by a very large majority, yet that it was seconded in two or three places at the same moment, and that the motion was put from the Chair as moved and seconded.

I here repeat, what I then explicitly stated and as sincerely felt, that no imputation was designed to be conveyed on those who, in opposition to myself, might think favourably of the use of the Tread-wheel. And whilst I again request candour and indulgence towards any trivial inaccuracies which these Cases may still contain, I am convinced that had all who differ from me suffered as I have done by working on this machine, and had they devoted several months to an almost daily and impartial investigation of this subject, they would at least unite with me in a conviction that they would incur no small degree of criminality in withholding the information thus obtained, and in refraining from publicly declaring the strong and deliberate opinion they had hereby formed.

It is only necessary to observe further, that the replies of the prisoners are uniformly given, as nearly as possible, in their own words.

CASES

IN

THE HOUSE OF CORRECTION

IN

COLD BATH FIELDS,

Examined 20th November, 1823, and Re-examined on 3rd January, 1824, in the presence of SAMUEL PURKIS, Esq. and the Governor, and one of the Turnkeys.

3

MICHAEL M'CAVE.-Age 49.-Sentence, two years; in the Convalescent Ward.

"I have worked on the Mill six months. I fell off from dizziness in the head, right through the trap-door, and was seriously hurt across my back by the fall, which I feel to this day. I was worn to a shadow, and till I could work no longer."

On the 3rd of January, having been off the Wheel for eight months, he added:

"It had like to have cost me my life. I was not expected to live. I was bled and blistered. I was drawn double nearly."

THOMAS SOUTH.-Age

;-in the Convalescent Ward.

"I have worked two months on the Wheel.

I was

unable to work any longer in consequence of the pain in my private parts."

On the 3rd of January, he added:--

"I was ruptured before I came into prison! I complained of it, and the surgeon examined me, and said I was not."

DENNIS HAYNES.-Age 47.-Sentence, twelve months; in the Convalescent Ward.

"I have worked four months on the Wheel, and in consequence of a stricture, I am unable to work any longer. I stated the fact to the surgeon on entering the prison."

JOHN MANLY.-Age 20.-Sentence, twelve months; in the Convalescent Ward.

"I was quite well on coming into prison. I worked two months on the Wheel, and was unable to work longer from the swelling in my private parts."

On the 3rd of January, he added:

66

Nothing ailed me when I came to prison. I have how very great pain in my groin."

He had been taken off the Wheel for three weeks, and was then returned to work on it.

WILLIAM HAWKINS.-Age 23.-Sentence, twelve months; at work on the Wheel..

"I have worked nine weeks. I was quite well on coming into prison, and accustomed to work very hard. I never found myself ill till I came here. I have now great pain in the calves of my legs, and in my chest. I am getting weaker every day. If I continue here twelve months, I shall never be able to get my living at my trade as I did before."

On the 3rd of January, he stated, that he had been ordered off the Wheel, and his meat stopped twice in consequence.

66

JOHN GREEN.-Age 38.-Sentence, two years.

"I have worked on the Wheel eight months. I was quite strong and hearty before. I have totally lost the use of my limbs. I had no more strength than a child unborn." He described the gradual decline of his health, and his practice of rubbing his limbs on going to bed, to remove the stiffness he felt in them after leaving the Wheel.

He was then in bed, and scarcely able to move, in the Convalescent Ward of the prison.

CHRISTOPHER SPARAM.-Age 27.-Sentence, two years. "I was quite hearty on coming into prison. I have worked six months on the Wheel. I have now entirely lost the use of my limbs."

He was also in the Convalescent Ward.

On the 3rd of January, he added:

"I have been eight months in the Infirmary, through the work on the Mill, and the excessive hard living."

WILLIAM HENSLEY.-Age 18,-Sentence, twelve months; at the Wheel.

"I have worked six months. I was very well in health on coming here. I have been used to as hard work as any man in England of my age. I never found any so fatiguing as this. I have fallen away greatly. My chest is greatly affected, for which I have had a blister on.

I have great pain on lying down at night. It catches me like."

On the 3rd of January, he repeated:

"I have fallen away greatly."

WILLIAM RUST.-Age 24.-Sentence, twelve months; at the Wheel.

"I have worked five months. I was well in health on coming here; but I complain now of great pain in my limbs, and great weakness. I cannot sleep for pain in my legs, when I lie in bed at night."

On the 3rd of January, he said the same.

JOHN CHIPPERTON.-Age 28.-Sentence, nine months; at the Wheel.

"I was strong and well in health on coming into prison. I have worked seven months. Now, I complain of great weakness, and I have done so for the last three months. I feel strained, and I have pain continually in my back. I get little sleep at night, the pain is so great in my knees and back."

On the 3rd of January, he added

́"I am a mere skeleton to what I was, though I have been always used to hard work.”

GEORGE ABSALOM.-Age 17.-Sentence, four months; at the Wheel.

"I have worked five weeks. I was well in health on coming here. I have now a great pain in my leg, which has been broken! When I get off the Wheel, I can hardly walk, I am in so much pain. My pain reaches all