Mr. Paterson, secretary to a charitable fund, gave the following account of it in a letter to the editor of the London Chronicle, April 21, 1759.
"The distressed circumstances in which many of our inferior Clergy necessarily leave their numerous families, induced the piety of our ancestors to establish a Corporation for their relief; in aid of which, the stewards of the feast of the Sons of the Clergy have promoted an annual collection for putting some of their helpless orphans apprentices to reputable trades. But there being still wanting a fund for the maintenance and education of these poor children in their more helpless infant state; some gentlemen in the year 1749, formed themselves into a Society for raising such a fund by a small annual subscription, and for seeing it faithfully applied to this very humane and necessary purpose.
"The Society's income, small as it has hitherto proved, yet not being burthened with salaries of any kind, has enabled them in the course of nine years, to take care of 28 boys, selected out of the most numerous and distressed families that applied.
"Of these, 13 have been placed out apprentices, and to the remaining number the Society have agreed to add two, besides filling up the vacancies that will happen, by the placing out of others who are now properly qualified.
"The Society's general account at their last audit in February, stood as follows:
"Total receipts 971l. 15s. 6d. Disbursements, for schooling and maintenance, 713l. 11s. 6d. Children's travelling charges 32l. 15s. 10d. Printing 62l. 12s. 6d. Balance in the Treasurer's hands 162l. 16s. 8d.
"The Society's circumstances have hitherto prevented them from extending their care to the poor girls, whose situation, no doubt, is full as deserving of compassion; but this they hope the benevolence of other well-wishers to the Church of England will soon enable them to do; and in the plan and management of this branch of the Charity, they shall be glad of the advice and assistance of the ladies.
"Several Bishops and other persons of rank of both sexes have been pleased to approve of the design and conduct of the Society, and to honour the subscription with their names.
John Paterson, Sec.