County Bridewell/Gaol for the Western Division, Petworth, Sussex

This bridewell has two rooms: one 17 feet by 10, the other 18 by 9, 6 feet high: too small for the general number of prisoners. No chimney: no glass or shutters to the windows: no court: no water: no employment. Allowance now, a two-pound loaf every day, to be weighed by the keeper with scales and weights ordered to the house by the justices; and which should be kept for that purpose only. Keeper's salary lately augmented from £12 to £20. Fees, 6s. 8d. no table. But now the keeper's salary is augmented to £30 in lieu of all fees.

The keeper told me (in September 1774) that "all his prisoners upon discharge, were much weakened by the close confinement, and small allowance."

Thomas Draper and William Godfrey were committed the 6th of January 1776; the former died the 11th, the other the 26th of the same month. William Cox, committed the 13th of January, died the 23d. None of them had the gaol-fever. I do not affirm that these men were famished to death: it was extreme cold weather. However, since that time, the allowance of bread is doubled. For this the prisoners are indebted to the kind attention of the duke of Richmond. — This prison (rented by the county) has caused the death of many poor creatures: but I have now the pleasure to hear that it will soon be discontinued, a new one being under the consideration of the justices.

A new prison in an airy situation. The rooms are on two stories, over arcades, sixteen on each floor, thirteen feet three inches by ten feet, and nine feet high. Each room has two doors (one iron grated) an iron bedstead, straw mattress and bolster, two blankets and a quilt. The staircases are stone with iron rails, and all the windows close glazed, not made to open. There are two infirmaries on each floor, the only rooms which have chimneys. The chapel is in the centre, and has thirty-two pews, each three feet by two feet two inches: the sides so lofty that the prisoners cannot see one another, though they are all in the view of the chaplain. The keeper's house is detached, and has only one closet window towards the prison. Allowance two pounds of bread a day. No employment. There are many good rules in the keeper's book, which I hope will be printed and hung up. Keeper's salary £50, and half a guinea a week to the turnkey. No fees. Surgeon's salary £15.

1788, July 9, Prisoners 5.

Keeper, William Phillips. Salary, 50l. and 13s. per week for a Turnkey. No Fees.

Chaplain, Rev. Thomas Vernon. Salary, 20l.

Duty, Prayers every day, and Sermon once a week.

Surgeon, Mr. Robert Blagden. Salary, 15l.

Number of Prisoners, 1804, Sept. 18th, Six.

Allowance, two pounds of bread per day, sent in loaves of one day old.

REMARKS.

This Prison, in an airy situation, has four good court-yards. The enclosed ground is about one acre, and well supplied with water. The Keeper's house is detached, and has only one closet window, looking towards the Gaol. The rooms are on two stories, over arcades, sixteen on each floor, 13 feet 3 inches by 10 feet, and 9 feet

high. Each room has two doors, one of them iron-grated; with an iron bedstead, straw-mattress, and bolster, two blankets and a quilt.

The stair-cases are of stone, with iron rails, and the windows not close glazed, but made to open: Each room has a large semicircular iron-grated window.

Here are two Infirmaries on each floor; and these are the only rooms that have chimnies.

The Chapel is in the centre of the building, and has thirty-two pews, each 3 feet by 2 feet 10; with sides so lofty, that the Prisoners cannot see each other, though they are all in view of the Chaplain.

There is no Employment for the Prisoners.

Every Prisoner, excepting Deserters, or for bastardy, is on his entrance undressed, washed, and the County clothing put on him; his own are purified, laid by, and returned to him at his discharge. The privies here are all water-closets.

There are many excellent Rules and Orders in the Keeper's book, which I hope will be printed and hung up.

Mr. Blagden, the Surgeon's, Remarks do honour to his judgment and humanity. The Prison is frequently visited by the Magistrates, and great good order is preserved throughout.

This prison is situated on a commanding elevation on the western side of the town of Petworth: it is erected on n rocky foundation, and is remarkably dry and well drained; and a more desirable site, both with respect to health and convenience, could no where be found. The prison is surrounded by a boundary wall 20 feet high, inclosing an area of about 250 feet square.

