofGreat Britain, troops of these discharged soldiers took to a maraudinglife; the high roads became infested with robbers, and crimes ofviolence were frequent. Alarmed at the license displayed by theseIshmaelites, the Government of the day arrayed its might against them,enacting such sanguinary measures that at first sight it seemed as ifthe deliberate intent were to literally cut them off and root them outfrom the land. That era was indeed a bloodthirsty one in Englishjurisprudence.

Enactments were passed in the reign of the second George, whereby itwas made a capital crime to rob the mail, or any post-office; to kill,steal, or drive away any sheep or cattle, with intention to steal, or tobe accessory to the crime. The "Black Act," first passed in the reign ofGeorge I., and enlarged by George II., punished by hanging, the hunting,killing, stealing, or wounding any deer in any park or forest; maimingor killing any cattle, destroying any fish or fish-pond, cutting down orkilling any tree planted in any garden or orchard, or cutting anyhop-bands in hop plantations. Forgery, smuggling, coining, passing badcoin, or forged notes, and shop-lifting; all were punishable by death.From a table published by Janssen, and quoted from Hepworth Dixon, wefind that in twenty-three years, from 1749 to 1771, eleven hundred andtwenty-one persons were condemned to death in London alone. The offensesfor which these poor wretches received sentence included those namedabove, in addition to seventy-two cases of murder, two cases of riot,one of sacrilege, thirty-one of returning from transportation, and fourof enlisting for foreign service. Of the total number condemned, sixhundred and seventy-eight were actually hanged, while the remaindereither died in prison, were transported, or pardoned. As four hundredand one persons were transported, a very small number indeed obtaineddeliverance either by death or pardon. In fact, scarcely any extenuatingcirc*mstances were allowed; so that in some cases cruelty seemedactually to have banished justice. It is recorded, as one of thesecases, that a young woman with a babe at the breast, was hanged forstealing from a shop a piece of cloth of the value of five shillings.The poor woman was the destitute wife of a young man whom the press-ganghad captured and carried off to sea, leaving her and her babe to themercy of the world. Utterly homeless and starving, she stole to buyfood; but a grateful country requited the services of the sailor-husbandby hanging the wife.

The certainty of punishment became nullified by the severity of thelaws. Humane individuals hesitated to prosecute, especially for forgery;while juries seized upon every pretext to return verdicts of "Notguilty." Reprieves were frequent, for the lives of many weresupplicated, and successfully; so that the death-penalty was commutedinto transportation. Caricaturists, writers, philanthropists,divines—all united in the chorus of condemnation against the bloodyenactments which secured such a crop for the gallows. Men, women, girls,lads and idiots, all served as food for it. Jack Ketch had a merry timeof it, while society looked on well pleased, for the most part. Thoseappointed to sit in the seat of justice sometimes defended this state ofthings. One of the worthies of the "good old times"—JudgeHeath—notorious because of his partiality for hanging, is reported tohave said: "If you imprison at home, the criminal is soon thrown backupon you hardened in guilt. If you transport you corrupt infantsocieties, and sow the seeds of atrocious crimes over the habitableglobe. There is no regenerating a felon in this life. And, for his ownsake, as well as for the sake of society, I think it better to hang."

As a caricaturist George Cruikshank entered the field, and waged battleon behalf of the poor wretches who swung at the gallows for passingforged Bank of England notes. He drew a note resembling the genuine one,and entitled it "Bank note, not to be imitated." A copy of thiscaricature now lies before us. It bears on its face a representation ofa large gallows, from which eleven criminals, three of whom are women,are dangling, dead. In the upper left hand corner, Britannia isrepresented as surrounded by starving, wailing creatures, and surmountedby a hideous death's head. Underneath is a rope coiled around theportraits of twelve felons who have suffered; while, running down, toform a border, are fetters arranged in zig-zag fashion. Across the noterun these words, "Ad lib., ad lib., I promise to perform during theissue of Bank notes easily imitated, and until the resumption of cashpayments, or the abolition of the punishment of death, for the Governorsand Company of the Bank of England.—J. Ketch." The note is aunique production, and must have created an enormous sensation.Cruikshank's own story, writing in 1876, is this:—

Fifty-eight years back from this date there were one-pound Bank ofEngland notes in circulation, and, unfortunately, many forged noteswere in circulation also, or being passed, the punishment for whichoffense was in some cases transportation, in others Death.At this period, having to go early to the Royal Exchange onemorning, I passed Newgate jail, and saw several persons suspendedfrom the gibbet; two of these were women who had been executedfor passing one-pound forged notes.

I determined, if possible, to put a stop to such terriblepunishments for such a crime, and made a sketch of the above note,and then an etching of it.

Mr. Hone published it, and it created a sensation. The Directors ofthe Bank of England were exceedingly wroth. The crowd around Hone'sshop in Ludgate Hill was so great that the Lord Mayor had to sendthe police to clear the street. The notes were in such demand thatthey could not be printed fast enough, and I had to sit up all onenight to etch another plate. Mr. Hone realized above £700, and Ihad the satisfaction of knowing that no man or woman was everhanged after this for passing one-pound Bank of England notes.

The issue of my "Bank Note note not to be Imitated" not only put astop to the issue of any more Bank of England one-pound notes, butalso put a stop to the punishment of death for such an offense—notonly for that, but likewise for forgery—and then the late SirRobert Peel revised the penal code; so that the final effect of mynote was to stop hanging for all minor offenses, and has thus beenthe means of saving thousands of men and women from being hanged.

It may be that the great caricaturist claims almost too much when hesays that the publication of his note eventually stopped hanging for allminor offenses; but certainly there is no denying that this publicationwas an important factor in the agitation.

It is said that George III. kept a register of all the cases of capitalpunishment, that he entered in it all names of felons sentenced todeath, with dates and particulars of convictions, together with remarksupon the reasons which induced him to sign the warrants. It is also saidthat he frequently rose from his couch at night to peruse this fatallist, and that he shut himself up closely in his private apartmentsduring the hours appointed for the execution of criminals condemned todeath.

Tyburn ceased to be the place of execution for London in 1783; from thatyear Newgate witnessed most of these horrors.

Philanthropists of every class were, at the period of Mrs. Fry's careernow under review, considering this matter of capital punishment, andtaking steps to restrain the infliction of the death penalty. The Gurneyfamily among Quakers, William Wilberforce, Sir James Mackintosh, SirSamuel Romilly, and others, were all working hard to this end. In 1819William Wilberforce presented a petition from the Society of Friends toParliament against death punishment for crimes other than murder.Writing at later dates upon this subject, Joseph John Gurney says: "Icannot say that my spirit greatly revolts against life for life, thoughcapital punishment for anything short of this appears to me to beexecrable." And, again, "I cannot in conscience take any step towardsdestroying the life of a fellow-creature whose crime against societyaffects my property only. I am in possession, like other men, of thefeelings of common humanity, and to aid and abet in procuring thedestruction of any man living would be to me extremely distressing andhorrible." As a banker, Mr. Gurney felt that the punishment for forgeryshould be heavy and sharp, but less than death. In the Houses ofParliament various efforts were made to obtain the commutation of thedeath penalty, and when in 1810 the Peers rejected Sir Samuel Romilly'sbill to remove the penalty for shop-lifting, the Dukes of Sussex andGloucester joined some of the Peers in signing a protest against thelaw. The time appeared to be ripe for agitation; all classes of societyreverenced human life more than of old, and desired to see it held lesscheap by the ministers of justice.

According to Mrs. Fry's experience, the punishment of death tendedneither to the security of the people, the reformation of any prisoner,nor the diminution of crime. Felons who suffered death for lightoffenses looked upon themselves as martyrs—martyrs to a cruel law—andbelieved that they had but to meet death with fortitude to secure ablissful hereafter. This fearful opiate carried many through theterrible ordeal outwardly calm and resigned.

Among the condemned ones was Harriet Skelton, a woman who had beendetected passing forged Bank of England notes. She was described asprepossessing, "open, confiding, expressing strong feelings on hercountenance, but neither hardened in depravity nor capable of cunning."Her behavior in prison was exceptionally good; so good, indeed, thatsome of the depraved inmates of Newgate supposed her to have beencondemned to death because of her fitness for death. She had evidentlybeen more sinned against than sinning; the man whom she lived with, andwho was ardently loved by her, had used her as his instrument forpassing these false notes. Thus she had been lured to destruction.

After the decision had been received from the Lords of the Council,Skelton was taken into the condemned cell to await her doom. To thiscell came numerous visitors, attracted by compassion for the poorunfortunate who tenanted it, and each one eager to obtain thecommutation of the cruel sentence. It was one thing to read of one oranother being sentenced to death, but quite another to behold a woman,strong in possession of, and desire for life, fated to be swung intoeternity before many days because of circulating a false note at thebehest of a paramour. Mrs. Fry needed not the many persuasions shereceived to induce her to put forth the most unremitting exertions onbehalf of Skelton. She obtained an audience of the Duke of Gloucester,and urged every circ*mstance which could be urged in extenuation of thecrime, entreating for the woman's life. The royal duke remembered theold days at Norwich, when Elizabeth had been know in fashionable societyand had figured somewhat as a belle, and he bent a willing ear to herrequest. He visited Newgate, escorted by Mrs. Fry, and saw for himselfthe agony in that condemned cell. Then he accompanied her to the bankdirectors, and applied to Lord Sidmouth personally, but all in vain. Itwas not blood for blood, nor life for life, but blood for "filthylucre;" so the poor woman was hung in obedience to the inexorableferocity of the law and its administrators.

On this occasion Mrs. Fry was seriously distressed in mind. She hadvehemently entreated for the poor creature's life, stating that she hadhad the offer of pleading guilty only to the minor count, but hadfoolishly rejected it in hope of obtaining a pardon. The question atissue on this occasion was the power of the bank directors to virtuallydecide as to the doom of the accused ones. Mrs. Fry made assertions andgave instances which Lord Sidmouth assumed to doubt. Further than this,he was seriously annoyed at the noise this question of capitalpunishment was making in the land, and though not necessarily a cruel orblood-thirsty man, the Home Secretary shrank from meddling too much withthe criminal code of England. This misunderstanding was a source of deeppain to the philanthropist, and, accompanied by Lady Harcourt, sheendeavored to remove Lord Sidmouth's false impressions, but in vain.While smarting under this wound, received in the interests of humanity,she had to go to the Mansion House by command of Her Majesty QueenCharlotte, to be presented. Thus, very strangely, and against her will,she was thrust forward into the very foremost places of publicobservation and repute. She recorded the matter in her journal, in herown characteristic way:—

"Yesterday I had a day of ups and downs, as far as the opinions ofman are concerned, in a remarkable degree. I found that there was agrievous misunderstanding between Lord Sidmouth and myself, andthat some things I had done had tried him exceedingly; indeed, Isee that I have mistaken my conduct in some particulars respectingthe case of poor Skelton, and in the efforts made to save her life,I too incautiously spoke of some in power. When under greathumiliation in consequence of this, Lady Harcourt, who most kindlyinterested herself in the subject, took me with her to the MansionHouse, rather against my will, to meet many of the royal family atthe examination of some large schools. Among the rest, the Queenwas there. There was quite a buzz when I went into the EgyptianHall, where one or two thousand people were collected; and when theQueen came to speak to me, which she did very kindly, I am toldthat there was a general clapp. I think I may say this hardlyraised me at all; I was so very low from what had occurredbefore.... My mind has not recovered this affair of Lord Sidmouth,and finding that the bank directors are also affronted with meadded to my trouble, more particularly as there was an appearanceof evil in my conduct; but, I trust, no greater fault in realitythan a want of prudence in that which I expressed."

The Society of Friends had always been opposed to capital punishment.Ten years previously, Sir Samuel Romilly had determined to attack thesesanguinary enactments, one by one, in order to ensure success. He began,therefore, with the Act of Queen Elizabeth, "which made it a capitaloffense to steal privately from the person of another." William Alienrecords in the same year, 1808, the formation of a "Society forDiffusing Information on the Subject of Punishment by Death." Thislittle band worked with Sir Samuel until his painful death in 1818;while Dr. Parr, Jeremy Bentham, and Dugald Stewart aided the enterpriseby words of encouragement, both in public and in private. In Joseph JohnGurney's Memoirs, it is stated that Dr. Lushington declared his opinionthat the poor criminal was thus hurried out of life and into eternity bymeans of the perpetration of another crime far greater, for the mostpart, than any which the sufferer had committed.

The feeling grew, and in place of the indifference and scorn of humanlife which had formerly characterized society, there sprang up an eagerdesire to save life, except for the crime of murder. In May, 1821, SirJames Mackintosh introduced a bill for "Mitigating the Severity ofPunishment in Certain Cases of Forgery, and Crimes connectedtherewith." Buxton, in advocating this measure, says truly:

The people have made enormous strides in all that tends to civilizeand soften mankind, while the laws have contracted a ferocity whichdid not belong to them in the most savage period of our history;and, to such extremes of distress have they proceeded that I dobelieve there never was a law so harsh as British law, or somerciful and humane a people as the British people. And yet to thismild and merciful people is left the execution of that rigid andcruel law.

This measure was defeated, but the numbers of votes were so nearlyequal, that the defeat was actually a victory.

Time went on. In 1831, Sir Robert Peel took up the gauntlet againstcapital punishment, and endeavored to induce Parliament to abolish thedeath-penalty for forgery; the House of Commons voted its abolition, butthe Lords restored the clauses retaining the penalty. One thousandbankers signed a petition praying that the vote of the Commons might besustained, but in vain; still, in deference to public opinion, afterthis the death-penalty was not inflicted upon a forger. Nevertheless,there remained plenty of food for the gallows. An incendiary, as well asa sheep-stealer, was liable to capital punishment; and so severely wasthe law strained upon these points, that he who set fire to a rick in afield, as well as he who found a half-dead sheep and carried it home,was condemned without mercy. But the advocates of mercy continued theirgood work until, finally, the gallows became the penalty for only thoseoffenses which concerned human life and high treason.

CHAPTER IX.

CONVICT SHIPS AND CONVICT SETTLEMENTS.

More work opened before the indefatigable worker. Frequently batches offemale convicts were despatched to New South Wales, and, according tothe custom at Newgate, departure was preceded by total disregard oforder. Windows, furniture, clothing, all were wantonly destroyed; whilethe procession from the prison to the convict ship was one of brutal,debasing riot. The convicts were conveyed to Deptford, in open wagons,accompanied by the rabble and scum of the populace. These crowdsfollowed the wagons, shouting to the prisoners, defying all regulations,and inciting them to more defiance of rules. Some of the convicts wereladen with irons; others were chained together by twos. Mrs. Fryaddressed herself first to the manner of departure, and, rightly judgingthat the open wagons conduced to much disorder, prevailed on thegovernor of Newgate to engage hackney-coaches for the occasion. Further,she promised the women that, provided they would behave in an orderlymanner, she, together with a few other ladies, would accompany them tothe ship. Faithful to her promise, her carriage closed the line ofhackney-coaches; three or four ladies were with her, and thus, in afashion at once strangely quiet and novel, the transports reached theplace of embarkation.

There were one hundred and twenty-eight convicts that day; no smallnumber upon which to experimentalize. As soon as they reached the shipthey were herded together below decks like so many cattle, with nothingto do but to curse, swear, fight, recount past crimes, relate foulstories, or plot future evil. True, there was some attempt at order andclassification, for they were divided into messes of six each, and Mrs.Fry eagerly seized upon this arrangement to form a basis of control. Sheproposed to the convicts that they should be arranged in classes oftwelve, according to ages and criminality; to this they assented. Aclass thus furnished two messes, while over each class was placed one ofthe most steady convicts, in order to enforce the rules as much aspossible. She provided in this way for superintendence.

The next arrangement concerned work for the women, and instruction forthe children. "Satan finds some mischief still for idle hands to do;"accordingly the ladies looked about for plans and methods whereby theenforced weariness of a long voyage should be counteracted. They hadheard that patch-work and fancy-work found a ready sale in New SouthWales, so they hit upon a scheme which should ensure success in moreways than one. Having made known their dilemma, and their desires, theywere cheered by receiving from some wholesale houses in Londonsufficient remnants of cotton print and materials for knitting tofurnish all the convicts with work. There was ample time to perfect allarrangements, seeing that the ship lay at Deptford about five weeks; asthe result of Mrs. Fry's journeys to and fro, every woman had given toher the chance of benefiting herself. In this way they were informedthat if they chose to devote the leisure of the voyage to making up thematerials thus placed in their hands, they would be allowed upon arrivalat the colony to dispose of the articles for their own profit.

There was thus a new stimulus to exertion as well as a collateral good.Hitherto, no refuge, home, or building of any description had existedfor the housing of the women when landed at the port of disembarkation.There was "not so much as a hut in which they could take refuge, so thatthey were literally driven to vice, or left to lie in the streets." Thesystem of convict-management at that date was one of compulsory labor,or mostly so. This plan tended to produce tyranny, insubordination,deception, vice, and "the social evil." In the case of men, CaptainMackonochie testified that they were sullen, lazy, insubordinate andvicious; the women, if not engaged quickly in respectable domesticservice, and desirous of being kept respectable, become curses to thecolony. But by the means adopted by Mrs. Fry each woman was enabled toearn sufficient money to provide for board and lodging until someopening for a decent maintenance presented itself. They thus obtained afair start.

Provision was also made for instruction of both women and children onboard ship. It may be asked how children came there? Generally they wereof tender years and the offspring of vice; the authorities could donothing with them; so, perforce, they were allowed to accompany theirmothers. Out of the batch on board this transport-vessel, fourteen werefound to be of an age capable of instruction. A small space was,therefore, set apart in the stern of the vessel for a school-room, andthere, daily, under the tuition of one of the women better taught thanthe rest, these waifs of humanity learned to read, knit and sew. Thisslender stock of learning was better than none, wherewith to commencelife at the Antipodes.

Almost daily, for five weeks, Mrs. Fry and her coadjutors visited thevessel, laboring to these good ends. Ultimately, however, the Mariahad to sail, and many were the doubts and fears as to whether the goodwork begun would be carried on when away from English shores. No matronwas there to superintend and to direct the women: if they continued inthe path marked out for them, their poor human nature could not be sofallen after all. Mrs. Fry had a kind of religious service with theconvicts the last time she visited them. She occupied a position nearthe door of the cabin, with the women facing her, and ranged on thequarter-deck, while the sailors occupied different positions in therigging and on other vantage points. As Mrs. Fry read in a solemn voicesome passages from her pocket-Bible, the sailors on board the otherships leaned over to hear the sacred words. After the reading was done,she knelt down, and commended the party of soon-to-be exiles to God'smercy, while those for whom she prayed sobbed bitterly that they shouldsee her face no more. Does it not recall the parting of Paul with theelders at Miletus? Doubtless the memory of that simple service was inafter days often the only link between some of these women and goodness.

As time went on, many anxious remembrances and hopes were cast afterthe convicts who had been shipped to New South Wales. To her sorrow, shefound, from the most reliable testimony, that once the poor lostwretches were landed in the colony, they were placed in circ*mstancesthat absolutely nullified all the benevolent work which had gone before,and were literally driven by force of circ*mstances to theirdestruction. The female convicts, from the time of their landing, were"without shelter, without resources, and without protection. Rations, ora small amount of provision, sufficient to maintain life, they certainlyhad allotted to them daily; but a place to sleep in, or money to obtainshelter or necessary clothing for themselves, and, when mothers, fortheir children, they were absolutely without." An interesting but sadletter was received by Mrs. Fry from the Rev. Samuel Marsden, chaplainat Paramatta, New South Wales, and although long, it affords so muchinformation on this question, that no apology is required forintroducing it here. As the testimony of an eyewitness it is valuable:—

Honored Madam,

Having learned from the public papers, as well as from my friendsin England, the lively interest you have taken in promoting thetemporal and eternal welfare of those unhappy females who fallunder the sentence of the law, I am induced to address a few linesto you respecting such as visit our distant shores. It may begratifying to you, Madam, to hear that I meet with those wretchedexiles, who have shared your attentions, and who mention yourmaternal care with gratitude and affection. From the measures youhave adopted, and the lively interest you have excited in thepublic feeling, on the behalf of these miserable victims of viceand woe, I now hope the period is not very distant when theirmiseries will be in some degree alleviated. I have been strivingfor more than twenty years to obtain for them some relief, buthitherto have done them little good. It has not been in my power tomove those in authority to pay much attention to their wants andmiseries. I have often been urged in my own mind, to make an appealto the British nation, and to lay their case before the public.

In the year 1807, I returned to Europe. Shortly after my arrival inLondon, I stated in a memorial to His Grace the Archbishop ofCanterbury the miserable situation of the female convicts, to HisMajesty's Government at the Colonial Office, and to several membersof the House of Commons. From the assurances that were then made,that barracks should be built for the accommodation of the femaleconvicts, I entertained no doubt but that the Government would havegiven instructions to the Governor to make some provisions forthem. On my return to the colony, in 1810, I found things in thesame state I left them; five years after my again arriving in thecolony, I took the liberty to speak to the Governor, as opportunityafforded, on the subject in question, and was surprised to learnthat no instructions had been communicated to His Excellency fromHis Majesty's Government, after what had passed between me andthose in authority at home, relative to the state of the femaleconvicts. At length I resolved to make an official statement oftheir miserable situation to the Governor, and, if the Governor didnot feel himself authorized to build a barrack for them, totransmit my memorial to my friends in England, with HisExcellency's answer, as a ground for them to renew my formerapplication to Government for some relief. Accordingly, I forwardedmy memorial, with a copy of the Governor's answer, home to morethan one of my friends. I have never been convinced that noinstructions were given by His Majesty's Government to providebarracks for the female convicts; on the contrary, my mind isstrongly impressed in that instructions were given; if they werenot, I can only say that this was a great omission, after thepromises that were made. I was not ignorant that the sending homeof my letter to the Governor and his answer, would subject me tothe censure as well as the displeasure of my superiors. I informedsome of my friends in England, as well as in the colony, that if noattention was paid to the female convicts, I was determined to laytheir case before the British nation; and then I was certain, fromthe moral and religious feeling which pervades all ranks, thatredress would be obtained. However, nothing has been done yet toremedy the evils of which I complain. For the last five and twentyyears many of the convict women have been driven to vice to obtaina loaf of bread, or a bed to lie upon. To this day there never hasbeen a place to put the female convicts in when they land from theships. Many of the women have told me with tears their distress ofmind on this account; some would have been glad to have returned tothe paths of virtue if they could have found a hut to live inwithout forming improper connections. Some of these women, whenthey have been brought before the magistrate, and I haveremonstrated with them for their crime, have replied, "I have noother means of living; I am compelled to give my weekly allowanceof provisions for my lodgings, and I must starve or live in vice."I was well aware that this statement was correct, and was often ata loss what to answer. It is not only the calamities that thesewretched women and their children suffer that are to be regretted,but the general corruption of morals that such a system establishesin this rising colony, and the ruin their example spreads throughall the settlements. The male convicts in the service of the Crown,or in that of individuals, are tempted to rob and plundercontinually, to supply the urgent necessities of those women.

