_Prompt action for relief._—By the year 1787, therefore, society generally throughout the civilized world saw the necessity of a thorough reform, and legislators were prepared to listen to and favorably consider, propositions to enact laws, adapted to a wiser and more humane policy, and consequently our Society was organized at a time peculiarly favorable for the beneficent labors it contemplated; and as an evidence of the promptness with which these labors were commenced and practically carried out, for the relief of unjust suffering, it may be noted, that at the very first meeting, information being received through a member, that although an order had been issued three days before from the Supreme Executive Council, that a person who had been sentenced to death, but had been pardoned, should be released from his irons,—they still remained on him,—the subject was referred to an appropriate committee, who took instant and successful measures to relieve the prisoner from his fetters, and effect his discharge from confinement. _Early contribution to the cause._—As a very gratifying practical endorsement and encouragement, received by the young Society, just one year after its establishment, it is proper to mention, that John Dickinson and wife, then of Wilmington, Delaware (but previously of Pennsylvania), by deed, dated in May, 1788, after reciting the formation of the Society, and expressing their desire to promote its benevolent designs, granted to the Institution some yearly ground rents, issuing out of premises in Philadelphia, amounting in the whole to fourteen pounds ten shillings ($38⅔) per annum, which sum (though not in its original form), still contributes that much towards meeting our annual expenditures. Several other benevolent individuals have, at different periods since, contributed liberally towards our funds, both by bequest and donation.