The old part of this prison was commenced in the year 1785, and was completed and occupied in 1788. It consisted of two floors, and was built on open arcades, according to a plan suggested by Mr. Howard, to avoid the inconvenience arising from damp, and for greater security against escapes. It contained thirty-two cells, two infirmary-rooms, two turn keys’-rooms, and a chapel, with thirty-two ra stalls, the sides of which are so elevated that the prisoners cannot see one another, though they are all in the view of the chaplain. There can be no doubt that the prison was the earliest, in this or any other country, in which the separate system was introduced and maintained, with nearly all those regulations and arrangements which are necessary in order to give force and efficacy to its operation.

In the year 1816 the arcades were walled in, and a manufactory and day and store-rooms were constructed. Tread-wheels, a crank pump, and detached infirmaries, were subsequently erected in the rear of the prison. In 1835 very extensive additions were completed; consisting of 62 new cells for male prisoners, a separate prison for females, containing a washhouse, laundry, nine separate cells, and three cells of larger dimensions, with fire-places, for such female prisoners as have children with them.

The following is a brief description of this prison as it exists at the present time:—

The governor’s house is situated in the centre of the western side of the prison, and is connected at either extremity with the boundary wall. Until the year 1835 the only entrance to the prison was through this house; but owing to the great inconvenience which arose from the necessity-of carrying coals, and all other supplies for the prison and its manufactures, through the governor’s dwelling, another entrance was formed in the boundary wall to the left of his house, and a porter’s lodge was built immediately adjoining.

On passing through the governor’s house there appears on either hand a range of buildings forming a passage to the prison; those on the one side consist of the cook-house, carpenter’s shop, and paint shop; those on the other consist of the coal-house, the ash-house, and the receiving-room, with a bath.

The main building for male prisoners is of an oblong form, 200 feet long, by 40 wide, and consists of three floors. On the left of the entrance passage, which is near the centre of the building, is the manufactory, fitted up with looms for various kinds of weaving : on the right of the passage is the school-room, fitted up with separate stalls on three sides. A division runs down the middle of the room to prevent the prisoners on the opposite sides from seeing one another. The schoolmaster occupies an elevated position, from which he has a complete view of all that is going on. There are, besides, two taskmasters’-rooms, and two storerooms on the ground floor, together with two staircases communicating with the upper floors. The remainder of this part of the prison is occupied with cells on either side of a passage which runs the whole length of the building, having their doors opening into it. The centre of the first and second floors is occupied by a chapel, in the body of which are 32 separate stalls There is a gallery round it on three sides of the second floor. One side is occupied by the chaplain’s reading desk, on each side of which is a pew for the governor and officers of the prison; the other two galleries are fitted up with seats for the prisoners, divided in such a manner as to render difficult any attempt to communicate with each other; but which do not as effectually separate them as the stalls in the body of the chapel. On each floor are two rooms, one of which is appropriated to the use of the chaplain, and the others to the turnkeys. Two of these rooms were originally infirmaries; but the use of them as such has been discontinued, the surgeon preferring to treat the patients in their own cells. The remaining portions of the first and second floors to the right and left of the chapel are occupied by cells on each side of the central passage running the whole length of the buildings. In the centre of the rear of the males’ prison is the crank pump, which is worked by 30 prisoners in separate compartments, under the constant inspection of an officer. The cranks are spiral, and possess on that account a decided superiority Over the common crank mills, inasmuch as the difficulty of communication between the prisoners is increased by the position in which each is obliged to work with relation to the rest. The power generated by these cranks is applied to the raising of water for the use of the prison, and there are two water regulators to apportion the labour to the number and strength of the prisoners employed. There is an Ergometer attached to the crank-pump, by which the quantity of labour performed is measured and recorded. On the left of the crank-house is the tread-wheel-house, containing two wheels, with eight divisions, or separate stalls, on each; and on the opposite side of the wheel-house are 10 separate stalls for such of the prisoners as are at rest. The taskmaster is stationed in the centre to preserve order and silence. The action of these wheels is not applied to any useful purpose; but is governed by fly-regulators; and the taskmaster regulates the velocity of the wheels by means of a steelyard-lover placed beside his station. Instead of the ordinary fixed hand-rail commonly attached to tread-wheels, there is here a revolving rail, so contrived that the prisoners on the wheels cannot relieve themselves from their labour by hanging on the rail, as is a general practice; but, both legs and hands must move and work together. An Ergometer is attached to the tread-wheels, which measures and records the labour performed. The spiral cranks, the revolving rail, and the ergometer, are the inventions of Mr. Mance, the governor of this prison, and reflect great credit upon his talents and ingenuity. The ergometer, especially, is a most useful invention, and has been introduced, into many prisons.

