5th.  I  had  an  interesting  and  solemn  meeting  with
several  persons  of  the  above  description.  Accompanied  by
the  Prince  Charles  Odescarchi,  I  visited  a  large  establish-
ment placed  under  his  charge ;  it  is  a  night  retreat  for  every
one  who  chooses  to  come  in  the  evening;  no  question
is  asked  who  the  individual  is,  where  he  comes  from,  nor
if  he  was  there  before.  There  are  separate  buildings  for
the  accommodation  of  men  and  women ;  in  eacli  place  are
spacious  baths ;  provision  is  also  made  for  those  who  have
cutaneous   diseases   to   be   fumigated.      They   all   repair   to


74  1819.  [^T.  46.
a  place  of  worship,  where  the  Prince  addresses  them  on
subjects  calculated  to  impress  sentiments  of  morality  and
virtue.  Those  present,  he  says,  are  generally  well  known
to  be  immoral  and  vicious  characters ;  preaching  to  them
was  not  customary,  till  lately  introduced  by  the  Prince,
who  appears  to  feel  deeply  for  this  poor  and  wretched
class  of  the  community.  They  all  come  afterwards  to  the
refectory,  where  supper  is  given  them,  and  beds  are  provided
for  all.  In  the  morning  they  have  water  to  wash,  and  their
breakfast  before  they  disperse.  Many  of  them  return  again
in  the  evening,  especially  when  the  weather  is  stormy,  or
they  have  not  been  successful  in  begging  to  obtain  sufficient
to  eat.  Sometimes  this  establishment  has  four  thousand
inmates  during  the  night.  It  was  a  well-meant  institution,
but  the  good  intention  has  been  much  perverted ;  yet  the
pious  labours  of  the  young  Prince  may  prove  a  blessing  to
some.
