JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF 

 THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 



WASHiNaTON, D. C, January 21, 1885. 



The annual meeting of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian 

 Institution was held this day at half-past 10 o'clock, a. m. 



Present: Hon. G. F. Edmunds, Hon. J. S. Morrill, Hon. S. B. 

 Maxet, Hon. O. E. Singleton, Hon. W. L. Wilson, Hon. W. W. 

 Phelps, Rev. Dr. John Maclean, Rev. Dr. Noah Porter, Dr. 

 Henry Copp:6e, Dr. James 0. Welling, and the Secretary, Professor 

 Baird. 



Excuses for non-attendance were read from Chief-Justice Waite, 

 Prof. Asa Gray, and Hon. N. P. Hill. 



In the absence of the Chancellor, on motion of Mr. Phelps, Dr. Por- 

 ter was called to the chair. 



The journal of the Board was read and approved. 



The Secretary stated that the Rev. Dr. Koah Porter had been 

 re-elected a Regent for six years by the joint resolution of Congress, 

 approved March 3, 1884. 



The Secretary presented to the Board the following letter : 



Prof. Spencer F. Baird, 



Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution : 



Dear Sir : The state of my health renders it necessary to tender my 

 resignation as a member of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian 

 Institution. 



In signifying my resignation it is with no ordinary feelings I recall 

 the years I have been connected with the Board and the distinguished 

 men with whom it has been my privilege and honor to be associated. 

 Kot only the present members whom I so highly respect and esteem, 

 but a long list of honored names of former members now deceased, re- 

 cur to me, the last of which is that of Professor Joseph Henry, and 

 while James Smithson will be known to the world and remembered 

 as the founder of the Institution, Joseph Henry will be regarded as 

 having been raised up by a signal Providence, the true interpreter of 

 his will, the able organizer of the Institution, and wise controller of its 

 finances. 



May the Smithsonian Institution, so auspiciously established and ex- 

 tensively known, continue, under your wise administration, an estab- 

 lishment distinct and specific, for the " increase and diffusion of knowl- 

 edge among men." 



With great respect, your friend and servant, 



Peter Parker. 



2 Lafayette Square, 



Washington, B. 0., April 7, 1884. 



