JOHN HOWARD."

T1he 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_.

2The 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 1500_l._ and several rich Citizens from 100_l._ to 20_l._ 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.

3The 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.

4Since 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].

5Sermons, 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.

6Similar Institutions now existing throughout Europe and America, are strong proofs of the honours due to the founders, Hawes and Cogan--honours to be paid by posterity.

7A most melancholy circumstance occurred in 1777, which deprived the inhabitants of London of one of the best orators in the cause of benevolence they had ever possessed. The reader must be aware that I allude to the ignominious death of Dr. Dodd, whose conduct cannot but be allowed to have been inconsistent beyond parallel; a teacher of the most exalted benevolence, and one who practised it to the degree he taught; and yet a luxurious spendthrift, and a violator of the penal laws of his country, to support unjustifiable extravagance and splendour of living. When we reflect on the thousands of pounds his exertions _have_ collected, and _will yet_ collect, for the relief of penitent Prostitutes, in the establishment (in conjunction with Mr. Dingley) of the Magdalen hospital, and the Society for the relief of prisoners confined for Small Debts; besides those, the fruits of his preaching on numerous occasions; we cannot but lament that mercy was withheld which _a Nation_ solicited. His was a singular case--but enough--Justice required his life; and Death, the portion of forgery, closed the scene.

8We have now arrived at a period within the recollection of most of my readers; it will not therefore be necessary to notice every Institution existing at present, the result of recent exertion; they are numerous beyond all former example. From the temporary relief afforded during severe winters, and the charities even to passing mendicancy, with that to individuals advertising for assistance, up to the incorporated Societies for constant duration; all are successful, and none more so than the Patriotic Fund, established for relieving and rewarding military and naval sufferings and merit.

9Exclusive of the various means, described in the preceding pages, for effecting the great work of alleviating the wants of mankind, there are others of established and permanent operation. I mean, the constant charitable bequests, continued even from the establishment of masses for the repose of the souls of the testators. In those the poor were always remembered; but the Protestant, more disinterested, has long given the whole of his money to the wretched, and _required_ no prayers in return. Were I to collect the items of bequests from the days of Henry VIII. to the present moment, this work would not contain them, and the reader would barely credit the enormous amount: and yet this is independent of the Alms-houses and Hospitals which we meet with in every direction, where many thousands are absolutely supported by the benevolence of those who have very long since paid the debt of nature.

10Such are the effects of the general charity of the Natives of London; such their attempts to smooth the path of life, and to render the person those services which are necessary to maintain its dignity and proportion. I am now compelled to turn from this grateful scene, and to exhibit what has been done by depravity and laxity of manners, to shorten life, and destroy the fine proportions of the Citizen.