All the female convicts have not run the same lengths in vice. Allare not equally hardened in crime, and it is most dreadful that allshould alike, on their arrival here, be liable and exposed to thesame dangerous temptations, without any remedy. I rejoice, Madam,that you reside near the seat of Government, and may have it inyour power to call the attention of His Majesty's Ministers to thisimportant subject—a subject in which the entire welfare of thesesettlements is involved. If proper care be taken of the women, thecolony will prosper, and the expenses of the mother-country will bereduced. On the contrary, if the morals of the female convicts arewholly neglected, as they have been hitherto, the colony will beonly a nursery for crime....

Your good intentions and benevolent labors will all be abortive ifthe exiled females, on their arrival in the colony, are plungedinto every ruinous temptation and sort of vice—which will ever bethe case till some barrack is provided for them. Great evils in astate cannot soon be remedied.... I believe the Governor has gotinstructions from home to provide accommodation for the femaleconvicts, and I hope in two or three years to see them lodged in acomfortable barrack; so that none shall be lost for want of a hutto lie in. If a communication be kept up on a regular plan betweenthis colony and London, much good may be done for the poor femaleconvicts. It was the custom for some years, when a ship with femaleconvicts arrived, soldiers, convicts, and settlers were allowed togo on board and take their choice; this custom does not now openlyobtain countenance and sanction, but when they are landed they haveno friend, nor any accommodation, and therefore are glad to livewith anyone who can give them protection; so the real moral stateof these females is little improved from what it always has been,nor will it be the least improved till they can be provided with abarrack. The neglect of the female convicts in this country is adisgrace to our national character, as well as a national sin. Manydo not live out half their days, from their habits of vice. When Iam called to visit them on their dying beds, my mind is greatlypained, my mouth is shut; I know not what to say to them.... Totell them of their crimes is to upbraid them with misfortune; theywill say, "Sir, you know how I was situated. I do not wish to leadthe life I have done; I know and lament my sins, but necessitycompelled me to do what my conscience condemned."... Many, again,I meet with who think these things no crime, because they believetheir necessities compel them to live in their sins. Hence theirconsciences are so hardened through the deceitfulness of sin, thatdeath itself gives them little concern....

I have the honor to be, Madam,
Your most obedient humble servant,

Samuel Marsden.

This appeal was not disregarded: in due time official apathy andinertness fled before the national cry for reform. Meanwhile, Mrs. Frycontinued her efforts on behalf of the convicts on board the transports,ever urging upon those in power the imperative necessity for placing thewomen under the charge of matrons. They still continued on the old plan,and were wholly in the power of the sailors, except for such supervisionas the Naval Surgeon Superintendent could afford. Some littleimprovements had taken place, since that first trip to the Mariaconvict-ship, but very much still remained to be done. To these floatingprisons, frequently detained for weeks in the Thames, Mrs. Fry paidnumerous visits, arranging for the instruction, employment, andcleanliness of the women. A worthy fellow-helper, Mrs. Pryor, was hercompanion, on most of these journeys, frequently enduring exposure toweather, rough seas, and accidents. On one occasion the two sisters ofmercy ran the risk of drowning, but were fortunately rescued by apassing vessel. Very fortunate, indeed, was it, that a deliverer was athand, or the little boat, toiling up the river, contending against tide,wind and weather, might have been lost. That voyage to Gravesend wasonly one among many destined to work a revolution in female convictlife.

Alterations, which were not always improvements, began to take place inthe manner of receiving these women on board ship. The vessels weremoored at Woolwich, and group by group the miserable complement ofpassengers arrived; in each case, however, controlled by male warders.Sometimes, a turnkey would bring his party on the outside of astage-coach; another might bring a contingent in a smack, or coastingvessel; while yet a third marched up a band of heavily-ironed women,whose dialects told from which districts they came. Sometimes theirinfants were left behind, and, in such a case, one of the ladies wouldgo to Whitehall to obtain the necessary order to enable the unfortunatenursling to accompany its mother; but generally speaking, the childrenaccompanied and shared the parents' fortunes.

Cruelties were inseparable from the customs which prevailed. In 1822,Mrs. Pryor discovered that prisoners from Lancaster Castle arrived, notmerely handcuffed, but with heavy irons on their legs, which hadoccasioned considerable swelling, and in one instance seriousinflammation. The Brothers sailed in 1823, with its freight of humanmisery on board, and the suffering which resulted from the mode ofironing, was so great, that Mrs. Fry took down the names id particulars,in order to make representations to the Government. Twelve womenarrived on board the vessel, handcuffed; eleven others had iron hoopsround their legs and arms, and were chained to each other. Thecomplaints of these women were mournful; they were not allowed to get upor down from the coach, without the whole party being dragged together;some of them had children to carry, but they received no help, noalleviation to their sufferings. One woman from Wales must have had abitter experience of irons. She came to the ship with a hoop around herankle, and when the sub-matron insisted on having it removed, theoperation was so painful that the poor wretch fainted. She told Mrs. Frythat she had worn, for some time, an iron hoop around her waist; fromthat, a chain connected with hoops round her legs above the knee; fromthese, another chain was fastened to irons round her ankles. Not contentwith this, her hands were confined every night to the hoop which wentround her waist, while she lay like a log on her bed of straw. Suchtales remind one of the tortures of the Inquisition.

The "Newgate women" were especially noticeable for good conduct on thevoyage out. Their conduct was reported to be "exemplary" by the SurgeonSuperintendent, and their industry was most pleasing. Their patchworkwas highly prized by many, and indeed treasured up by some of them formany years after. Officers in the British navy assisted in the good workby word and deed; in fact, Captain Young, of Deptford Dockyard, firstsuggested the making of patchwork as an employment on board ship. Fromsome correspondence which passed between Mrs. Fry and the Controller ofthe Navy, in 1820, we find that the building for the women in New SouthWales was begun; while in a letter written about this time to a memberof the Government, she explains her desires and plans relative to thefemale convicts after their arrival at Hobart Town, Tasmania.

This letter is full of interesting points. After noticing the fact ofthe building at Hobart Town being imperatively needed, she goes on tosuggest that a respectable and judicious matron should be stationed inthat building, responsible, under the Governor and magistrates, for theorder of the inmates; that part of the building should be devoted toschool purposes; that immediately on the arrival of a ship, a GovernmentInspector should visit the vessel and report; that the SurgeonSuperintendent should have a description of each woman's offense,character, and capability, so that her disposal in the colony might bemade in a little less hap-hazard fashion than hitherto; that the bestbehaved should be taken into domestic service by such of the residentsof the colony as chose to coöperate, while the others should remain atthe Home, under prison rules, until they have earned the privilege ofgoing to service; and that a sufficient supply of serviceable clothingshould be provided. She further recommended the adoption of a uniformdress for the convicts, as conducive to order and discipline, and, as alast and indispensable condition, the appointment of a matron, in orderto enforce needful regulations. This epistle was sent with the prayerthat Earl Bathurst would peruse it, and grant the requests of thewriter. It is refreshing to be able to add that red tapeism did notinterfere with the adoption of these suggestions, but that they met withprompt consideration.

Every year, four, five, or six convict-ships went out to the colonies ofAustralia with their burdens of sin, sorrow and guilt. Van Diemen's Landand New South Wales received annually fresh consignments of the outcastiniquity of the Old World. Mrs. Fry made a point of visiting each shipbefore it sailed, as many times as her numerous duties permitted, andbade the convicts most affectionate and anxious farewells. Thesegood-bye visits were always semi-religious ones; without her Bible andthe teaching which pointed to a better life beyond, Mrs. Fry would havebeen helpless to cope with the vice and misery which surged up beforeher. As it was, her heart sometimes grew faint and weary in the work,though not by any means weary of it. As an apostle of mercy to thewell-nigh lost, she moved in and out among those sin-stricken companies.

Captain (afterwards Admiral) Young, Principal Resident Agent ofTransports on the river Thames, forwarded the good work by everypossible means. From the pen of one of the members of his family, wehave a vivid picture of one of these leave-takings. It occurred on boarda vessel lying off Woolwich, in 1826. William Wilberforce, ofanti-slavery fame, and several other friends, accompanied the party.This chronicler writes:—

On board one of them [there were two convict ships lying in theriver] between two and three hundred women were assembled, in orderto listen to the exhortations and prayers of perhaps the twobrightest personifications of Christian philanthropy that the agecould boast. Scarcely could two voices even so distinguished forbeauty and power be imagined united in a more touching engagement;as, indeed, was testified by the breathless attention, the tearsand suppressed sobs of the gathered listeners. No lapse of time canever efface the impression of the 107th Psalm, as read by Mrs. Frywith such extraordinary emphasis and intonation, that it seemed tomake the simple reading a commentary.

We find in the annals of her life the particulars of another visit tothe George Hibbert convict-ship, in 1734. She had, about this time,pleaded earnestly with Lord Melbourne, the Home Secretary, for theappointment of matrons to these vessels. She records gratefully thefact, that both his lordship and Mr. Spring Rice received her "in thehandsomest manner," giving her a most patient and appreciative hearing.She succeeded at this time in obtaining a part of the boon which shecraved. Mrs. Saunders, the wife of a missionary returning to the colony,was permitted by the Government to fill the office of matron to theconvicts. For this service, Government gave the lady a free passage.There was double advantage in this, because, when by reason ofsea-sickness, Mrs. Saunders felt ill, Mr. Saunders occupied her place asfar as possible, and performed the duties of chaplain and school-master.The Ladies' British Society, formed by Mrs. Fry, for the superintendenceof this and other good works relating to convicts and prisons, united inpromoting the appointment of this worthy couple, and were highlygratified at the result of the experiment; as appears by extracts fromthe books of the Convict Ship Committee. Finally, when the voyage wasended, the Surgeon Superintendent gave good-conduct tickets to all whosebehavior had been satisfactory, and secured them engagements inrespectable situations. Better than all, there was a proper buildingwhich ensured shelter, classification, and restraint. The horrors of theoutcast life, so vividly described by Mr. Marsden in his letter fromParamatta, no longer existed. The work of these ladies, uphill though ithad been, was now bearing manifold fruit. And the results of this morehumane and rational system of treatment upon the future of the coloniesthemselves could not but appear in time. There were on board this veryvessel, the George Hibbert, 150 female convicts, with forty-onechildren; also nine free women, carrying with them twenty-three youngchildren, who were going out to their husbands who had been transportedpreviously. When it is remembered that these people were laying thefoundations of new colonies, and peopling them with their descendants,it must be conceded that in her efforts to humanize and christianizethem, Mrs. Fry's far-reaching philanthropy became a great nationalbenefit. With modest thankfulness, she herself records, after aninterview with Queen Adelaide and some of the royal family, "Surely, theresult of our labors has hitherto been beyond our most sanguineexpectations, as to the improved state of our prisons, femaleconvict-ships, and the convicts in New South Wales."

CHAPTER X.

VISITS TO CONTINENTAL PRISONS.

Contrary to the general practice of mankind in matters of purebenevolence, Mrs. Fry looked around for new worlds to conquer, in theshape of yet unfathomed prison miseries. Many, if not most people, wouldhave rested upon the laurels already won, and have been contented withthe measures of good already achieved. Not so with the philanthropistwhose work we sketch. Like an ever-widening stream, her life rolled on,full of acts of mercy, growing wider and broader in its channel ofoperations and its schemes of mercy. In pursuance of these schemes shevisited prisons at Nottingham, Lincoln, Wakefield, Leeds, Doncaster,Sheffield, York, Durham, Newcastle, Carlisle, Lancaster, Liverpool, andmost other towns of any size in England. She extended these journeys, atdifferent times, into Scotland and Ireland, examining into the conditionof prisons and prisoners with the deepest interest. It was her usualcustom to form ladies' prison-visiting societies, wherever practicable,and to communicate to the authorities subsequently her views andsuggestions in letters, dealing with these matters in detail.

But her fame was not confined within the limits of the British Isles.Communications reached her from St. Petersburg, from Hamburg, fromBrussels, from Baden, from Paris, Berlin, and Potsdam; all tending toshow that enquiry was abroad, that nations and governments as well asindividuals were waking up to a sense of their responsibilities. Bothrulers and legislators were beginning to see that preventing crime waswiser than punishing it, that the reformation of the criminal classeswas the great end of punitive measures. This conviction reached, it wascomparatively easy for the philanthropists to work.

Before proceeding to the Continent, however, we find notes of one or twovery interesting visits to the Channel Isles. Her first visit was madein 1833, and, to her surprise, she found that the islands had mostthoroughly ignored the prison teachings and improvements which had beengaining so much ground in the United Kingdom. The reason of this was notfar to seek. Acts of Parliament passed in England had no power in theChannel Isles; as part of the old Duchy of Normandy, they were governedby their own laws and customs. The inhabitants, in their appearance,manners, language, and usages, resemble the French more than they do theEnglish. Nothing deterred, however, Mrs. Fry made a tour of inspection,and then according to her custom sent the result of her inquiries, andthe conclusions at which she had arrived, in the form of a letter to theauthorities. That letter is far too long for reproduction in extenso,but a few of its leading recommendations were:—

1st. A full sufficiency of employment, proportioned to the age,sex, health and ability of each prisoner.

2d. A proper system of classification, including the separation ofmen from women, of tried from untried prisoners, and of debtorsfrom criminals.

3d. A fixed and suitable dietary for criminals, together with anabsolute prohibition of intoxicating drinks.

4th. A suitable prison dress with distinctive badges.

5th. A complete code of regulations binding on all officials.

6th. The appointment of a visiting committee to inspect the prisonregularly and frequently.

7th. Provision to be made for the instruction of criminals in thecommon branches of education, and for the performance of divineservice at stated seasons by an appointed chaplain.

After adverting to the fact that the island was independent of Britishcontrol, she alluded to "the progressive wisdom of the age" in respectto prison discipline and management, and urged the authorities to beabreast of the times in adopting palliative measures. The whole penalsystem of the islands required to be renewed, and it promised to be awork of time before this could be effected. We find that Mrs. Fryexerted herself for many years to this end; but it was not until afterthe lapse of years, and after two visits to the islands, that shesucceeded.

The hospital at Jersey seemed to be a curious sort of institutiondesigned to shelter destitute sick and poor, as well as to secure thepersons of small offenders, and lunatics. Punishment with fetters wasinflicted in this place upon all those who tried to escape, so that itwas a sort of prison. Mrs. Fry's quick eye detected many abuses in itsmanagement, and her pen suggested remedies for them.

At Guernsey, the same irregularities and abuses appeared, and wereattacked in her characteristic manner. In both these islands, as well asin Sark, she inaugurated works of charity and religion, thus sowingimperishable seed destined to bear untold fruit. Finally, after morevisits from herself, and special inspectors appointed by Government, anew house of correction was built in Jersey, while other improvementsnecessary to the working out of her prison system were, one by one,adopted.

In January, 1838, she paid her first visit to France, being accompaniedon this journey by her husband, by Josiah Forster, and by Lydia Irving,members of the Society of Friends. True to her instinct, she found herway speedily into the prisons of the French capital, examining,criticising, recommending and teaching. She could not speak much French,but some kind friend always interpreted her observations. From herjournal it seems that solemn prayer for Divine guidance and blessingoccupied the forenoon of the first day in Paris; after that, visits ofceremony were paid to the English Ambassador, and of friendship to otherpersons. Among the prisons visited were the St. Lazare Prison for women,containing 952 inmates, La Force Prison for men, the Central Prison atPoissy, and that of the Conciergerie. The first-named, that of St.Lazare, was visited several times, and portions of Scripture read, as atNewgate. The listeners were very much affected, manifesting theirfeelings by frequent exclamations and tears. Lady Granville, LadyGeorgina Fullerton, and some other ladies accompanied Mrs. Fry to thisprison on one visit, when all agreed that much good would result fromthe appointment and work of a Ladies' Committee. Hospitals, schools, andconvents also came in for a share of attention; and after discussingpoints of interest connected with the prisons with the Prefect ofPolice, she concluded by obtaining audience of the King, Queen andduch*ess of Orleans.

On the journey homeward the party visited the prisons of Caen, Rouen andBeaulieu, distributing copies of the Scriptures to the prisoners. Shenotices with much delight the united feeling in respect of benevolentobjects which existed between Roman Catholics and herself. Her own wordsare "a hidden power of good at work amongst them; many veryextraordinary Christian characters, bright, sober, zealous RomanCatholics and Protestants."

In the commencement of 1839, the low state of the funds of the differentbenevolent societies formed in connection with her prison labors,exercised her faith. None ever carried into practice more fully the oldmonkish maxim Labor est orare. Refuges had been formed, at Chelsea forgirls, and at Clapham for women, while the Ladies' Society and theconvict-ships demanded funds incessantly. A fancy sale was held inCrosby Hall, "conducted in a sober, quiet manner," which realized over athousand pounds for these charities. After recording the fact withthankfulness, Mrs. Fry paid her second visit to the Continent, going asfar as Switzerland on her errand of mercy.

At Paris she was received affectionately by those friends who hadlistened to her voice on her previous visit. Baron de Girando and otherphilanthropists gathered around her, oblivious of the distinctions ofcreeds and churches, and bent only on accomplishing a successful crusadeagainst vice and misery.

Among the hospitals inspected by her were the hospital of St. Louis forthe plague, leprosy, and other infectious disorders; the Hospice de laMaternité, and the Hospice des Enfans Trovés. This latter was founded bySt. Vincent de Paul for the bringing up of foundlings, but had falleninto a state of pitiable neglect. From the unnatural treatment whichthese poor waifs received, the mortality had reached a frightful pitch.It seemed, from Mrs. Fry's statements, that the little creatures werebound up for hours together, being only released from their "swaddlings"once in every twelve hours for any and every purpose. The sound in thewards could only be compared to the faint and pitiful bleating of lambs.A lady who frequently visited the institution said that she neverremembered examining the array of clean white cots that lined the wallswithout finding at least one dead babe. "In front of the fire was asloping stage, on which was a mattress, and a row of these littlecreatures placed on it to warm and await their turn to be fed from thespoon by a nurse. After much persuasion, one that was crying piteouslywas released from its swaddling bands; it stretched its little limbs,and ceased its wailings." Supposing these children of misfortunesurvived the first few weeks of such a life they were sent into thecountry to be reared by different peasants; but there again a largepercentage died from infantile diseases. Mrs. Fry succeeded in securingsome ameliorations of the treatment of the babes; but sisters, doctors,superior, and all, seemed bound by the iron bands of custom andtradition.

The Archbishop of Paris was somewhat annoyed at her proceedings andexpressed his displeasure; it seemed more, however, to be directedagainst her practice of distributing the Scriptures, than really againsther prison work.

At Nismes, under the escort of five armed soldiers, because of the knownviolence of the desperadoes whom she visited, she inspected the MaisonCentrale, containing about 1,200 prisoners. She interceded for some ofthem that they might be released from their fetters, undertaking at thesame time that the released prisoners should behave well. At asubsequent visit, after holding a religious service among these felons,the same men thanked her with tears of gratitude.

Much to her delight, she discovered a body of religionists who heldprinciples similar to those of the Society of Friends. They weredescendants of the Camisards, a sect of Protestants who took refuge inthe mountains of the Cevennes during the persecution which followed therevocation of the Edict of Nantes, and were descended originally fromthe Albigenses. Their three most distinguished pastors were ClaudeBrousson, who took part in the sufferings at the general persecution ofthe Protestants; Jean Cavalier, the soldier-pastor who led his flock tobattle, and who now sleeps in an English graveyard; and Antoine Court,who formed this "church in the desert," into a more compact body. Thefirst of these pastors was hanged for "heresy" at Montpellier, in 1698;but he, together with his successors, labored so devoutly and soardently, that the persecuted remnant rose from the dust and provedthemselves valiant for the truth as they had received and believed it.It was not possible that the seed of a people which had learnt thesermons preached to them off by heart, and written the texts on stonetablets, in order to pass them from one mountain village to another,could ever die out. The descendants of those martyrs had come downthrough long generations, to nourish at last openly in Nismes. Mrs. Fryrecognized in them the kindred souls of faithful believers. After this,the party spent a fortnight at a little retired village calledCongenies, where they welcomed many others of their own creed. A housewith "vaulted rooms, whitewashed and floored with stone," sheltered themduring this quaint sojourn, while the villagers vied with each other incontributing to their comforts.

At Toulon they visited the "Bagnes," or prison for the galley slaves.These poor wretches fared horribly, while the loss of life among themwas terrible. They worked very hard, slept on boards, and were fed uponbread and dry beans. At night they were ranged in a long gallery, and innumber from one hundred to two hundred, were all chained to the iron rodwhich ran the entire length of the gallery. By day they worked chainedtogether in couples.

At Marseilles a new kind of prison was inspected by her; this was aconventual institution and refuge for female penitents, under thecontrol of the nuns of the order of St. Charles, who to the threeordinary vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, added that ofconverting souls. Superintending ladies in the city, who bore the titleof "directresses," were not even permitted to see the women immuredthere; indeed, only one was permitted to enter the building in order tolook after the necessary repairs, and even she was strictly restrainedfrom seeing a penitent or sister. It seemed hopeless in the face ofthese facts to expect admission, but Mrs. Fry's name and errandprevailed. Accompanied by one of these nominal directresses, she wasadmitted and shown into a large, plainly-furnished parlor. After she hadwaited some little time, the Lady Superior presented herself at thegrating, and prepared to hear the communications of her visitors. In thecourse of the conversation which passed, it appeared that there wereover one hundred penitents in the convent, who mostly became servantsafter their reclamation. It seemed that they "were not taught to read orwrite, neither was the least morsel of pencil, paper, pen, ink, or anyother possible material for writing permitted, from the fear of theircommunicating with people without." The Superior admitted that portionsof the Bible were suitable to the inmates, such as the Parables andPsalms, but said that as a whole the Scriptures were not fit to be putinto the hands of people in general. Mrs. Fry departed from this "homeof mystery and darkness," very unsatisfied and sad. She next visited aboys' prison, conducted by the Abbé Fisceaux, which excited heradmiration.

At the "Maison Pénitentiaire" at Geneva, the arrangements appeared to beas complete as possible, and most praiseworthy. The treatment varied inseverity, according to the guilt of the criminals, who were divided intofour classes. They were in all cases there for long terms ofimprisonment, but were allowed either Catholic or Protestant versions ofthe Scriptures, according to their faith. After paying short visits toLausanne, Berne, and Zurich, the party returned home.

As her life passed on and infirmities grew apace, it seemed that Mrs.Fry's zeal and charity grew also, for she planned and schemed to do goodwith never-flagging delight. Early in 1840, she departed again for theContinent, accompanied this time by her brother, Samuel Gurney, and hisdaughter, by William Allen and Lucy Bradshaw. During this journey and asubsequent one, she had much intercourse with royal and noblepersonages. At Brussels they had a pleasant audience of the King, whoheld an interesting conversation with them on the state of Belgianprisons. A large prison for boys at Antwerp specially drew forth theircommendations; it seemed admirably arranged and conducted, while everyprovision was made for the instruction and improvement of the lads. AtHameln, in Hanover, they found one of the opposite class, a men'sprison, containing about four hundred inmates, but all heavily chained"to the ground, until they would confess their crimes, whether they hadcommitted them or not." One wonders if this treatment still prevails inthe Hameln of Robert Browning's ballad. At Hanover they waited on theQueen by special command, and during a long interview many interestingand important subjects were brought forward.

