In this poser, taken from a heritors' minute book among the Inveresk Kirk Session records (National Records of Scotland, CH2/531/70, page 157), we asked you what two forms of entertainment did Dr. Carlyle propose to raise money for the poor, and which of them was the most lucrative?
Answer:
Dr. Carlyle suggested having weekly card assemblies (social gatherings where card games were played) and monthly dress balls to raise money for the poor. The card assemblies were the most lucrative, raising more than 54 pounds, whereas the dress balls raised a total of 41 pounds, 12 shillings and 5 pence.
Transcription
In the Summer 1795, There Being an
Encampment of Three Reg[imen]ts of Fencibles at Mu[sselbur]gh
& Fisherow, and a Reg[imen]t of Cavalry in the Barracks
Dr Carlyle Thought it Worth While to try, if some
supply could not be Rais[e]d for the Poor; by furnishing
the young People with Innocent amusements.
In the Latter End of July, weekly Card assemblies
were begun in the ass[embl]y Room at one shill[ing] a piece
and Dress Balls once in four Weeks at 2 [shillings] 6 [pence]. When
the camp broke up the Card ass[emblie]s were continued
once a Fortnight at 2 [shillings]. And the Duchess of Buc-
cleugh & her Family having attended Regularly
They were Continued till Christmass and the
Following Sums were Drawn by them.
By the Card assemblies
Clear[e]d after Paying Expences 54 [pounds]: 2 [shillings]: 2 [pence]
By the Dress Balls 41 [pounds]: 12 [shillings]: 5 [pence]
[Total] 95 [pounds] 14 [shillings] 7 [pence]
Deburst 78 [pounds] 12 [shillings] 6 [pence]
1796 april 6th in Mr Smiths Hands 17 [pounds] 2[shillings] 1[pence]
Alex[ande]r Carlyle
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