REMARKS 
 
 ON 
 
 PRISONS. 
 
 By STEVENSON MACGILL, D. D. 
 
 MINISTER OF THE TRONE CHURCH 
 
 OF GLASGOW. 
 
 " I was in Prison, and ye came unto me." 
 
 Printed Lij J, HedJerivick hf Co. 
 
 SOLD BY THE PRINCIPAL BOOKSELLERS IN GLASGOW AND 
 
 EDINBURGH ; BY LONGMAN, HURST, REES, AND 
 
 ORME, T. HAMILTON, AND R. OGLE, 
 
 LONDON. 
 
 1810.
 
 FREF^CE, 
 
 SRLF 
 
 ffv 
 
 The author of this small tract, presumes not to 
 think that he shall present new ideas to those 
 who have given serious attention to the subject 
 of prisons ; especially, if they have considered it 
 under the direction of that information which has 
 been communicated by the admirable Howard. 
 But, he believes that many have not reflected on 
 it with that care which it merits, to whom some 
 short remarks may be useful ; that it is often im- 
 portant to call the attention of men to what they 
 already know; to present even ordinary truths 
 in a collected form, and to enforce them by their 
 proper considerations. Should, however, what 
 he has written, be of no farther use than to lead 
 even one wise and benevolent man, who has the 
 power of doing good, only to thhik on this im- 
 portant subject; he will not consider that he has 
 written in vain. 

 
 F R I S O JV S. 
 
 IN considering the objects to which a community should 
 attend, in the erection and management of prisons, it is 
 of importance for us to fix precisely in our minds, the 
 proper ends to which prisons should be destined, among 
 the public establishments of a country. 
 
 The justifiable ends of a prison, seem, to me, to be 
 the following: to keep in custody the accused, till the 
 period of their trial; to keep in custody the condemned, 
 till the sentence of the law be executed -, and, lastly, to 
 punish by confinement, particular offences. 
 
 To imprison a fellow-creature, on the mere accusation 
 of guilt, can be only justified from necessity. Accord- 
 ingly, in the case of lesser crimes, other means are 
 employed, to secure the appearance of the accused on 
 the day of trial. But, in the case of great crimes, the 
 
 A
 
 punishment of which would be more severe, than the 
 forfeiture of any obligation which could be given, nothing 
 can be done to secure the ends of justice, but to confine 
 the person of the accused. This, however, it is never 
 to be forgotten, is a grievous hardship. It affects the 
 character, the estate, the present comfort, and future 
 wellfare of a person who is not found guilty, and may 
 be innocent. It must never, therefore, be inflicted, until 
 the necessity be legally ascertained; and, when inflicted, 
 no unnecessary evils should be permitted to augment it. 
 The evil should be softened, as far as is consistent with 
 the public safety, and the necessary regulations of a 
 general place of confinement. Such accommodations as 
 are consistent with these objects, should be afibrded. If 
 not held innocent, these prisoners are, at least, not to be 
 held guilty. They are, on no account, to be placed on 
 the same level with condemned criminals, to be doomed 
 to the same treatment, or to be forced into their society. 
 
 The imprisonment of persons condemned, is obviously 
 necessary, till their sentence be carried into execution. 
 Persons of this description, have not only forfeited their 
 liberty for a period, but may justly receive such farther 
 marks of degradation and displeasure, as may declare the 
 nature of that state to which, by their crimes, they have 
 sunk, and operate as useful means to deter others from 
 similar guilt. Such circumstances of degradation, and 
 even of personal hardship, during their confinement, 
 may be justly rendered a part of that punishment which
 
 3 
 
 their crimes have incurred. It is obvious, however, that 
 even with respect to such persons, justice and humanity 
 require, that no evils be added, which are not implied in 
 the design of their imprisonment, and the nature of their 
 sentence. 
 
 These observations apply, with equal force, to the 
 case of persons, the direct punishment of whose crimes 
 is imprisonment. The law may connect such circum- 
 stances of hardship with privation of liberty, as their 
 crimes have merited, and the interests of the community 
 may require. But what these circumstances are, the 
 sentence of the Judge should pronounce. Such evils as 
 the law did not contemplate in the punishment of their 
 crimes, whether they arise from the harshness and 
 caprice of superintendants, a bad establishment, or 
 careless management, are equally contrary to equity, 
 humanity, and good government. 
 
 The confinement of persons for debt, is a case which 
 still remains to be considered. The just causes for 
 imprisonment, on account of debt, seem, to me, to be 
 chiefly the following: to prevent the debtor from leaving 
 the country, before a fair account of his estate has been 
 given, and his conduct been fully investigated j or, as a 
 punishment of negligence, profligacy, fraud, obstinacy, 
 dishonest schemes, or any criminal actions, v/hich the 
 debtor has committed.
 
 The first of these is similar to the case of imprison- 
 ment on the accusation of crimes, till the period of trial : 
 The second is of the same nature with imprisonment 
 as a punishment for crimes. 
 
 It is obviously right, and for the general interests of 
 society, that creditors should be able, by some method, 
 to secure the person of a debtor, till his conduct, and 
 the state of his affairs have been investigated. Yet, 
 when cautionary security can be procured, sufficient for 
 the personal appearance of the debtor, or when no 
 presumption of flight, or just grounds of suspicion are 
 apparent, confinement should not, in the first instance, 
 be employed. When confinement seems necessary for 
 the security of the creditor; such accommodation as is 
 consistent with security, and the general police of a 
 prison, should be afforded. For, it is ever to be remem- 
 bered, that the debtor is only suspected; he may be 
 honest, and only unfortunate. Punishment should not 
 be inflicted where guilt has not been proved, nor addi- 
 tional evils added, without necessity, to him who may be 
 already bowed down with misfortunes. It appears to 
 me also, that after a debtor has made a fair surrender of 
 his estate, his creditors should have no longer any power 
 over his person. A negligent, profligate, or fraudulent 
 bankrupt should be punished; but, he should be punished 
 after a trial by impartial men, and according to the 
 sentence of a judge. Thus, while the unfortunate would 
 be protected from the caprice and cruelty of irritated and
 
 disappointed men; the gambling speculator with other 
 men's property, the profligate spendthrift, the unprincipled 
 swindler, and betrayer of confidence, would be held up 
 to just opproBrium, nor confounded, as they often are at 
 present, with the honest and unfortunate. The creditor 
 also, would enjoy a greater probability of payment from 
 the future labour and exertions of his debtor; credit 
 would, in the ordinary pursuits of active life, receive 
 equal security; and the public would enjoy the benefit of 
 the industry and talents of many able though unfortunate 
 citizens, who are, at present, kept languishing in a jail, 
 useless to themselves, their fahiilies, and society. 
 
 If the unfortunate, however, may be thus, at the will 
 of every creditor, imprisoned; care, it is evident, should 
 be employed, not to confound them with the guilty. 
 
 These observations, lead us to consider prisons as 
 destined principally to two objects: Confinement for 
 Security, and Confinement for Punishment. In many 
 places, these two leading objects are united: where distinct 
 houses are erected for them, the latter arc denominated 
 Bridewells and Houses of Correction. Many views are 
 applicable equally to both; nevertheless, their objects 
 being different, they should be separately considered. 
 The thoughts which follow, are chiefly directed to 
 prisons of the first description.
 
 I. The first object, without doubt, presented to the 
 attention, in considering the erection and management of 
 prisons, is the means necessary to secure the person, and 
 prevent the escape of the prisoners. <■ 
 
 Attention to this object must pervade every part of 
 the building, and every rule appointed for its internal 
 regulation. It is a spurious humanity, often the effect of 
 affectation, which raises complaints against those hard- 
 ships, which the very object of a prison renders unavoid- 
 able. Every plan of aileviation, must always be rendered 
 consistent with the design for which prisons are erected, 
 nor must we indulge even the most amiable feelings, at 
 the expense of the general interests. It is pleasing, 
 however, to observe, that the humanity of the present 
 times, joined to their superior skill, has abolished many 
 of those means, such as the dark and deep sunk dungeon, 
 which former times employed. Many other means are 
 now much seldomer employed, or deemed necessary. 
 Iron chains and bolts, rivetting often prisoners to 
 the ground, are now used less frequently. By a proper 
 plan of building, such means become unnecessary. 
 In many of the prisons both at home and abroad, irons, 
 in no form, are employed, except when prisoners are 
 riotous. They occasion, at all times, great inconvenience, 
 and often pain, to the prisoner-, and, therefore, unless 
 when rendered necessary, should never be employed as a 
 mean of security; but to put in irons persons who have
 
 not been condemned, is peculiarly cruel, and contrary to 
 the spirit of our laws *. 
 
 II. The health of the prisoners should be carefully 
 attended to, in the erection and management of prisons. 
 
 Imprisonment, of itself, from its natural efFect on the 
 spirits, will, in many cases, injure the constitution. This 
 circumstance should render the community more anxious 
 to provide such means of health, as the nature of a place 
 of confinement will permit; and still more to guard 
 against practices and customs which must be directly 
 pernicious. It is no part of the punishment designed for 
 prisoners of any description, that they should be given 
 up to rheumatisms, scurvy, dropsies, fevers, and con- 
 sumptions; that their strength should be wasted with 
 sickness, their constitution undermined, and their lives 
 
 • It must be gratifying to every humane person, who has visited 
 prisoners after condemnation, to learn, that in the plan of the prison 
 proposed to be erected in Glasgow, the use of irons, as a mean of security, 
 will be rendered unnecessarj'. In the present prison, the criminal, after 
 sentence of death, is taken to what is called the condemned cell. Here 
 a blacksmith fixes an iron strap to his leg, which is connected with an 
 iron goad, rivetted down to the stone floor. In this situation, the 
 wretched criminal is confined, during a period of six weeks often, till 
 the execution of his sentence. Such means, by the excellent arrange- 
 ment of the proposed new prison, will be wholly abolished; and, 
 while superior security is provided against escape, the prisoner will 
 enjoy the free use of his limbsj and some degree of exercise. I cannot 
 help taking this opportunity of paying my tribute of respect to those 
 humane and public spirited men, under whose auspices a prison of so 
 excellent a structure, is ?oon to be erected.
 
 8 
 
 embittered with excruciating pains, with debility of body 
 and of mind, and their necessary consequence, poverty 
 and wretchedness. Yet, in such an unfortunate manner, 
 have many of our prisons been constructed and managed, 
 that often the unhappy prisoners have been punished, 
 not only with confinement according to their sentence, 
 but with sufferings, and even death, of the most direful 
 kind; or, when death has been protracted, with a 
 long train of diseases and afflictions, during the few 
 years which they dragged out of their miserable exist- 
 ence. If justice and humanity revolt at such treatment, 
 even of the guilty, with what feelings should we think 
 that it may be possibly the fate of the innocent and 
 unfortunate! Every consideration which the human 
 heart should feel, imperiously demand that such evils 
 should be remedied; and that both in the situation, 
 the arrangement, and management of prisons, the most 
 careful attention should be paid to the air, exercise, 
 cleanliness, and diet of the prisoners. 
 
 The Situation selected for a prison, should be airy and 
 dry. Nor is it enough, in judging of it, that the inhabi- 
 tants in its neighbourhood are healthy. The state of 
 persons who are moving and changing their place in 
 the course of every hour, is vastly different from that 
 of those who are in a state of confinement. Security 
 should be also had, that the situation which is at present 
 good, should not be afterwards injured by adjoining 
 buildings, or neighbouring nuisances. It is of import-
 
 9 
 
 ance, in the choice of a situation, to attend even to the 
 most frequent current of the winds. As prisons will be 
 commonly in the neighbourhood of great towns, a situa- 
 tion should be chosen, from which the air of the city 
 will be generally blown away. Grounds which afford 
 either a damp foundation, or which are exposed to fogs, 
 should be avoided. The excellent Howard, for obvious 
 reasons, prefers a spot which is near a river or brook. 
 " But, he observes, I must annex this caution ; that it be not 
 so near, as that either the house or yard shall be within 
 the reach of floods. This circumstance was so little 
 thought of at Appleby in Westmoreland, when their 
 new goal was built, that I saw the walls marked from 
 nine inches to three feet high by floods." In general, 
 perhaps, it would be prudent to consult medical men of 
 knowledge and judgement, on a subject of so much 
 moment to the health of our fellow-creatures. 
 