At Berlin they were received by royalty in the most cordial way. Mrs.Fry's niece, in a letter, gives a vivid account of the assembly at theroyal palace specially invited to meet the Quakeress and her party.

The Princess William has been very desirous to give her sanction,as far as possible, to the Ladies' Committee for visiting theprison, that my aunt had been forming; and, to show her fullapprobation, had invited the Committee to meet her at her palace.So imagine about twenty ladies assembling here, at our hotel, athalf-past twelve o'clock to-day, beautifully dressed; and, furtherfancy us all driving off and arriving at the palace. The Princesshad also asked some of her friends, so we must have numbered aboutforty. Such a party of ladies, and only our friend Count Gröben tointerpret. The Princess received us most kindly, and conducted usherself to the top of the room; we talked some time, whilstawaiting the arrival of other members of the royal family. Theladies walked about the suite of rooms for about half an hour,taking chocolate, and waiting for the Crown Princess, who soonarrived. The Princess Charles was also there, and the Crown Princehimself soon afterwards entered. I could not but long for apainter's eye to have carried away the scene. All of us seated inthat beautiful room, our aunt in the middle of the sofa, the CrownPrince and Princess and the Princess Charles on her right; thePrincess William, the Princess Marie, and the Princess Czartoryskion the left; Count Gröben sitting near her to interpret, theCountesses Böhlem and Dernath by her. I was sitting by the CountessSchlieffen, a delightful person, who is much interested in all ourproceedings. A table was placed before our aunt, with pens, ink,and paper, like other committees, with the various rules our auntand I had drawn up, and the Countess Böhlem had translated intoGerman, and which she read to the assembly. After that my aunt gavea concise account of the societies in England, commencing everyfresh sentence with "If the Prince and Princesses will permit."When business was over, my aunt mentioned some texts, which sheasked leave to read. A German Bible was handed to Count Gröben, thetext in Isaiah having been pointed out that our good aunt hadwished for, "Is not this the fast that I have chosen," etc. TheCount read it, after which our aunt said, "Will the Prince andPrincesses allow a short time for prayer?" They all bowed assentand stood, while she knelt down and offered one of her touching,heart-felt prayers for them—that a blessing might rest on thewhole place, from the King on his throne to the poor prisoner inthe dungeon; and she prayed especially for the royal family; thenfor the ladies, that the works of their hands might be prospered inwhat they had undertaken to perform. Many of the ladies nowwithdrew, and we were soon left with the royal family. They allinvited us to see them again, before we left Berlin, and took leaveof us in the kindest manner.

One result of the reception accorded Mrs. Fry by royalty was theamelioration of the condition of the Lutherans. It came about in thisway: in the course of her inquiries and intercourse among the people ofthe Prussian dominions, she discovered that adherents to the LutheranChurch were subject to much petty persecution on behalf of their faith.True they were not dealt with so cruelly as in former times, butfrequently, at that very day, they were imprisoned, or suffered the lossof property because of their religious opinions. The matter lay heavilyon Mrs. Fry's benevolent heart, and, seizing the opportunity, she spoketo the Crown Prince at the meeting just described, on the behalf of thepersecuted Christians. The Crown Prince listened most attentively, andadvised her to lay the matter before the King in any way she deemedproper. A petition was therefore drawn up by William Allen, translatedinto German, and with much fear and trembling presented to His Majesty.The following day the King's chaplain was sent bearing the "delightfulintelligence" that the petition had been received; further, the King hadsaid that "he thought the Spirit of God must have helped them to expressthemselves as they had done."

About this time we find the following entry in her journal: "I have beenpoorly enough to have the end of life brought closely before me, and tostimulate me in faith to do quickly what my Lord may require me."Accordingly, engagements and undertakings multiplied, and 1841 witnessedanother brief visit to the continent of Europe. She seemed more and moreto get the conviction that she must lose no time while about herMaster's business, and such her prison, asylum and hospital labors mostassuredly were. The shadows of life's evening were gathering around her,and heart and flesh beginning to fail, but no efforts of charity ormercy might be found lacking.

On this visit her brother, Joseph John Gurney, and two niecesaccompanied her. Soon after arriving at the Hague, Mrs. Fry and Mr.Gurney, being introduced to the King by Prince Albert, were commanded toattend at a royal audience. This the travellers did, and, after about anhour's conversation, departed highly gratified. Another day they spentsome time with the Princess of Orange, the Princess Frederick, and othermembers of the royal house: all these personages were anxious to hearabout the work of prison reform, and to aid in it. After this theydeparted for Amsterdam, Bremen, and other places; but their journeyresembled a triumphal progress more than anything else. The peasantryfollowed the carriage shouting Mrs. Fry's name, and begging for tracts.Sometimes, in order to get away, she was compelled to shake hands withthem all, and speak a few words of kindly greeting.

They extended the journey into Denmark, and were treated with markedhonor from the first. The Queen engaged apartments for the travellers atthe Hotel Royal, and on some occasions took Mrs. Fry to see schools andother places, in her own carriage. On a subsequent day, when dining withthe King and Queen, Mrs. Fry and Mr. Gurney laid before their Majestiesthe condition of persecuted Christians; the sad state of prisons in hisdominions; they also referred to the slavery in the Danish colonies inthe West Indies. Mr. Gurney having only recently returned from that partof the world, he had much to tell respecting the spiritual and socialstate of those colonies. Mrs. Fry records that at dinner she was placedbetween the King and Queen, who both conversed very pleasantly with her.

At Minden, they had varied experiences of travelling and travellers'welcomes. "I could not but be struck," says Mrs. Fry in her journal,"with the peculiar contrast of my circ*mstances: in the morningtraversing the bad pavement of a street in Minden, with a poor, oldFriend in a sort of knitted cap close to her head; in the eveningsurrounded by the Prince and Princesses of a German Court." The membersof the Prussian royal family were anxious to see her and hear from herown lips an account of her labors in the cause of humanity. Therepresentatives of the House of Brandenburgh welcomed Mrs. Fry beyondher most sanguine expectations; indeed, it would be nearer the truth tosay that in her lowly estimate of herself, she almost dreaded toapproach royal or noble personages, and that therefore she craved for nohonor, but only tolerance and favor. She never sought an interview withany of these personages, but to benefit those who could not plead forthemselves. Her letters home exhibit no pride, boastfulness, or triumph;all is pure thankfulness that one so unworthy as she deemed herself tobe should accomplish so much. Writing to her grandchildren she says:

"We dined at the Princess William's with several of the royalfamily. The Queen came afterwards and appeared much pleased at mydelight on hearing that the King had stopped religious persecutionsin the country, and that several other things had been improvedsince our last visit. It is a very great comfort to believe thatour efforts for the good of others have been blessed. Yesterday wepaid a very interesting visit to the Queen, then to PrinceFrederick of Holland and his Princess, sister to the King ofPrussia; with her we had much serious conversation upon manyimportant subjects, as we also had with the Queen.... Althoughlooked up to by all, they appear so humble, so moderate ineverything. I think the Christian ladies on the Continent dress farmore simply than those in England. The Countess appeared veryliberal, but extravagant in nothing. To please us she had appledumplings, which were quite a curiosity; they were really verynice. The company stood still before and after dinner, instead ofsaying grace. We returned from our interesting meeting at theCountess's, about eleven o'clock in the evening. The royal familywere assembled and numbers of the nobility; after a while the Kingand Queen arrived, the poor Tyrolese flocked in numbers. I doubtsuch a meeting ever having been held anywhere before,—the curiousmixture of all ranks and conditions. My poor heart almost failedme. Most earnestly did I pray for best help, and not unduly to fearman. The royal family sat together, or nearly so; the King andQueen, Princess William, and Princess Frederick, Princess Mary,Prince William, Prince Charles, Prince Frederick of theNetherlands, young Prince William, besides several other princesand princesses not royal. Your uncle Joseph spoke for a littlewhile, explaining our views on worship. Then I enlarged upon thechanges that had taken place since I was last in Prussia; mentionedthe late King's kindness to these poor Tyrolese in their afflictionand distress; afterwards addressed these poor people, and thenthose of high rank, and felt greatly helped to speak the truth tothem in love. They finished with a hymn."

Her last brief visit to the Continent was paid in 1843, and spent whollyin Paris. Mrs. Fry was particularly interested in French prisons, aswell as in the measures designed to ameliorate the condition of thosewho tenanted them. Reformation had become the order of the day there asin England; the duch*ess of Orleans, the Grand duch*ess of Mecklenburg, M.Guizot, the Duc de Broglie, M. de Tocqueville, M. Carnot, and other highand noble personages were much interested in the subject. A bill tosanction the needful reforms was introduced to the Chamber of Deputiesby the Minister of the Interior, and ably supported by him in a speechof great lucidity and power. Said he, when laying it before the Chamber:"Our subject is not entirely to sequestrate the prisoner nor to confinehim to absolute solitude. Some of the provisions of the bill willmitigate the principle of solitary confinement in a manner which wassuggested by the Commission of 1840, and should not pass unnoticed bythe Chamber. Convicts sentenced to more than twelve years' hard labor,or to perpetual hard labor, after having gone through twelve years oftheir punishment, or when they shall have attained the age of seventy,will be no longer separated from others, except during the night." Thebill further provided, besides this mitigation of the solitaryconfinement system, that the "Bagnes," where galley slaves had hithertolabored, should be replaced by houses of hard labor, and that smallerprisons should be erected for minor offenses instead of sendingcriminals convicted of them to the great central prisons. The bill wascertainly destined to effect a total revolution in the management ofsuch places as St. Lazare and similar prisons, in addition to givingsolid promise of improvement in the punitive system of France.

During this brief final visit to the French capital, Mrs. Fry entered onher sixty-third year, aged and infirm in body, but still animated by themaster passion of serving the sad and sorrowful. Her brother, JosephJohn Gurney, together with his wife, were with her in Paris, but theypursued their journey into Switzerland, while she returned home in June,feeling that life's shadows were lengthening apace, and that not muchtime remained to her in which to complete her work. The impressions shehad made on the society of the gay city had been altogether good. Likethe people who stared at the pilgrims passing through Vanity Fair, theParisians wondered, and understood for the first time that here was alady who did indeed pass through things temporal, "with eyes fixed onthings eternal"; and whose supreme delight lay, not in ball-rooms,race-courses, or courts, but in finding out suffering humanity andstriving to alleviate its woes. Doubtless many of the gay Parisiansshrugged their shoulders and smiled good-humoredly at the "illusion,""notion," "fanaticism," or whatever else they called it; they weresimply living on too low a plane of life to understand, or to criticiseMrs. Fry. Except animated by somewhat of fellow-feeling, none canunderstand her career even now. It stands too far apart from, too highlylifted above, our ordinary pursuits and pleasures, to be compared withanything that less philanthropic-minded mortals may do. It called for afar larger amount of self-denial than ordinary people are capable of; itdemanded too much singleness of purpose and sincerity of speech. HadMrs. Fry not come from a Quaker stock she might have conformed more tothe ways and manners of fashionable society; had she possessed less ofsterling piety, she might have sought to serve her fellow-creatures inmore easy paths. As a reformer, she was sometimes misunderstood, abused,and spoken evil of. It was always the case and always will be, thatreformers receive injustice. Only, in some cases, as in this one, timereverses the injustice, and metes out due honor. As a consequence,Elizabeth Fry's name is surrounded with an aureola of fame, and herself-abnegation affords a sublime spectacle to thoughtful minds of allcreeds and classes; for, simply doing good is seen to be the highestglory.

CHAPTER XI.

NEW THEORIES OF PRISON DISCIPLINE AND MANAGEMENT.

Mrs. Fry's opinions on prison discipline and management were necessarilymuch opposed to those which had obtained prior to her day. No one whohas followed her career attentively, can fail to perceive that hercourse of prison management was based upon well arranged and carefullyworked out principles. In various letters, in evidence before committeesof both Houses of Parliament, and in private intercourse, Mrs. Fry madethese principles and rules as fully known and as widely proclaimed as itwas possible to do. But, like all reformers, she felt the need ofsecuring a wider dissemination of them. Evidence given beforecommittees, was, in many points, deferred to; private suggestions andrecommendations were frequently adopted, but a large class of inquirerswere too far from the sphere of her influence to be moved in this way.For the sake of these, and the general public, she deemed it wise toembody her opinions and rules in a treatise, which gives in smallcompass, but very clearly, the rationale of her treatment ofprisoners; and lays down suggestions, hints, and principles upon whichothers could work. Within about seventy octavo pages, she discoursespractically and plainly on the formation of Ladies' Committees forvisiting prisons, on the right method of proceeding in a prison afterthe formation of such a committee, on female officers in prisons, onseparate prisons for females, on inspection and classification, oninstruction and employment, on medical attendance, diet, and clothing,and on benevolent efforts for prisoners who have served their sentences.It is easy to recognize in these pages the Quakeress, the woman, and theChristian. She recommends to the attention of ladies, as departments fordoing good, not only prisons, but lunatic asylums, hospitals andworkhouses. At the same time she strongly recommends that only orderlyand experienced visitors should endeavor to penetrate into the abodesof vice and wickedness, which the prisons of England at that day mostlywere. Among other judicious counsels for the conduct of these visitorsoccur the following, which read as coming from her own experience. Thatthis was the case we may feel assured; Mrs. Fry was too wise and toowomanly not to warn others from the pit-falls over which she hadstumbled, or to permit anyone to fall into her early mistakes:—

"Much depends on the spirit in which the worker enters upon herwork. It must be the spirit not of judgment but of mercy. She mustnot say in her heart, 'I am holier than thou'; but must rather keepin perpetual remembrance that 'all have sinned,' and that,therefore, great pity is due from us even to the greatesttransgressors among our fellow-creatures, and that in meekness andlove we ought to labor for their restoration. The good principle inthe hearts of many abandoned persons may be compared to the fewremaining sparks of a nearly extinguished fire. By means of theutmost care and attention, united with the most gentle treatment,these may yet be fanned into a flame; but under the operation of arough and violent hand they will presently disappear and be lostforever. In our conduct with these unfortunate females, kindness,gentleness, and true humility ought ever to be united with serenityand firmness. Nor will it be safe ever to descend, in ourintercourse with them, to familiarity, for there is a dignity inthe Christian character which demands, and will obtain, respect;and which is powerful in its influence even over dissoluteminds.... Neither is it by any means wise to converse with them onthe subject of the crimes of which they are accused or convicted,for such conversation is injurious both to the criminals themselvesand to others who hear them; and, moreover, too frequently leadsthem to add sin to sin, by uttering the grossest falsehoods. Andthose who engage in the interesting task of visiting criminals mustnot be impatient if they find the work of reformation a very slowone.... Much disadvantage will accrue generally from endeavors onthe part of visiting ladies to procure the mitigation of thesentences of criminals. Such endeavors ought never to be madeexcept where the cases are remarkably clear, and then through theofficial channels. Deeply as we must deplore the baneful effects ofthe punishment of death, and painful as we must feel it to be thatour fellow-creatures, in whose welfare we are interested, should beprematurely plunged into an awful eternity, yet, while our lawscontinue as they are, unless they can bring forward decided factsin favor of the condemned, it is wiser for the visiting ladies tobe quiet, and to submit to decrees which they cannot alter."

In reference to the choice of officers, she strongly insists that allofficers—superior and inferior—shall be females. She prefers a widowfor the post of matron, because of her superior knowledge of the worldand of life; and never should she or her subordinates be chosen "becausethe situation is suited to their wants, but because they are suited tofill the situation." She holds it of the first importance that thematrons should not only be of a superior station in life, but that theyshould be decidedly religious. This little book was written in 1827, butfrom her insistence upon this as a first requisite in proper dealingwith female prisoners, it appears likely that the then recent act ofGeorge IV., had not been commonly complied with. This act provides thata "matron shall be appointed in every prison in which female prisonersshall be confined, who shall reside in the prison; and it shall be theduty of the matron constantly to superintend the female prisoners."Again, another clause of the Act says, "Females shall in all cases beattended by female officers." That these provisions had only beenpartially carried out, is proved by her words relative to this clause:"Since the passing of the late Act of Parliament for the regulations ofprisons, our large jails have been generally provided with a matron andfemale turnkeys; but it is much to be regretted that in many smallerprisons no such provisions have yet been adopted. Nor ought it to beconcealed that the persons selected to fill the office of matron are, invarious instances, unsuited to their posts; and in other cases areunfitted for its fulfillment, by residing out of prison."

With respect to the classification of prisoners, Mrs. Fry recommendsfour classes or divisions which should comprise the total:—1st.Prisoners of previous good character, and guilty only of venial crimes.This class, she suggests, should be allowed to dress a little better andbe put to lighter labors than the others. From their ranks, also, shouldtemporary officers be selected, while small pecuniary rewards might bewith propriety offered. 2d. Prisoners convicted of more serious crimes.These should be treated with more strictness; but it should be possiblefor a prisoner, by constant good conduct and obedience to rules, to riseinto the first class. 3d. In this class the privileges were to beconsiderably diminished, while the 4th class consisted only of hardenedoffenders, guilty of serious crimes, and of those who had beenfrequently committed. "This class must undergo its peculiar privationsand hardships." Still, that hope may not entirely give place to despair,Mrs. Fry recommends that even these criminals should be eligible forpromotion to the upper classes upon good behavior. It will be seen thatthis system partook somewhat of Captain Machonochie's merit, orgood-mark system, introduced by him with such remarkable success intoNorfolk Island.

Among other suggestions relative to the classification of prisoners wefind one recommending the wearing of a ticket by each woman. Everyticket was to be inscribed with a number, which number should agree withthe corresponding number on the class list. Each class list was to bekept by the matron or visitors, and was to include a register of theconduct of the prisoners. In the case of convicts on board convict-shipsproceeding to the penal settlements, Mrs. Fry recommended that not onlyshould the women wear these tickets, but that every article ofclothing, every book, and every piece of bedding should be similarlynumbered; even the convicts' seats at table should be distinguished bythe same numbers in order to prevent disputes, and to promote order andregularity.

She considered the most thorough, vigilant, and unremitting inspectionessential to a correct system of prison discipline; by this means sheanticipated that an effectual, if slow, change of habits might beproduced.

With regard to the instruction of prisoners, she held decided views asto the primary importance of Scriptural knowledge. The Bible, and theBible alone, was to be the text-book for this purpose, while nothingsectarian was to be admitted; but in their fullest sense, "the essentialand saving principles of our common Christianity were to be inculcated."She recommended reading, writing, arithmetic, and needlework, the lastto carry with it a little remuneration, in order to afford the womensome encouragement. While acknowledging the wisdom of the Act ofParliament which provided that prayers should be read daily in allprisons, she strongly urges visitors and chaplains to teach privately"that true religion and saving faith are in their nature practical, andthat the reality of repentance can be proved only by good works and byan amendment in life and conversation."

For the employment of prisoners she recommends such occupations aspatchwork, knitting stockings, making articles of plain needlework,washing, ironing, housework, cooking, spinning, and weaving. It shouldin all cases be constant, and in the worst cases, disciplinarylabor. She recommends, under strict limitations, the treadmill forhardened, refractory, and depraved women, but only for short periods.All needleworkers especially should receive some remuneration for theirwork, which remuneration should be allowed to accumulate for theirbenefit by such time as their sentences expire, in order that when theyleave prison they may possess a little money wherewith to commence theworld afresh. Her words are: "The greater portion of their allottedshare of earnings, however, must be reserved for them against the timeof their leaving prison and returning to the world. The possession of amoderate sum of money will then be found of essential importance asthe means of preventing an almost irresistible temptation, thetemptation of want and money, to the renewal of criminal practices. Andif, in laboring for this remuneration the poor criminal has also gainedpossession of the habit of industry, and has learned to appreciatethe sweets of regular employment, it is more than probable that thistemptation may never occur again."

Mrs. Fry quotes largely from the Act of Parliament, relative to thematters of diet, medical attendance, clothing, bedding, and firing. Itseemed to be the fact that the provisions of this Act did not extend toprisons which were exclusively under local jurisdiction; she thereforerecommends lady visitors and committees to see them enforced as much aspossible. While preserving even-handed justice between criminals and thecountry whose laws they have outraged, by suggesting that theirtreatment should be sufficiently penal to be humiliating, that theirhair should be cut short, and all personal ornaments forbidden, shepleads earnestly for proper bedding and firing. She says: "Duringinclement weather, diseases are sometimes contracted by the unfortunateinmates of our jails, which can never afterwards be removed. I believeit has sometimes happened that poor creatures committed to prison fortrial, have left the place of their confinement, acquitted of crime, andyet crippled for life."

From the same volume we find that Government had then inaugurated awiser, kinder system of dealing with the convicts destined for thecolonies. By the new regulations, females were allowed to take out withthem all children under the age of seven years; while a mother sucklingan infant was not compelled to leave England until the child was oldenough to be weaned. Again, the convicts were not to be manacled in anyway during their removal from the prison to the convict-ship; "but asthe rule is often infringed, it is desirable that ladies of thecommittee should be vigilant on the subject, and should represent allcases to the governor of the prison, and afterwards, if needful, to thevisiting magistrates." Further, the Government, or the boroughs, had toprovide the transports with needful clothing for the voyage; and, at theend of it, the surgeon's or matron's certificate of good behavior wassufficient to ensure employment for most of the women. Altogether itseems certain that a new era for prisoners had dawned, and new ideasprevailed in regard to them. How much Mrs. Fry's labors had contributedto this state of things will never be fully known; but her work wasalmost accomplished.

This little book, which is a perfect Vade Mecum of prison management,was written in the interest of lady visitors, and for their use. It isstill interesting, as showing Mrs. Fry's own mode of procedure, and theprinciples upon which she acted. The few quotations given in thischapter will, however, suffice for the general reader. She concludeswith a pregnant sentence: "Let our prison discipline be severe inproportion to the enormity of the crimes of those on whom it isexercised, and let its strictness be such as to deter others from asimilar course of iniquity, but let us ever aim at the diminution ofcrime through the just and happy medium of the reformation ofcriminals."

