House of Commons Papers Volume 23 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1857 Excerpt: ...most daring criminals, who, in fact, long to be--sent out of the country free of expense. I have received numerous letters from those who have been released from this prison, and I have reason to believe, many are conducting themselves in a satisfactory manner. And considering the difficulties which a convict, and especially a female convict, has to contend with, when released from prison, considering the miserable homes they return to, and the companions with whom they must of necessity associate, I think there is great cause for thankfulness that so few have had their licences revoked. Nor can I help expressing my great regret, that those who have been sentence: -, to penal servitude have so little prospect of having a portion of their time remitted. I believe it would be a greater security to the public to release the convicts, with a ticket-of-leave, a little before the expiration of their sentences; and by this means the industrious and orderly conduct of the prisoners would be promoted. The effect of the discipline is, I trust, favorable upon the whole body of the prisoners. The lady visitors have been most kind, and have taken great interest in the prisoners. Miss Lownds, the lady Scripture-reader, has been most diligent and judicious in her important duties, and her labours have been highly valued and gratefully acknowledged by very many. The schoolmistresses have been constant in their duties. The books in use in the school are the same as have been before specified. There has been a considerable addition to the library, and Miss Smith has very diligently and judiciously regulated the distribution of the books. To the infirmary I have always looked with great satisfaction. The admirable arrangements and the christian influence have, I trust, not bee..