1788.023: Rules of the Amicable Society of Richmond.
Published: 1788
Full Title: Rules of the Amicable Society of Richmond. Whereas it frequently happens that people in distress, natives and strangers, for whom the law has not made provision, are found in this city, destitute ... a number of gentlemen, actuated by these considerations, as well as by a desire of promoting a friendly intercourse with each other, having met at the Richmond Coffee-House, on the 13th day of December, 1788, resolve to institute, ... a society, by the name of the Amicable Society of Richmond ...
Author: Amicable Society of Richmond
Place Issued: Richmond
Issuing Press: Uncertain
Description: [4 pgs., 2 leaves]; 35 cm. (broadside).
Notes
Founded in December 1788, the Amicable Society's purpose was to "relieve strangers and wayfairers in distress" as well as generally promote charitable causes in the city [from the Society's "Minute Book" at the Virginia Historical Society]; founding date corresponds to the meeting of the 1788 General Assembly. Only known copy at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia has manuscript completions on page 3 (second leaf), a printed receipt form for donations to the Society. Title lacks printer credit; given the preponderance of future Federalists among its members (most notably John Marshall), it seems likely that this was an Augustine Davis imprint; but also given the known sociability of Thomas Nicolson, it could also be one of his imprints.