Not only in the published page, but in other ways—in fact in everypossible way—did Mrs. Fry continue to proclaim the need of a new methodof ordering criminals, and also of so treating them, that they should befitted to return to society improved and not degraded by theirexperience of penal measures. In 1832, she was called upon to giveevidence before another committee of the House of Commons, upon the bestmode of enforcing "secondary punishments" so as to repress crime. Onthis occasion she dwelt particularly upon the points noticed in her bookpublished five years previously, and added one or two more. Forinstance, while advocating complete separation at night, she quite asearnestly contended against what was known as the "solitary system." Onthis point she maintained that "solitude does not prepare women forreturning to social and domestic life, or tend so much to realimprovement, as carefully arranged intercourse during part of the daywith one another under the closest superintendence and inspection,combined with constant occupation, and solitude at night." In herevidence there occurs the following passage:—

Every matron should live upon the spot, and be able to inspect themclosely by night and by day; and when there are sufficient femaleprisoners to require it, female officers should be appointed, and amale turnkey never permitted to go into the women's apartments. Iam convinced when a prison is properly managed it is unnecessary,because, by firm and gentle management, the most refractory may becontrolled by their own sex. But here I must put in a wordrespecting ladies' visiting. I find a remarkable differencedepending upon whether female officers are superintended by ladiesor not. I can tell almost as soon as I go into the prison whetherthey are or not, from the general appearance both of the women andtheir officers. One reason is that many of the latter are not verysuperior women, not very high, either in principle or habits, andare liable to be contaminated; they soon get familiar with theprisoners, and cease to excite the respect due to their office;whereas, where ladies go in once, or twice, or three times a week,the effect produced is decided. Their attendance keeps the femaleofficers in their places, makes them attend to their duty, and hasa constant influence on the minds of the prisoners themselves. Inshort, I may say, after sixteen years' experience, that the resultof ladies of principle and respectability superintending the femaleofficers in prisons, and the prisons themselves, has far exceededmy most sanguine expectations. In no instance have I more clearlyseen the beneficial effects of ladies' visiting and superintendingprisoners than on board convict-ships. I have witnessed thealterations since ladies have visited them constantly in the river.I heard formerly of the most dreadful iniquity, confusion, andfrequently great distress; latterly I have seen a very wonderfulimprovement in their conduct. And on the voyage, I have mostvaluable certificates to show the difference of their condition ontheir arrival in the colony. I can produce, if necessary, extractsfrom letters. Samuel Marsden, who has been chaplain there a goodmany years, says it is quite a different thing: that they used tocome in a most filthy, abominable state, hardly fit for anything;now they arrive in good order, in a totally different situation.And I have heard the same thing from others. General Darling'swife, a very valuable lady, has adopted the same system there; shehas visited the prison at Paramatta, and the same thing respectingthe officers is felt there as it is here. On the Continent ofEurope, in various parts—St. Petersburg, Geneva, Turin, Berne,Basle, and some other places—there are corresponding societies,and the result is the same in every part. In Berlin they are doingwonders—I hear a most satisfactory account; and in St. Petersburg,where, from the barbarous state of the people, it was said it couldnot be done, the conduct of the prisoners has been perfectlyastonishing—an entire change has been produced.

On the 22d of May, 1835, Mrs. Fry was desired to attend the SelectCommittee of the House of Lords, appointed to inquire into the state ofthe several jails and houses of correction in England and Wales. Shewent, accompanied by three ladies, co-workers, and escorted by Sir T.Fowell Buxton. The Duke of Richmond was chairman of the committee, whichincluded some twelve or fifteen noblemen. An eyewitness wrote afterwardsrespecting Mrs. Fry's behavior and manner: "Never, should I think, wasthe calm dignity of her character more conspicuous. Perfectlyself-possessed, her speech flowed melodiously, her ideas were clearlyexpressed, and if another thought possessed her besides that ofdelivering her opinions faithfully and judiciously upon the subjectsbrought before her, it was that she might speak of her Lord and Masterin that noble company."

The principal topics treated of in her evidence before this committeewere connected with the general state of female prisons. Among otherthings, she urged the want of more instruction, but that suchinstruction should not be given privately and alone to women; that thetreadmill was an undesirable punishment for women; that matrons wererequired to be suitable in character, age, and capability for the post;that equality in labor and diet was needed; and she insisted on theimperative necessity of Government inspectors in both Scotch and Englishprisons and convict-ships. She enlarged upon these matters in the mannerthe subject demanded, and gave the committee the impression of being insolemn earnest. Her quiet, Christian dignity impressed all who listenedto her voice, while the most respectful consideration was paid to hersuggestions. In reply to a question touching the instruction of theprisoners, she says:—

I believe the effect of religious and other instruction is hardlyto be calculated on; and I may further say that, notwithstandingthe high estimation and reverence in which I held the HolyScriptures, before I went to the prisons, as believing them to bewritten by inspiration of God, and therefore calculated to producethe greatest good, I have seen, in reading the Scripture to thosewomen, such a power attending them, and such an effect on the mindsof the most reprobate, as I could not have conceived. If anyonewants a confirmation of the truth of Christianity let him go andread the Scriptures in prison to poor sinners; you there see howthe Gospel is exactly adapted to the fallen condition of man. Ithas strongly confirmed my faith; and I feel it to be the boundenduty of the Government and the country that these truths shall beadministered in the manner most likely to conduce to the realreformation of the prisoner. You then go to the root of the matter,for though severe punishment may in a measure deter them and othersfrom crime, it does not amend the character and change the heart;but if you have altered the principles of the individual, they arenot only deterred from crime because of the fear of punishment, butthey go out, and set a bright example to others.

Both the silent and solitary systems were condemned by her as beingparticularly liable to abuse. She considered the silent system cruel,and especially adapted to harden the heart of a criminal even to moralpetrefaction. But the strongest protest was made against solitaryconfinement. Upon every available opportunity she spoke against it tothose who were in power. Unless the offense was of a very aggravatednature, she doubted the right of any man to place a fellow-creature insuch misery. Some intercourse with his fellow-creatures seemedimperatively necessary if the prisoner's life and reason were to bepreserved to him, and his mind to be kept from feeding upon the darkpast. To dark cells she had an unconquerable aversion. Sometimes shewould picture the possibility of the return of days of persecution, andurge one consideration founded upon the self-interest of the authoritiesthemselves. "They may be building, though they little think it, dungeonsfor their children and their children's children if times of religiouspersecution or political disturbance should return." For this reason, iffor no other, she urged upon those who were contemplating the erectionof new prisons, the prime necessity of constructing those prisons so asto enable them to conform to the requirements of humanity.

Her opinions and reasons for and against the solitary system ofconfinement are well given in a communication sent to M. de Bérangerafter a visit to Paris, during which the subject of prison-managementhad formed a staple theme of discussion in the salons of that city.With much practical insight and clearness of reasoning, Mrs. Frymarshalled all the stock arguments, adding thereto such as her ownexperience taught.

In favor of the solitary system were to be urged:—

1st. The prevention of all contamination by their fellow-prisoners.

2d. The impossibility of forming intimacies calculated to be injuriousin after life.

3d. The increased solitude, which afforded larger opportunities forserious reflection and, if so disposed, repentance and prayer by thecriminal.

4th. The prevention of total loss of character on the part of theprisoner, seeing that the privacy of the confinement would operateagainst the recognition of him by fellow-prisoners upon regaining theirliberty.

Against it the following reasons could be urged—

1st. The extreme liability to ill-treatment or indulgence, according tothe mood and disposition of the officers in charge.

2d. The extreme difficulty of obtaining a sufficiently large number ofhonest, high-principled, just men and women, to carry out the solitarysystem with impartiality, firmness, and, at the same time, kindness.This reason was strongly corroborated by the governors of Cold BathFields Prison, and the great Central Prison at Beaulieu. Their own largeexperience had taught them the difficulty of securing officers in allrespects fit to be trusted with the administration of such a system.

3d. The very frequent result of the administration of this system byincompetent or unfit officers would be the moral contamination of theprisoners.

4th. The enormous expense of providing officers and accommodationsufficient to include all the criminals of the country.

5th. The certainty of injury to body and mind from the continuance ofsolitude for life. The digestive and vocal organs, and the reason wouldinevitable suffer. In proof she quoted the notorious imbecility of theaged monks of La Trappe: "We are credibly informed of the fact (inaddition to what we have known at home) that amongst the monks of LaTrappe few attain the age of sixty years without having suffered anabsolute decay of their mental powers, and fallen into prematurechildishness."

6th. The danger lest increased solitude instead of promotingrepentance, should furnish favorable hours for the premeditation of newcrimes, and so confirm the criminal in hardened sin.

7th. The impossibility of fitting the prisoners for returning to societyunder the system; whereas by teaching them useful employments andtrades, and training them to work in company for remuneration, habitsand customs may be induced which should aid in a life-long reformation.

Two or three years after the enunciation of these principles andreasons, Mrs. Fry addressed a valuable communication to Colonel Jebb inreference to the new Model Prison at Pentonville, then (1841,) in courseof construction:—

We were much interested by our visit to this new prison. We thinkthe building generally does credit to the architect, particularlyin some important points, as ventilation, the plan of thegalleries, the chapel, etc., and we were also much pleased toobserve the arrangement for water in each cell, and that theprisoner could ring a bell in case of wanting help.

The points that made us uneasy were, first, the dark cells, whichwe consider should never exist in a Christian and civilizedcountry. I think having prisoners placed in these cells apunishment peculiarly liable to abuse. Whatever restrictions may bemade for the governor of a jail, and however lenient those whonow govern, we can little calculate upon the change the futuremay produce, or how these very cells may one day be made use of incase of either political or religious disturbance in the country,or how any poor prisoner may be placed in them in case of a moresevere administration of justice.

I think no person should be placed in total darkness; thereshould be a ray of light admitted. These cells appear to mecalculated to excite such awful terror in the mind, not merely fromtheir darkness but from the circ*mstance of their being placedwithin another cell, as well as being in such a dismal situation.

I am always fearful of any punishment, beyond what the law publiclyauthorizes, being privately inflicted by any keeper or officer of aprison; for my experience most strongly proves that there are fewmen who are themselves sufficiently governed and regulated byChristian principle to be fit to have such power entrusted to theirhands; and further, I observe that officers in prisons havegenerally so much to try and to provoke them that they themselvesare apt to become hardened to the more tender feelings of humanity.They necessarily also see so much through the eyes of those underthem, turnkeys and inferior officers, (too many of whom are littleremoved either in education or morals from the prisonersthemselves,) that their judgments are not always just.

The next point that struck us was, that in the cells generally thewindows have that description of glass in them that even the sightof the sky is entirely precluded. I am aware that the motive is toprevent the possibility of seeing a fellow-prisoner; but I think aprison for separate confinement should be so constructed that theculprits may at least see the sky—indeed, I should prefer morethan the sky—without the liability of seeing fellow-prisoners. Myreason for this opinion is, that I consider it a very importantobject to preserve the health of mind and body in these poorcreatures, and I am certain that separate confinement produces anunhealthy state both of mind and body. Therefore everything shouldbe done to counteract this influence, which I am sure is baneful inits moral tendency; for I am satisfied that a sinful course of lifeincreases the tendency to mental derangement, as well as to bodilydisease; and I am as certain that an unhealthy state of mind andbody has generally a demoralizing influence; and I consider light,air, and the power of seeing something beyond the mere monotonouswalls of a cell highly important. I am aware that air is properlyadmitted, also light; still I do think they ought to see the sky,the changes in which make it a most pleasant object for those whoare closely confined.

When speaking of health of body and mind, I also mean health ofsoul, which is of the first importance, for I do not believe that adespairing or stupefied state is suitable for leading poor sinnersto a Saviour's feet for pardon and salvation.

Mrs. Fry held quite as decided opinions upon lunatic asylums and theirkeepers. It was something terrible to her to know that poor dementedcreatures lay pining, chained and ill-treated, in dungeons; knowing nowill but the caprice of their keepers. She spared no efforts to improvetheir condition; by tongue and pen she sought to enforce new principlesand modes of action, in relation to lunatics, into the mind of those whohad to govern them. So incessant were her labors to attain the ends shehad set before her, that there was not a country in Europe which shedid not influence. Almost daily communications were coming in fromFrance, Denmark, Germany, Russia, Switzerland, and other countries,detailing the success of the new plans which she had introduced andrecommended to the respective Governments. A regular correspondence waskept up between her and Mr. Venning of St. Petersburg, by order of theEmpress of Russia, who took the greatest interest in the benevolententerprise. From some letters given in the Memoirs of Mrs. Fry itseems that the Empress felt a true Womanly compassion for the inmates ofthe Government Lunatic Asylum, and inaugurated a system of more rationaltreatment. How far her influence on behalf of the imprisoned and insanewas induced and fostered by the English Quakeress, was never fully knownuntil after her death, when a most interesting letter, addressed to thechildren of Mrs. Fry, was published. This letter was sent to them by Mr.John Venning, brother to Walter Venning, who had opened thecorrespondence, but who had, like the benevolent lady with whom it wasmaintained, "passed over to the majority." From this correspondence itwas found that the Emperor and Empress of Russia, the Princess SophiaMestchersky, Prince Galitzin, and many ladies of high rank, had beenstirred up to befriend those who had fallen under the strong arm of thelaw, and to make their captivity more productive, if possible, of goodresults.

Not only so, but lunatics, more helpless than prisoners, had been caredfor, as the outcome of Mrs. Fry's visits to St. Petersburg, and hercommunications with the powers that were at that era. With thesepreliminary words of explanation, the subjoined letter speaks foritself:—

I cheerfully comply with your desire to be furnished with some ofthe most striking and useful points contained in your late belovedmother's correspondence with myself in Russia, relative to theimprovement of the Lunatic Asylum in St. Petersburg. I the morereadily engage in this duty, because I am persuaded that itspublication may, under the Lord's blessing, prove of great serviceto many such institutions on the Continent, as well as in GreatBritain.... I begin by stating that her correspondence wasinvaluable, as regarded the treatment and management of bothprisoners and insane people. It was the fruit of her own richpractical experience communicated with touching simplicity, and itproduced lasting benefits to these institutions in Russia. In 1827,I informed your dear mother that I had presented to the EmperorNicholas a statement of the defects of the Government LunaticAsylum, which could only be compared to our own old Bedlam inLondon, fifty years since; and that the dowager Empress had sentfor me to the Winter Palace, when she most kindly, and I may say,joyfully, informed me that she and her august son, the Emperor, hadvisited together this abode of misery. They were convinced of thenecessity, not only of having a new building, but also of acomplete reform in the management of the insane; and further thatthe Emperor had requested her to take it under her own care, and toappoint me the governor of it. I must observe that in the meantimethe old asylum was immediately improved, as much as the buildingallowed, for the introduction of your dear mother's admirablesystem. Shortly after, I had the pleasure of accompanying theEmpress to examine a palace-like house—Prince Sherbatoff's—havingabove two miles of garden, and a fine stream of water runningthrough the grounds, situated only five miles from St. Petersburg.The next day an order was given to purchase it. I was permitted tosend the plan of this immense building to your dear mother for herinspection, as well as to ask from her hints for its improvement.Two extensive wings were recommended, and subsequently added fordormitories. The wings cost about £15,000, and in addition to thissum from the Government, the Emperor, who was always ready topromote the cause of benevolence, gave three thousand pounds forcast-iron window-frames, recommended by your dear mother, as theclumsy iron bars which had been used in the old institution hadinduced many a poor inmate, when looking at them, to say with asigh, "Sir, prison, prison!" Your dear mother, also stronglyrecommended that all, except the violent lunatics, should dinetogether at a table covered with a cloth, and furnished with platesand spoons.

The former method of serving out the food was most disgusting. Thisnew plan delighted the Empress, and I soon received an order tomeet her at the asylum. On her arrival she requested that a tableshould be covered, and then desired me to go round and invite theinmates to come and dine. Sixteen came immediately, and sat down.The Empress approached the table, and ordered one of the upperservants to sit at the head of it and to ask a blessing. When theservant arose to do this, they all stood up. The soup, with smallpieces of meat, was then regularly served; and as soon as dinnerwas finished, they all rose up spontaneously and thanked theEmpress for her motherly kindness. I saw that the kind Empress wasdeeply moved, and turning to me she said, "Mon Cher, this is oneof the happiest days of my life." The next day the number increasedat table, and so it continued increasing. After your dear mother'sreturn from Ireland, where she had been visiting, among otherinstitutions, the lunatic asylums, she wrote me a letter on thegreat importance of supplying the lunatics with the Scriptures.This letter deserved to be written in letters of gold; I sent it tothe Imperial family; it excited the most pleasing feelings andmarked approbation. The court physician, His Excellency Dr. Riehl,a most enlightened and devoted philanthropist, came to me for acopy of it. It removed all the difficulty there had been respectinggiving the Holy Scriptures to the inmates. I was thereforepermitted to furnish them with copies, in their various languages.It may be useful to state the result of this measure, which wasconsidered by some to be a wild and dangerous proceeding. I soonfound groups collected together, listening patiently and quietly toone of their number reading the New Testament. Instead ofdisturbing their minds, it soothed and delighted them. I havewitnessed a poor lunatic, a Frenchman, during an interval ofreturning reason, reading the New Testament in his bed-room, withtears running down his cheeks; also a Russian priest, a lunatic,collected a number together, while he read to them the Word of God.

On one occasion I witnessed a most interesting scene. On enteringthe institution, I found a young woman dying; her eyes were closed,and she was apparently breathing her last breath. I ordered one ofthe servants of the institution to read very loud to her thatverse, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begottenSon, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but haveeverlasting life." Dr. K—— observed, "Sir, she is almost dead,and it is useless." On my urging its being done, lo! to theastonishment of all present, she opened her eyes and smiled. Isaid: "Is it sweet, my dear?" She nodded assent. "Shall it be readto you again?" A smile and nod of the head followed. She evidentlypossessed her reason at that moment, and who can trace, or limit,the operation of the Holy Spirit, on the reading of God's own Wordeven in her circ*mstances?

When I received a letter from your mother I always wrote it out inFrench, and presented it in that language to the Empress; and whenshe had read it, it was very encouraging to see with what alacrityshe ordered one of her secretaries to translate it into Russian,and then deliver it to me to be conveyed to the asylum, and enteredinto the journal there, for immediate adoption. I remember on oneoccasion, taking a list of rules, at least fourteen in number, andthe same day were confirmed by the Empress. These rules introducedthe following important arrangements; viz., the treating theinmates, as far as possible as sane persons, both in conversationand manners toward them; to allow them as much liberty as possible;to engage them daily to take exercise in the open air; to allowthem to wear their own clothes and no uniform prison-dress; also tobreak up the inhuman system of permitting the promiscuous idlecuriosity of the public, so that no one was allowed to see themwithout permission; a room, on entering the asylum, was preparedfor one at a time, on certain days, to see their relations. The oldcruel system drew forth many angry expressions from the poorlunatics: "Are we, then, wild beasts, to be gazed at?"

The Empress made a present to the institution of a piano-forte; ithad also a hand-organ, which pleased the poor inmates exceedingly.On one occasion the Empress, on entering the asylum, observed thatthe inmates appeared unusually dull, when she called them near, andplayed on the hand-organ herself an enlivening tune.

Another important rule of your mother's was, most strictly tofulfill whatever you promise to any of the inmates, and, above all,to exercise patience, gentleness, kindness, and love towards them;therefore, to be exceedingly careful as to the character of thekeepers you appoint. These are some of the pleasing results of yourmother's work. The dowager Empress, on one occasion, conversingabout your mother, said: "How much I should like to see thatexcellent woman, Madame Fry, in Russia;" and often did I indulgethat wish. What a meeting it would have been, between two suchdevoted philanthropists as your mother and the dowager Empress, whowas daily devoting her time and fortune to doing good.... Althoughthe Empress was in her sixty-ninth year, I had the felicity ofaccompanying her in no less than eleven of her personal visits tothe Lunatic Asylum, say from February to October, 1828. On the 24thof October she died, to the deep-felt regret of the whole empire.Rozoff, a young lunatic, as soon as he heard it, burst into tears.She would visit each lunatic, when bodily afflicted, and send aneasy chair for one, and nicely-dressed meat for others; and weeklysend from the palace wine, coffee, tea, sugar and fruit for theiruse.

Among the many striking features in your mother's correspondence,her love to the Word of God, and her desire for its generalcirculation, were very apparent. Evidently, that sacred book wasthe fountain whence she herself derived all that strength and graceto carry on her work of faith and labor of love, which her DivineMaster so richly blessed.... In December 1827, when accompanyingthe Emperor Nicholas through the new Litoffsky Prison, he was notonly well pleased to find every cell fully supplied with theScriptures—the rich result of his having confirmed the lateEmperor Alexander's orders to give the Scriptures gratis to all theprisoners—but on seeing some Jews in the prison he said to me: "Ihope you also furnish these poor people with them, that they maybecome Christians; I pity them." I witnessed a most touching sceneon the Emperor's entering the debtors' room; three old, venerable,gray-headed men fell on their knees and cried, "Father, have mercyon us!" The Emperor stretched out his hand in the peculiar grandeurof his manner, and said: "Rise; all your debts are paid; from thismoment you are free"; without knowing the amount of the debts, oneof which was very considerable. I hope this feeble attempt todetail a little of your dear mother's useful work may beacceptable, leaving you to make what use of it you think proper.

Such testimonies as these must have been peculiarly grateful to Mrs.Fry's family, because it is natural to desire not only success in anygood work, but also grateful remembrance and appreciation, of it.Sometimes, however, the reverse was the case; even those whom she hadendeavored to serve had turned out ungrateful, impudent and hardened.Yet her loving pity followed even them: still, like the Lord whom sheserved, she loved them in spite of their repulsiveness and ingratitude.And when some notably ungrateful things were reported to her respectingthe female convicts on board the Amphitrite, she only prayed andsorrowed for them the more. Especially was this the case when she heardthat the ship had gone down on the French coast, bearing to their tombbeneath the sad sea waves, the 120 women, with their children, beingconveyed in her to New South Wales. Not one hard thought did sheentertain of them: all was charity, sorrow and tenderness. And if forone little moment her new theories as to the treatment of criminalsseemed to be broken down, never for an instant did she set them aside.She knew that perfection could only be attained after many long years oftrial and probation. While undermining the old ideas, she set herself anequally gigantic task in establishing the new.

CHAPTER XII.

MRS. FRY IN DOMESTIC AND RELIGIOUS LIFE.

Hitherto our little monograph has dealt mainly with Mrs. Fry's publiclife and work. Possibly, however, the reader may now feel curious toknow how she bore the strain of private responsibilities; how as a wife,mother, neighbor, and Christian, she performed the duties which usuallyfall to people in those positions. It does not appear that she waswanting in any of them.

As the wife of a city merchant, as the mistress, until reverses came, ofa large household, as the mother of a numerous family of boys and girls,and as the plain Friend, and minister among Friends, she seems to havefulfilled the duties which devolved upon her with quiet, cheerfulsimplicity, persevering conscientiousness, and prayerful earnestness.She was much the same in sunshine and in shadow, in losses and inprosperity; her only anxiety was to do what was right. From therevelations of her journal we find that self-examination caused herfrequently to put into the form of writing, the questions whichharassed her soul. There can be no reasonable doubt that she washarassed as all over-conscientious people are—with the fear andconsciousness that her duties were not half done. How few of this classever contemplate themselves or their works with anything likesatisfaction! A short extract from her journal penned during the firstyears of her wedded life affords the key to this self-examination, aself-examination which was strictly continued as long as reason held hersway. This entry is entitled "Questions for Myself."

"First.—Hast thou this day been honest and true in performing thy dutytowards thy Creator in the first place, and secondly towards thyfellow-creatures; or hast thou sophisticated and flinched?

"Second.—Hast thou been vigilant in frequently pausing, in the hurryand career of the day, to see who thou art endeavoring to serve: whetherthy Maker or thyself? And every time that trial or temptation assailedthee, didst thou endeavor to look steadily at the Delivering Power, evento Christ who can do all things for thee?

"Third.—Hast thou endeavored to perform thy relative duties faithfully;been a tender, loving, yielding wife, where thy own will and pleasurewere concerned, a tender yet steady mother with thy children, makingthyself quickly and strictly obeyed, but careful in what thou requirestof them; a kind yet honest mistress, telling thy servants their faults,when thou thinkest it for their or thy good, but never unnecessarilyworrying thyself or them about trifles, and to everyone endeavoring todo as thou wouldst be done unto?"

