LETTER: Autograph letter signed, to Major Palmer, Inspector General of Prisons.
Important ALS to Major Palmer, Inspector General of Prisons, dated Jersey, 19th August, 1836. 72 lines on 4p. 8vo plus one p. 4to (the entire; folded enclosing sheet with address panel). With one or two corrections and crossings out. In excellent condition.
Addressed to "My dear Friend", the letter is entirely to do with the proposed reforms at Dublin Prison:
"I hope by this time the alterations proposed for your prison in the plans may have been seen by you who are so much interested in the subject in Dublin - If you have not received them they must be at the ? Office in London. Pray if this be the case procure them at once. I have written to my brother to say that they have not been received in Dublin.
“I am anxious that such decisions should be made that the women may sleep separately and be as much separate in the day as will conduce to their moral good this is an important consideration in the building - I mentioned in my letter to J. Drummond my hope that women may not be too hastily removed into the Prison. I am so very anxious that all the regulations should be so very complete and excellent as to bring credit upon the cause and therefore they will require deliberation - My visiting Ireland at present appears to be entirely out of the case. but I think if an arrangement were made for one of your own ladies to reside in the prison for the first month or two and assist the Matron by their valuable aid and advice much good would result from it - Pray call them together and impress upon them the very great importance of some of them giving up their mind and time to this valuable service.
“My friend Hannah Orpen expressed a willingness to reside in the Prison for a while. She is I think a very suitable person. If really wanted I think I could get one or two ladies to visit you from England but I think there are amongst your own some of so much talent and principle that they do not require their assistance - Write to me when ever thou likes. I should be pleased to communicate with thyself or Major Woodward. I knew nothing of the Turnkeys who proposed themselves for your approbation. The Matron I do know and think most highly of as one of the first prison officers - Wouldst thou have the kindness to call upon the Dean of St. Patricks and give him the accompanying papers and tell him how much I regret not having forwarded them before. Pray remember me very humbly to Major Woodward and the Ladies of the Prison Society."
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