of incarceration, the curiosity of the visitor on this head was,
naturally, great, especially as it is generally understood that those
who are favoured with permission to visit Bethlehem, are not allowed
to see Oxford. This is not, however, the fact. In a compartment of
the establishment, principally allotted to those who are supposed to
have committed heinous crimes in moments of madness, Edward Oxford is
confined. He is not separated from the other unfortunate persons who
reside in that division of the building, but is allowed free
intercourse with them. Among his comrades are Mr. Pierce, surgeon,
who shot his wife whilst labouring under a paroxysm of madness
produced by jealousy; and Captain Good, whose favourite phantasy is
the assumption of the attribute of Majesty. There is, in the same
division of the establishment, a very diminutive man, who imagines
himself to be Lord John Russell. He amuses himself, nearly all day
long, with knitting. Captain Good is fond of smoking, and Pierce
hovers over the fireplace (a stove) all day. Oxford diverts himself
with drawing and reading. He told the visitor, who furnished us with
this account, that he had taught himself to read French with ease,
during his incarceration, but that he was unable to speak the
language, for want of an opportunity of studying the pronunciation.
He said that he was terribly tired of his sojourn at Bethlehem, and
that he wished he could obtain his liberty, even though he should be
placed under _surveillance_ during the remainder of his life. The
visitor remarked that there was no such thing as _surveillance de
police_ in England. To which Oxford replied that he was perfectly
acquainted with that fact; and that the condition upon which he thus
desired his liberty, was rather an imaginary one, than a strictly
legal and feasible one. Upon another question being put to him, he
said he knew he had been placed in Bethlehem under an impression that
he was mad, but that he was, really, very far from being mad. He
exhibited some of his drawings, which were uncommonly well executed,
and evinced a natural talent for the art. There were a view of
Abbotsford, a horse's head, a portrait of the Virgin Mary, and one or
two other designs, which were, really, most tastefully sketched and
shaded. He appeared pleased whe