FL10409732

1865
June 20th.
Teusday [Tuesday]. Sarah Porter has given great trouble,
and has unsettled the minds of several of the
inmates, after seeing the ladies com. [committee] she laughed and said
"they think I have only one man, but I'v [I've] got four."
7 oclk [o'clock], the bell had rung for prayers, most of the girls
had assembled, Matron was crossing the court to join them,
when some one screamed out (from outside) Eliz'th [Elizabeth] Cooper!
Eliz'th [Elizabeth] heard it, and rushed out. Matron stoped [stopped] her at the door and
asked, where she was going? "Only to set the [trafe?]"
but this is not the time, come back to prayers. she
yielded, but cried most of the time. Sent to tell
the police how plauged [plagued] we were with boys and men
whistling and calling at the gate. they promised to
watch.

Wedensday [Wednesday] 21st. Mary Ann Burns (a strong young woman) is continually
complaining of ill health, which she pleads
when asked to work. and altho [although] a good plain sewer
she will do very little. the only service that can be got
out of her, is ironing plain clothes. she seems
content whilst so employed - but unfortunatly [unfortunately] we
have not enough of that work to do.

Thursday 22nd. Have again the painfull [painful] task to record
another escape. Eliz'th WIlliams has gone this
morn. [morning]. Matron went at a little before 7 oclk [o'clock]
(directly she was missed) to Sydney Place and through
to 'Duran's [Durand's] Alley' hoping to find her. looked about
the market, paddock &c but had to return wwithout
her. all was still and silent in that horrid alley, so very
different to when visiting there at night.