OF The Humane Society OF MASSACHUSETTS: WITH A SELECTED LIST OF PREMIUMS AWARDED BY THE TRUSTEES, FROM ITS COMMENCEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME: INCLUDING EXTRACTS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE, A STATEMENT OF THE FUNDS, AND A LIST OF THE PREPARED BY DIRECTION OF THE TRUSTEES. BOSTON: SAMUEL N. DICKINSON, PRINTER. For many years after the institution of "THE HUMANE SOCIETY," an annual Report of its transactions, with the correspondence of the year, and a list of the premiums adjudged, was appended to the discourse usually delivered on the day of its anniversary. But when, in 1818, it was deemed expedient to discontinue its public celebrations, the annual reports also ceased; nor, with the exception of a publication in 1829, has any account since been published of its doings. Nearly sixteen years having now elapsed from the date of that pamphlet; and events, interesting, both in relation to the immediate objects of the institution, and its connexion with some kindred charities having occurred within the interval, it was thought proper that another history should be prepared. And the President, with the Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer, having been appointed a committee for the purpose, the following statement is by them, on behalf of the Trustees, respectfully presented to the members of the Society, and to others interested in its objects. FRANCIS PARKMAN, HISTORY. "THE Humane Society of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts," was instituted in 1786. Its origin at that time, or the immediate occasion of its formation, was the result of an interview between the late Rev. Dr. James Freeman, Dr. Aaron Dexter, Royall Tyler, Esq., and Dr. Moyes, a gentleman from England then residing in Boston, who, though blind from his childhood, had distinguished himself by his scientific attainments, and by his zeal for the interests of philanthropy. In conversing on the various charitable institutions established in Great Britain, Dr. Moyes, as we learn from a document already published, "suggested the outlines of a plan of a society, similar to that of the British Royal Humane Society, incorporated in 1774, in imitation of one in Holland, to restore to life persons apparently dead," &c. The proposal engaged the earnest attention of the above-named gentlemen, who communicated it to the Hon. James Bowdoin, afterwards its first President, and obtaining with his the cordial concurrence of several other influential citizens, it was resolved at once to carry it into effect. Subscriptions were opened for the establishment of a fund, and a meeting of the subscribers, thence |