 A PRISON should be so constructed, as to allow to the 
 prisoners, the benefit of fresh and wholesome air. To 
 secure fresh and wholesome air, should be a great object 
 of attention, in the erection of every building which is to 
 be inhabited. But it is of particular importance in a 
 prison. Inhabitants of other houses, are as frequently 
 in the streets and fields, as in their own dwellings. The 
 prisoner is confined to his dreary habitation, and cannot 
 seek the relief of a free respiration, by a change of place. 
 That, therefore, which is of importance to every man, is 
 especially important to him. This is necessary, not only 
 
 B
 
 10 
 
 to the preservation of the health and comfort of indi- 
 viduals, but to the recovery of those who are sick, and 
 to check the tendency to infection. To secure this 
 important object, in the erection of a prison, the rooms 
 assigned for the prisoners, should be placed on the 
 second floor, rising higher than the surrounding walls. 
 The dimensions of every room should be such, as will 
 admit a quantity of air sufficient for the free respiration 
 of the prisoner*, and a sleeping»room should be allotted 
 to each person. By the operation of well known laws 
 in nature, the most fatal effects attend confinement in 
 places too small for the inhabitants. Of this, the well 
 known fact which took place in the hole at Calcutta, 
 affords a melancholy proof. " In 1756, out of one 
 hundred and seventy persons, who were confined during 
 one night, one hundred and fifty=four were taken out 
 dead. The few survivors ascribed the mortality to their 
 want of fresh air." Besides giving attention to the 
 dimensions of the rooms, and assigning a sleeping-room 
 to each person, it is of the utmost importance, to provide 
 for every room, and every corner of a prison, the means 
 of free ventilation. For this purpose, the window of 
 each room should, if possible, look to the open fields; 
 and the house should, in general, be single, with a 
 passage running the whole length of the building, so 
 that every room might occasionally have air from each 
 side. In a parish with which I am acquainted, are two 
 villages. One of them may contain above one thousand 
 inhabitants; the other only about two hundred. In the
 
 11 
 
 large village, the houses are of one story, a passage runs 
 through the middle, and opens generally, by what is 
 called the back-door, into a small garden. Each house 
 has one or two families. In the small village, the houses 
 are of two and three stories, they are double, and may 
 contain, on each floor, two or four families; no passage 
 runs through them, nor can a free ventilation be en- 
 joyed. The populous village is healthy; the small vil- 
 lage is so sickly, that, during many years of my obser- 
 vation, it had, of itself, more diseases among its few- 
 inhabitants, than existed among the extensive population 
 of the other. While on this subject, will I not be par- 
 doned, for expressing my ardent wishes, that those who 
 may be able to remedy the evil, would give attention to 
 the condition of those wretched hovels, which the labour- 
 ing classes in great towns, are obliged frequently to 
 inhabit. Pent up in the narrowest and dirtiest lanes, in 
 houses, damp, confined, airless, crowded and huddled 
 together, more like places for cattle than for men; they 
 breathe a foul and putrid air, and lose all spirit and 
 desire for cleanliness, decency, and order. The effect of 
 such circumstances, not only on the health and comfort, 
 but morals and character of the people, is great. Those 
 habits of decent neatness, so important, not only to 
 comfort, but to dignity of mind, and a maintenance of 
 character, are lost; because the opportunity of forming 
 or maintaining them, is not given. The woman loses 
 the desire to please, and sinks into a slattern. Home 
 affords few inducements to the husband, after the labours
 
 12 
 
 of the day. His family presents a scene of filth and 
 disorder; spiritless and unhappy, he is tenr>pted to seek 
 abroad, the comfort which his own dwelling cannot give; 
 and habits of drinking, not unfrequently complete the 
 wretchedness of his condition. If such be the effect on 
 the parents, need I enlarge on what must be the state and 
 character of the children! Can it be inconsistent with the 
 liberty of the subject, or the rights of private property, to 
 guard against such evils? To fix, for example, a certain 
 width for the streets, and lanes, and passages of a town> 
 within which they shall not be contracted; to oblige pro- 
 prietors to set apart places for dunghills, and means for 
 carrying off stagnant water, from the houses they let, 
 according to their number and population; and to appoint 
 rules for keeping clean, not only the larger streets, but 
 the narrowest lanes and corners of the city. These 
 might all be objects of public police; and few objects, 
 I am persuaded, would produce a greater effect on the 
 comfort, health, and manners of the people. 
 
 To have an opportunity, occasionally, of going into the 
 open air, and enjoying the benefit of exercise, must also, 
 it is obvious, be of great importance, not only to com- 
 fort, but to health. The example of many prisons, both 
 in England and on the Continent, sufficiently shows, that 
 this can be granted with the completest security of the 
 prisoners. Courts, therefore, should be annexed to every 
 prison, in which the prisoners, at convenient and stated 
 hours, might have the opportunity of taking exercise in
 
 13 
 
 the open air. These courts should correspond with the 
 different wards of the prison, and the different classes of 
 persons who are confined. In populous districts, where 
 the prisoners will be, probably, numerous, a court should 
 be appropriated exclusively for Females-, another for 
 Debtors; a third for the Accused-, and a fourth for the 
 Condemned. In the generality of prisons, where the 
 number of prisoners is small, it might be thought hard, 
 to provide courts of large dimensions for a few of each 
 class. When circumstances do not permit a large appro- 
 priation of ground, a similar, though not equal advantage, 
 might be obtained by fewer courts, if different periods of 
 the day were allotted for different classes of prisoners. 
 And, in general, perhaps, it might be more advantageous, 
 to have a few large and airy courts for exercise, than a 
 great number which were narrow and confined. In such 
 cases, however, the strictest attention would be necessary 
 to the right division and allotment of hours. Without 
 this, not only the most hurtful effects would follow to 
 the moral interests of the prisoners; but those of a better 
 character being unwilling to mix with others, and be 
 exposed to the rudeness of their manners and conversa- 
 tion, would be deprived of that benefit which was 
 designed, and which the more worthless, by such means, 
 would almost exclusively enjoy. 
 
 Cleanliness is of the first importance to health. It 
 is particularly necessary to persons in a place of confine- 
 ment. The air being more confined, is niore easily
 
 14 
 
 infected with putrid exhalations; nor are the noxious 
 effects of uncleanUness of person, counteracted by exer- 
 cise, or fresh currents and changes of atmosphere. It is 
 particularly necessary to be attended to in prisons also, 
 on account of the low and regardless habits of the 
 generality of prisoners. Besides, the feeling excited by 
 confinement, leads to indolence and the neglect of their 
 persons, even in men of a better order. Unless means 
 be aiForded, encouragement given, and rules steadily 
 enforced, for the maintenance of cleanliness, both in 
 their rooms, their clothes, and their persons; dirtiness, 
 in its lowest forms, and with effects peculiarly hideous, 
 will prevail. This important object must, without 
 doubt, greatly depend on the internal economy and 
 management of the house. But the best rules will be 
 inefficient, unless such attention be paid, in the construc- 
 tion of the building, as may render good regulations not 
 only practicable, but easily observed. For this purpose, 
 the rooms and their furniture should be of such a kind, 
 as may be kept clean without difficulty, and as may 
 afford little harbour for dust or vermin. The prison 
 should also, in convenient places, be abundantly supplied 
 with water. Necessary closets should be provided for 
 every floor, and wide and well constructed sewers should 
 be connected with every side of the building. To each 
 court, should be appropriated a pump-well and a bath. 
 To these, a general wash-=house and a boiler should be 
 added. The state in which many persons are brought 
 into prison, renders the bath highly useful; the boiler i •
 
 15 
 
 necessary for cleansing their clothes, both at entrance 
 and during their imprisonment. Howard recommends 
 that an oven should be alsp employed. " Nothing," 
 says he, *' so effectually destroys vermin on clothes and 
 bedding, nor purifies them so thoroughly, when tainted 
 with infection, as being a few hours in an oven moder- 
 ately heated." 
 
 For the maintenance of health, it is also farther of 
 importance, that to every prison should be attached a 
 small infirmary for the sick. This is obviously proper, 
 not only for the recovery of the diseased, but to prevent 
 infection from extending its noxious influence among the 
 healthy. The upper part of the prison will, in general, 
 form, for this purpose, the safest and most commodious 
 retreat, secure to the sick greater quietness, and a freer 
 air, while it removes them to a distance from the great 
 body of the prisoners. It is unnecessary to add, that 
 where an infirmary is necessary, medical aid must also 
 be provided. 
 
 These provisions will be of small effect, unless accom- 
 panied with corresponding regulations. 
 
 I SUPPOSE it to be the duty of every jailor, to inspect 
 each morning, every quarter of the prison. In the course 
 of this inspection, it is his duty to observe, that the 
 windows of the sleeping-rooms be opened, for the admis- 
 sion of fresh air. Two hours, at least, each day, should
 
 16 
 
 be allotted to each class of prisoners, for enjoying, in 
 their different courts, the benefit of air and exercise. 
 Inquiry should be made into the health of every prisoner 
 on his admission, and a survey taken of the state of his 
 clothing and his person. If required, let his clothes un- 
 dergo a thorough cleansing, and his person be purified and 
 sweetened by the bath. When unable to furnish virhat 
 is necessary himself, the humanity of the public should 
 provide coarse but decent cloathing, and bed-clothes 
 suited to his condition. Let me not be thought too 
 minute, when I add the following observations: Every 
 prisoner should be obliged to keep his person clean, and 
 his apparel as neat as his circumstances will permit:' he 
 should be obliged, if able, to sweep his own room each 
 morning; when unable, other prisoners, for a small 
 reward, should perform the office for him: once, at least, 
 in the week, each room should be washed; and twice in 
 the year, the .walls should be white-washed with lime: 
 when the beds are of straw, the straw should be fre- 
 quently changed; the sheets of the prisoners should be 
 shifted once in the month, their linens on every Sabbath: 
 each court being provided with abundance of water, 
 should be washed at least once, in the course of every 
 day. Speaking of some of the prisons of Paris, Howard 
 makes the following remark: " Most of the courts are 
 paved, and they are washed three or four times a-day. 
 One would hardly believe, how this freshens the air in 
 the upper rooms. I felt this once and again, when I was 
 in the chambers; and an Englishman, who had the mis-
 
 17 
 
 fortune to be a prisoner, made the same remark." It 
 is most truly observed, that the habit of cleanliness is 
 not only conducive to health, but to decency, order, 
 diligence, and good manners. This is confirmed by the 
 remark of Captain Cook, who declared, " that such men 
 as he could induce to be more cleanly than they were 
 disposed to be of themselves, became, at the same time, 
 more sober, more orderly, and more attentive to their 
 duty." 
 
 How surprising is it, that amongst a people so just 
 and humane as the British, those objects should have 
 received so little public attention! The evils existing in 
 our prisons, the benevolent Howard, many years ago, 
 laid open, in plain and moderate language, yet in a 
 manner fitted deeply to affect the mind. In many places, 
 he excited attention, and great improvements were made. 
 But in many places also, and in places where attention 
 might chiefly have been expected, little has been done, 
 and the most flagrant abuses continue to exist. In 
 London, the seat of government, and where, from the 
 number and character of the prisoners, it is of the first 
 importance, not only to individuals, but to the nation, 
 that the state of prisons should be made an object of 
 regular and systematic attention, evils of the worst nature 
 continue to prevail. Who could have thought, that, 
 after all his labours, Howard should have had to record, 
 in his last publication, such facts as the following? 
 " Newgate — No alteration! In three or four rooms, 
 
 C
 
 18 
 
 there were near one hundred and fifty women crowded 
 together, many young creatures, with the old and 
 hardened, some of whom had been confined upwards of 
 two years j on the men's side, hkewise, there were many 
 boys of twelve or fourteen years of age, some almost 
 naked. In the men's infirmary, there were only seven 
 iron bedsteads; and, at my last visit, there being twenty 
 sick, some of them naked, and with sores, in a miserable 
 condition, lay on the floor, with only a rug. There 
 were four sick in the infirmary for v/omen, which is only 
 fifteen feet and r half by twelve, has but one window, 
 and no bedsteads, sewers offensive, prisons not white^ 
 washed." The Fleet, the King's Bench, and many 
 others of the principal prisons, he marks, in like manner, 
 with the emphatic words " no alteration!" I believe 
 that several alterations have been made since that period; 
 but how few are yet in that state which justice, 
 humanity, religion, an enlightened policy, would dictate. 
 At present, I consider the subject with a view to the 
 Health of the prisoners; and is, even now, that object 
 attended to in Newgate, for example, as might be 
 expected in one of the first prisons of the capital of such 
 a kingdom as Britain? Unless it be greatly changed 
 since I had an opportunity of visiting it, about three 
 years ago, the accommodation for debtors and for females, 
 is deplorable. In the account given of it in the Picture 
 of London, where mention is made of some important 
 improvements, during the sheriffalty of Messrs. Smith 
 and Phillips, we find still the following facts : " The rooms
 
 19 
 
 (for debtors) are twenty-three feet by fifteen; the num- 
 ber of inhabitants, is from twelve to twenty in each 
 room. The debtor's side contains, sometimes, three 
 hundred; and, for this number, a court is provided of 
 fifty by thirty-two feet. In four other yards, felons are 
 lodged, and in another, women felons; a wretched place, 
 in which, in three wards, are sometimes kept upwards of 
 one hundred women!" 
 
 If such be the state of prisons in London, what may 
 be expected to be the general state of them throughout 
 the kingdom? I fear that this object will never meet 
 with that general attention which it deserves, while an 
 interest to disregard it, exists among those to whom the 
 charge of it belongs. Many good regulations have been 
 made, respecting prisons, by Parliament; but of what 
 avail are laws, if proper means are not employed to 
 enforce them? By the excellent Act, 24th of George 
 III. justices of peace are empowered to build and repair 
 goals, when necessary, and to assess the counties for the 
 expense. But let me not be thought illiberal, when I 
 observe, that men often cease to be moved with evils to 
 which they are accustomed, and which do not affect 
 themselves; that individuals, considering the remedy of 
 them not to be their special business, seldom will make 
 it an object of their attention, and still less of their 
 exertions; and, that still less will these exertions be 
 generally made, when the object is likely to meet with 
 opposition, and to affect the purses of the very men who are
 
 20 
 
 to carry tlie object into effect. Evils which do not affect 
 ourselves, are likely to subsist a considerable time, before 
 the generality of men come forward to T:emedy them at 
 their own expense, especially when that expense would 
 be considerable. The justices are, in reality, parties in 
 this question; and they ought not to be the sole judges 
 and executors in a business, against which they have an 
 individual interest. But these laws, with all the good 
 regulations which they contain, for a reason with which 
 I am unacquainted, do not extend to Scotland. That 
 British statutes, on a subject of this nature, should not 
 extend to Scotland, seems very extraordinary. Some 
 reason, without doubt, must have induced a humane 
 legislature to make the exception. At present, I am 
 certain, neither the wealth nor the spirit of the country, 
 would operate as an objection; and, that some regula- 
 tions are necessary in this country, as well as in England, 
 no man, who has attended to the state of prisons in 
 Scotland, or the imperfect state of the law respecting 
 them, can doubt for a moment. 
 
