April 1795

"Whether there is any and what care taken of
"the Prisoners instruction?".

There is great reason to believe that the 21st. Article of the
Governors instructions, is strictly attended to; as we do not remember
to have heard of any Oaths or angry expressions being made use of by
the Keepers; such an example, on their part, must no doubt
operate to the advantage of the Prisoners. Their attendance on
Divine Service is duly enforced; and their behaviour has been
uniformly such as must with a great deal of pleasure be
remembered by the Chairman and several other Magistrates of
this Court who attended at the Opening of the Chapel. In short
we are happy in saying that there is at least as much
apparent devotion amongst them as we have witnessed in more
enlightened Congregations, and that our frequent Attendance
there has been the result not of duty alone, but of inclination
also. Of Mr Owens, it might appear like flattery to say any thing
after what has already been offered in his praise, but it were
ungrateful of Us, not to avail ourselves of this opportunity to
acknowledge our Obligations to him.

"Whether the Sentence on convicted Prisoners
"is properly carried into execution?"

Being of Opinion that Reformation (the grand object of all
Punishments) is much more likely to be produced by strengtening
the mind with a love of Industry, than by breaking the spirit
with rigid solitary confinement, we think it is, but this is a
point upon which Gentleman, should not be too hasty in making
up their minds, for very much depends on it, and before any
general Rule be laid down for the Governors conduct herein
every consideration should be bestowed upon the subject. The
Prisoners are usefully and constantly employed