A life governed by these principles, and measured by these rules, wasnot likely to be otherwise than strictly, severely, nervously good. Weuse the word "nervously" because here and there, up and down the pagesof her journal are scattered numerous passages full of such questions asthe above. None ever peered into their hearts, or searched their livesmore relentlessly than she did. Upright, self-denying, just, pure,charitable, "hoping all things, bearing all things, believing allthings," she judged herself by a stricter law than she judged others;condemning in herself what she allowed to be expedient, if not lawful,in others, and laying bare her inmost heart before her God. After shehad done all that she judged it to be her duty to do, she humbly andtearfully acknowledged herself to be one of the Lord's most"unprofitable servants." It would be useless to endeavor to measure sucha life by any rules of worldly polity or fashions. An extract writtenat this time, relative to the welfare and treatment of servants, may beof use in showing how she permitted her sound sense and practical dailypiety to decide for her in emergencies and anxieties growing out of the"mistress and servant" question. "At this time there is no set of peopleI feel so much about as servants; as I do not think they have generallyjustice done to them. They are too much considered as another race ofbeings, and we are apt to forget that the holy injunction holds goodwith them: 'As ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so tothem.' I believe in striving to do so we shall not take them out oftheir station in life, but endeavor to render them happy and contentedin it, and be truly their friends, though not their familiars or equals,as to the things of this life. We have reason to believe that thedifference in our stations is ordered by a wiser than ourselves, whodirects us how to fill our different places; but we must endeavor neverto forget that in the best sense we are all one, and, though our pathsmay be different, we have all souls equally valuable, and have all thesame work to do, which, if properly considered, should lead us to havegreat sympathy and love, and also a constant care for their welfare,both here and hereafter. We greatly misunderstand each other (I meanservants and masters in general); I fully believe, partly from ourdifferent situations in life, and partly from our different educations,and the way in which each party is apt to view the other. Masters andmistresses are greatly deficient, I think, in a general way; and so aremost servants towards them; it is for both to keep in view strictly todo unto others as they would be done unto, and also to remember that weare indeed all one with God."

As the mother of a large family, Mrs. Fry endeavored to do her dutyfaithfully and lovingly. Twelve sons and daughters were given to her,trained by her more or less, with reference not only to their temporalwelfare, but their spiritual also. In all the years of motherhood manycares attached themselves to her. Illness, the deaths of near relatives,and of one little child, the marriage of some of her children out of theSociety of Friends, losses in business, and consequent reduction ofhousehold comforts and pleasures, the censure which sometimes followedher most disinterested acts, and the exaggerated praise of others, allcombined to try her character and her spirit. Through it all she movedand lived, like one who was surrounded with an angelic company ofwitnesses; desirous only of laying up such a life-record that she couldwith calmness face it in "that day for which all other days are made."

One after another the little fledglings came to the home-nest, to becared for, trained up, and fitted for their peculiar niches in life. Butin 1815, a new sorrow came to the fireside; the angel reaper Death cutdown the little Elizabeth, the seventh child, nearly five years of age,and the special darling of the band. Her illness was very short,scarcely lasting a week; but even during that illness her docile,intelligent spirit exhibited itself in new and more endearing phases.Death was only anticipated during the last few hours of life, and whenthe fatal issue appeared but too certain the parents sat in agonizedsilence, watching the darling whom they could not save. Mrs. Fry beggedearnestly of the Great Disposer of life and death that he would sparethe child, if consonant with His holy will; but when the end came, andthe child had passed "through the pearly gates into the city" sheuttered an audible thanksgiving that she was at last where neither sin,sorrow, nor death could have any dominion. No words can do justice tothis event like her own, written in her journal at that time. The pagesrecall all a mother's love and yearning tenderness, together with aChristian's strong confidence:—

It has pleased Almighty and Infinite Wisdom to take from us ourmost dear and tenderly-beloved child little Betsy, between fourand five years old. In receiving her, as well as giving her backagain, we have, I believe, been enabled to bless the Sacred Name.She was a very precious child, of much wisdom for her years, and, Ican hardly help believing, much grace; liable to the frailty ofchildhood, at times she would differ with the little ones andrather loved her own way, but she was very easy to lead though notone to be driven. She had most tender affections, a goodunderstanding for her years, and a remarkably staid and solid mind.Her love was very strong, and her little attentions great to thoseshe loved, and remarkable in her kindness to servants, poor people,and all animals; she had much feeling for them; but what was more,the bent of her mind was remarkably toward serious things. It was asubject she loved to dwell upon: she would often talk of "AlmightyGod," and almost everything that had connection with Him. On ThirdDay, after some suffering of body from great sickness, she appearedwonderfully relieved ... and, began by telling me how many hymnsand stories she knew, with her countenance greatly animated, aflush on her cheeks, her eyes very bright, and a smile ofinexpressible content, almost joy. I think she first said, with apowerful voice,—

How glorious is our Heavenly King,

Who reigns above the sky;

and then expressed how beautiful it was, and how the littlechildren that die stand before Him; but she did not remember allthe words of the hymn, nor could I help her. She then mentionedother hymns, and many sweet things ... her heart appearedinexpressibly to overflow with love. Afterwards she told me one ortwo droll stories, and made clear and bright comments as she wentalong; then stopped a little while, and said in the fullness ofher heart, and the joy of a little innocent child.... "Mamma, Ilove everybody better than myself, and I love thee better thananybody, and I love Almighty much better than thee, and I hope theeloves Almighty much better than me."... I appeared to satisfy herthat it was so. This was on Third Day morning, and she was a corpseon Fifth Day evening; but in her death there was abundant cause forthanksgiving; prayer appeared indeed to be answered, as very littleif any suffering seemed to attend her, and no struggle at last, buther breathing grew more and more slow and gentle, till she ceasedto breathe at all. During the day, being from time to timestrengthened in prayer, in heart, and in word, I found myself onlyled to ask for her that she might be for ever with her God, whethershe remained much longer in time or not; but, that if it pleasedInfinite Wisdom her sufferings might be mitigated, and as far as itwas needful for her to suffer that she might be sustained. This wasmarvellously answered beyond anything we could expect from thenature of the complaint.... I desire never to forget this favor,but, if it please Infinite Wisdom, to be preserved from repining orunduly giving way to lamentation for losing so sweet a child.... Ihave been permitted to feel inexpressible pangs at her loss, thoughat first it was so much like partaking with her in joy and glory,that I could not mourn if I would, only rejoice almost with joyunspeakable and full of glory. But if very deep baptism wasafterwards permitted me, like the enemy coming in as a flood; buteven here a way for escape has been made, my supplication answered... and the bitter cup sweetened; but at others my loss has touchedme in a manner almost inexpressible, to awake and find mymuch-loved little girl so totally fled from my view, so manypleasant pictures marred. As far as I am concerned, I view it as aseparation from a sweet source of comfort and enjoyment, but surelynot a real evil. Abundant comforts are left me if it please my kindand Heavenly Father to provide me power to enjoy them, andcontinually in heart to return him thanks for His unutterableloving kindness to my tenderly-beloved little one, who had so sweetand easy a life and so tranquil a death.... My much-loved husbandand I have drunk this cup together in close sympathy and unity offeeling. It has at times been very bitter to us both; but as anoutward alleviation, we have, I believe, been in measure eachother's joy and helpers. The sweet children have also tenderlysympathized; brothers, sisters, servants, and friends, have beenvery near and dear in showing their kindness not only to thedarling child, but to me, and to us all.... We find outwardly andinwardly, "the Lord did provide."

The little lost Betsey, who "just came to show how sweet a flower forParadise could bloom," was thenceforth a sacred memory; for from thatday they had a connecting link between their household and the skies.Very frequently, even in the midst of her multifarious engagements, herthoughts wandered off to the little grave in Barking burying-ground,where rested the remains of the dear child, and, perchance, a tenderertone crept into her voice as she dealt with the outcast children ofprisons and reformatories. Soon after this event the elder boys andgirls went to school among their relatives, and only the youngest wereleft at Plashet House with her. As a new baby came within six monthsafter little Betsey's death, the motherly hands were still full. Shefound, however, time to write letters of wise and mother-like counsels.

My much-loved girls:—Your letters received last evening gave usmuch pleasure. I anxiously hope that you will now do your utmost inwhatever respects your education, not only on your own account, butfor our sake. I look forward to your return with so much comfort,as useful and valuable helpers to me, which you will be all themore if you get forward yourselves. I see quite a field of usefulservice and enjoyment for you, should we be favored to meet undercomfortable circ*mstances in the spring. I mean that you shouldhave a certain department to fill in the house, amongst thechildren and the poor, as well as your own studies and enjoyments;I think there was not often a brighter opening for two girls.Plashet is, after all, such a home, it now looks sweetly; and yourlittle room is almost a temptation to me to take it for asitting-room for myself, it is so pretty and so snug; it is newlyfurnished, and looks very pleasant indeed. The poor, and theschool, will, I think, be glad to have you home, for help is wantedin these things. Indeed, if your hearts are but turned the rightway, you may, I believe, be made instruments of much good, and Ishall be glad to have the day come that I may introduce you intoprisons and hospitals.... This appears to me to be your presentbusiness—to give all diligence to your present duties; and Icannot help believing, if this be the case, that the day will comewhen you will be brought into much usefulness.

As the years rolled on, her boys went to school also; but they werefollowed by a loving mother's counsels. From her correspondence withthem we cull a few extracts to prove how constant and tender was hercare over them, and how far-reaching her anxieties. Two or threespecimens will suffice.

Upon the departure of each of her boys for boarding-school she wrote outand gave him a copy of the following rules. They are valuable, asshowing how carefully she watched over their mental and moral welfare.

"1st. Be regular, strict in attending to religious duties; and do notallow other boys around thee to prevent thy having some portion of timefor reading at least a text of Scripture, meditation and prayer; and ifit appear to be a duty, flinch not from bowing the knee before them, asa mark of thy allegiance to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Attenddiligently when the holy Scriptures are read, or to any other religiousinstruction, and endeavor in Meeting to seek after a serious waitingstate of mind, and to watch unto prayer. Let First Day be well employedin reading proper books, etc., but also enjoy the rest of innocentrecreation, afforded in admiring the beauties of nature; for I believethis is right in the ordering of a kind Providence that there should besome rest and recreation in it. Show a proper, bold, and manly spiritin maintaining among thy play-fellows a religious character, and strictattention to all religious duties. Remember these texts to strengthenthee in it. 'For whosoever shall be ashamed of Me, and My words, of himshall the Son of Man be ashamed, when He shall come in His own glory, inHis Father's, and of the holy angels.' 'But I say unto you, whosoevershall confess Me before men, him shall the Son of Man also confessbefore the angels of God; but he that denieth Me before man shall bedenied before the angels of God.' Now, the sooner the dread laugh of theworld loses its power, the better for you.... But strongly as I advisethee thus faithfully maintaining thy principles and doing thy duty, Iwould have thee very careful of either judging or reproving others; forit takes a long time to get the beam out of our own eye, before we cansee clearly to take the mote out of our brother's eye. There is for oneyoung in years, much greater safety in preaching to others by example,than in word, or doing what is done in an upright, manly spirit, 'untothe Lord, and not unto man.'

"2d. I shall not speak of moral conduct, which, if religious principlesbe kept to, we may believe will be good; but I shall give certain hintsthat may point out the temptations to which schools are particularlyliable. I have observed a want of strict integrity in school-boys, as itrespects their schoolmasters and teachers—a disposition to cheat them,to do that behind their backs which they would not do before theirfaces, and so having two faces. Now, this is a subject of the utmostimportance—to maintain truth and integrity upon all points. Be notdouble-minded in any degree, but faithfully maintain, not only theupright principle on religious ground, but also the brightest honor,according to the maxims of the world. I mourn to say I have seen thewant of this bright honor, not only in school-boys, but in some of ourhighly-professing society; and my belief is that it cannot be toostrictly maintained, or too early begun. I like to see it in smallthings, and in great; for it marks the upright man. I may say that Iabhor anything like being under-handed or double-dealing; but let us goon the right and noble principle of doing to others as we would haveothers do to us; therefore, in all transactions, small and great,maintain strictly the correct, upright, and most honorable practice. Ihave heard of boys robbing their neighbors' fruit, etc.; I may truly saythat I believe there are very few in the present day would do suchthings, but no circ*mstances can make this other than a shamefuldeviation from all honest and right principles. My belief is, that suchhabits begun in youth end mostly in great incorrectness in future life,if not in gross sin; and that no excuse can be pleaded for such actions,for sin is equally sin, whether committed by the school-boy or those ofmature years, which is too apt to be forgotten, and that punishmentwill follow."

In a letter to her eldest son she begs him to try to be a learned man,not to neglect the modern languages; but so to improve his time atschool that he may become in manhood a power for good; and then, byvarious thoughtful kindnesses manifests her unwearying care for hiswelfare.

She gratefully acknowledges, in another communication to a sister, theassistance which that sister rendered in educating some of the eldergirls, for a time, so enabling Mrs. Fry herself to be set free for themultitude of other duties awaiting her.

As years rolled by, an acute cause of sorrow to her was the marriage ofone, then another of her numerous family out of the Society. They mostlymarried into families connected with the Church of England; but as theSociety of Friends disunite from membership all who marry out of it,and as parents are blamed for permitting such unions, her sorrow wassomewhat heavy. She even anticipated being cut off from the privilege ofministry in the Society; but to the credit of that Society, it does notappear that it silenced her in return for the forsaking, by herchildren, of "the old paths." Whether Quakerism was too old-fashionedand strict for the young people, or the attractions of families otherthan Friends more powerful, we cannot say. However, it seems that theyoung folks grew up to be useful and God-fearing in the main, so thatthe Church universal lost nothing by their transference into othercommunions.

says the old rhyme. An experience of this sort came to Mrs. Fry. One ofher children had just married an estimable member of the Society ofFriends, and while rejoicing with the young couple, she appeared to bedrawn out in thankfulness for the many mercies vouchsafed to her. Hercup seemed brimming over with joy; and after the bridal party haddeparted, one of her daughters came across the lawn to remark to hermother on the beauty of the scene, finishing by a reference to thetemporal prosperity which was granted them. Mrs. Fry could do no otherthan acquiesce in the sentiments expressed, but added, with almostprophetic insight, "But I have remarked that when great outwardprosperity is granted it is often permitted to precede great trials."This was in the summer of 1828; before that year ended the family wasstruggling in the waves of adversity, losses, and trials—struggling,indeed, to preserve that honest name which had hitherto been the prideof Mr. Fry's firm.

One of the houses of business with which Mr. Fry was connected at thistime failed, and his income was largely diminished. The house which hepersonally conducted was still able to meet all its obligations; but theblow in connection with this other firm was so staggering that they wereforced to submit to the pressure of straitened means, at least for atime. We are told, indeed, by Mrs. Fry's daughters, that this failure"involved Mrs. Fry and her family in a train of sorrows and perplexitieswhich tinged the remaining years of her life." The strict principles andthe not less strict discipline of the Society of Friends rendered hercourse of action at that juncture very doubtful. Occupying the prominentpositions she had before the nation—indeed before the world, for Mrs.Fry's name was a household word—it seemed impossible to her uprightspirit to face the usual Meeting on First Day. Her sensitive spiritwinced acutely at the reproach which might perchance be cast upon thename of religion; but after a prayerful pause she and her husband went,accompanied by their children—at least such of them as were then athome. She occupied her usual place at the Meeting, but the big tearsrolling down her face in quick succession, testified to the sorrow andanguish which then became her lot. Yet before the session ended sherose, calmed herself, and spoke, most thrillingly, from the words,"Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him," while the listenersmanifested their sympathy by tears and words of sorrow. In November ofthat sad year she wrote the following letter to one of her children, inreference to the trial:—

I do not like to pour out my sorrows too heavily upon thee, nor doI like to keep thee in the dark as to our real state. This is, Iconsider, one of the deepest trials to which we are liable; itsperplexities are so great and numerous, its mortifications andhumiliations so abounding, and its sorrows so deep. None can tell,but those who have passed through it, the anguish of heart at timesfelt; but, thanks be to God, this extreme state of distress has notbeen very frequent, nor its continuance very long. I frequentlyfind my mind in degree sheathed against the deep sorrows, and amenabled not to look so much at them; but there are also times whensecondary things arise, such as parting with servants, schools, thepoor around us, and our dear home. These things overwhelm me;indeed, I think naturally I have a very acute sense of the sorrow.Then the bright side of the picture arises. I have found such helpand strength in prayer to God, and highly mysterious as thisdispensation may be in some points of view, yet I think I havefrequently, if not generally, been able to say, "Not as I will, butas Thou wilt," and bow under it. All our children andchildren-in-law, my brothers and sisters, our many friends andservants, have been a strong consolation to me.

It was not possible, however, for Mrs. Fry to suffer withoutexperiencing an unwonted measure of sympathy from all classes of thecommunity. Many hearts followed her most lovingly in these hours ofhumiliation and sorrow; and when it was known that she must leavePlashet House, the tide of deep sympathy overflowed more than one heart.As a preliminary step the family moved, first to St. Mildred's Court,then to the home of their eldest son. The business which had beencarried on there by Mr. Fry and his father was now conducted by hissons; and by this the young men were enabled to provide for the comfortof their parents. Their bidding good-bye to Plashet, however, entailedvery much that was sad to others. The schools hitherto supported by theFrys were handed over to the care of the vicar of the parish; many oldpensioners and servants had to be given over to the kindness of others,or in some cases, possibly, to the not very tender mercies of "theparish;" while she herself, who had always laid it down as anindispensable rule to be just before being generous, was compelled toconform her manner of life to somewhat narrow means.

Shakespeare says: "Sorrow comes not in single spies but in battalions,"and experience proves the adage to be true. William Fry, the eldest sonof the family, was thrown upon a bed of illness, as the result of anover-strained and exhausted brain; soon after, sickness spread throughthe whole family, until the house, and even Plashet,—which, beingempty, afforded them a temporary shelter,—became a hospital on a smallscale. Yet at this time the kindly letters of sympathy and condolencereceived from all quarters must have comforted and cheered her anguishedspirit. From a number of such communications we give two, one fromWilliam Wilberforce, the other from Mrs. Opie. Wilberforce wrote:—

You, I doubt not, will be enabled to feel, as well as to know,that even this event will be one of those which, in your instance,are working for good. You have been enabled to exhibit a brightspecimen of Christian excellence in doing the will of God, and, Idoubt not, you will manifest a similar specimen in the harder andmore difficult exercise of suffering it. I have often thoughtthat we are sometimes apt to forget that key, for unlocking whatwe deem to be very mysterious dispensations of Providence, in themisfortunes and afflictions of eminent servants of God, that isafforded by a passage in St. Paul's Epistle to his belovedPhillipians: "Unto you it is given, not only to believe on Him, butalso to suffer for His sake." It is the strong only that will beselected for exhibiting these graces which require peculiarstrength. May you, my dear friend (indeed, I doubt not you will),be enabled to bear the whole will of God with cheerful confidencein His unerring wisdom and unfailing goodness. May every loss ofthis world's wealth be more than compensated by a larger measure ofthe unsearchable riches of Christ.... Meanwhile you are richlyprovided with relatives and friends whom you love so well as torelish receiving kindnesses from them, as well as the far easieroffice of doing them....

In reply to this, it would seem that Mrs. Fry, while thankful for thesympathy manifested on all hands, doubted the advisability of resumingher benevolent labors among prisons and hospitals. Mr. Wilberforceproved himself again a wise and far-seeing counsellor. He wrote:—

I cannot delay assuring you that I do not see how it is possiblefor any reasonable being to doubt the propriety ... or, rather, letme say the absolute duty—of your renewing your prisonvisitations. A gracious Providence has blessed you with success inyour endeavors to impress a set of miserables, whose character andcirc*mstances might almost have extinguished hope, and you willreturn to them, if with diminished pecuniary powers, yet, we maytrust, through the mercy and goodness of our Heavenly Father, withpowers of a far higher order unimpaired, and with the augmentedrespect and regard of every sound judgment ... for having bornewith becoming disposition a far harder trial certainly than anystroke which proceeds immediately from the hand of God. May youcontinue, my dear Madam, to be the honored instrument of great andrare benefits to almost the most pitiable of your fellow-creatures.

The Record newspaper had suggested that additional contributionsshould be sent to the chief of the societies which had been inauguratedby Mrs. Fry, and so largely supported by her. The Marquis ofCholmondeley wrote to Mrs. Opie, inquiring of that lady fullerparticulars of the disaster, in so far as it affected or was likely toaffect Mrs. Fry's benevolent work. He had been a staunch friend of herlabors, having seconded them many times when the life of a wretchedfelon was at stake; and now, continuing the interest which he hadhitherto exhibited, he was fearful lest this business calamity would puta stop to many of those labors. Mrs. Opie, whose friendship dated fromthe old Norwich days, lost no time in writing as follows to hersuffering friend:—

Though I have not hitherto felt free in mind to write to thee, myvery dear friend, under thy present most severe trial, thou hastbeen continually, I may say, in my thoughts, brought feelingly andsolemnly before me, both day and night. I must also tell thee that,two nights ago, I had a pleasing, cheering dream of thee:—I sawthee looking thy best, dressed with peculiar care and neatness, andsmiling so brightly that I could not help stroking thy cheek, andsaying, "Dear friend! it is quite delightful to me to see theelooking thus again, so like the Betsey Fry of former days;" andthen I woke. But this sweet image of thee lives with me still....Since your trials were known, I have rarely, if ever, opened a pageof Scripture without finding some promise applicable to thee andthine. I do not believe that I was looking for them, but theypresented themselves unsought, and gave me comfort and confidence.Do not suppose, dear friend, that I am not fully aware of thepeculiar bitterness and suffering which attends this trial in thysituation to thy own individual feeling; but, then, how preciousand how cheering to thee must be the evidence it has called forth,of the love and respect of those who are near and dear to thee, andof the public at large. Adversity is indeed the time to try thehearts of our friends; and it must be now, or will be in future, acordial to thee to remember that thou hast proved how truly andgenerally thou art beloved and reverenced.

Mrs. Fry's health failed very much during the dreary months whichfollowed. Nor was this all, for trials, mental and spiritual, seemed tocrowd around her. It was indeed, though on a scale fitted to hercapacity, "the hour and power of darkness." She says in her journal,that her soul was bowed down within her, and her eyes were red withweeping. Yet she rallied again. After spending some months with theireldest son, William, at Mildred's Court, Mr. and Mrs. Fry removed to asmall but convenient villa in Upton Lane, nearly adjoining the house andgrounds of her brother, Samuel Gurney. This house was not only to be aplace of refuge in the dark and cloudy days of calamity, but to become,in its turn, famous for the visits of princes and nobles, who thussought to do honor to her who dwelt in it. Writing in her journal, onJune 10th, 1829, Mrs. Fry said:—

We are now nearly settled in this, our new abode; and I may say,although the house and garden are small, yet it is pleasant andconvenient and I am fully satisfied, and, I hope, thankful for sucha home. I have at times been favored to feel great peace, and I maysay joy in the Lord—a sort of seal to the important step taken;though at others the extreme disorder into which our things havebeen brought by all these changes, the pain of leaving Plashet, thedifficulty of making new arrangements, has harassed and tried me.But I trust it will please a kind Providence to bless my endeavorto have and to keep my house in order. Place is a matter of smallimportance, if that peace which the world cannot give be ourportion.... Although a large garden is now my allotment, I feelpleasure in having even a small one; and my acute relish for thebeautiful in nature and art is on a clear day almost constantlygratified by a view of Greenwich Hospital and Park, and other partsof Kent; the shipping on the river, as well as the cattle feedingin the meadows. So that in small things as well as great, spiritualand temporal, I have yet reason to ... bless and magnify the nameof my Lord.