The females’ prison is built in the south western angle of the prison inclosure. It is an oblong building, 4o feet by 25, and is three stories high. It contains three separate cells., and a large cell with a fire-place, on each floor. The wash-house is on the ground-floor, and the laundry and drying closet are on the first floor.

There are 99 separate cells for males, and 12 for females.

The greatest number of prisoners at any one time in the course of the year 1836 was 108 males, 7 females; 1837, 80 males, 5 females.

The old cells are of ample size; but those which are of more recent construction are, in our opinion, too small for the confinement of prisoners by night and day, being only 9 feet by 6, and 9 feet 2 inches in height, containing about 490 cubic feet; which is not more than half the size which we deem requisite for the separate confinement of prisoners. The cells are well provided with all needful appendages for separate confinement. There are a water-closet and washing trough in each, with water laid on, the supply of which is regulated by a cock in the cell; so that the prisoner has an unlimited supply of water. In Winter the cells are heated by means of hot water pipes. Each cell is provided with the following articles:— a bedstead, a straw bed, inclosed in ticking, two blankets and a coverlid, a stool, broom, towel-roller and towel, soap-box, drinking horn, and wooden spoon. There is an inspection hole to each cell; it is formed in the wall next the passage, and commands a good-view of the interior of the cell.

There is a manufactory on the ground floor, in which the weaving of horse-cloths, blankets, sacking, cart-tilts, and various other articles, is carried on. Other manufactures are carried on in the separate cells; these consist of picking, carding, spinning, and warping wool for mops, making mats, shoes, and prison clothing.

There is more of separate confinement in this prison than in any other in this country. Strict silence is also enjoined, and efforts are made to enforce it by a very vigilant superintendence, and by the usual punishment for its violation. That the rule is evaded, however, will be seen from the Return of offences and punishments in the Petworth House of Correction for the six months ending 31st March 1838; from which statement it appears that out of 59 offences, 36 were for talking, or for attempting to communicate together.

The prisoners sentenced to hard labour, with the exception of those who are excused by the surgeon on the ground of ill health, are employed on the tread-wheels, or at the pump-cranks.

In winter the hours of labour are 7.
In spring   "   8½.
In summer   "   10.

But by regulating the velocity of the wheels the daily amount of labour performed by the prisoners is unvaried; namely, 11,340 feet of ascent on the tread-wheels, and 13,440 revolutions of the crank-wheel. During the winter quarter the prisoners are on the wheel 15 minutes, and at rest 5 minutes, throughout the hours of labour. In spring and summer they are on the wheel 15 minutes, and at rest 10 minutes. Those who work at the crank-pumps continue throughout the hours of labour without any intervals of rest.

Those prisoners respecting whom the surgeon certifies that their health will not admit of their undergoing such labour, as well as those who are sentenced to imprisonment without hard labour, and such of the untried prisoners as are willing to work, are employed upon some one or other of the manufactures carried on in this prison; but each in his separate cell. Those last mentioned receive one-fourth of their earnings at their discharge, and their labour is valued at the price for which the same work could be done in the town.

Those prisoners sentenced to hard labour who understand the trades of carpenters, tailors, shoemakers, locksmiths, &c., are employed as they are wanted; such prisoners as are sentenced to hard labour are sometimes employed in painting and whitewashing.

Those prisoners sentenced to hard labour who work, on the tread-wheels, or at the pump-cranks, sleep and take their meals in separate cells, sit in separate stalls in school and at chapel, work in separate stalls on the wheels, and at the crank, and sit in separate stalls when at rest from the wheels, In passing from their cells to the tread-wheel, the chapel, and the school, the prisoners walk in single files with an interval of two or more paces between each, and under a strict rule of silence. Prisoners who are kept at work on the tread-wheels, or at the crank labour, never exercise in the airing yards. And whether in their cells, on the wheel, at the cranks, in chapel, at school, or in the passages, and, in short, on all occasions throughout the day and night, silence between prisoner and prisoner is attempted to be rigidly enforced, and punishment invariably follows every detected violation of it.