 The food of the prisoners, forms an important article 
 under this head, which still remains to be considered. 
 
 In England, the poor debtor is allowed, by law, two 
 shillings and fourpence per week; convicts, two shillings 
 and sixpence, for their maintenance. This incongruity 
 seems to be remedied, by a statute of the most salutary 
 nature, passed in the thirty-first year of his present
 
 21 
 
 Majesty's reign. By this statute, it is provided; « it 
 shall be lawful, for the justices of peace, at their general 
 or quarter sessions, or any adjournment thereof, from 
 time to time, to order such sum, or sums, of money, to 
 be paid out of the county rate, towards assisting such 
 prisoners, of every description, as, being confined within 
 the said goals, or other places of confinement, are not 
 able to work, or, being able, cannot procure employment 
 sufficient to sustain themselves by their industry, or who 
 may not be otherwise provided for, by virtue of any law, 
 statute, or of any custom or order, such food and yaimetity 
 as the said justices shall, from time to time, think neces- 
 sary for the support of health; and such money shall, 
 accordingly, be applied in conformity to directions to be 
 given by the said justices." By the same statute, justices 
 are empowered to make bye-laws, for enforcing, among 
 prisoners of all descriptions, cleanliness^ temperancCy decent 
 and orderly behaviour. 
 
 In Scotland, the statute expressly says, that the pris- 
 oners are to be kept at their «' own expenses." But in 
 the case of poor prisoners, who are criminally convicted^ 
 the statute ordains, " commissioners and justices, at their 
 quarter-sessions, to rate every parish for a weekly pro- 
 portion, for the entertainment of those poor prisoners, 
 providing they do not exceed the sum of five shillings 
 Scots money." By this statute, only persons convicted 
 had a maintenance provided by the public. This defect 
 was supplied by the general statute of George I, for
 
 22 
 
 securing the peace of the country, by which it is pro- 
 vided, that certain assessments of counties shall be 
 applied, <« for defraying the charges of apprehending of 
 criminals, and of subsisting them in prison, until prosecu- 
 tion." No provision is made for debtors. But it is 
 provided, that, on an oath of poverty being taken, the 
 magistrate may require the creditor who imprisons, to 
 aliment the debtor, at a rate not under threepence per 
 day; if this be refused, after ten days, the debtor may be 
 released. 
 
 The allowance for food, is, I believe, with a few 
 exceptions, and these of a partial kind, given to prisoners 
 of every description, in moneij. 
 
 This practice is, in my judgement, the worst which 
 could be followed, both for the prisoners and the public. 
 The sums allowed for food, produce much less to the 
 individuals, when given separately, than when united for 
 their common maintenance. Such sums also, are fre- 
 quently employed, by the unhappy prisoner, not in pro- 
 curing wholesome food, but in ministering to his idle 
 and vicious habits. They become also, the mean of 
 bribing the under jailors to violate the most salutary 
 regulations. Thus also, the upper jailor is tempted to 
 sell to prisoners, those articles which they wish; and 
 often, instead of restraining, to encourage their vices. 
 And it affords plausible reasons, for introducing to the 
 prison, at the hours of meals, the most disorderly persons;
 
 23 
 
 who add their talents and exertions, to defeat the best 
 plans, and keep up the spirit of disorder and profligacy. 
 
 I HAVE no hesitation, therefore, in maintaining, that 
 tio money should be given, by the public, to prisoners; 
 and, that the maintenance allovv'ed, should be distributed 
 to them from a general Kitchen, according to a fixed 
 rotation of plain and wholesome victuals. This kitchen 
 might either form a part of the general building, or, 
 with its appropriate cellars, a separate court, attached to 
 the prison, and having with it an easy communication. 
 It should be managed under an establishment of its own. 
 The stores should be provided by the public, through the 
 clerk of the prison, under the superintendance of an in- 
 spector. The preparation and distribution of the victuals, 
 should be made under the direction of a respectable 
 matron. And the whole of this, and every part of the 
 system of the prison, should be so arranged, as that 
 the jailor should have }w interest in defrauding the prisoner ^ 
 or in violating any useful regulation. 
 
 That such a plan may be easily carried into execution, 
 appears from the example of our poor-houses, infirmaries, 
 the bridewell of this city, and those of many other places. 
 Among them, we find no complaints of the foodj nor of 
 the difficulty of excluding spirituous liquors, and their 
 consequent disorders. If it should be thought hard, to 
 confine individuals, who are able to maintain themselves, 
 to the common allowance of the prison, the proposed
 
 24 
 
 plan might, at least, be carried into effect with those 
 prisoners who are supported at the expense of the pub- 
 lic. Even with this limitation, it would produce much 
 good, and prevent or diminish many great evils. I 
 conceive, however, that no such limitation should be 
 adopted; that every prisoner, whatever be his rank or his 
 fortune, should receive his maintenance from the kitchen 
 of the house, and, with the restrictions to be afterwards 
 mentioned, from the ordinary allowance of plain and 
 wholesome food, appointed by the public. 
 
 To remove, as much as possible, every objection, I 
 would allow of a distinction to be made into two kinds 
 of diet. For the richer, I will not say better, kind of food, 
 let the prisoners make a weekly payment; and, in some 
 cases, this may operate as an incitement to industry. 
 Let this sum be paid to the clerk of the prison, and' 
 carried wholly to the account of the public; but, on no 
 consideration, let a sale of victuals be permitted to the 
 jailor, or any individual. If this be permitted, an interest 
 will immediately be created, to minister to the vices and 
 depraved habits of the prisoners. I would also allow a 
 difference of food to be made, when the medical super- 
 intendant of the prison, should declare a particular diet 
 to be necessary for the health of individuals. But, 
 with these restrictions, a general plan of diet, provided 
 from the common kitchen, should extend to all the 
 prisoners.
 
 25 
 
 If you allow partial indulgences to be purchased by 
 money, at the pleasure of every individual, you will not 
 be able to check abuses, prevent vice, and preserve good 
 order, either among the prisoners or the jailors; you will 
 render the system of the prison too complex and difficult 
 for proper superintendance; bribery will be more easily 
 accomplished; opportunities of evading the rules of 
 sobriety and good order, will be continually afforded; 
 and the hope of profit, by the expenses of the prisoners, 
 will operate on the jailor, as a temptation, not only to 
 make improper distinctions, but to encourage extrava- 
 gance and vice. Is it not also contrary to the public 
 interest, to connect the idea of a prison with luxurious 
 entertainments? Does it not diminish the fear of a jail, 
 and, consequently, the motive to avoid those dangerous 
 circumstances which lead to such a conclusion? And 
 are there not many idle and profligate persons, who 
 will consider confinement with inditference, if, in com- 
 pany like themselves, they can wallow in all tlieir accus- 
 tomed indulgences? The waste, extravagance, and luxury, 
 which have been sometimes seen in prisons, manifest a 
 spirit insensible to shame, and setting disgrace at defiance; 
 they are offensive to public decency; are galling to the 
 feelings of the honest and industrious, whose property 
 is wasted; and are injurious to those principles of 
 honour and justice, which every wise state should 
 cherish and consecrate in the minds of its subjects. 
 
 Nor will individuals suffer by such restraints. The 
 D
 
 '26 
 
 generality of persons who enter the walls of a prison, 
 would be the better both in body and mind, for being 
 confined to a course of sober diet; and even those of a 
 better description, for whose sake we might be will- 
 ing to grant a relaxation, will not suffer by a tem- 
 porary change. Rules, necessary for the general good, 
 must be submitted to by individuals, for whom they 
 might not be wanted. But it is no disadvantage to 
 any man, to know how his fellow-creatures ordinarily 
 live, and to partake, on some occasions, of the safe and 
 hardy nourishment of the poor. It will promote sober 
 thought, and favour the growth of manly habits. The 
 period cannot be long; the temporary inconvenience, if 
 such it should be felt, is trifling, and will be attended 
 with no lasting evil. With those who would feel it 
 as a great grievance, I cannot sympathise. The 
 sooner, in such a case, their habits are broken, the better 
 for themselves. They are sinking under a disease, for 
 which the regimen of simple life, will prove a safe and 
 salutary remedy. Nor ought it to be regretted, either by 
 themselves or their friends, though they should be obliged 
 to learn a better taste, some strength and health of mind, 
 and even how " to endure hardness," in the necessary dis- 
 cipline and restraints of that house, to which misfortune 
 or misconduct has brought them. 
 
 I ATTEMPT not to ascertain, what articles of diet 
 should be adopted. These must be different, according 
 to the circumstances and customs of the country in
 
 27 
 
 which the prison is erected. We may, however, venture to 
 affirm, that such food as is the general fare of the sober 
 and industrious peasantry of Scotland, is salutary and 
 pleasant; while it is simple and easily furnished. I lived 
 once in the neighbourhood of a labourer, who was dis- 
 tinguished for strength and cheerful activity, and whose 
 family possessed all the marks of health and contentment. 
 I had the curiosity to inquire into the nature of their 
 diet. It consisted generally, of porridge and milk for 
 breakfast; milk and potatoes, beaten with cabbage and a 
 little butter, for dinner; potatoes and salt for supper. 
 They used butcher-meat seldom in summer, more fre- 
 quently in winter; never had in their humble dwelling, 
 porter or beer; nor, except on some great occasion, was 
 the curse of Scotland tasted. The diet of this contented 
 and happy family, may seem too poor for a labouring 
 man. On this, I presume not to give a positive opinion. 
 But it may be observed in general, that such quantities 
 of butcher-meat as are commonly used by the English 
 people, are, by no means, necessary to health and com- 
 fort; that the Scotch peasantry are as hardy and active, 
 and fully as happy as those of England; and, that their 
 food, so far from being coarse, is nutritious and pleasant, 
 and often chosen, when ceremony allows of a choice, in 
 preference to the richest dishes, by families of the first 
 rank and affluence in the kingdom. 
 
 It may not be improper, to mention a few particulars, 
 respecting the diet of some of the public institutions of 
 this city.
 
 28 
 
 The diet of the Bridewell, is as follows: for breakfast 
 porridge and milk, or beer: for dinner, broth, made of 
 vegetables-, generally on the Sabbath, cow-head, or other 
 coarse pieces of meat are added; and, at times, in place 
 of barley-broth, potatoe-soup is made: for supper, bread 
 and milk, or beer; in severe weather, potatoes or porridge, 
 in place of bread. When sick, the prisoners are conveyed 
 to the sick-room, and get such food and other articles, as 
 the Physician prescribes. The prisoners, in this bride- 
 well, are remarked for good health, and for the favourable 
 change which takes place in their appearance, after they 
 have been sometime confined in it. They also, it should 
 be added, defray, by their own industry, the whole 
 expense of their maintenance. 
 
 In the Poor-house of this city, the diet is as follows: 
 for breakfast, porridge and milk, or beer: for dinner, 
 broth, made of vegetables; joined with bread and butter, 
 cheese, or salt herrings, alternately; beef once in the 
 week: for supper, porridge and milk, or beer. Persons 
 who are sickly, are allowed tea in the morning, and 
 wine, or a little spirits and water, when these are thought 
 useful. The children, in this excellently conducted in- 
 stitution, are very healthy, when the circumstances under 
 which they enter, are considered. And the health of the 
 aged and infirm, is, I believe, equal to that of persons of 
 the same description, in any other house. The expense 
 of the maintenance of each person, was, in 1807, only 
 4/. 9j-. 2d. per annum. And, including clothing, coal
 
 29 
 
 and candles, household charges, salaries of clerk, mistress, 
 teacher, surgeon, drugs, spirits and ale, premiums, the 
 average expense of each individual, did not amount to 
 more than 11. lis. 5d. per annum. In consequence of a 
 considerable increase of price, on the various articles of 
 food, the average expense of maintenance was, in 1809, 
 4/. 18/. 11^. for each individual, but in this is included 
 vi'ashing materials. 
 
 Some years ago, when, from the high price of pro- 
 visions, and want of employment, multitudes in this 
 country were reduced to great distress; exertions were 
 made in this city, as in other parts of the kingdom, for 
 the relief of the necessitous. Soup=kitchens were estab- 
 lished in various parts of the town. In one, with which, 
 along with several gentlemen, I M'as connected, four 
 hundred persons received a quart of strong soup, made 
 of vegetables and butcher-meat, boiled to pieces in it, at 
 the expense of about 9/. lOx. per week. In this sum, is 
 included the expense of servants, vegetables, barley and 
 pease, meat, coals. ^Each person thus received what was 
 esteemed a good and wholesome dinner, a quart of soup, 
 made of meat and vegetables, barley and pease, at the 
 small expense of about three-farthings. This calculation, 
 it is also to be observed, has reference to a year of un- 
 common scarcity. 
 
 By these observations, I mean not to recommend, that 
 any of these kinds of diet should be exclusively adopted.
 
