ELiZABETIT FRY, too appalling for description. Miserable, sunk in the lowest depths of depravity, all the better feelings of their nature seemingly extinct, the disorganized multitude passed their time in swearing, drinking, gambling, fighting. In four small rooms they lived, cooked and washed ; they slept on the floor, the boards of which were raised in part to supply a make-shift pillow. Filth and corruption prevailed in this fetid den of crime and ignominy; and when, by howling and clamouring, money was obtained from chance visitors, it was, after a scramble for its possession, instantly expended in spirits at the tap kept in the prison. No employment of any kind was assigned to these women, the only thought bestowed on them was to keep them in safe custody. It was many years since Howard had first visited this abode of degradation and vice, and notwith- standing the amelioration which had taken place through his instrumentality, the state of Newgate was fearful. Even Mr. Newman, the governor, entered this side of the prison with horror and reluctance. Some friends of Elizabeth Fry having visited the jail in January, 1813, their representations induced her to repair to the female side for the purpose of affording the wretched captives charitable relief during the inclement season. Accompanied by a young lady friend, she entered the gloomy, frowning building ; and Mr Newman, fearing their watches would be snatched, urged them to leave 24
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