‘ FOUNDING OF THE ACADEMY a 
reveal the fact that the two organizations were closely associated 
in the minds of their originators, and also that they came into 
existence almost at the same time. It seems best, on this account, 
to consider them in connection with each other rather than to 
attempt to trace the beginnings of each organization separately. 
The four letters referred to, as they appear in Captain Davis’ 
book, are as follows: 
“ February 2, 1863. How much have I told you, if anything, about a Per- 
manent Commission or Academy? Bache, Henry, and myself are very busy on 
this topic, and have made a move which will no doubt result in the Permanent 
Commission. The Academy is more doubtful” (p. 289). 
“February 20. Inclosed is a copy of the order creating the Permanent Com- 
mission. But the Academy is to be introduced into Congress by Mr. Wilson 
[Senator from Massachusetts]. The whole plan of it was arranged last night 
between Mr. Wilson, Agassiz, Bache and Ben [Professor Peirce]. It was my 
plan amplified and improved ” (p. 289). 
“February 24. I told you a word about the Academy in one of my notes, but 
only a word, being ina hurry. The appointment of a Permanent Commission was 
suggested to me by one of my letters, which quoted a passage from the British War 
Office which spoke of a Select Commission; and when I mentioned it to Bache and 
Henry they acquiesced, and the latter presented the plan to the department. 
You saw, by the copy of the Secretary’s letter to me, that our plan was accepted 
without any change whatever. We had hardly got through this thing before the 
idea flashed upon my mind that the whole plan, so long entertained, of the 
Academy could be successfully carried out if an act of incorporation were boldly 
asked for in the name of some of the leading men of science from different parts of 
the country. This I submitted to Bache and Henry with details, but the view was 
not immediately adopted. ‘The next step was Agassiz coming to Washington as 
one of the regents of the Smithsonian Institution. Then followed a visit to 
Agassiz by Senator Wilson, who had nominated him to the regency. At this 
meeting, which took place at Bache’s, Ben, Bache, and Dr. Gould were present; 
and it was there that the mode of proceeding was devised. Mr. Wilson intro- 
duced the bill last Saturday”. . . . (p. 289). 
“February 27. ... . I am looking for Agassiz to come here and be intro- 
duced to Admiral Foote, and then to go with me to the Capitol to see Mr. Grimes 
about the Academy bill. I go to the President’s once more, and I hope for the 
last time, this morning. 
“The dinner at Bache’s was particularly pleasant, even for the chief’s enter- 
tainments, which never fail to be agreeable. Judge Loring, Mr. Hosford, and 
Mr. Hilgard were there .. . .” (p. 291). 
