The Children's Friend Society for "the Prevention of Juvenile Vagrancy" through the reformation and emigration of children, was founded in London in 1830, by Captain Edward Pelham Brenton, together with or supported by wealthy philanthropists, and with cooperation from the government of the United Kingdom. Brenton's 1837 book, The Bible and Spade, sets out the background and objectives, citing histories and correspondence pertaining to the society's activities.