The prisoners not sentenced to hard labour, and such as are relieved therefrom by the surgeon’s advice, work and sleep in their separate cells, and are allowed one hour’s exercise daily in their airing yards, moving in single file, and in silence.

Untried prisoners sleep and take their meals in their separate cells, and, if they are willing to be employed, work in their separate cells, and are allowed one hour’s exercise daily in their airing yards, moving in single file, and in silence. Such of both classes as desire it, attend school for an hour a day, and, while there, sit in separate stalls.

Every prisoner in health attends chapel daily; on week days for about three quarters of an hour; and on Sundays for two hours and three quarters, on an average.

Untried prisoners are allowed to see their friends twice a-week, and their legal adviser at all times : and, except while they are at chapel, in the airing yards, at school, or when so visited, they are in separate cells. And on every occasion, throughout the day and night, the enforcement of the strictest silence is attempted, and, as in the case of convicted prisoners, every detected violation of it is invariably punished.

It occasionally happens during the hours of labour that two or three prisoners are associated in the manufactory; and at such times an officer is constantly present, and silence is rigidly enforced.

In order more effectually to enforce the observance of silence throughout the prison by day and night, a turnkey is appointed during the day, and a watchman during the night, to perambulate the passages in cloth shoes.

No officer is permitted to hold communication with any prisoner whatsoever, except on subjects connected with his duties.

The prisoners sentenced to solitary confinement remain in their cells during the whole term of their sentence, except while attending Divine service in the chapel on Sundays. They are not allowed any work; but such as can read are supplied with books. They are daily visited by the governor and chaplain. Prisoners of this class frequently say to the chaplain, "Cannot you give us something to do;—wool to pick, or something.?" They are not allowed to lie upon their beds all day long, or to wrap themselves up in their blankets, and sleep away their time, as in the House of Correction at Lewes; but they must neatly fold up their bedding and put it away, at the same time and in the same manner as other prisoners.

The hours at which labour commences and terminates vary with the season of the year; in all other respects the routine of the day undergoes no change. In summer the officer unlocks the cell doors at half past five o’clock In the morning, and the prisoners proceed to work at the tread-wheels and crank-labour at six o’clock. The head turnkey unlocks the cells; the watchman stands on the stairs, the manufacturer at the foot of the stairs, to Watch the prisoners as they descend, and to prevent them from holding any communication in their progress. One turnkey is stationed at the pump-cranks, and another at the wheel-house, to receive the prisoners, and to see that each proceeds in silence to his appointed station. When there are less than 30 hard labour prisoners, the cranks only are employed; when the number exceeds 30, the tread-wheels are brought into operation, and an extra turnkey is appointed. The marching from the cells to the crank-wheel houses occupies about ten minutes.

At half past eight o’clock, a. m., the prisoners return from the cranks and tread-wheels to their cells for breakfast. Each prisoner’s breakfast portion is placed on a shelf in the lobby at the foot of the stairs, and he takes it with him us he passes along to his cell. The same officers, whom we mentioned as watching the prisoners in their progress to their work, now resume their former stations for the purpose of watching them on their return. This movement occupies from eight to ten minutes.

At nine o’clock, a. m., all the prisoners in health attend chapel. Two turnkeys are stationed on each floor, to direct this movement; one unlocks the cells, and the other watches the prisoners in their progress to their seats in the chapel. This also occupies about ten minutes. The chaplain and governor are always in their places before the prisoners begin to assemble.

When Divine service is over, the prisoners proceed to their respective occupations. Those who are employed in their separate cells leave the chapel first in order; and all the officers assist in locking them up. Next the hard labour prisoners proceed to the wheels and cranks, in the same manner as in the morning; the officers again occupying their former stations. About ten minutes are occupied in clearing the chapel and setting all the prisoners to work : the time, of course, varies with the numbers in the prison. The prisoners remain at work until one o’clock; they then return, in the same manner as in the morning, to their cells to dinner. This occupies from five to ten minutes, according to the number of prisoners. They remain in their cells for an hour : at two o’clock the bell rings for labour. The hard labour prisoners return in the same order to the wheel and crank labour, where they remain until their allotted portion of labour is completed; this in general occupies seven hours in winter; in spring and autumn, eight hours and three quarters; and ten hours in summer. If the prescribed amount of hard labour is not performed in the specified time, the prisoners are compelled to remain at work until it is completed. In summer this occupies the prisoners more than ten hours,—the period which, according to the 8th rule of the 10th sec. 4 Geo. IV., cap. 64, is not to be exceeded by prisoners sentenced to hard labour. The marchings and countermarchings occupy from an hour to seventy minutes daily, exclusive of the time spent in exercising the prisoners in the airing-yards.

