ay be done for the poor female
convicts. It was the custom for some years, when a ship with female
convicts arrived, soldiers, convicts, and settlers were allowed to
go on board and take their choice; this custom does not now openly
obtain countenance and sanction, but when they are landed they have
no friend, nor any accommodation, and therefore are glad to live
with anyone who can give them protection; so the real moral state
of these females is little improved from what it always has been,
nor will it be the least improved till they can be provided with a
barrack. The neglect of the female convicts in this country is a
disgrace to our national character, as well as a national sin. Many
do not live out half their days, from their habits of vice. When I
am called to visit them on their dying beds, my mind is greatly
pained, my mouth is shut; I know not what to say to them.... To
tell them of their crimes is to upbraid them with misfortune; they
will say, "Sir, you know how I was situated. I do not wish to lead
the life I have done; I know and lament my sins, but necessity
compelled me to do what my conscience condemned."... Many, again,
I meet with who think these things no crime, because they believe
their necessities compel them to live in their sins. Hence their
consciences are so hardened through the deceitfulness of sin, that
death 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 and
inertness fled before the national cry for reform. Meanwhile, Mrs. Fry
continued her efforts on behalf of the convicts on board the transports,
ever urging upon those in power the imperative necessity for placing the
women under the charge of matrons. They still continued on the old plan,
and were wholly in the power of the sailors, except for such supervision
as the Naval Surgeon Superintendent could afford. Some little
improvements had taken place, since that first trip to the Maria
convict-ship, but very much still remained to be done. To these floating
prisons, frequently detained for weeks in the Thames, Mrs. Fry paid
numerous visits, arranging for the instruction, employment, and
cleanliness o