UNRECORDED. Not in ESTC or OCLC.
An unrecorded broadside publication proposal for an entirely lost book encouraging citizens and businesses to make a voluntary contribution to a fund intended to raise money for the war with France.
In an attempt to finance the costly war with France the Government launched a voluntary contribution scheme in 1798. The Bank of England’s shareholders made the decision to contribute £200,000 to the cause. Edward Kemble was a London Tea Broker and Bank of England shareholder. Kemble’s book - advertised here as “in the press” - does not appear to have survived.
In the Express and Evening Chronicle (6-8th February 1798) it was reported:
“Mr. Edward Kemble expressed his sorrow that the doubts of any individual member should for an instant, have delayed the meeting from coming to a resolution. For his own part, he said, he was but a small holder of Bank stock; but was it ten times its present amount, most willingly would he give it, should it contribute to the downfall of an implacable and ambitious enemy, or the restoration of Peace. The eyes of the whole kingdom, said Mr. Kemble, are upon you; they are watching for the example of the Bank of England, by which they will be actuated. I have received, continued he, this morning the sum 50l. from a French schoolmaster; before he enclosed it to me, he called his scholars around him, and told them, that he was going to send that sum to London, to be subscribed towards the public service, and if there’s any thing I can do for you, my lads, now’s the time, said he. **The spirit of the rising generation, said Mr. Kemble, pleases me beyond description. The boys (ninety in number) emptied their pockets; the amount was nearly 20l. and I have received that sum also towards the subscription. He entreated that some member would not move to fill up the blank”**
