air, scanty diet, harsh treatment, and severe labour. Their cells were extremely dirty, and their bedding, seamen's hammocks, in a miserable condition.
The length of their confinement varies according to the complexion of their crimes, from one month to five years; or in cases of peculiar atrocity, and hardened offenders, the period of imprisonment is extended to seven, fourteen, or more years; and sometimes, though it rarely happens, a criminal is sentenced to confinement here for life.
Of this last description of prisoners, the Rasp-house contained only one. The moral turpitude of this man's crime was great; but, reasoning from human principles and weakness, I am inclined to suspect the rigour of his punishment exceeded the measure of his offence. He was once a merchant of character and reputation, and guardian of the funds for the maintenance and relief of orphans in the city of Amsterdam. In this office he betrayed his trust, and embezzled the sum of sixty thousand florins. His offence was discovered; a prosecution
