To the committee of the Midland Institution for the Blind : a variety of hampers, baskets, door mats, and mattresses kept in stock or made to order : post office orders to be made payable to Charles Coburn, secretary.

Receipt for (in this instance) the boarding of Thurstan Smith at the Institution from January to October 1855. it is signed by Charles Coburn, superintendent and secretary in September 1855. The Midland Institution for the Blind in Nottingham opened in November 1853 and provided education and training for blind people enabling them to earn their living "by their own labour". Catchment area included "the counties of Nottingham, Derby, Lincoln, Leicester, and Rutland".