January 1798.

Dropsy and a Prisoner by Trade a Painter who came into
the Prison in a very weak State about 3 Weeks ago

The Governor Reported that the Boiler set up by
Mr.. Hopkins is rendered useless being burnt through and
that the saving of Coals is not so great as was at first
supposed-Resolved to postpone the Consideration of this
matter and to desire that Mr.. Hopkins may be requested
to attend the next Committee

The Committee were of Opinion that it would be much
to the Advantage of the County if while the damage done
to the Sheds by the Fire is repairing some Workshops for
Shoemakers and Taylors where they may work in Solitude
with better Light be made in the Sheds and that for
this purpose they be erected on a large scale and it was
Resolved that the Governor be at Liberty to procure a
sufficient Quantity of Timber and that the Work be done
by the Prisoners under the Direction of Mr.. Brain.

The Governor Reported That 9 Women were employed
in spinning and that they have spun a great Quantity
of sowing Thread for the use of the Prison.

That two Shoemakers and two Taylors are employed
in mending cloths and Shoes for the Prisoners and
that near 300. Pr. of Shoes have been made for the use
of the Prisoners

The Governor Reported That Sr. Jerem, Fitzpatrick< no role >
Inspector of to the Shipping had visited the Prison
a few days since in Consequence of a Letter from one Swabey
stating the hardships under which Smith the Convict
for Sedition labours that he had visited Smith and
conceiving the Letter had originated from some misrepre-
-sentation of Smith, admonished him on the Subject and
acknowledge'd himself well satisfied with every thing that he
saw throughout the Prison

The Committee called Smith before them when it appeared
that he was in perfect Health and that there is no ground
for the Complaints which are said to have been inserted in
the News Papers relative to this Prisoner.