 30 
 
 But I mean to show, that the plan of a general kitchen 
 for every prison, may be easily carried into effect 5 and 
 that good and wholesome food may be provided for every 
 prisoner, greatly to the advantage of his health, morals, 
 and fortune, iv'ithout any additional expense to the public. 
 
 III. In the construction and management of prisons, 
 the deepest attention should be paid to the habits, char- 
 acter, moral and religious interests of the prisoners. 
 
 When we contemplate prisons under this view, the 
 CLASSIFICATION of prisoners, according to their state and 
 circumstances, naturally presents itself among the par- 
 ticulars of first importance. 
 
 It is evident, that prisoners must be of very different 
 characters and degrees of guilt. Some are confined 
 upon suspicion, and may be innocent: others are con- 
 victed, and are confined till the execution of their sen- 
 tence: some, again, are convicted of misdemeanours, and 
 others, of more heinous crimes: some are young, and 
 unhackneyed in vice; others are grey, and hardened in 
 iniquity. Justice requires, that a distinction should be 
 made, in the treatment of these persons. The same 
 treatment is unjust in itself, and it inflicts a severer 
 doom on the comparatively innocent, tlian on the 
 more guilty, by placing them on a level, and obliging 
 them to associate with the worthless and criminal. But 
 these considerations, important as they are,- almost dis-
 
 31 
 
 appear from my apprehension, when I think on the 
 dreadful consequences of such an association, upon the 
 principles and future conduct of the unfortunate 
 prisoners. 
 
 Every good government should seek, in all its public 
 institutions, to promote the virtue of its subjects; and to 
 guard or reclaim them from vice. But, at least, it should 
 see, that its institutions become not the means of corrup- 
 tion, the nurseries of that profligacy which they were 
 designed to oppose and to destroy. Now, I would ask 
 any person, acquainted with human nature, if the indis- 
 criminate association of persons of all descriptions, often 
 in the same sleeping=rooms and the same beds, has not 
 the most direct tendency, both to encourage the vicious 
 in their abandoned courses, and to render more deeply 
 corrupt, the young and unhackreyed transgressors. The 
 very circumstance of degrading them to a level with the 
 most abandoned, tends to deprave their character. It 
 destroys the small feeling of reputation and self-respect 
 which remains. But what must be the effect of witness- 
 ing the conduct, becoming accustomed to the habits, 
 hearing the conversation, learning the principles and 
 the practices, and being exposed to all the seducing arts 
 of the regardless profligate, and often the ingenious vil- 
 lain? Such society, must not only ruin the young and 
 less guilty, but must tend to harden the more criminal. 
 They encourage, by their conversation, one another in 
 their vices, and invite to the commission of new enor-
 
 32 
 
 mities. Better feelings and resolutions are prevented 
 from rising and taking possession of their hearts; and 
 passions are excited or are kept alive, which might 
 otherwise have subsided. Thus, their dispositions be- 
 come more corrupt, their minds more determined on 
 vice, and every good principle is more deeply buried 
 beneath an overwhelming load of depravity. 
 
 It is distressing to think, how little attention has been 
 paid to this important object, even in prisons which are 
 supposed to be well regulated. In the prisons of Lon- 
 don, crowds, particularly of females, are huddled to- 
 gether in the same room, without order or discrimination. 
 Amongst the unhappy persons, thus thrown indiscrimin- 
 ately together, are there not many of different characters, 
 ages, and degrees of guilt; of different conditions in life, 
 accused or convicted of different crimes, with very differ- 
 ent habits and feelings? Are there not some, even among 
 those who have been convicted of crimes, of whom some 
 hopes of repentance and reformation might be formed; 
 who have only commenced the career of vice, feel the 
 compunctions of returning principle, and, with some en- 
 couragement, and in favourable circumstances, might be 
 induced to fly the fatal paths of the destroyer? But, alas! 
 they are abandoned to the society of the most profligate; 
 where every virtuous and religious principle is laughed 
 to scorn, where their minds are polluted with indecency, 
 new arts of iniquity and wickedness are taught them, and 
 new temptations continually forced upon their thoughts.
 
 33 
 
 In such a situation, surrounded only with vice, their 
 reputation gone, their hopes in hfe blasted, no good 
 sentiment awakened or encouraged, they give themselves 
 up headlong, to the direction of the abandoned-, and 
 issue from prison, a thousand-fold more depraved thaa 
 when they entered its fatal walls. 
 
 But is it necessary to visit the capital for examples of 
 this kind? 
 
 In Scotland, justly distinguished for the purity of its 
 principles, and the excellence of its public institutions, 
 still less attention has been paid to the condition of un- 
 happy prisoners than in F^gland. In a prison belonging 
 to this country, a friend of mine informed me, he saw, 
 during the last year, ten women confined in one room, 
 where were only two beds. Among these women, was 
 one of a respectable character, confined for debt. The 
 rest were generally of a profligate description, and one 
 was a criminal, condemned to transportation, but remain- 
 ing in prison, on account of a loathsome disease, ffere 
 there was a woman, comparatively respectable, compelled 
 not only to associate with profligate characters, but to 
 sleep with four in the same bed, one of them a convicted 
 criminal, whose body was almost in a state of putrefac- 
 tion! 
 
 In a prison, not distinguished for negligence, I have 
 myself seen three boys, the oldest not more than fourteen 
 
 E
 
 34 
 
 years of age, confined, for a long period, in the same 
 room with two hackneyed criminals, who had been tried, 
 convicted, and sentenced to transportation. What ren- 
 dered the case of these children more afflicting, they had 
 not been found guilty of any ofFence, they were only 
 waiting for their trial. I ask you to consider, what 
 would be the probable effect of such society, and in such 
 circumstances, on the principles, characters, and future 
 fate of these young persons. Justice requires, that per- 
 sons merely accused, should not be placed on the same 
 footing with persons convicted and condemned; that 
 distinctions should be made also, according to the degrees 
 of guilt; and, that the young and inexperienced, should 
 not be ranked among old and hardened transgressors. 
 But does not the public interest, religion, compassion, 
 every good principle in the soul of man, plead farther; 
 that they should not be exposed to the contagion of 
 greater vice, nor be doomed to a condition, which must 
 almost inevitably lead to ruin? Nay, does not every good 
 principle call upon us, to employ means for preventing 
 even persons of a similar character, from injuring one 
 another, by their society and conversation; and by such a 
 judicious arrangement of time, place, employment, inter- 
 mixture of superintendance and authority, to endeavour 
 to divert their ideas into channels, which might be in- 
 nocent and improving.? 
 
 In considering the best mode of effecting these objects, 
 the first idea which arises, is the necessity of erecting
 
 35 
 
 prisons of such dimensions, as will render possible a 
 classification of prisoners. The want of accommodation 
 suited to the number imprisoned, is, indeed, the great 
 excuse for the evils which we have mentioned. But 
 should such an excuse, in a country like this, be per- 
 mitted to have a foundation? Should an excuse for 
 injustice, cruelty, the encouragement of vice, be per- 
 mitted to remain in the kingdom of Britain? The rights 
 and the well-being, the character and morals, of every 
 class of subjects, are the care of a good government, 
 and the concern of an enlightened, humane, and reli- 
 gious people. If any county or city will not do their 
 duty, the laws and government of their country should 
 interpose. The evil is not to be remedied by the partial 
 exertions of humane individuals. 
 
 Supposing that the building is of adequate dimensions, 
 five great divisions, at least, should be made. Separate 
 divisions should be made for males and females; for the 
 accused and the convicted; and, while the law continues 
 as it is, a separate ward should be allotted for debtors. 
 These divisions, with a little consideration, might be 
 easily subdivided, according to the probable condition and 
 character of individuals. Even if no other allotment and 
 means were employed, considerable advantage would be 
 obtained. Still, however, in each of these divisions, 
 many worthless persons must be supposed to be asso- 
 ciated, disposed and fitted to corrupt one another, and 
 those of a better description, who are confined to their
 
 36 
 
 society. The means of preventing this, are next to be 
 considered. 
 
 The following means are submitted for consideration. 
 Every prisoner ought to have a sleeping=room allotted 
 for himself, to vi^hich he might, during the day, at all 
 times retire. Persons imprisoned for a short period, on 
 account of misdemeanours, should be confined entirely to 
 their own rooms; while they might be allowed better 
 accommodation, according to the nature of their guilt, 
 and the character which they sustain. This would both 
 preserve them from the general infection of the prison, 
 and, by a short seclusion from society, dispose them to 
 sober thought. I observe farther, that every prisoner, at 
 his first imprisonment, should be confined entirely, for 
 some period, to the room allotted for him. This would 
 enable the jailor and superintendant of the prison, to 
 form some estimate of his condition, and to determine 
 with propriety, the class to which he should be assigned. 
 It would remove, also, the criminal for a period, from the 
 corrupting influence of his companions in vice. The 
 silence and retirement of his cell, would dispose him to 
 serious reflection, and afford leisure and opportunity 
 for indulging it. At such a season, and in such circum- 
 stances, he might recall the events of his life, and the 
 consequences of his crimes; compare his days of peace 
 with his present fallen state; carry forward his views to 
 the future consequences of sin; ren.ember the invitation 
 to the tiiief of sinners; and, with a full and overflowing
 
 37 
 
 heart, « arise," like the returning prodigal, « to go unte 
 his father." Such have been the effects of seasonable 
 correction, joined to the silence and retirement of soli- 
 tude, and why may they not also be felt in silence and 
 retirement, by the lonely prisoner? 
 
 But confinement in solitude, when long, stupifies 
 and debilitates the mind, and produces either habitual 
 gloom and dejection, or sullenness and malignity. The 
 next consideration, therefore, should be, in what manner 
 the society of prisoners with one another should be 
 regulated. 
 
 Persons of a more sober character, might be permitted 
 to meet in their own apartments, or in some common 
 room, at stated hours. But the generality of prisoners, 
 I would permit to associate only in two places; in the 
 room allotted for employment, and in the court allotted 
 for exercise. The hope of meeting, and sometimes con- 
 versing together, would render the thought of labour 
 pleasant, and prove an incitement to industry. It would 
 be easy to superintend them. In these places, one of the 
 jailors, of a good and prudent mind, might always be 
 present. His presence would check disorder, and pro- 
 mote the general security of the prison. " In most of 
 the prisons at Paris," we are informed by Howard, 
 " there are five or six turnkeys, two or three st th? ^^aics, 
 one wa/king in the yard^ to prevent conferring 3"d plotting; 
 a circumstance to which French jailors are very atten-
 
 38 
 
 tive." I add, that to the female ward should be assigned 
 some respectable woman, to superintend the general 
 economy of that part of the establishment, to direct and 
 encourage the industry of the prisoners, and assist, by 
 her prudent counsel and good example, in promoting 
 their reformation. 
 
 Prisons should be also constructed and managed in 
 such a manner, as to afford opportunities for employ- 
 ment, and encouragement to industry. 
 
 The importance of employment to all classes of men, 
 is too obvious for illustration. But, without this be a 
 special object of consideration, in the construction and 
 management of prisons, it is plainly rendered impossible 
 to the prisoner, from the nature of his condition. Un- 
 less, therefore, some provision is made, to enable him to 
 labour, you not only deprive him of liberty, with its 
 attendant advantages, but you reduce him and his family 
 to the lowest state of indigence; and you expose him to 
 all the moral evils which arise from a life of idleness, 
 spent among the idle. His family, in various ways, 
 must greatly suffer. The public also, are injured; they 
 not only lose the benefit of his industry, but they must 
 afford maintenance to his family, who are deprived of the 
 means of support. These reasons should lead us to 
 provide, as far as possible, the means of employment to 
 prisoners of every description; but they are especially 
 powerful, when applied to the case of debtors, or
 
 39 
 
 of prisoners who have not been convicted of crimes. 
 Many other reasons combine, to enforce this object. 
 Employment would render the management of the prison 
 more easy and safe. It would direct the thoughts of 
 active spirits from dangerous caballing; it would prevent 
 that disorder and tendency to riot, which is, at all times, 
 the fruit of idleness, but which must particularly arise 
 among persons, whose habits are disorderly, and whose 
 thoughts will, probably, take the course of mischief and 
 of profligacy. This leads me to observe the importance 
 of employment, to the habits and moral interests of the 
 prisoners. 
 
 It is the duty, we have observed, of a well regulated 
 society, so to order its public institutions, that they 
 become not the ueans of corruption, and nurseries of 
 profligacy. And does not idleness naturally lead to 
 vices and to crimes? Must it not be particularly danger- 
 ous among those, whose habits already lead them to 
 disorder and profligacy? By not furnishing prisoners 
 with the means of employment, you increase the ten- 
 dency to idleness, disorder, and vice, among the corrupt, 
 and you place those of a better description, in circum- 
 stances of the greatest danger. But as a community, 
 professing the character of humanity, and acknowledging 
 the infinite importance of virtue and religion, both to 
 states and individuals, should we not have in view, not 
 merely to preserve individuals from increasing wretched- 
 ness, but to employ such means as we possess, and are
 
 40 
 
 eonsistent with general principles, to check the progress 
 of corruption, to recover from wretchedness, to encourage 
 new habits, to reclaim and to reform? With such views, 
 employment should not only be permitted, but should 
 receive every encouragement. Its importance, in this 
 view, is great, if it did nothing more than give exercise 
 to the minds of prisoners, change the current of their 
 thoughts and desires, lead them to fix their attention and 
 employ their talents on useful objects. And is it not 
 also of importance, as beginning and aiding the forma- 
 tion of the most important habits? Are not idle habits 
 among the most common causes of disorder and profli- 
 gacy? And is it not, therefore, of the first importance, 
 to lessen their power, if not wholly to burst their igno- 
 minious fetters? Nay, has not industry a direct tendency 
 not merely to preserve from vice, bit to improve the 
 human mind; to exercise its faculties, to give an useful 
 direction to the thoughts, and, as the fulfilment of a duty 
 incumbent on every human being, to strengthen the 
 principle of rectitude, exercise and cherish the domestic 
 affections, and prepare the mind for engaging in a course 
 of active virtue ? 
 
