"Possibly you are not aware of the fact that the largest sum given by any contributor to the fund is but a trifle when compared with the losses suffered by nearly all the firms in the cotton trade during the disastrous years of the American war"

John Bright's quote is referring to the monetary losses suffered by firms in the cotton trade throughout the American Civil War. He is stressing the truth that the largest contribution to the fund is unimportant when compared to the losses suffered by the firms. He is likely trying to draw attention to the severity of the losses and the need for more financial backing. He is likewise most likely attempting to motivate people to contribute more to the fund in order to help those impacted by the war. By highlighting the disparity in between the largest contribution and the losses suffered, he is stressing the need for more assistance. His words are a pointer of the destructive results of the war and the need for people to come together to help those impacted.