No prisoners are employed as wardsmen. Two sweepers, or cleaners, are selected from among the hard labour prisoners. Their business is to clean the prison; but they are always under the eye of an officer when so employed, to prevent them from communicating with any of the prisoners who are at work In their separate cells. One hard-labour prisoner is likewise employed in cooking and preparing the meals for the prisoners.

All convicted prisoners are strictly limited to the prison diet, except when extra diet is allowed by written order of the surgeon.

Untried prisoners are allowed to purchase, or to receive from their friends, any plain cooked victuals or food, but not more than is sufficient for one day’s subsistence; and they are not allowed any prison diet on the days on which they purchase food or victuals. They are also allowed to purchase or receive one quart of table beer daily. The principal turnkey makes the purchases in the town, and generally at the shop that has the prison contract.

None of the prison officers, or their wives, keep shops.

The untried prisoners are not allowed to spend the money which they earn in the prison; it is kept for them until the time of their discharge.

The governor’s wife is matron : she is the only regularly appointed and paid female officer; but her female servant assists her in the performance of her duties. She superintends the discipline in the females’ prison, and enforces the regulations with reference to employment, order, and silence. The female prisoners are never put to work at the tread-wheel or crank labour. Those sentenced to hard labour are employed in washing and getting up the prison linen : but only one prisoner is employed in the wash-house or laundry at the same time. The rest of the female prisoners are employed at needle-work in their cells; and take an hours exercise in their airing-yard daily. All the female prisoners in health attend chapel whenever Divine service is performed. The governor never enters the females' prison unless he is attended by the matron. The keys are different from those of the male prison, and are in the custody of the matron.

Convicted prisoners are not allowed to receive letters or visits from their relations and friends during the first six months of their imprisonment.

Prisoners before trial may see their friends on Wednesdays and Saturdays, between the hours of two and four in the afternoon and their legal adviser at all reasonable hours. There is a regular visiting place adjoining the governor's house. The prisoners are separated from their friends by gratings, and the visits must always be made in the presence of an officer. All letters and: parcels are inspected by the governor before they are delivered to the prisoners.

The use of tobacco in any form is prohibited; great, and we believe successful, care is taken to prevent it from being introduced into the prison.

No gaming is allowed; and We believe it is entirely prevented.

The chaplain attends the prison every day: his prescribed period of attendance is four hours daily. He reads prayers in chapel every week-day at nine o’clock in the morning. On three mornings in the Week there are prayers only; on two mornings there are prayers and a lecture; on one morning there are prayers and the reading of the Prison Regulations. On Sunday, Christmas-day, and Good Friday, there are-two full services .and two-sermons. The chaplain also daily visits the sick, the prisoners in solitary confinement, and the prisoners under punishment. He also superintends the schools, sees the prisoners, newly admitted, or about to be discharged; and occasionally visits from cell to cell. When he was first appointed, he began to keep a Character Book, in which he entered particulars relating to each prisoner, together with remarks from time to time as to the conduct, habits, disposition, and progressive improvement of the individual; but, we regret to-say, that he soon discontinued this useful and necessary duty. On examining this book we found no entries in it after the first few months from his appointment. It is, however, due to him to record the statement of the governor, that "much good has been done by the labours of the present chaplain amongst the prisoners; a serious impression has been made upon their minds."

Either the surgeon, or his assistant, visits the prison daily, and sees every prisoner before his or her admission to the wards. He himself sees daily every patient, every prisoner in solitary confinement, and under punishment. He sees every prisoner twice a-week, and he frequently examines the food, to see that it is of a good quality. He also attends whenever he is sent for, or needed.

Every prisoner who needs it, is washed in the bath on his admission.