 Such views, show the importance of furnishing pris- 
 oners with the means of employment, and engaging them 
 in a course of industry, by such methods as are suited to 
 their condition. In every prison, therefore, working- 
 rooms should be provided, and the implements of labour 
 necessary to the most common professions, furnished, or
 
 41 
 
 permitted to be introduced. Men not accustomed to 
 manual labour, may be furnished often with a variety of 
 employments, especially in commercial towns, which 
 they can easily carry on in the day-rooms allotted to 
 their ward. To find them employment, dispose of the 
 produce, and manage their pecuniary concerns, should 
 be the business of the jailor, or clerk of the prison. Of 
 all these transactions, a regular account should be kept 
 in the name of every prisoner, to which he should have 
 occasional access; and which a committee, to be after- 
 wards mentioned, should regularly inspect, and compare 
 with the vouchers. 
 
 The great incitement to industry, is the prospect of 
 profit in proportion to exertion. Let the fruit of his 
 labours, therefore, be given wholly to the prisoner. 
 Inattention to this, renders the system which is followed 
 in almost all the Bridewells of the kingdom, extremely 
 defective. A small portion of time is appointed for 
 labour, and the produce, instead of being appropriated to 
 each individual, according to his exertions, is put into a 
 common fund, for the general maintenance of the estab- 
 lishment. What is the effect? The prisoners labour 
 only at the periods fixed by the public •, they labour re- 
 luctantly, and from fear, because they are to reap no 
 personal advantage from their exertions. Thus also, the 
 idle and industrious receive the same encouragement; 
 the proper habit of industry is not formed; and what is 
 particularly to be remarked, the public lose by this 
 
 F
 
 42 
 
 appropriation to itself of the whole profit of the pris- 
 oners. In such bridewells, it will be generally found, 
 that though the whole of the profits are taken by the 
 public, the criminals are far from maintaining themselves. 
 The cause is obvious; the proper stimulating principle to 
 industry is not employed. In the summer of the year 
 1807, I had an opportunity of visiting the Cold-bath- 
 fields prison. It is a house of a very superior order, and 
 calculated greatly to promote the health and comfort of 
 the prisoners. I made, however, the following remarks: 
 " Prisoners are allowed to associate too indiscriminately; 
 no means are employed to instruct ignorant criminals, 
 nor are useful books sufficiently furnished to those who 
 can read. The labour of the criminals is too small; it is 
 not sufficiently diversified, and seems to consist almost 
 entirely in picking oakum; no inducement is given to 
 voluntary exertions, nor proper attention to the formation 
 of industrious habits; finally, and very much in conse- 
 quence of these latter circumstances, the establishment is 
 too expensive to the country." — Let us now consider, 
 what would be the effect of a very simple change in the 
 system which is generally pursued. Appropriate to the 
 criminals, the same hours of labour which a sober work- 
 man voluntarily assigns to himself. Be at pains to find 
 those kinds of work, which are both profitable and suited 
 to the skill of individuals; and where skill in useful arts 
 is wanting, let it be taught. Open an account for every 
 criminal, and let him know, that, after deducting the 
 expense of his maintenance, the •whole profits of his labour
 
 43 
 
 are his own. Finally, let every convicted criminal know, 
 that he must remain in confinement, till he has paid, by 
 his labour, the expense of his maintenance. By such 
 means, the most powerful inducements to industry are 
 presented, inducements of a rational kind, and similar to 
 those which are presented in ordinary life; the hope of 
 gain, the inconvenience of debt, the certainty of advan- 
 tage proportioned to present exertions. Thus labour is 
 voluntarily and cheerfully performed, habits of industry 
 are encouraged, and expense to the public is saved; 
 while some wealth is acquired, and the sweets of sober 
 industry, are experienced by the criminals. This is 
 not mere theory; it has been fully tried, and with 
 very happy effects, in the bridewell of this city. Be- 
 sides paying the expense of their maintenance and cloth- 
 ing, prisoners, on leaving the house, very frequently 
 receive considerable sums, as the price of their labours. 
 The general expense of the whole establishment becomes 
 thus very small to the public. — The following ideas, in 
 addition to this excellent plan, may deserve attention. 
 The prisoners feel not sufficiently, in the time of 
 labour, the good effects of their industry; they receive 
 the fruit of their whole labours at once, at the time of 
 their liberation, and in the moment of greatest danger; 
 and they are not taught by previous use, the wise and 
 virtuous method of spending the little which they gain. 
 Some rewards of industry might be given, and some of 
 its comforts permitted to be experienced, during confine- 
 ment. As a farther incitement, show once in the month.
 
 44 
 
 to every prisoner, the state of his account, and encour- 
 age him, by a view of the progress of his gains. Allow 
 him a partial use of what he hath acquired, point out 
 to him the advantage of a wise and virtuous expenditure, 
 and direct him, by your counsel, to the choice of what is 
 profitable and necessary. Thus he would experience, in 
 the mean time, some of the advantages of diligence; 
 learn the right method of expending his money; and, at 
 least, acquire some articles which are comfortable, and 
 of which, on leaving the house, he would know the 
 value. Large sums, given to such persons, at the mo- 
 ment of liberation, prove often, it is to be feared, temp- 
 tations to extravagance and vice; some money, however, 
 it is of importance they should possess, to enable them 
 to live with honesty, till they meet with regular employ- 
 ment. 
 
 These observations, though directed chiefly to bride- 
 wells, are, in a great degree, applicable also to ordinary 
 prisons. The means of enforcing diligence, must be 
 different, employment must be more voluntary, and 
 the kind and degree of it be determined, in a great mea- 
 sure, by the choice of the prisoners. Still, however, in 
 prisons, similar Facilities might be given, and the same 
 encouragement to individual exertions, might be afforded. 
 Some rewards, suited to the nature of a prison, might also 
 be conferred on the industrious. They might be permitted 
 to purchase, by their industry, a participation in the diet 
 of the tirst ciass; and to acquire for themselves, addi-
 
 45 
 
 tional articles of accommodation. Rooms of a better 
 order might be assigned them, by the superintendants 
 and inspector*, particular care might be used, to procure 
 for them articles of employment, which were less painful 
 and more profitable; attentions of a friendly nature 
 might be paid them, and the prospect of certificates of 
 character, and some interest in their future wellfare, might 
 be presented. Above all, endeavours should be made, to 
 encourage and reward their industry, through the medium 
 of their families. Connect their industry, as much as 
 possible, with the advantage and happiness of their chil- 
 dren. Draw forth and keep alive, their domestic affec- 
 tions ; let the parent see his offspring occasionally, bene- 
 fiting in the fruits of that employment which you 
 encourage; and convey to his family, with regular atten- 
 tion, that assistance which his labour has been enabled to 
 procure. You will thus soften and humanise his heart; 
 you will inspire or keep alive those strong affections, 
 which form the most powerful incitements to exertion 
 and diligence. His gratitude for the attentions which 
 you pay to those who are dear to him, will increase your 
 influence, and give new force to your counsels. And he 
 will experience inward satisfaction, from the conscious- 
 ness that he has been enabled, in the midst of all the 
 evils of his condition, to discharge, in some degree, the 
 part of a parent, and to alleviate those distresses which 
 his misconduct or misfortunes have occasioned to those 
 objects, who looked up to him for protection. Domestic 
 affections, very hardened persons are often observed
 
 46 
 
 occasionally to feel. And though sensuality and profli- 
 gacy tend to deaden and destroy them, yet, sometimes, 
 in the season of reflection and retirement, and particularly 
 in situations where Ticious habits cannot be indulged, the 
 strong feelings of a parent have been seen, when scarcely 
 any other sentiment seemed capable of moving him, to 
 overpower almost wholly the wretched criminal. 
 
 Another particular, of great importance to the pre- 
 sent comfort and future well-being of prisoners, is, the 
 EXCLUSION of the means of vice and disorder. 
 
 One of the chief causes of that disorder and profli- 
 gacy which so frequently prevails in prisons, is Drunken- 
 ness. This renders every good regulation nugatory; 
 every attempt at order, industry, reflection, reformation, 
 vain; produces noise, quarreling, and fighting; destroys 
 the peace and comfort of respectable prisoners, and not 
 unfrequently presents temptations too well suited to their 
 unhappy situations; while, at the same time, it destroys 
 the present health and comfort of the licentious, encour- 
 ages all their wretched habits of idleness and profligacy, 
 engages them in new crimes, and sinks them in deeper 
 ruin. 
 
 The character and situation of prisoners, render it 
 particularly necessary to guard against this fatal vice. If 
 the history of the generality of prisoners were examined, 
 the cause of their present condition, would be found to
 
 47 
 
 be frequent intoxication. Accustomed to extravagance 
 and oxcess, fond of the high, though temporary, state of 
 spirits which drinking occasions, perhaps, habitually 
 addicted to drunkenness, with little self-government, and 
 feeble principles of virtue and religion; intoxicating 
 liquors are sought with an avidity, which sets at nought 
 every consideration of interest and duty, and leads to the 
 grossest excesses. The depression of spirits, and the 
 melancholy feelings which their condition tends naturally 
 to produce, excite a disposition even in more sober pris- 
 oners, to this fatal indulgence, and render them little 
 capable of resisting temptation. This is increased by the 
 injudicious kindness of friends, who press upon the 
 prisoners this dangerous remedy; by which care is for- 
 gotten, and a temporary elation of mind is excited, but 
 at the expense of a succeeding depression, still lower 
 and deeper, alas! perhaps, of present vice, and an after 
 life of habitual degradation and licentiousness. The 
 numbers, too^ which are collected in prisons, the vacant 
 time, and the disposition to idleness, which so frequently 
 prevails, lead to those meetings, of which drinking is 
 always the fatal attendant, and riot and excess the almost 
 constant termination. 
 
 In such circumstances, it might have been expected, 
 that no unnecessary temptations would be placed before 
 unfortunate prisoners, and that the management of 
 prisons, if it did not counteract, would, at least, not 
 have increased the evil. Instead ■ of this, prisons are
 
 48 
 
 generally turned into taverns, where all the fatal habits 
 of the prisoners are gratified with ease, and tempta- 
 tions are presented in every form, and almost in every 
 quarter. The men even whose duty it is to restrain, 
 have an interest in encouraging excesses. In proportion 
 to the sale of liquors, is the profit of the jailor. He is 
 an host who makes rich, by the extravagance and 
 drunkenness of his guests. In some prisons, spirituous 
 liquors are forbidden j but, notwithstanding the prohibi- 
 tion, they seem to be with little difiiculty procured, and 
 the disorderly mirth of men rioting over the midnight 
 bowl, is not unfrequently heard sounding along the walls 
 which confine them. But what if the prohibition was 
 successful? Can men not get drunk with ale and strong 
 beer? "Will the sale of these not enrich the jailor, when 
 it is frequent and great; especially when aided by exor- 
 bitant prices for wretched materials, extorted from his 
 dependant prisoners? 
 
 Such practices are particularly inexcusable, because 
 they are directly in opposition to the spirit and intention 
 of the statutes passed on this subject. By the Act 
 respecting goals, passed in the twenty-fourth year of 
 his present Majesty's reign, justices of the peace are 
 empowered to prevent jailors from selling any liquors, 
 or deriving any profit from the sale of liquors; and, if 
 they shall see cause, to appoint salaries in lieu of the 
 profit. And it is farther enacted, " that from and after 
 the 24th day of June, 1785, no jailor shall suffer
 
 49 
 
 tippling or gaming in such prison; or shall sell, or permit 
 to be sold, or be capable of being licensed to sell any 
 wine, beer, ale, or other liquors, or have any beneficial 
 interest, or concern whatever, in the sale of any 
 liquors of any kind, or in any tap-house, tap-room, or 
 tap, under the penalty of 10/. for every such offence." 
 The spirit and intention of this statute is obvious; but 
 unfortunately, it only empowers, and does not enjoin, 
 the justices to carry its excellent ideas into execution. 
 And though it, with great propriety, discourages the sale 
 of liquors by the jailor in prison, it points to no means to 
 prevent or regulate the purchase or introduction of them 
 from other quarters. It is also, such as it is, confined in 
 its extent, to England and Wales. 
 
 That we may perceive the inefficacy of the law, the 
 extent to which the evil has been carried, and, above all, 
 the remedy which alone will be effectual, it may be use- 
 ful to present a few facts, most of which will be found 
 in different parts of the journal of the " State of Prisons," 
 published by the truly benevolent Howard. 
 
 Ireland, 1788, Fourcourt Marshalsea prison: " In 
 most of the lower rooms, the debtors sell whisky; one 
 is a pawn-broker's shop. On the night preceding one of 
 my visits, many had been gambling, drinking, and fight- 
 ing. Mr. Dexter, the marshal, told me, that when his 
 prison was full, a hogshead of whisky was sold in the 
 
 G
 
 50 
 
 week, in a clandestine manner, besides what was sold 
 from his own tap." 
 