Two of her nieces accompanied her, in 1834, upon a mission to theFriends' Meetings in Dorset and Hants; and recalling this journey sometime later, one of them said, speaking of her aunt's peculiar mission ofministering to the tried and afflicted: "There was no weakness ortrouble of mind or body, which might not safely be unveiled to her.Whatever various or opposite views, feelings, or wishes might beconfided to her, all came out again tinged with her own loving, hopefulspirit. Bitterness of every kind died when entrusted to her; it neverre-appeared. The most favorable construction possible was always putupon every transaction. No doubt her feeling lay this way; but did itnot give her and her example a wonderful influence? Was it not the verysecret of her power with the wretched and degraded prisoners? She couldalways see hope for everyone; she invariably found or made some point oflight. The most abandoned must have felt she did not despair for them,either for this world or for another; and this it was which made herirresistible."

In taking a view of this good woman's religious life and character, itwill be helpful to see her as she appeared to herself—to enter into herown feelings at different periods of her life, and to listen to herheart-felt expressions of humility and perplexity. Thus, in relation tothe ups and downs of life with her, we find in her journal thispassage:—

The difference between last winter and this winter has beenstriking! How did the righteous compass me about, from theSovereign, the Princes, and the Princesses, down to the poorest,lowest, and most destitute; how did poor sinners of almost everydescription seek after me, and cleave to me? What was not said ofme? What was not thought of me, may I not say, in public and inprivate, in innumerable publications? This winter I have had thebed of languishing; deep, very deep, prostration of soul and body;instead of being a helper to others, ready to lean upon all, gladeven to be diverted by a child's book. In addition to this, I findthe tongue of slander has been ready to attack me. The work thatwas made so much of before, some try to lessen now. My faith isthat He will not give me over to the will of my enemies, nor let mebe utterly cast down.

In relation to her conscientious fear of the admixture of sin with herservice of God and of humanity, she wrote:—

I apprehend that all would not understand me, but many who are muchengaged in what we call works of righteousness, will understand thereason that in the Jewish dispensation there was an offering madefor the iniquity of holy things.

In regard to marriage she writes:—

We have had the subject of marriage much before us this year; ithas brought us to some test of our feelings and principlesrespecting it. That it is highly desirable to have young personssettle in marriage, I cannot doubt, and that it is one of the mostlikely means of their preservation, religiously, morally,temporally. Moreover, it is highly desirable to settle with one ofthe same religious views, habits, and education, as themselves,more particularly for those who have been brought up as Friends,because their mode of education is peculiar. But if any youngpersons, upon arriving at an age of discretion, do not feelthemselves really attached to our peculiar views and habits, then,I think, their parents have no right to use undue influence withthem as to the connections they may incline to form, provided theybe with persons of religious lives and conversation. I am ofopinion that parents are apt to exercise too much authority uponthe subject of marriage, and that there would be really more happyunions if young persons were left more to their own feelings anddiscretion. Marriage is too much treated like a business concern,and love, that essential ingredient, too little respected in it. Idisapprove of the rule of our Society which disowns persons forallowing a child to marry one who is not a Friend; it is a mostundue and unchristian restraint, as far as I can judge of it.

As the time passed, and her family got scattered up and down in theworld, the idea occurred to her that, although members of differentsects and churches, they could unite in fireside worship and study ofthe Bible, as Christians. Many of them were within suitable distancesfor occasional or frequent meetings, according to their circ*mstances;while some of the grandchildren were of an age to understand, andpossibly profit by, the exercises. In response to the motherlycommunication which follows, these family gatherings were arranged, andsucceeded beyond the original expectations of she who suggested them.They continued, under the title of "philanthropic evenings," to cementthe family circle, after Mrs. Fry had passed away. The tone of theletter inviting their co-operation is that of a philanthropist, amother, and a Christian. It shows plainly that with all her engagements,worries and trials, she had not absorbed or lost the spirit of thedocile Mary in that of the careful Martha.

My Dearest Children:

Many of you know that for some time I have felt and expressed thewant of our social intercourse at times, leading to religious unionand communion among us. It has pleased the Almighty to permit thatby far the larger number of you no longer walk with me in myreligious course. Except very occasionally, we do not meet togetherfor the solemn purpose of worship, and upon some other points we donot see eye to eye; and whilst I feel deeply sensible that,notwithstanding this diversity among us, we are truly united in ourHoly Head, there are times when, in my declining years, I seriouslyfeel the loss of not having more of the spiritual help andencouragement of those I have brought up, and truly sought tonurture in the Lord. This has led me to many serious considerationshow the case may, under present circ*mstances, be in any way met.

My conclusion is that, believing as we do in the Lord as ourSaviour, one Holy Spirit as our Sanctifier, and one God and Fatherof us all, our points of union are surely strong; and if we aremembers of one living Church, and expect to be such for ever, wemay profitably unite in some religious engagements here below.

The world, and the things of it, occupy us much, and they arerapidly passing away; it will be well if we occasionally set aparta time for unitedly attending to the things of Eternity. Itherefore propose that we try the following plan: if it answer,continue it; if not, by no means feel bound to it. That our party,in the first instance, should consist of no others than ourchildren, and such grandchildren as may be old enough to attend.That our objects in meeting be for the strengthening of our faith,for our advancement in a religious and holy life, and for thepromoting of Christian love and fellowship.

I propose that we read the Scriptures unitedly, in an easy,familiar manner, each being perfectly at liberty to make any remarkor ask any questions. That it should be a time for religiousinstruction, by seeking to understand the mind of the Lord, fordoctrine and practice, in searching the Scriptures, and bringingourselves and our deeds to the light.... That either before orafter the Scriptures are read we should consider how far we areengaged for the good of our fellow-men, and what, as far as we canjudge, most conduces to this object. All the members of this littlecommunity are advised to communicate anything they may have founduseful or interesting in religious books, and to bring forwardanything that is doing for the good of mankind in the worldgenerally.

I hope that thus meeting together may stimulate the family to moredevotion of heart to the service of their God; at home and abroadto mind their different callings, however varied; and to be activein helping others. It is proposed that this meeting should takeplace once a month at each house in rotation. I now have drawn somelittle outline of what I desire, and if any of you like to unitewith me in making the experiment, it would be very gratifying tome; still I hope all will feel at liberty to do as they think bestthemselves. Your dearly attached mother,

Elizabeth Fry.

None but a parent whose spiritual life was pure, true, and deep, couldfeel such a constant solicitude about the spiritual progress andeducation of her family. Nor was this solicitude confined to themembership of her own circle. All who in any way assisted in her specialdepartment of philanthropy were councilled, wisely and kindly, to actrather than preach the gospel of Christ. In communications of thissort we find the newly-appointed matrons to the convict-ships advised toshow their faith more by conduct than profession; to avoid "religiouscant;" to be prudent and circ*mspect; to have discretion, wisdom andmeekness. So she passed through life; the faithful friend, the patient,wise mother, the meek, tender wife, the succorer of all in distress.Everyone felt free to go to her with their troubles; a reverse ofcirc*mstances, a sick child, a bad servant, or turn of sickness, allcalled forth her ready aid, and her wise, far-seeing judgment. And evenin the last months of her life, when, worn out with service and pain,she was slowly going down to the gates of death, her children andgrandchildren were cut off suddenly by scarlet fever, she bowedresignedly to the Hand which had sent "sorrow upon sorrow." And when shewho had been as a tower of strength to all around her, was reduced tothe weakness of childhood by intense suffering, the survivors clung yetmore closely to her, as if they could not let her go. So as physicalstrength declined, she actually grew stronger and brighter in mental andmoral power. The deep and painful tribulations which characterized herlater years, but refined and purified the gold of her nature.

CHAPTER XIII.

COLLATERAL GOOD WORKS.

It must be remembered that Mrs. Fry's goodness was many-sided. Hercharity did not expend itself wholly on prisons and lunatic asylums. Itis right that, once in a while, characters of such superlativeexcellence should appear in our midst. Right, because otherwise thelight of charity would grow dim, the distinguishing graces ofChristianity, flat and selfish, and individual faith be obscured in thelapse of years, or the follies and fashions of modern life. Such saintswere Elizabeth of Hungary, around whose name legend and story havegathered, crowning her memory with beauty; Catherine of Sienna, who washonored by the whole Christian Church of the fourteenth century, andcanonized for her goodness; and Sarah Martin, the humble dressmaker ofYarmouth, who, in later times, has proved how possible it is to renderdistinguished service in the cause of humanity by small and lowlybeginnings, ultimately branching out into unexpected and remarkableramifications. One can almost number such saints of modern life on thefingers; but for all that, their examples have stimulated a host oflesser lights who still keep alive the savor of Christianity in ourmidst; and towering above all her contemporaries in the grandeur of herdeeds and words, Mrs. Fry still lives in song and story.

Among the collateral good works which she instituted and carried on, thefirst in order of time, and possibly of importance, as leading to allthe others, was the "Association for the Improvement of Female Prisonersat Newgate." As this association and its objects were fully treated ofin a previous chapter, it is unnecessary to enlarge upon it here. Itsuffices to say that it sought the welfare of the female prisonersduring their detention in prison, and, also, to form in them such habitsas should fit them for respectable life upon their discharge. Out oftwelve ladies forming the original association started in 1817, elevenwere Quakeresses.

Nearly akin to this society, was that for "The Improvement of PrisonDiscipline and Reformation of Juvenile Offenders." This society aimed ata two-fold object: first, by correspondence and deputations to awakenthe minds of provincial magistrates and prison officials to thenecessity for new arrangements, rules, and accommodations forprisoners; while it afforded watchful oversight and assistance to thenumerous class of juvenile offenders who, after conviction, wereabsolutely thrown friendless upon the country, to continue and develop acourse of crime. At the time of the formation of this society, publicmeetings were first held to further the welfare of prisoners, and toprevent the increase of crime. The doctrine of "stopping the supplies"first began to be understood; while even the most confirmed stickler forconservation could understand that there could not be a constantsuccession of old or middle-aged criminals to be dealt with by the law,provided the young were reformed, and trained in the ways of honesty. Atone meeting, held at the Freemasons' Hall in 1821, in order to furtherthe work of this society, Lord John Russell made an eloquent speech,concluding with the almost prophetic words: "Our country is now about tobe distinguished for triumphs, the effect of which shall be to save, andnot to destroy. Instead of laying waste the provinces of our enemies, wemay begin now to reap a more solid glory in the reform of abuses athome, and in spreading happiness through millions of our population."

A society possessing broader aims, and working in a wider field, was the"British Ladies' Society for Promoting the Reformation of FemalePrisoners," formed in 1821, and really an outgrowth of Mrs Fry's effortsto reclaim the women whom she taught while in prison. It existed asa central point for communication and assistance between the variousassociations in Great Britain engaged in visiting prisons. Itscorresponding committee also maintained interchanges of ideas andcommunications with those ladies on the Continent who were interested inthe subject.

The Convict Ship Committee looked after the welfare of those who weretransported, saw to the arrangements on board ship, the appointment ofmatrons, furnished employment, and secured shelters in the colonies, sothat on arriving at the port of disembarkation the poor convicts shouldpossess some sort of a place into which they could go. Further detailsof this branch of work will be given in the next chapter.

The chief work of the society, however, lay in providing homes fordischarged female criminals. In 1824, "Homes" or "Shelters" were openedat Dublin, Liverpool, and many other places in England, Scotland, andthe Continent. Tothill Fields Asylum, a small home for some of the mosthopeful of the discharged prisoners, was opened at Westminster. MissNeave, a charitable Christian lady, was fired with some of Mrs. Fry'senthusiasm, and devoted both time and money to the carrying out of theproject. She relates that the idea first entered her mind when outdriving one morning with Mrs. Fry. That lady, speaking of her work,said, in somewhat saddened tones: "Often have I known the career of apromising young woman, charged with a first offence, to end in acondemned cell. Were there but a refuge for the young offender, my workwould be less painful." As the result, Tothill Fields Asylum was opened,with four inmates. Very soon, nine were accommodated, and within a fewyears, under the new name of "The Royal Manor Hall Asylum," it shelteredfifty women of different ages.

Another class of discharged prisoners, viz., little girls, were alsoprovided for by this society. To these were added destitute girls, whohad not yet found their way into prison; and the whole number wereplaced under judicious training in a "School for Discipline," atChelsea. This institution became most successful in training thesechildren up in orderly and respectable habits. At one time Mrs. Fryendeavored to get this home under Government rule, but Sir Robert Peelconsidered that the ends of humanity would be better served by keepingit under the control of, and supported by, private individuals.

A temporary stay at Brighton suggested the formation of the DistrictVisiting Society. This aimed, not at indiscriminate alms-giving, but at"the encouragement of industry and frugality among the poor by visits attheir own habitations; the relief of real distress, whether arising fromsickness or other causes, and the prevention of mendicity andimposture." Visitors were appointed, who went from house to house amongthe poor, encouraging habits of thrift and cleanliness; whilst a savingsbank received deposits, and trained these same poor to save for theinevitable "rainy day."

Probably one of the most extensive works of benevolence and good-willcarried on to success by Mrs. Fry, next to her prison labors, was theestablishment of libraries for the men of the Coast Guard Service. Thisarose from a circ*mstance which occurred during the sojourn at Brighton,for the benefit of her somewhat shattered health, in 1824.

During her residence there she was subject to distressing attacks offaintness in the night and early morning. Again and again, it wasnecessary to immediately throw open her chamber window for the admissionof the fresh air; and always upon such occasions the figure of asolitary coast-guardsman was to be seen pacing the beach, on thelook-out for smugglers. Such a post, and such a service, presenting asit did a life of hardship and danger, inevitably attracted hersympathetic attention; and she began to take an almost unconsciousinterest in the affairs of this man. Shortly after, when driving out,she stopped the carriage and spoke to one of the men at the station. Hereplied civilly, that the members of the Preventive Service were notallowed to hold any conversation with strangers, and requested to beexcused from saying any more. Mrs. Fry, feeling somewhat fearful thather kindness might bring him into difficulty with his superiors, gavethe man her card, and desired him to tell the man in command of thestation that she had spoken to him with the sole object of inquiringafter the welfare of the men and their families. A few days afterwards,the lieutenant who commanded at that post waited upon Mrs. Fry, and,contrary to her fears, welcomed her inquiries as auguries of good. Heconfessed to her that the officers, men, women, and children, allsuffered much from loneliness, privation, semi-banishment—for thestations were mostly placed in dreary and inaccessibleplaces—unpopularity with the surrounding people, and harassment byconstant watching, through all weather, for smugglers. The nature andregulations of the Coast Blockade of Preventive Service precludedanything like visiting or personal kindness. There was really no wayof benefiting them except by providing them with literature calculatedto promote their intellectual and religious good, besides furnishing anoccupation for the dreary, lonely hours which fell to their portion.This course Mrs. Fry immediately adopted.

She first applied to the British and Foreign Bible Society; theCommittee responded with a grant of fifty Bibles and twenty-fiveTestaments. These were distributed to the men on the stations in thatdistrict, and most gratefully received. As a proof of the gratitude ofthe recipients, the following little note was sent to Mrs. Fry by thecommanding officer:—

My Dear Madam,—Happy am I in being able to make youacquainted with the unexpected success I have met with in myattempt to forward, among the seamen employed on the coast, yourtruly laudable and benevolent desire—the dissemination of the HolyScriptures. I have made a point of seeing Lieutenant H., who haspromised me that if you will extend your favors to Dutchmere, hewill distribute the books, and carefully attend to the performanceof Divine service on the Sabbath Day. Also Lieutenant D., who willshortly have a command in this division. I trust, Madam, I shall bestill further able to forward those views, which must, to all whoembrace them, prove a sovereign balm in the hour of death and theday of judgment. With respectful compliments to the ladies, allowme to remain, dear Madam, your devoted servant.

This communication enclosed another little note from the seamen, whichexpressed their feelings as follows:—

We, the seamen of Salt Dean Station, have the pleasure to announceto those ladies whose goodness has pleased them to provide theBibles and Testaments for the use of us seamen, that we havereceived them. We do therefore return our most hearty thanks forthe same; and we do assure the ladies whose friendship has provedso much in behalf of seamen, that every care shall be taken of thesaid books; and, at the same time, great care shall be taken toinstruct those who have not the gift of education, and we at anytime shall feel a pleasure in doing the same.

Some ten years later, when visiting in the Isle of Wight, she conceivedthe plan of extending the system by supplying libraries to all the CoastGuard stations in the United Kingdom. The magnitude of the work may berealized when we state that there were about 500 stations, includingwithin their boundaries some 21,000 men, women and children. How to setabout the work was her next anxiety, for it seemed useless to attempt itwithout at least £1,000 in hand. She submitted the proposition to LordAlthorp, at that time Chancellor of the Exchequer, and asked for agrant of £500 from Government, in order to supplement the £1,000 whichshe hoped to raise by private subscriptions. A grant could not, however,be made at that time on account of different political considerations;but within a few months one was obtained, and her heart rejoiced at thisnew proof of appreciation of her work on the part of those high inoffice. An entry in her journal in February, 1835, reads thus:—

The way appears opening with our present Ministers to obtainlibraries for all the Coast Guard stations, a matter I have longhad at heart. My desire is to do all these things with a single eyeto the glory of God, and the welfare of my fellow mortals; and ifthey succeed, to pray that He alone who can bless and increase, mayprosper the work of my unworthy hands. Upon going to the CustomHouse, I found Government had at last granted my request, and given£500 for libraries for the stations; this is, I think, cause forthankfulness.

Private subscriptions were sedulously sought, and large sums flowed in;besides these, many large book-sellers, and the chief religiouspublishing societies gave donations of books. These were valued in theaggregate at about one thousand pounds. The details of the work wereleft to herself, while the Rev. John W. Cunningham, Captain W.E. Parry,and Captain Bowles selected the books.

The total number of volumes for the stations amounted to 25,896. Eachstation possessed a library of fifty-two different books, while eachdistrict, which included the stations in that part of the country,possessed a larger assortment for reference and exchange. Most of theparcels were sent, carriage free, in Government vessels, by means of theCustom House. This work involved many journeys to London, and mucharduous labor. The Rev. Thomas Timpson, a dissenting minister in London,acted most efficiently as secretary, and lightened her labors to a largeextent. During the summer of 1835, the work of distributing thesevolumes was nearly all accomplished; and as during that summer Mr. Fry'sbusiness demanded his presence in the south of England, she decided toseize the opportunity of visiting all the Coast Guard stations in thatpart of the country. In this way she journeyed along the whole southcoast, from the Forelands to Land's End, welcomed everywhere withtrue-hearted veneration and love. She addressed herself principally tothe commanders of the different stations, bespeaking for the books carein treatment and regularity in carrying out the exchanges. Thesegentlemen manifested the warmest interest in the plan, and promisedtheir most thorough co-operation.

At Portsmouth she visited the Haslar Hospital, and while in Portsea,the female Penitentiary. In the latter institution she desired to speaka few words to the inmates, who were, accordingly, assembled in theparlor for the purpose. Mrs. Fry laid her bonnet on the table, sat down,and made different inquiries about the conduct of the young women, andthe rules enforced. It appeared that two of them were pointed out asbeing peculiarly hardened and refractory. She did not, however, noticethis at the time, but delivered a short and affectionate address to all.Afterwards, on going away, she went up to the two refractory ones, and,extending her hand to them, said to each, most impressively: "I trust Ishall hear better things of thee." Both of them burst into unexpectedtears, thus acknowledging the might of kindness over such natures.

At Falmouth, during this same excursion, she supplied some of themen-of-war with libraries. Some of the packets participated in the sameboon, so that each ship sailing from that port took out a well-chosenlibrary of about thirty books. These library books were changed on eachsucceeding voyage, and were highly appreciated by both officers andseamen.

In 1836, the report of the Committee for furnishing the Coast Guard ofthe United Kingdom with Libraries, appeared. From it, we find that inaddition to the £500 kindly granted by the Government at first towardsthe project, Mr. Spring Rice, a later Chancellor of the Exchequergranted further sums amounting to £460. Thus the undertaking was broughtto a successful termination. There were supplied: 498 libraries for thestations on shore, including 25,896 volumes; 74 libraries for districtson shore, including 12,880 volumes; 48 libraries for cruisers, including1,876 volumes; school books for children of crews, 6,464 volumes;pamphlets, tracts, etc., 5,357 numbers; total, 52,464 volumes andnumbers.

These were distributed among 21,000 people on Coast Guard stations, andto the hands on board many ships. Years afterwards, many and veryunexpected letters of thanks continued to reach Mrs. Fry from those whohad benefited by this good work.

"Instant in season and out of season," this very trip in the south ofEngland produced another good work. She, with her husband and daughter,returned home by way of North Devon, Somerset, and Wiltshire. AtAmesbury she tarried long enough to learn something of the mentaldestitution of the shepherds employed on Salisbury Plain, and set herfertile brain to contrive a scheme for the supply of the necessarybooks. She communicated her desires and intentions to the clergyman ofthe parish, and Sir Edward and Lady Antrobus, who unitedly undertook tofurnish a librarian. A short note from this individual, addressed toMrs. Fry some few months after, proved how well the thing was working.In it he said: "Forty-five books are in constant circulation, with theadditional magazines. More than fifty poor people read them withattention, return them with thanks, and desire the loan of more,frequently observing that they think it a very kind thing indeed thatthey should be furnished with so many good books, free of all costs, soentertaining and instructive, these long winter evenings."

About the same period Mrs. Fry formed a Servants' Society for the succorand help of domestic servants. She had known instances wherein so manyof this class had come to sorrow, in every sense, for the lack oftemporary refuge and assistance, that she alone undertook to found thisinstitution. In an entry made in her journal in 1825, we find thefollowing reference to this matter:—

The Servants' Society appears gradually opening as if it would beestablished according to my desire. No one knows what I go throughin forming these institutions; it is always in fear, and mostlywith many misgivings, wondering at myself for doing it. I believethe original motive is love to my Master and love to myfellow-creatures; but fear is so predominant a feeling in my mindthat it makes me suffer, perhaps unnecessarily, from doubts. I feltsomething like freedom in prayer before making the regulations ofthe Servants' Society. Sometimes my natural understanding seemsenlightened about things of that kind, as if I were helped to seethe right and useful thing.

