"Another great evil in gaols is, that the poor debtors on the common side in most counties have not even the felons' county allowance of bread; and I have not found twelve people that have sued out their groats in all the county gaols; that benevolent Act of 32 George II. being frustrated, as no attornies will, without pay, take a poor debtor's case in hand. These I have found some of the most pitiable objects in our gaols.
"I am, &c.
John Howard."
The result of the visits thus announced has long been before the publick, and that infinite improvement followed must be admitted; yet much still remains to be done, merely to obtain that order and cleanliness which the Legislature has at various periods declared should be maintained in each prison throughout the Kingdom. Mr. Neild, the worthy magistrate, has undertaken the task left incomplete by his exalted predecessor; and
there cannot be a doubt that he has done incredible service to the criminal, and the debtor, most unaccountably immured within the inclosures intended for the purpose of justice only.
The same distresses which accompany every severe winter recurred in 1776, and the utmost exertions were made to alleviate them; when the Corporation of London gave 1500l. and several rich Citizens from 100l. to 20l. each, to be distributed to poor housekeepers. This fund was augmented by the exertions of the Sheriffs, Aldermen, and Deputies, who went from house to house soliciting contributions.
The Humane Society, instituted for the recovery of persons supposed to be dead from the effect of disease, suffocation, and drowning, had arrived to that degree of importance in 1776, as to be enabled to distribute several gold and silver medals, from a die executed by Lewis Pingo, from a design by Dr. Watkinson. The four gentlemen first honoured with this mark of distinction were Dr. Hawes, who had frequently advertised, before the Society was formed, offering a reward to those who would call for his assistance in cases where the functions of life were suspended; and Dr. Cogan, his colleague, in establishing the first principles of the Institution; Alderman Bull, president; and Dr. Watkinson.
Since the above period, the enterprising spirit and activity of Dr. Hawes has been constantly
exerted in promoting the continuation of the Humane Society, which, though under Royal Patronage, derives very small pecuniary aid from the publick, compared with some Institutions of less importance; nor has the Legislature granted it a farthing; though, as the Doctor once observed to me, there are benefactions recorded in the Journals of the House of Commons for a Veterinary College, to recover horses from diseases[84:A].
Sermons, and an annual dinner, with a procession of those recovered from death by the Society, are substituted to obtain contributions; and I am happy to add, that they have always amounted, with other voluntary gifts, to a sum which has enabled the Governors to render thousands of persons supremely blest by the restoration of their relatives from the relentless grave.