 City Marshalsea prison: « Here also, there had been 
 a scene of confusion and riot, the night before. The 
 wives and children of the debtors, living with them, 
 bring in spirits, and this makes most of the lower rooms 
 gin-shops; to which may be added, that the prisoners 
 themselves are quite idle. The garnish is two bottles of 
 whisky. Dr. Scott, physician to the Marshalseas, in- 
 formed me, in June, 1787, that he had just lost three 
 men out of four, by excessive drinking, in the City 
 Marshalsea. They had, one morning, drunk twelve 
 shillings worth of brandy, in punch, beside porter and 
 other liquors." 
 
 Fleet prison, London, 1777, having mentioned the 
 tap-room and coffee-room, it is added, " On Monday 
 night, there is a wine club; on Thursday night, a beer 
 club; each lasting till one or two in the morning. I 
 need not say how much riot these occasion, and how the 
 sober prisoners are annoyed by them." 
 
 In 1788, of the Fleet, it is observed, « No alteration. 
 Liquors sold as usual, notwithstanding the late Act*, 
 
 * This excellent man seems a little to have misunderstood the Act. 
 It does not prohibit, but empowers justices, if they shall see cause, to 
 prohibit, and appoint a salary. When, after the prohibition of the 
 justices, and appointment of a suitable salary to the jailor, it becomes 
 unlawful in that prison.
 
 51 
 
 which prohibits keepers from selling liquors, or having 
 any interest or concern therein." It is long since this 
 account of Mr. Howard was published; yet, in 1809, 
 the following is still the statement which is made of it: 
 « The first floor contains two tap-rooms; the second 
 floor consists of a coffee-room," &c. 
 
 New Ludgate, 1778: " On conversing with the keeper, 
 he observed to me, ' now prisoners keep taps.' One ad- 
 vantage which was expected from the abolition of taps in 
 goals, was, preventing the comrades of criminals from 
 associating with them; but, by the unrestrained visits of 
 their friends, and the permission of beer, wine, &c. to 
 be brought to them from certain public-houses, this 
 intended advantage is, in a great measure, frustrated." 
 
 In the accounts of other prisons, we meet with the 
 following occasional remarks: " As liquors are intro- 
 duced by visitors, and through the windows which are 
 towards the street, most of these prisoners think their 
 confinement little or no punishment." " Through the 
 windows of two damp cells, both men and women freely 
 converse with idle people on the street, who supply them 
 with spirituous liquors, till they are quite intoxicated." 
 " One of the regulations is, to admit no visitors on Sun- 
 day, which is too generally a day of confusion and intoxi- 
 cation." " A publican, with cans of beer, was waiting, 
 on Sunday, in the inside, to serve the prisoners." 
 ** Many of the windows of this prison, are towards the
 
 52 
 
 street, and opposite to the prison-gate, are three adjoining 
 ale-houses. ^^ " The keeper sells beer, and there is com- 
 pany as at a common ale-house." " In my various tours, 
 I have often heard of the death of one or more prisoners, 
 by intoxication and quarrels in prisons. Here one had 
 lately been unhappily killed." " The late jailor killed 
 himself by drinking; and I find, in my visits, that many 
 others have died by this vice; the taps in the goals hav- 
 ing been a very strong temptation to them." " The 
 good old surgeon, constantly refuses the debtors' applica- 
 tions for spirituous liquors, as he well knows the quarrels, 
 riot, and confusion, such an admission has frequently 
 caused in goals." " In what prison in London, is there 
 a proper separation of criminals, the old from the young, 
 convicts from the untried? Where are the night-rooms 
 for solitary confinement and reflection? Where is any 
 proper attention paid to sick or dying prisoners? Where 
 are the rules and orders of magistrates, for the direction of 
 jailors, and the management of prisoners? In what goal 
 are not the ears shocked with the profaneness, both of 
 prisoners and turnkeys? Where is any regard paid to the 
 Lord's day? Where is not the afternoon of that day, a 
 time of greater concourse of visitants, than at any other? 
 And, though the jailor's taps are abolished, yet, are not 
 publicans continually waiting, to serve the prisoners and 
 their company? Is not beer now sold by the debtors? 
 And do not turnkeys keep shoi)s in the goals?"
 
 5S 
 
 If some of these abuses be rectified in some prisons, 
 in others, many and great, of a similar nature, continue 
 in their worst forms. In a great number of prisons in 
 the three kingdoms, taps, kept by jailors, continue; and 
 where they are abolished, spirituous liquors, beer, and 
 ale, with little restraint, are introduced from the neigh- 
 bouring ale-houses; often, it is to'*^* feared, under the 
 connivance, and with the encouragement, of the jailors, 
 who may have, privately, an interest in the consumption. 
 The effects of these practices, are perceived, not only by 
 those whose duty leads them to superintend the conduct 
 of prisoners, but by every casual visitant. Many prison- 
 ers are to be seen intoxicated before mid-day; while the 
 bloated heavy look of stupefaction, marks out others to 
 pass their nights in riot, or their days in habitual tippling. 
 The immediate confusion and disorder, disease and waste, 
 which such practices produce, are not the worst of their 
 effects. The profligate are confirmed in their habits of 
 drunkenness, and tempted, for their gratification, to the 
 commission of new crimes; and men, who entered 
 prisons industrious and sober,, come out from them, the 
 sottish feeble slaves of idleness and intemperance. 
 
 Such melancholy facts, while they show us the evil, 
 point also to the remedy. 
 
 The prohibition to sell liquors in prison, by jailors, 
 should not depend on the pleasure of the justices, and 
 their appointment of a salary; it should be made absolute
 
 54 
 
 and universal by lawj a suitable salary should be ap- 
 pointed, according to a general rule; and means be ap- 
 pointed and employed, to carry the law into effect. 
 This, if nothing more was done, would certainly produce 
 some advantage. Still, it would remedy very imperfectly 
 the evil. It is essential that regulations should be made, 
 respecting the intro> action of liquors from other quar- 
 ters. Without such regulations, the evil may still pre- 
 vail to a great extent; nay, the jailor, by a secret under- 
 standing with convenient publicans, may have the same 
 interest in encouraging abuses, as when he openly vended 
 from his own tap-room. Some regulations, limiting the 
 quantity, and fixing stated times for the admission, of 
 liquors, joined to a constant and strict superintendance 
 of prisoners, jailors, and turnkeys, might, in some degree, 
 lessen the extent and number of the abuses. But, when 
 I consider the temptations, the characters of prisoners, 
 the" opportunities and excuses for evasion, the complicated 
 and troublesome superintendance, required in such a 
 plan, I am convinced, that no method can be adopted, 
 which will prove effectual, and promote, at the same time, 
 the interests of individuals and the public, but an entire 
 and TOTAL prohibition of all liquors; excepting such as 
 may be distributed by the appointment, and at the ex- 
 pense, of the public, to each individual with his food. 
 This prohibition ought not be considered as severe, by 
 any sober man; but if it should be so felt, let him con- 
 sider, that privations must be submitted to, occasionally, 
 for the general good; and, that here they are not only
 
 55 
 
 necessary for the sake of others, but, in his peculiar cir- 
 cumstances, are of importance to his own safety and 
 well-being. By this system, the management becomes 
 simple and easy; every opportunity and excuse for abuse, 
 is taken away, both from jailors and prisoners; and 
 abuses, when they take place, can be easily detected, 
 rectified, and punished. The hopelessness of success, 
 will lead every party to cease attempting deception, and 
 dispose them soon to proceed in a quiet and regular 
 course of conduct. While the office of jailor, no longer 
 connected with such a traffic, and the irksome and 
 degrading circumstances which it produces, will rise to 
 that respectability which every consideration of private 
 and public interest most powerfully recommend. 
 
 Let the introduction of liquors, then, into prisons, be 
 entirely and universally prohibited by the laws of the 
 realm, excepting such as may be assigned by the public, 
 with the food of the prisoners. Let no individual have 
 an interest in the quantity and distribution; and let the 
 liquors be provided by the public, and distributed from 
 the kitchen at meals, in the same manner, and on the 
 same terms, as are fixed for the articles of diet. Thus, 
 will the fatal evils we have stated, be prevented effectually 
 and with ease; and thus also, perhaps, may the beginning 
 of a happy change be produced on some of those, who, 
 though far misled, have not yet entirely sunk under the 
 almost hopeless habit of intemperance. Those who have 
 contemplated seriously the progress and condition of the
 
 56 
 
 unhappy drunkard, know how diiBcult is his case. But 
 they also know, that the rare instances of recovery which 
 have been sometimes presented, generally have been pro- 
 duced through severe misfortunes, accompanied with re- 
 moval from the scene of temptation, and the opportunity 
 of vicious indulgence. The disease, also, is of various 
 degrees of inveteracy; and may we not hope, that, 
 amongst the numbers who are confined in the many 
 prisons of this extensive empire, there may be found 
 many in those stages which, through the Divine blessing, 
 may permit the heart-touching hope of recovery to be 
 cherished. 
 
 With the prevention of intemperance, should be 
 joined that of Gaming. 
 
 An excessive fondness for amusement, leading to idle- 
 ness, extravagance, and indisposition to every useful pur- 
 suit, is a very frequent cause of that misconduct which 
 terminates in a prison. But no amusement, if it can 
 receive the name, has led such numbers, and so directly 
 to ruin and a goal, as that of gaming. The character 
 of the generality of prisoners, may, therefore, lead us to 
 suppose, that when they meet together without restraint, 
 they will devote their hours to this fatal employment. 
 Its stimulating effects on the spirits, the exercise of 
 mind, and the temporary diversion of the thoughts from 
 serious, often painful subjects, which it affords, renders 
 it a strong temptation to men of a better order. It may
 
 57 
 
 be, therefore, considered as certain, that, unless judi- 
 ciously regulated, gaming will become the common 
 employment of a prison, and be carried to the greatest 
 excess. Such, accordingly, every man who has attended 
 to the state of prisons, knows to be the melancholy fact. 
 Hence, another source of that general disorder, and 
 personal wretchedness which pervade them j and of that 
 idleness and depravity which they are found to produce 
 and to nourish. Besides these fatal effects, it must 
 directly counteract that encouragement to useful employ- 
 ment, which ought to be a leading object in the institu- 
 tions of every country. The idle and the dissipated, if 
 allowed to devote their days and nights to gaming, will 
 not think of labour; to which, in other circumstances, 
 they might, from mere weariness, be disposed. It must 
 also tend to destroy that reflecting frame, and sober 
 thought, through which misfortunes often lead to re- 
 formation-, and which, therefore, the system of every 
 prison should carefully encourage. 
 
 The chief diflBculty is, how to prevent this fatal prac- 
 tice, without also preventing that degree of amusement 
 which may be salutary both to the body and mind of the 
 prisoners. While many are giddy and unprincipled, some 
 require to be roused and presers'ed from dejection. And 
 any innocent satisfaction, which can be granted to pris- 
 oners, consistently with the nature of their situation, 
 general order, and their own good, every man must wish 
 to allow. But what is the kind and the degree of amuse- 
 
 H
 
 58 
 
 ment, which may be permitted, consistently with the 
 design of a prison, and the rules necessary for the general 
 good; and how this permission is to be regulated, so as 
 to prevent gambling, and to destroy its pernicious influ- 
 ence, are subjects of serious consideration. In general, 
 I conceive, it to be necessary, to prohibit entirely those 
 games which the habits of prisoners will render them 
 most prone to abuse. Recreations which are permitted, 
 should be limited to certain periods of the day; the re- 
 mainder of the time, should be supposed, by the regu- 
 lations of the house, to be passed in useful employments. 
 This will prove some check to idleness, direct their 
 minds to the right use of time, and encourage them to 
 engage in worthy pursuits. The recreations permitted, 
 should be chiefly of such a kind, as lead to exercise of 
 body in the open air. Persons who pervert these to the 
 purposes of gaming, may be punished, by depriving them 
 of that amusement which they have abused; or by obliging 
 them to deposit, for the future wellfare of themselves 
 and their families, that money which, in a well regulated 
 prison, they cannot want, and which they employ in 
 violation of the rules of the community, to the injury of 
 themselves and of others. Coarse and noisy mirth should 
 be discouraged. When long and frequent, it is the 
 eff'ect of a disorderly mind, injures real cheerfulness, and 
 unfits for rational intercourse; leads often to the forget- 
 fulness of mutual respect, and ends not unfrequently in 
 disputes and ill humour. Beside, what may be con- 
 venient among a few individuals, may be extremely
 
 59 
 
 inconvenient among great numbers, of different disposi- 
 tions, and without selection, assembled in one place. 
 Nor does it seem very suitable to the condition of 
 men in prison, or to that state of mind which, on 
 many accounts, should be encouraged. There is too 
 great a tendency in men, to confound noisy mirth with 
 cheerfulness and comfort; to seek pleasure in mere 
 giddiness of spirits; to banish reflection, and encourage 
 that habitual thoughtlessness of disposition which hardens 
 the heart, and prevents the softening influence of mis- 
 fortune. That state of mind which bears some corre- 
 spondence of character with our circumstances, is, if 
 judiciously moderated, the most profitable. Sadness is 
 often useful; nor is it always unpleasant. When cir- 
 cumstances are unfortunate, it is right we should feel; 
 indulge in grave reflection, and a thoughtful frame. 
 Nor, I conceive, will the benefits of misfortune ever be 
 experienced by him, who, in the midst of circumstances 
 calculated to afl^ect the mind, plunges into the madness 
 of mirth, and seeks his solace in thoughtlessness and 
 folly. 
 