In closing this chapter, some allusion must be made to her latesteffort. It dates from 1840, and owed its foundation principally to her.It was that of the "Nursing Sisters," an order called into existence bythe needs of every-day life. As she visited in sick-chambers, orministered to the needs of the poor, she felt the want of efficientskilled nurses, and, with the restless energy of a true philanthropist,set about remedying the want. Her own leisure would not admit oftraining a band of nurses, but her desire was carried into effect byMrs. Samuel Gurney, her sister-in-law. Under this lady's supervision,and the patronage of the Queen Dowager, Lady Inglis, and other membersof the nobility, a number of young women were selected, trained, andtaught to fulfil the duties of nurses. They were placed for some time inthe largest public hospitals, in order to learn the scientific system ofnursing; then, supposing their qualifications and conduct were found tobe satisfactory, they were received permanently as Sisters. TheseSisters wore a distinctive dress, received an annual stipend of abouttwenty guineas, and were provided with a home during the intervals oftheir engagements. There was also a "Superannuation Fund" for the reliefof those Sisters who should, after long service, fall into indigence orill-health. Christian women, of all denominations, were encouraged tojoin the institution; while the services of the Sisters were equallyavailable in the palace and in the cottage. No Sister was permitted toreceive presents, directly or indirectly, from the patients nursed byher, seeing that all sums received went to a common fund for the benefitof the Society. These Sisters appear to have worked very much like themodern deaconesses of the Church of England. They rightly earned thetitle of "Sisters of Mercy."

These are but examples of Mrs. Fry's good works,—done "all for love,and none for a reward."

Many other smaller works claimed her thoughts, so that her life was veryfull of the royal grace of charity. The list might have been stillfurther extended, but to the ordinary student of her life it is alreadysufficiently long to prove the reality of her religion and her love.

CHAPTER XIV.

EXPANSION OF THE PRISON ENTERPRISE.—HONORS.

It is an old adage that "nothing succeeds like success." Mrs. Fry andher prison labors had become famous; not only famous, but the subjectsof talk, both in society and out of it. Kings, queens, statesmen,philanthropists, ladies of fashion, devotees of charity, authors anddivines were all looking with more or less interest at the experimentsmade by the apostles of this new crusade against vice, misery, andcrime. Many of them courted acquaintance with the Quakeress whohesitated not to plunge into gloomy prison-cells, nor to penetratepest-houses decimated with jail fever, in pursuance of her mission. Andwhile they courted her acquaintance, they fervently wished her "Godspeed." Two or three communications, still in existence, prove thatHannah More and Maria Edgeworth were of the number of good wishers.

In a short note written from Barley Wood, in 1826, Hannah More thusexpressed her appreciation of Mrs. Fry's character:—

Any request of yours, if within my very limited power, cannot failto be immediately complied with. In your kind note, I wish you hadmentioned something of your own health and that of your family. Ilook back with no small pleasure to the too short visits with whichyou once indulged me; a repetition of it would be no littlegratification to me. Whether Divine Providence may grant it or not,I trust through Him who loved us, and gave Himself for us, that wemay hereafter meet in that blessed country where there is neithersin, sorrow, nor separation.

Many years previous to this, Hannah More had presented Mrs. Fry with acopy of her Practical Piety, writing this inscription on thefly-leaf:—

To Mrs. Fry. Presented by Hannah More, as a token ofveneration of her heroic zeal, Christian charity, and perseveringkindness to the most forlorn of human beings. They were naked, andshe clothed them, in prison, and she visited them; ignorant, andshe taught them, for His sake, in His name, and by His word,who went about doing good.

No words can add to the beauty of this inscription.

During one of Maria Edgeworth's London visits, the name and fame of Mrs.Fry, and Newgate as civilized by her, formed such an attraction that thelively Irish authoress must needs go to see for herself. In herpicturesque style she thus affords us an account of her visit:—

Yesterday we went, the moment we had swallowed our breakfast, byappointment to Newgate. The private door opened at sight of ourtickets, and the great doors, and the little doors, and the thickdoors, and doors of all sorts, were unbolted and unlocked, and onwe went, through dreary but clean passages, till we came to a roomwhere rows of empty benches fronted us, and a table, on which lay alarge Bible. Several ladies and gentlemen entered, and took theirseats on benches, at either side of the table, in silence.

Enter Mrs. Fry, in a drab-colored silk cloak, and plain, borderlessQuaker cap; a most benevolent countenance; Guido Madonna face,calm, benign. "I must make an inquiry; is Maria Edgeworth here? Andwhere?" I went forward; she bade us come and sit beside her. Herfirst smile, as she looked upon me, I can never forget. Theprisoners came in, and in an orderly manner ranged themselves onthe benches. All quite clean faces, hair, caps and hands. On a verylow bench in front, little children were seated, and watched bytheir mothers. Almost all these women, about thirty, were undersentence of transportation; some few only were for imprisonment.One who did not appear was under sentence of death; frequentlywomen, when sentenced to death, become ill, and unable to attendMrs. Fry; the others come regularly and voluntarily.

She opened the Bible, and read in the most sweetly solemn, sedatevoice I ever heard, slowly and distinctly, without anything in themanner that could distract attention from the matter. Sometimes shepaused to explain; which she did with great judgment, addressingthe convicts—"We have felt! We are convinced!" They were veryattentive, unexpectedly interested, I thought, in all she said, andtouched by her manner. There was nothing put on in theircountenances; not any appearance of hypocrisy. I studied theircountenances carefully, but I could not see any which, withoutknowing to whom they belonged, I should have decided was bad; yetMrs. Fry assured me that all those women had been of the worstsort. She confirmed what we have read and heard—that it was bytheir love of their children that she first obtained influence overthese abandoned women. When she first took notice of one or two oftheir fine children, the mothers said that if she could but savetheir children from the misery they had gone through in vice, theywould do anything she bid them. And when they saw the change madein their children by her schooling, they begged to attendthemselves. I could not have conceived that the love of theirchildren could have remained so strong in hearts in which everyother feeling of virtue had so long been dead. The Vicar ofWakefield's sermon in prison is, it seems, founded on a deep andtrue knowledge of human nature; the spark of good is oftensmothered, never wholly extinguished. Mrs. Fry often says anextempore prayer; but this day she was quite silent; while shecovered her face with her hands for some minutes, the women wereperfectly silent, with their eyes fixed upon her; and when shesaid, "You may go," they went away slowly. The children sat quitestill the whole time; when one leaned, her mother behind her sather upright. Mrs. Fry told us that the dividing the women intoclasses, and putting them under monitors, had been of the greatestadvantage. There is some little pecuniary advantage attached to theoffice of monitor which makes them emulous to obtain it. We wentthrough the female wards with Mrs. Fry, and saw the women atvarious works, knitting, rug-making, etc. They have done a greatdeal of needle-work very neatly, and some very ingenious. When Iexpressed my foolish wonder at this to Mrs. Fry's sister, shereplied, "We have to do, recollect, Ma'am, not with fools, but withrogues."... Far from being disappointed with the sight of whatMrs. Fry has done, I was delighted.

This naïve, informal chronicle of a visit to Newgate incidentally letsout the fact that the gloomy prison was fast becoming attractive tovisitors—indeed, quite a show-place. That Mrs. Fry's labors werereceiving official honor and recognition also, there is plenty ofevidence to prove. In Prussia, her principles and exhortations had madesuch headway that the Government was adapting old prisons and buildingnew, in order to carry out the modern doctrines of classification andemployment. In Denmark, the King had given his sanction to the measuresproposed by the Royal Danish Chancery for adding new buildings to theprison. As soon as these buildings were completed the females would beseparated from the males, female warders were to be appointed,employment found for all prisoners, and books of information anddevotion were to be supplied to each cell; while a chaplain (an unknownofficial, hitherto) was to be appointed. In Germany, four newpenitentiaries were to be constructed; viz., at Berlin, Münster inWestphalia, Ratibor in Silesia, and Königsberg. Two of thesepenitentiaries were to be exactly like the Model Prison at Pentonville;separate confinement was to be practically carried out, and theprisoners were to be taught trades under the superintendence of pickedteachers. From Düsseldorf came information that all the female prisonerswere improving under the new régime; that an asylum for dischargedprisoners was effecting a wonderful transformation in the characters andlives of those who sought refuge there; and that the inmates only leftit* shelter to secure situations in service. In addition to thesecheering items she had the satisfaction of holding communications withmany princely, noble and royal personages on the Continent, respectingthe progress of her favorite work, and the new regulations and buildingsthen adopted.

To return to her home-work and its ramifications will only be to provehow far the great principles which she had taught were bearing fruit.The Government Inspectors were working hard upon the lines laid down byMrs. Fry; and if at times they found anything which clashed with theirown pre-conceived ideas of what a prison should be, they were alwaysready to make allowance for the difficulties of pioneer work, such asthis lady and her coadjutors had to do at Newgate. At Paramatta, NewSouth Wales, where, according to a letter from the Rev. Samuel Marsdenin an earlier part of this work, the condition of female convicts hadbeen scandalous to the Government which shipped them out there, anddeplorable in the extreme for the poor creatures themselves, a largefactory had been erected, designed for the reception of the convictsupon their landing. It served its purpose well, being commodious enoughto receive not only the new importations, but the refractory women also,who were returned from their situations. It was well managed; theinmates being divided into three classes, and treated with more or lesskindness accordingly. True, at one time, even after the erection of thisfactory, from the management being entrusted to inefficient hands, ascene of disorder and misrule had prevailed; but that had been promptlyand firmly repressed. Hard labor and strict discipline had succeeded inreducing the temporary confusion to something like order, and maderesidence there the dread of returning evil-doers, whilst it afforded arefuge for new-comers. Sir Richard Bourke, and Sir Ralph and LadyDarling, used every endeavor to make the place a success; while, athome, Lord Glenelg and Sir George Grey gave the matter, on behalf ofthe Government, every needful and possible aid. A good superintendentand matron were appointed from England, and supplied with everyrequisite for the instruction and occupation of the convicts at thefactory.

This cordial co-operation of the Colonial Office in her schemes ofimprovement for the female convicts at Paramatta, encouraged her toattempt the same good work for the convicts at Hobart Town, Tasmania. Ithappened that by 1843 the transportation of females to New South Waleshad ceased, the younger establishment at Hobart Town receiving all thefemale convicts; but, like the hydra of classic lore, the evil sprang upthere as fresh and as vigorous as if it had not been conquered atParamatta. Lady Franklin and other ladies communicated with Mrs. Fry,showing her the great need that still existed for her benevolentexertions in that quarter. From these communications it seemed that theassignment of women into domestic slavery still continued, in all itsdire forms. When a convict ship arrived from England, employers of allgrades became candidates for the services of the convicts. With theexception of publicans, and ticket-of-leave men, who were not allowed toemploy convicts, anybody and everybody might engage the poor banishedprisoners without any guarantee whatsoever as to the future conduct ofthe employer toward the servant, or specification as to the kind of workto be performed. Those convicts who have behaved themselves best on thevoyage out were assigned to the best classes of society, while theothers fell to the refuse of the employers' class. As it was a fact thata large proportion of the tradesmen applying for servants were convictswho had fully served their time, it may be imagined how lacking incivilization and integrity such employers often were. But if thecondition of the convicts was hopeless after their assignment to placesof service, it was, if possible, more hopeless still in the home, or"factory," in which they were first received. Some of the letters beforereferred to cast a flood of terrible light upon the condition of thepoor wretches who had quitted their country "for that country's good,"even when under supposed discipline and restraint. A passage from one ofthese letters reads like an ugly story of "the good old times!"

The Cascade Factory is a receiving-house for the women on theirfirst arrival (if not assigned from the ship), or on theirtransition from one place to another, and also a house ofcorrection for faults committed in domestic service; but with nopretension to be a place of reformatory discipline, and seldomfailing to turn out the women worse than they entered it.Religious instruction there was none, except that occasionally onthe Sabbath the superintendent of the prison read prayers, andsometimes divine service was performed by a chaplain, who also hadan extensive parish to attend to.

The officers of the establishment consisted, at that time, of onlyfive persons—a porter, the superintendent, and matron, and twoassistants. The number of persons in the factory, when firstvisited by Miss Hayter, was five hundred and fifty. It followed, ofcourse, that nothing like prison discipline could be enforced, oreven attempted. In short, so congenial to its inmates was thisplace of custody (it would be unfair to call it a place ofpunishment) that they returned to it again and again when theywished to change their place of servitude; and they were known tocommit offences on purpose to be sent into it, preparatory to theirreassignment elsewhere.

Yet, after visiting the factory, and hearing everybody speak of itsunhappy inmates, I could not but feel that they were far more to bepitied than blamed. No one has ever attempted any measure toameliorate their degraded condition. I felt that had they had theopportunity of religious instruction, some at least might berescued. I wish I could express to you all I feel and think uponthe subject, and how completely I am overwhelmed with the awful sinof allowing so many wretched beings to perish for lack ofinstruction. Even in the hospital of the factory the unhappycreatures are as much neglected, in spiritual things, as if theywere in a heathen land. There are no Bibles, and no Christians totell them of a Saviour's dying love.

Mrs. Fry laid these communications before the Colonial Secretary withoutdelay, praying him to alter this terrible state of things. She was atonce listened to. The building was altered, by orders from England; theconvicts were divided into classes; employment and discipline wereprovided; daily instruction, both secular and religious, was imparted;so that, by degrees, the establishment became what it should have beenfrom the first—a house of detention, discipline, and refuge. Inaddition, a large vessel called the Anson was fitted up as a temporaryprison, sent out to Hobart Town, and moored in the river. This vesselreceived the new shipments of transports from England, and afforded, byits staff of officers, opportunity for a six months' training of theconvicts, who then were not permitted to enter the service of thecolonists until after this period had expired. By these different meansMrs. Fry had the satisfaction of knowing that the convicts had yetanother opportunity of amendment granted them after leaving the prisonsof their native land. It has already been observed that in most of theprisons of the United Kingdom female warders were employed, whilematrons were appointed on the out-going convict ships. Contrary to thelot of many reformers, Mrs. Fry was spared to see most of the reformswhich she had recommended, become law.

After Mrs. Fry's death an interesting report was issued by theInspector-General of Prisons in Ireland, relating to the Grange GormanLane Female Prison, Dublin. Mrs. Fry had taken special interest in thisprison, it having been the first erected exclusively for women in theUnited Kingdom, and intended, if found successful, to serve as a sort ofmodel for other places. The experiment had proved entirely successfuland satisfactory; matron, warders and chaplain all united in one chorusof praise. Major Cottingham, the Inspector-General, wrote:—

Although I made my annual inspection of this prison on February18th, 1847, as a date upon which to form my report, yet I have hadvery many opportunities of seeing it during past and former years,in my duties connected with my superintendence of the convictdepartment. The visitors may see many changes in the faces andpersons of the prisoners, but no surprise can ever find adifference in the high and superior order with which this prison isconducted. The matron, Mrs. Rawlins, upon whom the entireresponsibility of the interior management devolves, was selectedsome years since, and sent over to this country by the benevolentand philanthropic Mrs. Fry, whose exertions in the cause of femaleprison reformation were extended to all parts of the BritishEmpire, and who, although lately summoned to the presence of herDivine Master, has nowhere left a more valuable instance of hersound judgment and high discriminating powers than in the selectionof Mrs. Rawlins to be placed at the head of this experimentalprison, occupied alone by females; and so successful has theexperiment been, that I understand several other prisons solelyfor females have been lately opened in Scotland, and even inAustralia. In this prison is to be seen an uninterrupted system ofreformatory discipline in every class, such as is to be found in noother prison that I am aware of.

The matron alluded to in the above extracts gratefully acknowledged thatMrs. Fry's plan had completely succeeded in every respect, while she wasequally grateful in owning that to her instructions and wise maternalcounsel she herself owed her own fitness for that special branch of thework.

The testimonies to her success not only came in from official quarters,but from the prisoners themselves. This chronicle would scarcely becomplete without a specimen or two of the many communications shereceived from prisoners at home and from convicts abroad. True, on oneor two occasions the women at Newgate had behaved in a somewhatrefractory manner, for their poor degraded human nature could notconceive of pure disinterested Christian love working for their goodwithout fee or reward; but even at these times their better nature verysoon reasserted itself, and penitence and tears took the place ofinsubordination. To those who had sinned against and had been forgivenby her, Mrs. Fry's memory was something almost too holy for earth. Noorthodoxly canonized saint of the Catholic Church ever received truerreverence, or performed such miracles of moral healing.

The following communication reached her from some of the prisoners atNewgate:—

Honored Madam,—Influenced by gratitude to our generalbenefactress and friend, we humbly venture to address you. It iswith sorrow we say that we had not the pleasure of seeing you atthe accustomed time, which we have always been taught to lookfor—we mean Friday last. We are fearful that your health was thecause of our being deprived of that heartfelt joy which yourpresence always diffuses through the prison; but we hope, throughthe mercies of God, we shall be able personally to return you thegrateful acknowledgments of our hearts, before we leave our countryforever, for all the past and present favors so benevolentlybestowed upon what has been termed the "most unfortunate ofsociety," until cheered by your benevolence, kindness and charity:and hoping that your health, which is so dear to such a number ofunfortunates, will be fully re-established before we go, so thatafter our departure from our native land, those who are sounfortunate as to fall into our situation may enjoy the sameblessing, both temporally and spiritually, that we have done beforethem. And may our minds be impressed with a due sense of the manycomforts we have enjoyed whilst under your kind protection. Honoredand worthy Madam, we hope we shall be pardoned for our presumptionin addressing you at this time, but our fears of not seeing youbefore the time of our departure induce us to entreat youracceptance of our prayers for your restoration to your family; andmay the prayers and supplications of the unfortunate prisonersascend to Heaven for the prolonging of that life which is so dearto the most wretched of the English nation. Honored Madam, we begleave to subscribe ourselves, with humble respect, your mostgrateful and devoted,

The Prisoners of Newgate.

The following letter was from a convict at Paramatta, New South Wales,some time after her banishment to that colony:—

Honored Madam,—The duty I owe to you, likewise to thebenevolent society to which you have the honor to belong, compelsme to take up my pen to return you my most sincere thanks for theheavenly instruction I derived from you, and the dear friends,during my confinement in Newgate.

In the month of April, 1817, that blessed prayer of yours sank deepinto my heart; and as you said, so I have found it, that when noeyes see and no ears hear, God both sees and hears, and then it wasthat the arrow of conviction entered my hard heart; in Newgate itwas that poor Harriet, like the Prodigal Son, came to herself, andtook with her words, and sought the Lord. Truly I can say withDavid, "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I havelearned Thy ways, O Lord."... Believe me, my dear Madam, I blessthe day that brought me inside Newgate walls, for then it was thatthe ways of Divine truth shone into my dark mind.'... Believe me,my dear Madam, although I am a poor captive in a distant land, Iwould not give up having communion with God one single day for myliberty; for what is the liberty of the body compared with theliberty of the soul? Soon will the time come when death willrelease me from all the earthly fetters that hold me now, for Itrust to be with Christ, who bought me with His precious blood. Andnow, my dear Madam, these few sincere sentiments of mine I wish youto make known to the world, that the world may see that your laborin Newgate has not been in vain in the Lord. Please give my love tothe dear friends; the keeper of Newgate, and all the afflictedprisoners; and although we may never meet on earth again, I hope weshall all meet in the realms of bliss, never to part again.

Believe me to remain your humble servant,

Harriet S——.

In addition to the grateful acknowledgments of "those who were ready toperish," Mrs. Fry won an unusual meed of honorable esteem from the nobleand great. Sovereigns and rulers, statesmen and cabinet councillors, allowned the worth of goodness, and rendered to the Quaker lady the homageof both tongue and heart. Beside that notable visit to the Mansion Houseto be presented to Queen Charlotte, in 1818, Mrs. Fry had manyinterviews with royalty—these royal and noble personages conferringhonor upon themselves more than upon her by their kindly interest in herwork.

In 1822 the Prince and Princess Royal of Denmark visited England, andspent considerable time in inspecting public institutions, schools, andcharities tending to advance the general well-being of the people. Ofcourse Mrs. Fry's name was spoken of prominently, seeing that she wasthen in the full tide of her Newgate labors. The duch*ess of Gloucesterfirst introduced Mrs. Fry to the Princess, when a few words of questionand explanation were given in relation to the prison enterprise. Butsome days later, the family at Plashet House were apprised of the factthat the Princess intended honoring them with her company at breakfast.She came at the hour appointed, and, while partaking of theirhospitality, entered fully into Mrs. Fry's work, learning of her thoseparticulars which she could not otherwise gain. The foundation of a firmfriendship with the Princess Royal of Denmark was thus laid, whichcontinued through all Mrs. Fry's after life.

In 1831 she obtained her first interview with our gracious Queen, thenthe young Princess Victoria. Then, as now, the Royal Family of Englandwas always interested in works of charity and philanthropy, and theyoung Princess displayed the early bent of her mind in this interview.In the most unaffected style Mrs. Fry thus tells the story: "About threeweeks ago I paid a very satisfactory visit to the duch*ess of Kent, andher very pleasing daughter, the Princess Victoria. William Allen wentwith me. We took some books on the subject of slavery, with the hope ofinfluencing the young Princess in that important cause. We were receivedwith much kindness and cordiality, and I felt my way open to express notonly my desire that the best blessing may rest upon them, but that theyoung Princess might follow the example of our blessed Lord; that as shegrew in stature she might also grow in favor with God and man. I alsoventured to remind her of King Josiah, who began to reign at eight yearsold, and did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, turningneither to the right hand nor to the left, which seemed to be wellreceived. Since that I thought it right to send the Duke of Gloucestermy brother Joseph's work on the Sabbath, with a rather serious letter,and had a very valuable answer from him, full of feeling. I have aninvitation to visit the duch*ess of Gloucester the next Fourth Day. Maygood result to them and no harm to myself; but I feel those openings arather weighty responsibility, and desire to be faithful and notforward. I had long felt an inclination to see the young Princess, andendeavor to throw a little weight into the right scale, seeing the veryimportant place she is likely to fill. I was much pleased with her, andthink her a sweet, lovely and hopeful child."

Some three years afterwards the Duke of Gloucester died, and his deathrecalled the old times when he was quartered at Norwich with hisregiment. The biographers of Elizabeth Fry tell us that the Duke "wasamongst the few who addressed words of friendly caution and sound adviceto the young and motherless sisters at Earlham." She never forgot theold friendship—a friendship which had been increased by the unfailinginterest of both the Duke and duch*ess in her philanthropic work. As soonas she heard of the bereavement she wrote the following letter to thePrincess Sophia of Gloucester:—

My dear Friend:

I hope thou wilt not feel it an intrusion my expressing my sympathywith thee in the death of the Duke of Gloucester. To lose a dearand only brother is no small trial, and for a while makes the worldappear very desolate. But I trust that having thy pleasant picturesmarred in this life may be one means of opening brighter prospectsin the life to come, and of having thy treasure increased in theheavenly inheritance. The duch*ess of Gloucester kindly commissioneda lady to write to me, who gave me a very comforting account of thestate of the Duke's mind. I feel it cause for much thankfulnessthat he was so sustained through faith in his Lord and Saviour; andwe may humbly trust, through His merits, saved with an everlastingsalvation. It would be very pleasant to me to hear how thy healthand spirits are after so great a shock, and I propose inquiring atBlackheath, where I rather expect to be next week; or if thouwouldst have the kindness to request one of thy ladies in waitingto write me a few lines I should be much obliged. I hope that mydear and valued friend, the duch*ess of Gloucester, is as well as wecan expect after her deep affliction.

Shortly after this she paid a visit of condolence to the duch*ess byappointment.

