From the Richmond Dispatch, 4/24/1863, p. 2, c. 1

TO THE BENEVOLENT. – The annual meeting of the Male Orphan Society was held at the Sycamore Church on Monday evening last, but owing to the state of the weather the audience was so small - not more than twenty gentlemen being present – that the interesting facts elicited were made known to very few. The duty of drawing up a brief summary of these, and promulgating the same, was, by order of the meeting, devolved upon the undersigned.

The annual report, with the accompanying accounts of the Treasurer, showed that the limited fixed Income of the Society, with the advance in the prices of food, clothing, and fuel compelled the managers to reject all further applications, so far back as April of last year, under the painful conviction that so far from being able to increase the number of orphans already within the asylum, it would require the utmost economy to support those then under their care. This apprehension proved to be well founded, for it now appears that, notwithstanding the superior management, wise forecast, and unceasing industry of the lady in charge, the funds fell short, of inevitable expenses, by the sum of eight hundred dollars and upwards. It is a gratifying circumstance to be able to state that this deficiency was contributed by the company present, small as it was on the spot, and by this prompt action the Society is relieved of the burden of debt.

Being thus encouraged the meeting then proceeded to appoint this committee, with instruction that it should present the claims of the institution to the citizens of Richmond, invoking aid in support of the helpless children now under the protection of the Society, as well as to enable its managers to receive others-some the orphans of soldiers slain in battle-who are knocking, in vain, at the doors of the asylum for relief.

The sum of six thousand dollars, in addition to the certain income, it is hoped, will be sufficient to support the twenty-five now cared for, and to introduce a few others, whose claims are most urgent; but should the hearts of the people be so touched by this plain statement of facts as to call forth a contribution beyond the sum named, they may be assured that such excess will find ready employment in extending still further the benefits of the Institution.

Persons who are disposed to contribute to this object, (and who can refuse to do so?) can hand in their donations to either of the undersigned committees, who will, in the further execution of the duty imposed on them, wait upon others, whose attention may not have been all noted by this notice, at their residences.

                                                                 K B BENTLEY,
                                                                 F W HANEWINCKLE,
                                                                 T D QUARLES, Committee
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