 Prisoners should be furnished with the means of 
 enjoying the blessing of divine ordinances and re- 
 ligious INSTRUCTION. 
 
 It were cruelty to deprive unhappy men of the benefits 
 of those blessed institutions, which men of all ranks, 
 ages, and characters, in this state of weakness and de-
 
 60 
 
 j^ravity, require for present duty and comfort, personal 
 improvement, and preparation for future happiness. 
 And as it were cruelty to individuals, so it w^ere most 
 injurious to the public interest, to deprive men of those 
 means through which are taught, impressed, and contin- 
 ually maintained, those great principles, obligations, and 
 motives, by which the best interests of every community, 
 from the least to the greatest, are upheld and promoted. 
 But in the case of prisoners, there are additional motives 
 for the exercise of such duties, and the employment of 
 such means. They, of all classes of men, require the 
 benefit of religious ordinances and instruction, whether 
 you view them as unfortunate or criminal j as involved 
 in calamity, or as under the power of ignorance, error, 
 and depravity. The ignorant require to be instructed; 
 the erring and depraved to be reclaimed; the unfortunate 
 to be comforted; the wisest and best to be aided, directed, 
 and built up, in the time of trial and temptation. The 
 best instructed Christians feel, that, even in the ordinary 
 course of life, they need to be reminded of their duties 
 and their dangers; to have the great objects of their faith 
 frequently presented before their minds, and impressed 
 upon their hearts; to have their consciences and inten- 
 tions purified, the deceits of the mind unfolded, their 
 purposes strengthened, their affections kept alive, directed 
 and raised to heaven — by sacred admonition and affec- 
 tionate address, society in the exercises of devotion, the 
 incitement and the sympathy of pious example. If such 
 be the case of the wise and good, what must be the
 
 61 
 
 necessities of the ignorant, the thoughtless, and the 
 corrupt; especially in places and in seasons of peculiar 
 danger or distress! Men who confine their views merely 
 to this world, might be expected to, feel the desire of 
 communicating to such persons, the means of improve- 
 ment and consolation. What then should be the views, 
 the desires, and the conduct of Christians ? of Christians, 
 who, of all men, should feel the power of benevolence 
 and compassion, especially where the diseases of the mind 
 are concerned; who consider the relation of man to an 
 eternal world, and estimate the value of the salvation or 
 loss of the soul, by the views which are given in the gos- 
 pel of Christ? When we consider the temporal evils of a 
 state of ignorance and depravity, the importance of religion 
 and virtue to the present happiness of individuals and of 
 nations, we may perceive strong motives for spreading 
 and maintaining among men of every class, the know- 
 ledge and the power of the gospel. But when we look 
 forward to eternity; consider the future consequences of 
 sin, the salvation provided by God, and by means of such 
 infinite magnitude, the accumulated evil which may be 
 incurred, the perfection and the bliss which may be 
 obtained; and with these consider, the spirit and the 
 character required in the followers of Him who came to 
 save the losr, and call sinners to repentance; we must 
 feel the obligation of furnishing to unfortunate prisoners, 
 the blessings of religious ordinances and instruction, to 
 be of the first importance, enforced by every considera- 
 tion which is most sacred in the estimation of Christians.
 
 62 
 
 Impressed with such views, in the year 1773, and the 
 'thirteenth of his present Majesty's reign, the legislature 
 of the United Kingdom passed an Act, " for the appoint- 
 ment of proper ministers, to officiate in the several county 
 goals, within that part of Great Britain called England, 
 and the Principality of Wales." By this Act, the jus- 
 tices of the peace, assembled at the quarter-sessions, 
 " are authorised and empowered to settle and ascertain 
 how many clergymen shall be deemed necessary for the 
 several goals within their respective jurisdictions, to settle 
 and ascertain what duty shall be performed, and what 
 salary shall be paid to each clergyman, not exceeding 50/. 
 in the year." To the credit of the justices of England, 
 this Act has been carried very universally into execution. 
 But, like the other beneficial Acts which we have noticed, 
 respecting prisons, it does not extend to Scotland. Nor 
 is sufficient provision made to obtain ministers possessing 
 qualifications, suited to the successful discharge of duties 
 which are, in many respects, peculiar and difficult. To 
 the general qualifications of his office, the minister of 
 such a charge, would seem to require a considerable share 
 of experience and knowledge of mankind ; much patience, 
 prudence, and tenderness of mind; an ardent zeal for 
 promoting the moral and spiritual interests of the pris- 
 oners; talent fitted to command attention and respect, 
 joined with a facility in accommodating himself to the 
 state and apprehensions of the weak and the ignorant. 
 That the benefit of such persons may be generally enjoyed, 
 it is necessary that a considerable field of selection should
 
 63 
 
 be possessed; a probability of their continuance secured; 
 leisure from other duties, and opportunities of usefulness 
 aflForded. But is this to be expected from the provision 
 made by the Act? Will not ministers of experience and 
 talents, naturally seek other spheres of usefulness? Will 
 they frequently accept or continue in an office, by which 
 they cannot have even a personal subsistence? The pro- 
 bability, therefore, is, that little power of selection will 
 be possessed; and that the chaplains of prisons will 
 generally be taken from young or inferior persons, or 
 persons already residing on the spot, burdened with other 
 avocations. On the other hand, a full provision for the 
 maintenance of a minister, is not to be generally ex- 
 pected; as in many places, the number of prisoners will 
 be small, and the duties not deemed sufficient to furnish 
 entire occupation for a minister's talents and exer- 
 tions. In such circumstances, it becomes a matter of 
 inquiry, how prisons shall be furnished with ministers, 
 suited to the situation, yet the public not be burdened 
 with an expense, which may seem to be more than equal 
 to the labour. The following ideas are suggested for 
 consideration. 
 
 In populous towns, w^here the number of inhabitants 
 frequently exceed the accommodation of the churches, 
 let a house of worship be connected with the prison, in 
 which an appropriate situation is appointed for the pris- 
 oners, while the remainder is fitted for the general 
 accommodaiioii of the people. With this let a parish of
 
 64 
 
 small extent be joined; and let a regular minister be set- 
 apart to the duty of the whole, having a stipend equal to 
 the other ministers of the city. Or, where a parish 
 church would not be adviseable, let the chapel of the 
 prison be built of such dimensions, and with such access, 
 that part of it may be rented in seats, for such families as 
 may require them; and let the rental be made part of a 
 fund for the maintenance of the chaplain. In situations 
 where no farther accommodation for the people is re- 
 quired, or where circumstances render such a plan not 
 eligible, chaplains must be appointed as at present in 
 England; But in such circumstances, it should be under- 
 stood, and expressed as the public wish, that the prison 
 be considered as also the care of the minister or ministers, 
 within the bounds of whose parish it is placed; and that 
 they join their counsel and their labours, in friendly 
 union and co-operation with him, to whom the spiritual 
 interests of the prisoners are more especially committed. 
 
 In selecting men for this important trust, no qualities 
 geem to be of more importance than prudence, gentleness, 
 condescending and unwearying zeal. These ought much 
 more to be the objects of attention, than distinguished 
 talents. But when talents are united with such qualities 
 of character, what happy effects might we not anticipate? 
 It is scarcely possible to suppose, that the labours of such 
 a man would be vain ; instructing the ignorant, calling 
 the thoughtless to consideration, alarming the regardless 
 and secure, touching the springs of affection, and soften-
 
 65 
 
 ing the hearts of the hardened, showing the fatal con- 
 sequences of a life of sin, and, at the same time, the 
 merciful provision made through our Redeemer, for the 
 safety and happiness of returning sinners. The most 
 profligate would consider him as a friend interested in 
 their wellfare. The contrast betwixt his compassionate 
 attentions, and the severity of the world, would affect 
 their hearts. They would listen with respect and affec- 
 tion to his instructions, and, perhaps, in some happy 
 moment, lay open their minds to the awful, yet gracious 
 and deeply affecting views of the gospel. 
 
 But, a minister of the gospel, to be generally and 
 lastingly useful to such persons, must not satisfy him- 
 self with the public exercises and instructions of religion, 
 however affectionately and earnestly administCied. He 
 must descend to particular cases; he must acquaint him- 
 self with every individual, and give instruction, counsel, 
 and admonition, suited to their circumstances, character, 
 and capacity. With these he should frequently join 
 familiar and friendly conversation, fitted to gain their 
 confidence, and improved to the purpose of introducing 
 such topics and views, as their different cases rendered 
 suitable. They would thus insensibly give him their 
 confidence; lay open to him their hearts; and afford to 
 him many additional opportunities of usefulness. 
 
 Many of these prisoners, however, are placed almost 
 beyond the means of ministerial instruction, by the gross 
 
 I
 
 66 
 
 ignorance in which they are found*, by an entire want of 
 ideas, as well as impressions of religion, a want almost of 
 capacity to comprehend the plainest instructions; arising 
 from the total neglect of early culture, information, and 
 good example, joined to the stupifying effects of de- 
 pravity and vice. This total ignorance, and almost 
 brutality of state, the degree of which will scarcely be 
 credited by those who have not had the opportunity of 
 observation, is the cause of numberless crimes, and must 
 prevent the means of reformation. In such circum- 
 stances, it is of the greatest importance, to improve the 
 advantage which confinement affords, and to provide for 
 the ignorant a teacher, who should devote a portion of 
 each day to their instruction in the principles of reading; 
 and with these, to the communication, in simple and 
 impressive forms, of some ideas of the first truths and 
 obligations of religion. By such means, the ground 
 would be broken and softened, the dormant faculties 
 would be awakened, and the conscience exercised to 
 discern good and evil. The seed then sown by the 
 sower, might be seen beginning to bud; and the grounds 
 considered as stony places, and waste, might bring forth 
 their fruit, " some an hundred fold, some sixty, some 
 thirty." Nor are your labours always lost, though, for 
 a long time, the effects of them may not be perceived. 
 The truths you have instilled, the lessons you have 
 taught, the ideas and the feelings you have awakened, 
 may be overwhelmed and long neglected; yet, though 
 dormant, they are not always dead; circumstances may
 
 67 
 
 arise, which may again warm and cherish them into life, 
 and, perhaps, inspire the si^h and awaken the feehng of 
 repentance. 
 
 To these means of instruction and reformation, should 
 be added, a judicious selection of such books as are 
 suited to the general situation of prisoners. Every room 
 of the prisoners should be furnished with a Bible. With 
 the Scriptures might be joined such tracts as are cal- 
 culated, at the same time, to interest and inform their 
 minds. "With many of these we are happily furnished, 
 beyond most other nations j through the pious and bene- 
 volent labours of persons, distinguished for literature and 
 talents, but who have not thought it an unworthy em- 
 ployment of their powers, to condescend, like their great 
 Master, to the instruction of the humble. Such are 
 many of the works of Baxter, of Watts, and of Dod- 
 dridge. Such also, are some of the works of many 
 excellent persons, in the present day. The works of Miss 
 More, in this view, ought particularly to be mentioned-, 
 who, in that valuable collection, called the Cheap Re- 
 pository, has blended instruction with entertainment; 
 and in such a manner, as is intelligible and interesting 
 to the poor and illiterate, yet, may please and improve 
 the most enlightened and refined. 
 
 I CONCLUDE this head, with observing, that a prison 
 should be conducted with a careful attention to order, 
 and equitable discipline, directed b^ wise and known 
 regulations.
 
 68 
 
 Order is of great importance in the conduct of 
 human affairs; but it is particularly necessary, where a 
 society is numerous, and the objects of attention various 
 and complicated. By attention to order alone, the rules 
 necessary for the general interest, and the health, comfort, 
 and moral wellfare of individuals, will be noticed and 
 observed. It is necessary also, to be strictly enforced, 
 for the sake of the habits of the prisoners. Disorder and 
 confusion, are among the first causes which lead to ruin; 
 order and regularity are among the most important means 
 of recovery and future well-doing. " If you look abroad 
 into the world, you may be satisfied, at the first glance, 
 that a vicious and libertine life, is always a life of confu- 
 sion. Thence it is natural to infer, that order is friendly 
 to religion. As the neglect of it coincides with vice, so 
 the preservation of it must assist virtue. By the appoint- 
 ment of Providence, it is indispensably requisite to 
 worldly prosperity. Hence arises a presumption, that it 
 is connected also with spiritual improvement *." 
 
 Laws also, respecting the manners of the prisoners, 
 and their conduct to one another, should, in every prison, 
 be fixed and made known; and, as is necessary in the 
 government of every society, enforced by equitable sanc- 
 tions, and a suitable authority. The power should be 
 mildly, but steadily and strictly exercised; and, it is al- 
 most unnecessary to add, with an impartiality unbiassed 
 
 Blair.
 
 69 
 
 by favour, influence, or rank. The most unprincipled 
 quickly discern equitable conduct, and easily submit to 
 it. " Many such are shrewd and sensible. Let them be 
 managed with calmness, yet with steadiness: show them 
 that you have humanity, and that you aim to make them 
 useful members of society: and let them see and hear the 
 rules and orders of the prison. When they are sick, let 
 them be treated with tenderness. Such conduct would 
 prevent mutiny in prisons, and attempts to escape; which, 
 I am fully persuaded, are often owing to prisoners being 
 made desperate, by the profaneness, inhumanity, and ill 
 usage of their keepers *." 
 