Early in 1840 the young Queen, her present Majesty, sent Mrs. Fry apresent of fifty pounds by Lord Normanby for the Refuge at Chelsea, andappointed an audience. On the first day of February Mrs. Fry,accompanied by her brother, Samuel Gurney, and William Allen, attendedat Buckingham Palace. This was only a few days before Her Majestyespoused Prince Albert. Mrs. Fry writes as follows in her journal,respecting that interview:—

We went to Buckingham Palace and saw the Queen. Our interview wasshort. Lord Normanby, the Home Secretary, presented us. The Queenasked us when we were going on the Continent. She said it was someyears since she saw me. She asked about Caroline Neave's Refuge,for which she has lately sent me the fifty pounds. This gave me anopportunity of thanking her. I ventured to express my satisfactionthat she encouraged various works of charity, and I said itreminded me of the words of Scripture, "With the merciful Thou wiltshow Thyself merciful." Before we withdrew I stopped, and said Ihoped the Queen would allow me to assure her that it was our prayerthat the blessing of God might rest upon the Queen and her Consort.

In January, 1842, the Lady Mayoress pressed Mrs. Fry to attend abanquet given at the Mansion House, in order principally to meet PrinceAlbert, Sir Robert Peel, and the different Ministers of State. After alittle mental conflict she decided to go, with the earnest hope andpurpose of doing more good for the prisoners. A summary of her sayingsand doings at that banquet is best supplied in her own words:—

I had an important conversation on a female prison being built,with Sir James Graham, our present Secretary of State.... I thinkit was a very important beginning with him for our British Ladies'Society. With Lord Aberdeen, Foreign Secretary, I spoke on somematters connected with the present state of the Continent; withLord Stanley, our Colonial Secretary, upon the state of our penalcolonies, and the condition of the women in them, hoping to openthe door for further communications with him upon these subjects.Nearly the whole dinner was occupied in deeply interestingconversation with Prince Albert and Sir Robert Peel. With thePrince I spoke very seriously upon the Christian education of theirchildren ... the infinite importance of a holy and religious life;how I had seen it in all ranks of life, no real peace or prosperitywithout it; then the state of Europe, the advancement of religionin the continental courts; then prisons, their present state inthis country, my fear that our punishments were becoming toosevere, my wish that the Queen should be informed of someparticulars respecting separate confinement. We also had muchentertaining conversation about my journeys, the state of Europe,modes of living, and habits of countries. With Sir Robert Peel Idwelt much more on the prison subject; I expressed my fears thatjailers had too much power, that punishment was rendered uncertain,and often too severe; pressed upon him the need of mercy, andbegged him to see the new prison, and to have the dark cells alittle altered.... I was wonderfully strengthened, bodily andmentally, and believe I was in my right place there, though an oddone for me. I sat between Prince Albert and Sir Robert Peel atdinner, and a most interesting time we had.... It was a veryremarkable occasion; I hardly ever had such respect and kindnessshown to me; it was really humbling and affecting to me, and yetsweet to see such various persons, whom I had worked with for yearspast, showing such genuine kindness and esteem so far beyond mymost unworthy deserts.

Royalty and nobility thus concurred in carrying out, although perhapsunconsciously, the Scriptural command: "Esteem such very highly in lovefor their works' sake." It is interesting to notice how veryfrequently, in this world, the course of events does coincide with thewords of Holy Writ, and the honor which Providence showers upon aremarkable servant of God. It is equally interesting, also, to see howcompletely, in the philanthropic Quakeress, the nobility of moralgreatness was acknowledged by the highest personages in the land.

Very soon after this meeting at the Mansion House, the King of Prussiaarrived in England, to stand as sponsor to the infant Prince of Wales;and, speedily after his arrival, he desired to see Mrs. Fry. He neitherforgot nor ignored her visits to his dominions in the interests ofcharity; and he concluded that a woman who could travel thousands ofmiles upon the Continent, in order to ameliorate the condition ofprisoners and lunatics, must be worth visiting at her own home. By hisspecial desire, therefore, she was sent for, to meet him at the MansionHouse. After the dinner, at which no toasts were proposed, in deferenceto Mrs. Fry's religious scruples, an appointment was made by the King tomeet her at Newgate on the following morning, and afterwards to takeluncheon at the house in Upton Lane. This memorable engagement wascarried out in its entirety about midday. Mrs. Fry and one of hersisters set out to meet the party, which included the King, his suite,the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, the Sheriffs, some of the Ministers ofState, and a large number of gentlemen. The poor women of Newgatenumbered about sixty, and doubtless their attention was somewhatdistracted by the grand company present; but Mrs. Fry, with heraccustomed common-sense, reminded them that a greater than the King ofPrussia was present, even "the King of Kings and Lord of Lords." Afterthis admonition she read the 12th chapter of the Epistle to the Romans,and expounded and conducted a short devotional service. Then, she says,"the King again gave me his arm, and we walked down together. There weredifficulties raised about his going to Upton, but he chose to persevere.I went with the Lady Mayoress and the Sheriffs, the King with his ownpeople. We arrived first; I had to hasten to take off my cloak, and thenwent down to meet him at his carriage-door, with my husband and seven ofour sons and sons-in-law. I then walked with him into the drawing-room,where all was in beautiful order—neat, and adorned with flowers. Ipresented to the King our eight daughters and daughters-in-law, ourseven sons and eldest grandson, my brother and sister Buxton, Sir Henryand Lady Pelley, and my sister-in-law Elizabeth Fry—my brother andsister Gurney he had known before—and afterwards presented twenty-fiveof our grandchildren. We had a solemn silence before our meal, which washandsome and fit for a king, yet not extravagant, everything mostcomplete and nice. I sat by the King, who appeared to enjoy his dinner,perfectly at his ease and very happy with us. We went into thedrawing-room after another silence and a few words which I uttered inprayer for the King and Queen. We found a deputation of Friends with anaddress to read to him; this was done; the King appeared to feel itmuch. We then had to part. The King expressed his desire that blessingsmight continue to rest on our house."

Solomon says: "Seest thou a man diligent in his business he shall standbefore kings; he shall not stand before mean men." Elizabeth Fry's lifewas a living proof of the honors that a persistent, steady, self-denyingcourse of doing good invariably wins in the long run.

CHAPTER XV.

CLOSING DAYS OF LIFE.

Indefatigable workers wear out, while drones rust out. As the years arecounted, of so many days, months, and weeks, many workers of this classdie prematurely; but a wiser philosophy teaches that "He liveth long wholiveth well." Into her years of life, long, eventful, and busy,Elizabeth Fry had crowded the work of many ordinary women; it was littlewonder, therefore, that at a time when most people would have settleddown to enjoy the relaxations and comforts of a "green old age," she hadbegun to set her house in order, to die. Her energies had been fairlyworn out in the service of humanity, and from the time that she made theresolution to serve God, when moved by William Savery's pleadings, rightonward through forty-eight years of sunshine and shadow, vicissitudesand labors, she had never swerved from her simple, earnest purpose. Thepropelling motive to that long course of Christian usefulness may befound in a few words uttered by her shortly before her death: "Since myheart was touched at seventeen years old, I believe I have neverawakened from sleep, in sickness or in health, by day or by night,without my first waking thought being, 'how best I might serve myLord.'" That unchanged desire ultimately became the master-passion ofher life.

Honors clustered thickly about her declining days. She was the welcomedguest of royalty and nobility; on the Continent, as well as in far-awayEnglish colonies, her name was pronounced only with respectful love. Hereldest son was appointed to the magistracy of the county; her relativesand associates were foremost in every enterprise intended to benefitmankind; while both in Parliament and out of it, her recommendationswere respectfully adopted. Had her years been counted on the patriarchalscale, instead of by their own shortened number, she could have reapedno higher honors; for titles were in her ears but empty sounds, andwealth only meant increased responsibility. Not many nobler souls walkedthis earth, either in Quaker garb or out of it.

In 1842 her state of health appeared to be so infirm and shattered thather brother-in-law, Mr. Hoare, offered her the loan of his house atCromer. She accepted the offer for a couple of months, and found alittle benefit for the bracing air. She mentioned in her diary at thistime that she had "an undue fear of an imbecile or childish state"—anot unlikely feeling to be cherished by an energetic woman accustomedall her life long to the work of helping others. At the end of Octobershe returned home, thankfully rejoicing, however, in an improved stateof health.

But a new series of trials awaited her. Death seemed to visit the happyfamily circle so often that one wonders almost where the tale will stop.Four or five grand-children passed away in rapid succession. After thefuneral of the first grand-child, she assembled the family party in theevening, and with a little of the old fire and yearning affection, gavethem exhortation and consolation. Then she prayed for all the members ofthe three generations present. After this funeral service she paid afinal visit to France; and then returned home, to descend still furtherinto the valley of suffering.

Her sister-in-law—also named Elizabeth Fry—died during this time ofweakness and pain. There had been a close bond of sympathy between thesetwo women; they had travelled many times together as ministers in theSociety of Friends, and had been united by the closest bonds of womanlyand Christian affection. The faithful sister-in-law preceded thephilanthropist to "the better land," by about fifteen months.

In the summer of 1844 she attended her beloved meeting at Plaistow oncemore. She had been so long in declining health, that meeting with theassociates of former years, for worship, had been of necessity anenjoyment altogether out of the question. But Sunday after Sunday, asthe "church-going bell" resounded on the still morning air, her spirityearned to worship God after the manner of her sect. Still, for weeksthe attempt was an abortive one. The difficult process of dressing wasnever accomplished until long after 11 o'clock, the hour when themeeting assembled. The desire was only intensified, however, by theserepeated disappointments, and finally it was resolved that the attemptshould be made on Sunday, August 4th, at all risks. It succeeded. Drawnby two of her children, in a wheeled chair, she was taken up to themeeting, a few minutes after the hour for commencing worship. Herhusband, children and servants followed behind, fearing whether or nothe ordeal would be too heavy for the wasted frame. But after remainingfor some time in the wonted quiet of the sanctuary, an access ofstrength seemed to be granted her, and in somewhat similar spirit tothat of the old patriarchs, when about to bid farewell to the scene oflabor and life, she lifted up her voice once more with weighty, solemnwords of counsel. The prominent topic of her discourse was "the death ofthe righteous." She expressed the deepest thankfulness, alluding to hersister-in-law, Elizabeth Fry, for mercies vouchsafed to one who, havinglabored amongst them, had been called from time to eternity. She quotedthat text, "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, for they ceasefrom their labors, and their works do follow them." She dwelt on thepurposes of affliction, on the utter weakness and infirmity of theflesh, and then tenderly exhorted the young. She urged the need ofdevotedness of heart and steadfastness of purpose; she raised a tributeof praise for the eternal hope offered to the Christian, and concludedwith these words from Isaiah: "Thine eyes shall see the King in Hisbeauty; they shall behold the land that is very far off." Prayer wasafterwards offered by her in a similar strain, and then the meetingended. Shortly after this, a removal to Walmer was effected, in the vainhope that the footsteps of death might be retarded.

From one of her letters, written at this date, we quote the followingpassage:—

I walk in a low valley, still I believe I may say that theeverlasting arms are underneath me, and the Lord is very near. Ipass through deep waters, but I trust, as my Lord is near to me,they will not overflow me. I need all your prayers in my lowestate. I think the death of my sister, and dear little Gurney, hasbeen almost too much for me.

But Mrs. Fry was to pass through still deeper waters of affliction andtrial while in her suffering state. A visitation of scarlet feverattacked the family of her son William, and, in spite of all medicalattentions, he and two of his daughters fell beneath the destroyer'shand. A scene of desolation ensued; the servants, as they sickened, weretaken to Guy's Hospital, and the Manor House was deserted, for thosemembers of the household who had escaped the infection had to flee fortheir lives. For a time, the dear ones who ministered to Mrs. Fry weretoo terror-stricken and crushed by the trial to venture on telling theirmother all; more than that, they feared for her life also. But the"Christian's faith proved stronger than the mother's anguish. She weptabundantly, almost unceasingly; but she dwelt constantly on the unseenworld, seeking for passages in the Bible which speak of the happy stateof the righteous. She was enabled to rejoice in the rest upon which herbeloved ones had entered, and in a wonderful manner to realize theblessedness of their lot." Her other children gathered around her atWalmer, anxious to comfort her, and be themselves comforted by her inthis succession of bereavements. She had been such a tower of strengthto all her family, in the years which had gone, that they almostinstinctively clustered around her now with the old trustful, yearningdevotion; but she was, although firm in spirit, so frail in body as tobe like the trembling ivy requiring the most constant and tendersupport. Writing in her journal about this time, Mrs. Fry thus expressedher feelings: "Sorrow upon sorrow! The trial is almost inexpressible.Oh! dear Lord, keep thy unworthy servant in this time of severe trial;keep me sound in faith and clear in mind, and be very near to us all."Shortly after this entry a beloved niece died; and, as if the hungry mawof Death were not yet satisfied, Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, herbrother-in-law, friend and coadjutor in so many benevolent schemes, alsobecame a victim. It is certain that these numerous losses weaned hermuch from life; it is also certain that her splendid reasoning powersgave way for a time, and the infirmity of premature old age crept overher mind. In this way she was mercifully kept from being utterlycrushed. Yet, while her mental strength remained, she thought lovinglyof those ladies who had been associated with her in her philanthropicworks and penned a few lines of parting counsel to them. The followingis the text of the last written communication addressed by her to theCommittee of the Ladies' British Society:—

My much-loved friends, amidst many sorrows that have been permittedfor me to pass through, and much bodily suffering, I still feel adeep and lively interest in the cause of poor prisoners; andearnest is my prayer that the God of all grace may be very near tohelp you to be steadfast in the important Christian work of seekingto win the poor wanderers to return, repent and live; that they mayknow Christ to be their Saviour, Redeemer and hope of glory. Maythe Holy Spirit direct your steps, strengthen your hearts, andenable you and me to glorify our Holy Head in doing and sufferingeven unto the end; and when the end comes, through a Saviour's loveand merits, may we be received into glory and everlasting rest andpeace.

In the spring of 1845 she paid a last visit to Earlham Hall. She had,with the tenacity of desire peculiar to invalids, longed intensely tobehold again the scenes amid which her youth was spent, and to welcomeonce more those familiar faces yet left in the old home. While there shewas several times drawn to the meeting at Norwich, and even spoke ondifferent occasions with her wonted fire and persuasiveness. It seemedas if her powerful memory was revived, seeing that the stores ofScripture which she had made hers were now drawn upon with singularaptness and felicity. After paying one or two farewell visits to NorthRepps and Runcton she returned once more to Upton Lane. Once settledthere, she received many marks of sympathy from the excellent of alldenominations, as well as from the noble and rich. The duch*ess ofSutherland and her daughters, the Chevalier de Bunsen, and others whohad heard of or known her, called upon her with every token ofrespectful affection; while, on her part, she spoke and acted as if inthe very light of Eternity. So anxious, indeed, was she still to do whatshe conceived to be her Master's work, that she made prodigious effortsto attend meetings connected with the Society of Friends and with herown special prison work. Thus she was present at two of the yearlymeetings for Friends in London in May, and on June 3d attended theannual meeting at the British Ladies' Society. This meeting was removedfrom the usual place at Westminster to the Friends' meeting-house atPlaistow, in deference to Mrs. Fry's infirm health and visibly-decliningstrength. In a report issued by this society, some four or five weeksafter Mrs. Fry's death, the committee paid a fitting tribute to herlabors with them, and the sacred preëminence she had won in the courseof those labors. In the memorial they referred to this meeting in thefollowing terms:—

Contrary to usual custom, the place of meeting fixed on was not inLondon, but at Plaistow, in Essex, and the large number of friendswho gathered around her on that occasion, proved how gladly theycame to her when she could no longer, with ease, be conveyed tothem. The enfeebled state of her bodily frame seemed to have leftthe powers of her mind unshackled, and she took, though in asitting posture, almost her usual part in repeatedly addressing themeeting. She urged, with increased pathos and affection, theobjects of philanthropy and Christian benevolence with which herlife had been identified. After the meeting, and at her own desire,several members of the committee, and other friends, assembled ather house. They were welcomed by her with the greatest benignityand kindness, and in her intercourse with them, strong were theindications of the heavenly teaching through which her subdued andsanctified spirit had been called to pass. Her affectionatesalutation in parting, unconsciously closed, in regard to most ofthem, the intercourse which they delighted to hold with her, butwhich can be no more renewed on this side of the eternal world.

At this time Mrs. Fry found intense satisfaction in learning that theLondon prisons—Newgate, Bridewell, Millbank, Giltspur Street, Compter,Whitecross Street, Tothill Fields, and Coldbath Fields—were all in moreor less excellent order, and regularly visited by the ladies who hadbeen her coadjutors, and were to be her successors.

A few weeks later she was taken to Ramsgate, in the hope that thesea-air would restore her strength for a little time; and while thereher old interest in the Coastguard Libraries returned, fresh and livelyas ever. It was, indeed, a proof of the ruling passion being strong inalmost dying circ*mstances. She attended meeting whenever possible,obtained a grant of Bibles and Testaments from the Bible Society,arranged, sorted, and distributed them among the sailors in the harbor,with the help of her grandchildren, and manifested, by her dailydeportment, how fully she had learned the hard lesson of submission andpatience in suffering.

A few days before the end, pressure of the brain became apparent; severepain, succeeded by torpor and loss of power, and, after a short time,utter unconsciousness, proved that the sands of life had nearly rundown. A few hours of spasmodic suffering followed, very trying to thosewho watched by; but suddenly, about four on the morning of October 13th,1845, the silver cord was loosed, the pitcher broken at the fountain,and the spirit returned to God who gave it.

In a quiet grave at Barking, by the side of the little child whom shehad loved and lost, years before, rest Elizabeth Fry's mortal remains."God buries His workers, but carries on His work." The peculiar workwhich made her name and life so famous has grown and ripened right up tothe present hour. In this, "her name liveth for evermore."

CHAPTER XVI.

FINIS.

Since the days when John Howard, Elizabeth Fry and other prisonreformers first commenced to grapple with the great problems of how totreat criminals, many, animated by the purest motives, have followed inthe same path. To Captain Maconochie, perhaps, is due the system ofrewards awarded to convicts who manifest a desire to amend, and show bytheir exemplary conduct that they are anxious to regain once more a fairposition in society. Some anonymous writers have recently treated thepublic to books bearing on the convict system of our country; andprofessedly written, as they are, by men who have endured longer orshorter periods of penal servitude, their opinions and suggestionscertainly count for something. The author of Five Years' PenalServitude seems to entertain very decided opinions upon the presentsystem and its faults. He speaks strongly against long sentences forfirst offences, but urges that they should be made more severe. Hethinks that short sentences, made as severe as possible, consistent withsafety to life, would act as a deterrent more effectually than the longpunishments, which are, to a certain degree, mild to all well-conductedprisoners. He also most strongly advocates separation of prisoners;insisting that "the mixing of prisoners together is radically bad, andshould at all costs be done away with. Men who are imprisoned for firstoffences, whether it be in a county jail or a convict prison, shouldmost certainly be kept perfectly distinct from 'second-timers,' and noton any account be brought into contact with old offenders, who, in toomany cases, simply complete their education in vice." He further states,in a concise form, what, in his estimation, should be the aim of allpenal measures. 1st. The punishment of those who have transgressed thelaws of the country, and the deterring others from crime; 2d. Thegetting rid of the troublesome and criminal class of the population; 3d.The doing of this in the most efficient and least costly way to thetax-paying British public. He even quotes the opinion that New Guineawould be suitable as a place of disposal for the convict class. But manyand good reasons have been given against shipping off criminals to bepests to other people; this system has been already tried, and failed toa large extent, although it certainly had redeeming features. Lookingat the matter all round, it seems utterly impossible to devise a convictsystem which shall meet fairly and justly all cases. Could some systembe set in operation which should afford opportunity for the thoughtlessand unwary criminal, who has heedlessly fallen into temptation, toretrace his steps and attain once more the height whence he has fallen,it would be a boon to society. On the other hand, the members of thereally criminal class only anticipate liberty in order to use it forfresh crime, for, in their opinion, the shame lies in detection, not insinning. What can be done with such but to deal stringently with them aswith enemies against society? This writer can fully bear out Mrs. Fry'semphatic recommendations as to the imperative necessity that exists forcomplete separation and classification of the prisoners, in all ourpenal establishments. Association of the prisoners, one with another,only carries on and completes their criminal and vicious education.

There is, however, a general consensus of opinion as to thedesirability of reformatory, rather than punitive measures, being dealtout to children and very young persons. This system has, in almost everycase, been found to work well. The authors of The Jail Cradle, WhoRocks It? and In Prison and Out, have dealt with the problem ofjuvenile crime—and not in vain. From the latter work, the followingparagraph proves that in this matter, as in many others, Germany isabreast of the age:—

In Germany, no child under twelve years of age can suffer a penalsentence. Between twelve and eighteen years of age, youthfulcriminals are free to declare whether, while committing theoffense, they were fully aware of their culpability against thelaws of their country. In every case, every term of imprisonmentabove one month is carried out, not in a jail, but in aninstitution specially set apart and adapted for old offenders.These institutions serve not only for the purpose of punishment,but also provide for the education of the prisoners, the neglectof education being recognized as one of the chief sources ofcrime.

Mrs. Fry dealt with women principally, and it was only in a very limiteddegree that she could benefit the children of these fallen ones. Stillthere can be no doubt that she did a large service to society in takingpossession of them and educating them while with their mothers. Whatthat work involved has been fully told in the preceding pages; itsresults no pen can compute. Woman-like, she aimed at the improvement ofher own sex; but the reform which she inaugurated did not stop there.Like a circle caused by the descent of a pebble into a lake, it widenedand extended and spread until she and her work became household wordsamong all classes of society, and in all civilized countries. Most womenwould have shrunk back appalled at the terrible scene of degradationwhich Newgate presented when she first entered its wards as a visitor;others would have deemed it impossible to accomplish anything, saveunder the auspices of Government, and by the aid of public funds. Notthus did she regard the matter, but with earnest, oft-repeatedendeavors, she set herself to stem the tide of sin and suffering to befound at that period in Government jails, and so successfully that aradical change passed over the whole system before she died. Probably itis not too much to say that no laborer in the cause of prison reformever won a larger share of success. Certainly none ever received alarger meed of reverential love.

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"The biographer who finds such material before him as the lives andcharacters of the Brontë family need have no anxiety as to theinterest of his work. Characters not only strong but so uniquelystrong, genius so supreme, misfortunes so overwhelming, set in itsscenery so forlornly picturesque, could not fail to attract allreaders, if told even in the most prosaic language. When we add tothis, that Miss Robinson has told their story not in prosaiclanguage, but with a literary style exhibiting all the qualitiesessential to good biography, our readers will understand that thislife of Emily Brontë is not only as interesting as a novel, but agreat deal more interesting than most novels. As it presents mostvividly a general picture of the family, there seems hardly areason for giving it Emily's name alone, except perhaps for themasterly chapters on 'Wuthering Heights,' which the reader willfind a grateful condensation of the best in that powerful butsomewhat forbidding story. We know of no point in the Brontëhistory—their genius, their surroundings, their faults, theirhappiness, their misery, their love and friendships, theirpeculiarities, their power, their gentleness, their patience, theirpride,—which Miss Robinson has not touched upon withconscientiousness and sympathy."—The Critic.

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