Letter from Thomas Coram, London, to Lord Onslow, 1738 June 17 : autograph manuscript signed.

Reporting on the progress of his efforts begun in 1727-28 to solicit subscriptions in order to obtain a Charter to establish a Foundling Hospital; describing the financial setback since the death of Queen Caroline and adding "The narrowness of my Fortune exempts me from pretensions to defray such an Expence which otherwise my Zeal could prompt me to, but I shall spare no Endeavours in my poor power to see it accomplished it if please God to spare my Life already far Advanced; saying that he will need about 200 Guineas "...for preparing & passing the Charter through the Several Offices before it can be obtained, But what ever shall be advanced more (if any should be) than may be necessary for that Service Will be faithfully paid into the Common Fund for Executing this designe, and to avoid all appearance of Self Interest in the affair I have prevail'd on Mr. Andrew Drummond Banker at Charing Cross to receive Contributions to such Service, in whose hands proper receipts shall be left from Time to Time giving an acount of the application of the Sums so to be given; providing the names of some of the Ladies who have subscribed and the amounts of their subscriptions; outlining the plan for the governance of the hospital with 24 directors on the Board of Governors each of whom will be paid ten shillings for their attendance at a meeting; asking if he would serve on the Board of Governors.