workers, and escorted by Sir T.
Fowell Buxton. The Duke of Richmond was chairman of the committee, which
included some twelve or fifteen noblemen. An eyewitness wrote afterwards
respecting Mrs. Fry's behavior and manner: "Never, should I think, was
the calm dignity of her character more conspicuous. Perfectly
self-possessed, her speech flowed melodiously, her ideas were clearly
expressed, and if another thought possessed her besides that of
delivering her opinions faithfully and judiciously upon the subjects
brought before her, it was that she might speak of her Lord and Master
in that noble company."

The principal topics treated of in her evidence before this committee
were connected with the general state of female prisons. Among other
things, she urged the want of more instruction, but that such
instruction should not be given privately and _alone_ to women; that the
treadmill was an undesirable punishment for women; that matrons were
required to be suitable in character, age, and capability for the post;
that equality in labor and diet was needed; and she insisted on the
imperative necessity of Government inspectors in both Scotch and English
prisons and convict-ships. She enlarged upon these matters in the manner
the subject demanded, and gave the committee the impression of being in
solemn earnest. Her quiet, Christian dignity impressed all who listened
to her voice, while the most respectful consideration was paid to her
suggestions. In reply to a question touching the instruction of the
prisoners, she says:--

I believe the effect of religious and other instruction is hardly
to be calculated on; and I may further say that, notwithstanding
the high estimation and reverence in which I held the Holy
Scriptures, before I went to the prisons, as believing them to be
written by inspiration of God, and therefore calculated to produce
the greatest good, I have seen, in reading the Scripture to those
women, such a power attending them, and such an effect on the minds
of the most reprobate, as I could not have conceived. If anyone
wants a confirmation of the truth of Christianity let him go and
read the Scriptures in prison to poor sinners; you there see how
the Gospel is exactly adapted to the fallen condition of man. It
has strongly confirmed my faith; and I feel it to be the bounden
duty of the Government and the country that these truths shall be