 In addition to those remarks which have been already 
 made, with a reference to the internal order and govern- 
 ment of prisons, I beg leave to transcribe the following 
 regulations from the Rules of the county goals of Lan- 
 caster and Berks. 
 
 " That no garnish or other exactions, at entrance, be 
 permitted to be taken by the jailor, or suffered to be paid 
 by one prisoner to another. — ^That no abuse, ill treat- 
 ment, affray, or profane or indecent language, be suffered 
 between the prisoners. If any such should happen, the 
 offenders to be punished by reduced allowance, on the 
 order of a justice of the peace, or by close confinement, 
 at the discretion of the jailor: such closer confinement 
 not to be continued longer than forty-eight hours, with- 
 
 * Howard.
 
 70 
 
 out the special order of a justice of the peace. — No 
 wives or children of any kind, to be permitted to sleep in 
 goal, nor lodgers of any kind. — The jailor is not allowed 
 to take any indulgence money, upon any consideration 
 whatever, from any of his prisoners, on pain of being 
 immediately removed from his office. — The allowances of 
 provision," to be given out every morning to the prisoners, 
 as soon as the rooms shall be made clean; but to be en- 
 tirely withheld from all who shall not have their hands 
 and faces clean washed, and their persons clean and 
 neat. — The chaplain shall read prayers, and preach a 
 sermon, every Sunday morning, and read prayers in the 
 afternoon-, and also read prayers every Wednesday and 
 Friday, at eleven o'clock * •, and that the chaplain be em- 
 powered to purchase, at the expense of the county. 
 Bibles and Common Prayer Books, for the religious in- 
 struction of the poor prisoners, at his discretion. — At 
 divine service, all prisoners in the goal are to attend, to 
 appear clean, and behave with becoming decency. As 
 an encouragement to industry, cleanliness, and good 
 order, and a due attendance on religious worship, an 
 extra allowance shall be made on every Sunday, to every 
 prisoner who shall have behaved well, during the preced- 
 ing week; but all allowances and indulgences to be kept 
 back from such prisoners who shall not attend divine 
 
 * In Scotland, the simple but affecting service of family-worship, 
 should be performed every morning, immediately after breakfast, by the 
 chaplain ; which consists of reading a portion of Scripture, singing some 
 verses of a psalm, and prayer.
 
 71 
 
 service, according to the rui&s of the prison. — Tlie jailor 
 shall, every day, visit every part of the prison, and also 
 attend at divine service, whenever the chaplain may 
 officiate. — The jailor shall keep a book, in which he 
 shall write down the names of every prisoner, who shall 
 behave ill, specifying his offence. Sec. and he shall also 
 insert the names of those who shall observe these rules, 
 regularly attend public worship, and behave in a peace- 
 able orderly manner. And he shall regularly produce 
 these books to the visiting justices, and at the assizes 
 and quarter-sessions. — The surgeon shall personally visit 
 the prisoners, whenever required; and once a- week, or 
 oftener, at other times. — These rules, orders, and regula- 
 tions, together with a table of donations and legacies, 
 and the three prohibiting clauses of 24'th Geo. II. chap. 
 40, shall be hung up in the most conspicuous part of the 
 prison, and a sufncient number of them shall be printed 
 for the use of the prisoners; and they shall be distinctly 
 read over by the chaplain, on the first Sunday in every 
 month, after divine service." 
 
 To these should be added, rules respecting the hours 
 of opening the cells and locking up; cf beginning meals; 
 of meeting for divine service; all of which might be 
 marked out by the ringing of a bell. In the goals of 
 Lancaster and Berks, some of these particulars are fixed 
 a little differently; and a difference must be proper, 
 according to the climate, and, likewise, according to the 
 other internal regulations. Rules also ought to be made,
 
 72 
 
 respecting visitants; who, it appears, are often, especially 
 on the Sabbath, great causes of disorder and riot, as 
 well as of attempts at escape. 
 
 IV. Prisons require a constant and vigilant superin- 
 
 TENDANCE. 
 
 All plans and regulations are unavailing, unless they 
 are faithfully and judiciously executed. And in propor- 
 tion to the importance of the object; to the difficulty of 
 its accomplishment; the temptations to neglect and un- 
 faithfulness, should care be employed to adopt such 
 means, as may secure a wise, faithful, and active execu- 
 tion of the rules and duties of every department. 
 
 Upon the choice of a head-jailor and his servants, the 
 right management of every prison must essentially depend. 
 It is foolish to expect, that the rules necessary for such a 
 house, should be observed, and the designs of it ac- 
 complished, without a strict attention to the character of 
 those who are to superintend and carry them into effect. 
 The superintendance and vigilance of a magistrate, are 
 of much importance ; but opportunities of eluding his 
 vigilance, are continually occurring, and the letter of 
 rules may be often fulfilled, while the spirit of them is 
 disregarded. Much also must necessarily be trusted to 
 such persons; and opportunities of doing good must fre- 
 quently arise, which a good man will improve, but which 
 no general rule can embrace. The importance of the choice
 
 73 
 
 of such persons, will also appear, if we consider the 
 nature of the duties which, to such men, must be com- 
 mitted. The very example of a good man, his mau- 
 ner^ silent but impressive, is calculated to affect the 
 heart of the most hardened. 
 
 These are views which seem too little to have en- 
 gaged the attention of the public, even in those institu- 
 tions which are designed directly for reformation. Sur- 
 rounded by persons harsh and ferocious in their deport- 
 ment and manners, prisoners become hardened against the 
 means employed for their benefit, and feel only sullen in- 
 dignation and disgust. The means of promoting good are 
 checked, and difficulties thrown in the way of their 
 execution; vicious practices are secretly encouraged j and 
 examples of profanity and licentiousness are given by 
 those very men, to whom was committed the charge of 
 restraining vice, and promoting reformation. It is of the 
 utmost importance, therefore, that only such persons 
 should be selected for the keeping of prisons, who are 
 of sober characters, and possess integrity, fortitude, pru- 
 dence, and intelligence, joined to a humane and religious 
 spirit. Attention to character, should extend to the 
 choice of every servant necessary for the duties of such 
 a hoHse. To secure the choice of such persons, and 
 encourage them to a faithful and honourable discharge 
 of their duties, the odium attached to the keepers of 
 prisons should be removed. For this purpose, whatever 
 in the public imagination, is connected with degi'ading 
 
 K
 
 74 
 
 ideas, should be separated from their office. All the 
 servants of the house should be held up as of high im- 
 portance, and their duties as connected with a very sacred 
 trust. Even the name of jailor should be changed, and 
 in place of it should be given, the master or governor 
 of the prison. The salaries should be such, as would 
 encourage persons of respectability to accept of the dif- 
 ferent offices. The master of the prison should have the 
 entire direction and disposal of the inferior officers; but 
 I think it necessary, in order to remove the temptation 
 of hiring men unfit for their situation, that the salary, 
 should be fixed and paid by the public. Fees of every 
 kind from prisoners, should be abolished. Debtors 
 are unable to pay them; persons acquitted, must be 
 considered as innocent, and, consequently, as having 
 suffered a grievous hardship from imprisonment. Fees 
 are also a troublesome and painful mode of remunera- 
 tion to public servants; and they are often a source of 
 long confinement and cruel vexation to prisoners. By 
 adequate salaries, you will at once secure the poor 
 and unhappy from cruel usage, and increase the respect- 
 ability and comfort of the men, to whom you commit a 
 most important charge. 
 
 The number of officers and servants, must vary ac- 
 cording to the probable number of the prisoners. In 
 general, beside the master of the prison, one officer 
 would be necessary, to the superintendance of the wards 
 for debtors, and persons accused; and one for the super-
 
 75 
 
 intendance of the ward for the condemned. A female, I 
 have already observed, should be allotted to the ward for 
 women. A clerk is also requisite, and a woman for the 
 kitchen. To assist in some of these duties, prisoners of 
 a better character might generally be found, who would, 
 for a small remuneration, perform many necessary la- 
 bours. The duties of every man should be fixed, and 
 also the time and manner of their performance. To the 
 master of the prison must belong, in the first instance, 
 the distribution of the prisoners; the superintendance of 
 them and of the under jailors; and the charge of seeing 
 executed all the rules appointed for securing the persons, 
 yet promoting the health and improvement of those 
 committed to his care. To accomplish these objects, 
 a system of rules should be appointed him, suited to the 
 nature of the prison, and the extent of his trust. 
 
 But no man, however respectable, is to be trusted with 
 independent power. It is absolutely necessary, that a 
 Superintendance of a Superior nature be provided, to pre- 
 vent the abuses, and secure the good management of 
 prisons. For want of this, very shocking circumstances 
 have often occurred; even in the midst of thousands of 
 benevolent and virtuous men, who might have prevented 
 them without difficulty. This superintendance must be 
 vigilant and regular. Without regularity and constant 
 attention, it will attain imperfectly its object, and, at 
 length, sink entirely into neglect and disuse.
 
 76 
 
 In a great city, where magistrates have so many 
 objects to occupy their attention, the superintendance of 
 the prisons should be made the object of a peculiar 
 establishment. The plan which I would propose for this 
 purpose, is very simple, but would be most effectual. 
 Let the magistrates appoint an Inspector from the most 
 respectable of the citizens, without a salary. Let his 
 reward be the confidence of his fellow-subjects, and the 
 opportunity afforded him of doing good. Let it be his 
 duty, frequently, and without any fixed hour, to visit 
 the prison; especially at the time when the food of the 
 prisoners is distributed. Let him farther take a charge 
 of directing, at stated periods, the purchase of the gen- 
 eral stock of provisions; and let him inspect the books 
 of the clerk, and the accounts of the establishment. 
 Still farther, let a list of Visitors be appointed every 
 year. Let these, in their turn, being duly warned, visit 
 the prison every day^ and in a book provided for the 
 purpose, mark their report; and let them be so numer- 
 ous, that a visit once in the month may be only required 
 from each. Lastly, let the seven visitors for the week, 
 meet with the inspector on every Saturday, as a Com- 
 mittee ; to read over the daily reports^ examine the books 
 and accouHts of the house, give such orders as circum- 
 stances require, and bring any uncommon case before 
 the magistrates, for their opinion and interference. 
 Adoption of this simple plan, would be productive of 
 the most important effects. It would keep every depart-
 
 77 
 
 ment alert, prevent abuses in their commencement, 
 and give rise to such improvements, from time to time, 
 as experience and the changing circumstances of human 
 life might suggest. The trouble would be small to 
 any person except to the inspector; and I am persuaded, 
 that many most excellent men would be found in the 
 counties and cities of Britain, both able and disposed 
 with cheerfulness to undertake the duty. In this city, 
 plans of a similar nature with that which we propose, 
 are regularly carried on; nor have active and benevolent 
 citizens ever been wanting, to accomplish them with 
 ability and success. 
 
 A BUSINESS so important, however, should not be 
 entirely trusted to local jurisdictions. It ought, I con- 
 ceive, to be a National concern. With this view, it 
 would be of great importance, to appoint annual reports 
 to be made of the state of every prison in the kingdom ; 
 of the number of prisoners ; of the accommodation which 
 the prison affords, and its state of repair. For this pur- 
 pose, once in the year, at least, the Lord Lieutenant of 
 each county should visit every prison within his district; 
 examine the books; inquire into its state; and certify 
 the report. The reports should be laid before Parlia- 
 ment; and examined by a Committee. And an annual 
 statement from them should be presented to the two 
 houses, with such observations as seem to demand public 
 attention.
 
 78 
 
 Thus the benefits of both a general and local 
 superintendance would be secured. The advantages 
 arising from the experience of one part of the kingdom, 
 would be made known and communicated to another. 
 The subject would never be forgotten; nor would evils, 
 shocking to humanity, be allowed by wise and good men 
 to exist in their neighbourhood, without means being 
 employed to remedy and remove them. 
 
 It is vain to think, that any remedy will ever be 
 adopted, which will be effectual or general, without the 
 interference of the Legislature. The subject should be 
 brought before parliament; and one great Act, compre- 
 hending what is valuable in former Acts, with the addition 
 of those improvements which farther experience has sug- 
 gested, should be formed. This Act should be rendered 
 universal in its operation. The provisions of it should 
 be not only authorised, but commanded to be carried 
 into execution; and temporary commissioners should 
 be appointed for every county, to enforce the orders of 
 government, and to set the law in operation. The par- 
 tial exertions of good men, in remedying local evils, will 
 not only be confined in extent, but short in duration. 
 The power of the nation alone has energy, to overturn 
 and sweep away those inveterate abuses, which have so 
 long and generally prevailed; to introduce a system 
 worthy of a free and Christian country, to set it in 
 operation, and to render it universally effectual. Let the 
 exertions of the wise and benevolent be directed to this
 
 79 
 
 GREAT OBJECT. Much, and amidst many difficulties, 
 we have seen that they are capable of doing; other 
 objects of humanity and religion still remain to be 
 attempted; and these also their talents, perseverance, 
 and piety, will accomplish.
 
 Lately Published by the same Author, 
 
 CONSIDERATIONS 
 
 ADDRESSED TO 
 
 A YOUNG CLERGYMAN, 
 
 ON SOME TRIALS OF 
 
 PRINCIPLE AND CHARACTEB, 
 
 WHICH MAT ARISE IN THE 
 
 COURSE OF HIS MINISTRY.
 
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