|A very jovial time the prisoners in Newgate had of it.
Supplied with plenty of money by their friends, they could obtain
whatever they wanted; and better wine and better punch were drunk in
Newgate than at any tavern in town.
The prison, indeed, resembled nothing so much as a large inn, where the
numerous guests were feasting and carousing from morning till night.
The majority of the prisoners persuaded themselves that in consequence
of their surrender they should be very leniently treated, but come what
might, they resolved to make the most of the present moment.
Ordinarily a sort of barrack, called the King's Bench Ward, was occupied
by debtors, but in consequence of the excessively, crowded state of the
jail, this large chamber, which was partitioned off for beds, served as
a dormitory for a portion of the rebels, while they dined, supped, drank
punch, smoked pipes, played cards, dice, and draughts, in the Debtors'
Hall.
Driven from their quarters, the luckless debtors took refuge on the
felons' side or in the cellar.
Private bed-chambers, and small private apartments, for which enormous
fees were demanded by the governor, Mr. Pitts, were provided for some of
the insurgent leaders.
The best bedroom in the prison, which had formerly been occupied by Lord
Russell and Count Koningsmark, and more recently by Count Guiscard, was
let to General Forster. Charles Radclyffe and Colonel Oxburgh were each
furnished with a good room, but Brigadier Mackintosh did not care how he
was accommodated.
The chief officers had their own mess-table, at which they were very
well served, and friends constantly dined with them. The prison, indeed,
was as full of visitors as inmates, and the prisoners were just as
cheerful as their guests.