At the making up these Accounts, nothing (unless very trivial) is allowed, for which an Order is not produced, or found entered in our Books, so that ’tis very difficult to wrong the Corporation of any thing, if the Guardians should endeavour it.
These Committees keep their Journal Books, wherein all they do is fairly transcribed, and signed by the Chairman.
This is what at present occurs to my Memory touching our Work-houses at Bristol. I have been as brief as the nature of the Thing would admit: The Success hath answered our Expectation; we are freed from Beggars, our old People are comfortably provided for; our Boys and Girls are educated to Sobriety, and brought to delight in Labour; our young Children are well lookt after, and not spoiled by the neglect of ill Nurses; and the Face of our City is so changed already, that we have great reason to hope these young Plants will produce a virtuous and laborious Generation, with whom Immortality and Prophaness may find little Incouragement; nor does our hopes appear to be groundless, for among three hundred Persons now under our Charge within Doors, there is neither Cursing nor Swearing, nor prophane Language, to be heard, though many of them were bred up in all manner of Vices, which neither Bridewell nor Whippings could fright them from, because, returning to their bad Company, for want of Employment, they were rather made worse, than bettered by these Corrections; whereas, the Change we have wrought on them, is by fair means. We have a Bridewell, Stocks, and Whipping-Post, always in their Sights, but never had occasion to make use of either.
What is done in that City, I humbly hope may be carried on by the same Steps throughout the Kingdom; the Poor may be set at Work, their Wages advanced without Danger to our Manufacturers, and they thereby enabled to live on their own Labours, whereby the Charge of the Poor’s Rates may be saved, and a great many worthy Benefactors encouraged to give, when they shall see their Charity so well disposed of. This I have great reason to hope, because we have had near one Thousand Pounds freely given to us within the Compass of one Year, and much thereof by Gentlemen who dwelt at a Distance from us, only were willing to encourage a Work they saw likely to be carried on, which might be of good Example to the Nation.
I am,
Right Honourable
And Honourable,
Your Honours most
Obedient Servant,
JOHN CARY.