Circular letter lithographed on one side with hand-written text.

Refers to the resolution made at a "Special General Meeting of the Members held on the 8th" that a "subscription for promoting the Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations should be opened at the House of the Society and in order to carry that resolution into effect the council have directed the Treasurers of the Society to make arrangements for receiving such subscriptions.". Informs recipient that a "Book for the purpose of entering the names of all persons desirous of subscribing towards that object has been provided at the Society's House and we trust that you will be kind enough to forward to us ... any subscription you may feel disposed to contribute.".

Accompanied by blank 12 x 19 cm. letterpress printed cheque: "... Please pay to the Subscription now raising for the Exhibition of 1851, the Sum of ... on my account ...".

A Special General Meeting was held by the Members of the Incorporated Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers, and Commerce on February 8, 1850, where the treasurers P. Le Neve Foster, Esq., Joseph Payne, Esq. and Thomas Winkworth, Esq. were appointed ad interim to "receive monies paid to the Society for the Exhibition of 1851". Cf. Statement of Proceedings Prelminary to the Exhibition of Industry of All Nations, 1851. See McLean Pam 0046.

MASS copy: With salutation "Sir" at head of letter and signature "Jos. Payne" inscribed in ink.