This institution was incorporated in 1772; but it was in reality commenced in 1756. Its principal object is to qualify poor, abandoned, and distressed boys for the sea service. As a measure of police, it is extremely useful, many questionable youths having been sent there, on being detected in erroneous ways, and thus rescued from criminal pursuits. There are receiving ships along the Thames, manned with proper officers to instruct the boys in moral duties as well as maritime tactics. Thousands of boys were prepared and clothed for the sea-service, during the war in particular. It has clothed and sent to sea 71,806 boys; and the society had, at the last examination, 160 stout healthy boys on board their ship, fit either for His Majesty's or the merchants' service.
Source: Leigh's New Picture of London. Printed for Samuel Leigh, 18, Strand;
by W. Clowes, Northumberland Court. 1819