We do not expect there is any chance of any outbreak in this City stronghold, but it is of course just as well to be prepared for any emergency.
In convict prisons the governors and warders cannot be too careful, for there some of the most desperate characters on the face of the earth are congregated.
No. 79.
THE PRISONERS AT EXERCISE—PEACE EYEING THE DETECTIVES.
In the ante-room there are two very fine old paintings of Botany Bay, which are hung on one of the walls. There is also a painting of Davies, who was executed years ago for the murder of his wife at Islington.
It is roughly executed, and was done by himself before he was apprehended. It is said to be a tolerably good likeness.
His brow is lofty and full, the lower part of the face is perhaps a little sensual, but taken altogether, it is a countenance which does not in any way accord with one’s preconceived notions of the type of a murderer. But it is not possible to arrive at an accurate conclusion as to the character of individuals by their facial expression.
Along two shelves over the door of this apartment and on the top of an adjoining cupboard are arranged three rows of the busts of murderers who have been executed at Newgate.
Some of these had a most repulsive appearance and were of the most brutal and lowest type of humanity.