On the 22d of May, 1835, Mrs. Fry was desired to attend the Select Committee of the House of Lords, appointed to inquire into the state of the several jails and houses of correction in England and Wales.  She went, accompanied by three ladies, co-workers, and escorted by Sir T. Fowell Buxton.  The Duke of Richmond was chairman of the committee, which included some twelve or fifteen noblemen.  An eyewitness wrote afterwards respecting Mrs. Fry’s behavior and manner:  “Never, should I think, was the calm dignity of her character more conspicuous.  Perfectly self-possessed, her speech flowed melodiously, her ideas were clearly expressed, and if another thought possessed her besides that of delivering her opinions faithfully and judiciously upon the subjects brought before her, it was that she might speak of her Lord and Master in that noble company.”

The principal topics treated of in her evidence before this committee were connected with the general state of female prisons.  Among other things, she urged the want of more instruction, but that such instruction should not be given privately and alone to women; that the treadmill was an undesirable punishment for women; that matrons were required to be suitable in character, age, and capability for the post; that equality in labor and diet was needed; and she insisted on the imperative necessity of Government inspectors in both Scotch and English prisons and convict-ships.  She enlarged upon these matters in the manner the subject demanded, and gave the committee the impression of being in solemn earnest.  Her quiet, Christian dignity impressed all who listened to her voice, while the most respectful consideration was paid to her suggestions.  In reply to a question touching the instruction of the prisoners, she says:—­

I believe the effect of religious and other instruction is hardly to be calculated on; and I may further say that, notwithstanding the high estimation and reverence in which I held the Holy Scriptures, before I went to the prisons, as believing them to be written by inspiration of God, and therefore calculated to produce the greatest good, I have seen, in reading the Scripture to those women, such a power attending them, and such an effect on the minds of the most reprobate, as I could not have conceived.  If anyone wants a confirmation of the truth of Christianity let him go and read the Scriptures in prison to poor sinners; you there see how the Gospel is exactly adapted to the fallen condition of man.  It has strongly confirmed my faith; and I feel it to be the bounden duty of the Government and the country that these truths shall be administered in the manner most likely to conduce to the real reformation of the prisoner.  You then go to the root of the matter, for though severe punishment may in a measure deter them and others from crime, it does not amend the character and change the heart; but if you have altered the principles of the individual, they are not only deterred from crime