Allow me to state that Gerrit Smith Esqr., a Gentleman of the State of New York, has recently sent us a donation of $100 & offered to increase it to $1000 to be paid, one hundred annually, for ten years, in case one hundred other individuals will consent to subscribe cash the same amount. Our Board think it exceedingly important that something should be done to further the project of Mr. Smith, at our Annual Meeting, & have authorized me to submit the subject to the charitable consideration of several distinguished Gentlemen. If we could obtain several subscriptions at this time, payable on the same conditions as Mr. Smith's, I have little doubt, that the whole sum proposed, might be raised in the course of the year. If nothing shall be done at the Annual Meeting, the generous & noble purpose of Mr. Smith cannot I think be realized. May I solicit your kind consideration of this matter, & likewise that you would invite to it, if you please, the attention of others? Be pleased to accept the assurance of my profound respect Sir Your Obt St