The infirmaries have been disused, and all patients are treated in their separate cells.

Each cell is provided with soap, towels, and comb.

The ventilation of the prison is good, except in the new cells, which are too small; and when prisoners are employed in picking or carding wool in them, the atmosphere is unpleasant, and, we should think, unwholesome.

Irons are used occasionally with the refractory, and always when conveying prisoners to trial at Chichester or Lewes. The leg-irons are 10 lb. weight, worn by two prisoners. The body-iron, which is occasionally used with the refractory, is 4½ lbs. weight, is padlocked round the body, and the arms are handcuffed to the side.

The following officers are employed in this prison:—

An excellent practice is adopted in this prison; the general rules for the maintenance of the discipline, and the regulations and instructions prescribing the duties of each turnkey, or other subordinate officer, are printed separately, and delivered to each officer. The routine of each man’s duty is thus clearly defined and pointed out; and any neglect or omission must be wilful.

We feel much satisfaction in hearing testimony to the extreme cleanliness of this prison, both with reference to the apartments, cells, and yards, and to the persons of the prisoners. We found none of the cells or walls scribbled on, or otherwise defaced. The discipline is enforced with zeal, temper, and effect; more so whilst under our inspection than in any other prison, that we have visited. We are bound, however, to remark, that the Governor and officers of this prison possess great facilities for securing the end at which a good system ought to aim: and that a state of discipline may be attained here which could not be arrived at in other prisons with an equal measure of zeal and intelligence on the part of the authorities. The prison is small; it is well constructed for inspection and control; there are no detached buildings for the confinement of prisoners; the passages are straight; the floors communicate with each other by convenient staircases, centrally situated. The chapel is in the centre of the prison, having four entrances to it from the two floors upon which the majority of the prisoners are confined. The building is sonorous; so that the watchman or turnkey on duty, patrolling the passages, can hear on one floor any talking or noise, on either of the others. The prisoners are few in number;—on an average about 70. The governor is an experienced, intelligent, and active officer; and he has a sufficient number of officers to assist him in carrying out the discipline. The prisoners, for the most part, belong to the agricultural class — a more quiet and orderly class than are to be found in large towns, or manufacturing districts. It is obvious, therefore, under these circumstances, that in this prison the system pursued — a combination of the separate and silent systems — is capable of being carried out with a degree of efficacy and success, which it would be vain to hope for in the large prisons of the country or of the metropolis.

While, however, we gladly render the praise which is justly due to a zealous and judicious employment of the advantages existing in Petworth House of Correction, we beg distinctly to avow our persuasion that the evils inseparable, as we think, from the silent system, are to be found in operation here. There is much amusement, and distraction of mind caused by the repeated daily transitions from the cell to the tread-wheel and that with the worst class of prisoners; frequent opportunities for communication are afforded; and that the prisoners avail themselves, or seek to avail themselves of them is demonstrably shown in the Return of prison offences and punishments. We found that the majority of the prisoners whom we examined; (and those were nearly the whole body) were recommittals, and, in many cases, prisoners who had been repeatedly committed. It ought also to be borne in mind, that the discipline of this prison owes its efficacy mainly to the prevalence of the system of separation.

Mr. John Mance, Governor, states, that he has been 14 years governor of this prison, having received his present appointment in April, 1824. He. has no other office, nor is he engaged in any trade or occupation. He is totally unconnected with the contracts for the supply of the prison. The visiting justices receive the tenders, and enter into the contracts.

He daily visits every cell and apartment, and sees every prisoner. He never enters the female prison unaccompanied by a female officer. He has no clerk, but himself keeps the prescribed books, journals, and all the accounts of the prison.

The male and female prisoners are confined in separate buildings, so that they cannot see, converse, or hold intercourse with each other.

The governor attends chapel whenever Divine service is performed, and is always in his place before any prisoner is brought into chapel. He has much pleasure in bearing testimony to the good effect produced by the labours of the present chaplain; a serious impression is made on the minds of the prisoners.

Provision is made for the instruction of the prisoners in reading and writing, by the employment of a schoolmaster, a paid officer, who attends the prison, daily for two hours. The prisoners sit in separate stalls in school; and, in addition to the continued presence of the schoolmaster, a turnkey constantly assists in maintaining silence and order.

