'I paid a very interesting visit to two female convict ships with my dear sister E. Fry and cousin Sarah last 6th day, and met William Wilberforce and Sophie Vansittart and many others. The exercise of my mind was deep, and the trial of body not inconsiderable from the inconvenient situation that I had to read in, being below deck, surrounded by poor prisoners, and the company. What I feel on such occasions is difficult to describe. 1st that it should be done unto the Lord, and 2nd that it may be a time of edification. 3rd that none may in any way be hurt by it. 4th my natural great fear of man, and of his judgement. 5th that self may neither glory if helped, nor be unduly mortified if causes for humiliation arise. I think I was on this occasion much helped to declare Gospel Truth with some power, and to pray to my Lord; but I felt that if watchful enough and patient enough, I might have said much more to a good purpose. But it may be safer to say too little, than too much. After this was over I saw a change in the feeling of the company towards me. They were so much more loving: I believe some of their hearts were tendered. I think it was a uniting time, I trust many of the poor prisoners felt it also, many of them I believe wept in both ships.'