Volume 2: Daily journal book, 30 September 1864-22 October 1870

1864

Nov 1st Tuesday. Ladies Comm M.Lamb & M.Slater have been removed to ivy cottage. because of their malady - Emily Cohoon, readmitted.

Wednesday Mrs Bird came for her daughter 2nd Maria. bringing clothes for her. Mrs Anderson accompanied them to the Station the Matron advised her to send the girl to School. also ask. if she would become a subscriber to the Refuge she promised £1.1.0 per an. was told that payments were generally made in advance.

Thursday The two girls in quarantine seem better 3rd but cant be liberated, untill Dr Nathan gives permission. a letter has been sent him this morn. Mrs Bird called to ask admittance for her daughter only taken out yesterday.

Friday General Committee 4th Maria Bird is allowed to stay - Dr Nathan visisted and prohibits the invalids leaving their room. Jane Dillon asked admission & presented a note from Dr McKenzie to certify that he had "examined and found her free from disease of any kind" when sent to the laundry for a bath, it was found she had a skin disease, wich looks very like the itch, so she was sent to Ivy Cottage to the others. and put under the same treatment.

1864

Nov 5th Saturday Inmates worked well The house looks well so thoroughly clean in the aftern. several of the girls were mending their clothes. Mr Hossack presented the inmates with a [illegible] of "British Workman' and promised them some new Hymn Books, which are much needed. Have had trouble and anxiety today, through the messenger having left. was obligd to send Mrs Roberts to get an other who of course has not yet got acquainted with the addresses Mrs Miles visited the Refuge and expressed her satisfaction and pleasure in finding the Refuge so clean and the inmates being orderly. she proposed to both cook and laundress that they hang up a few branches of a tree as fly catchers. They're quite pleased with the idea. Mrs Baker called and askd to see several of the girls gave them little books fm American Tract Society

Nov 6th Sunday. Morn- aftern and evening services. The girls look nice & tidy in their new dresses & calico aprons.

Nov 7th Monday Jessie Evans begd. hard to be received into the Refuge. The tears chased each other, thick and fast. Matron would not consent for some time, because Jess had already given so much trouble to the ladies at last consented to let her stay untill tomorrow when the sub commt can decide. - she promised to stay in 12 months and do all in her power to please, was told she would have to rise early, to

1864

Monday be diligent at her work. attend morn. Nov. 7th and even prayers & when fears were expressed that she would again be troublesome, she said " I will do everything you bid me to. O do take me in". she is not sober - very dirty scarcely any clothing on - not had breakfrast allowed her to have a cup of tea then sent her for a bath. and to change her cloths for those of the Refuge. . then sent her to bed, although only 1/2 past 9 oclk. Mary Durham has again requested to go out and as she is ineligible owing to her age. she was allowed to go. Sarah Peckham demands to go out this morn. "if not allowed by fair means will use foul" this woman was so dirty & naked when she came in that the matron had to ask the women in the laundry (when she was taken there for a bath) to be kind to her, as she perceived there was a general titter at seeing her comical plight and debauched scab. face -

Teusday Margt Lamb, Martha Slater and Jane Dillon were 8th sent to scrub, as they all seem so much better - The Ladies Sub Com. ordered their return. Emily Cohoon has been dismissed for using bad language. Jessie Evans went out again.

Mrs Bird called and paid the promised £1.1.0 as a donation to the Refuge.

1864

Wedensday Nov 9th Emily Reid called being out of place she wishes to come in for a few months. will call on tuesday to ask the Ladies.

Thursday 10th

Friday Dr Nathan has given the invalids permission to leave Ivy Cottage 11th Martha Slater made her escape last night. by forcing the lock of the front gate. a Carpenter was sent for [previous word crossed out] to repair the damage. he says it's not the lock, but the gate that requires repais. sent to inform the Police.

Saturday A policeman brought Martha Slater. he was 12th requested to take her back, it being advisable to punish her, not only for escaping and taking Refuge clothes, but for leaving the gate open, when there was such a quantity of linen in belonging to the Matron of the institution.

Sunday a very happy and comfortable Sabbath. 13th Service with the inmates three times, all present and well behaved. clean and tidy.

Monday Emily Reid not having called upon the ladies 14th Matron sent to enquire about her. she is gone to a place of service.

Tuesday Sub Committee 15th

1864

Nov 16th Wedensday. Ellen tonight aged 20 yrs sent by Mr Pidgion received untill [until] next teusday [Tuesday] com. [committee] came in the "Golden Horn". Capt Rice and seduced by the Mate., Fortman, could not get employment had spent all her money was without home or friends, Mrs Goodlet consented to her staying untill [until] teusday [Tuesday] comt. [committee] when her case will be considered -

Thursday. The inmates have worked well this 17th week. the town clothes look beautifull [beautiful] Mrs Goodlet inspected the premises and and saw the inmates work.

Friday Received Catherine Rickards untill [until] teusday [Tuesday] 18th. was asked if she would like to learn to be a good laundress. so that she could get her own living she said she would be very thankfull [thankful] to learn - Elizth. Griffiths & Elizth. Smith begd. [begged] earnestly to be admitted, Matron consented very reluctantly as both had been in before and had made their escape.

Saturday The dust storm yesterday made sad havoc of the 19th. clothes in the laundry. not able to send all home today in consequence - sent the messenger with notes to tell. Matron called this eve. [evening] upon Hilton. Clarence St. respecting Ellen Wright. find that her two boxes are with him. but he "dont know whats in them" - Ellen had a night in prison for "picking three flowers from Botanical Gardens" & fined 6/. she says the late Surgeon of the Royal Charles was her brother, that if "Papa hears of her misfortune" it would be a greater blow to him, than even the drowning of her brother.