Prisoners newly arrived are not distributed to their respective wards until they have been examined by the surgeon, All prisoners, except those for trial, are stripped, and dressed in the prison clothing before they enter the prison; and those who need cleansing are washed in the bath.

No tobacco finds its way into the prison. Great efforts have been made to introduce it; but without success. In one instance, within the last two years, it was got into the prison; but it was discovered in the prisoner’s cell. Before the alterations made in the discipline in 1835 and 1836, various prohibited articles used to be thrown over the walls for the prisoners. This never occurs now.

The governor declares himself to be favourably inclined to the system of discipline now in force in the Petworth House of Correction, which is an union of the separate and silent systems. Before he had tried this system he was an advocate of separate confinement; because he could not see how the evils arising from gaol association could be avoided, but by individual separation. He is now convinced, by the experience of the working of the present system, that the evils may be got rid of without resorting to the severe system of entire seclusion. He also considers that entire separation falls with equal severity upon the untried and convicted prisoner; for, although the untried are allowed to see their friends, and to receive or purchase provisions other than the prison allowance — a privilege denied to the convicted — yet few have friends to come and visit them; and those who do visit them are generally too poor to afford them either food or money. He considers it to be his duty to express this opinion, having previously advocated the separate system of prison discipline.

The Rev. T. W. Langshaw, Chaplain, w appointed to the office of chaplain in June, 1836. Has now resigned; having been appointed to a living in the county. He attends and performs Divine service daily : on Sundays he performs two full services. He visits the sick, and the prisoners in solitary confinement: he also occasionally visits the prisoners from cell to cell. He superintends the school; delivers a lecture in chapel twice a-week, and two sermons on Sundays. The regulations require that he should devote four hours daily to his duties in the prison: he has not done this since he has been appointed to his living. He thinks that scarcely any other system of discipline could produce so good an effect as that at present in force in Petworth House of Correction. Is of opinion that the separate system does not exercise the moral faculties. States that the prisoners in solitary confinement are anxious for employment. They frequently say to him, "Cannot we have something to do; wool to pick, or something" Thinks, that as the system becomes more known among the criminal population, it rather produces a dread of the prison than otherwise; though many say they would as soon be here as in the workhouse. Prisoners in the separate cells learn large portions of Scripture by heart. Fifty prisoners had committed 10,000 passages of Scripture to memory, besides whole chapters and psalms. He states, that prisoners who are subjected to the tread-wheel labour for more than three months manifestly suffer in their health; they become exceedingly emaciated, and have been affected with scurvy. Generally .speaking, he believes that this effect is produced rather by tread-wheel labour than by separate confinement.

Henry Jackson, Esq., Surgeon, states, that he has been surgeon to the Petworth House of Correction about a year and a half; but having been assistant and partner to the late surgeon many years, he has had at least 17 years' experience of the prison. His duties are the following:— he sees every prisoner on his or her admission; and every prisoner, whether well or ill, twice a-week. He sees daily every patient, solitary or refractory prisoner, when there are any such. Either himself, or his assistant, visits the prison daily.

The general health of the prisoners are very good; no particular disease is prevalent, or imputable to the discipline; except, perhaps, constipation of the bowels from diet. He has observed much diminution of strength in the prisoners employed on the tread-wheel; much emaciation of power, generally speaking, at the end of three months. Has, in consequence, been obliged to order an increase of diet — usually ¼ lb. of meat and 1 lb. potatoes daily. Has also had occasion to increase the diet of the prisoners not at hard labour; he attributes the necessity of this, almost exclusively, to the lowness of the prison diet. He is of opinion that without employment and instruction, solitary confinement would be still more injurious. He attributes the illness of John Pearce, not to the discipline, but exclusively to the diet. This man came in almost famished; he gave him daily ¼ lb. of meat, 1 lb. potatoes, and a pint of small beer. His treatment has not been altered; and there can be no doubt that his improved state of health is owing to his better diet. Has abandoned the use of the infirmary, and has treated all cases in their cells. Has had a prisoner in the cell as a nurse in a particular case. Does not think a general infirmary at all necessary. Has known many instances of prisoners feigning illness, in order to escape from the wheel or pump-crank; but no case of this sort, so far as he remembers, from amongst those employed in their separate cells.