Of all the seats of woe on this side of hell few, I suppose, exceed or even equal Newgate. If any region of horror could exceed it a few years ago, Newgate in Bristol did; so great was the filth, the stench, the misery and wickedness which shocked all who had a spark of humanity left. How was I surprised, then, when I was there a few weeks ago! Every part of it, above stairs and below, even the pit wherein the felons are confined at night, is as clean and sweet as a gentleman's house.... The prison now has a new face; nothing offends either the eye or ear, and the whole has the appearance of a quiet, serious family. And does not the Keeper of Newgate [note: Abel Dagge] deserve to be remembered full as well as the Man of Ross?
Letter to the London Chronicle, 1761
The Rev. John Wesley, A.M.
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