770 HISTOPtY OF THE SMITHSONIAN EXCHANGES. 



[The State Department to the Smithsonian Institution.] 



Department of State, Washington, D. 0., May 29, 187G. 

 Prof. Joseph Henry, &c., &c., &c. : 



SiE : I herewith inclose a copy of a note, dated the 22d instant, which 

 has been received from Sir Edward Thornton, the British minister at 

 this capital, respecting the interchange of official documents between 

 this country and Gre;it Britain, wherein, referring to certain circulars 

 on this subject received by him from you in November last, he inquires 

 whether the Smithsonian Institution is acting in behalf of the Govern- 

 ment of the United States in this matter. 



I am, sir, your obedient servant, 

 Hamilton Fish. 



llnclosiire. — Sir E. Thornton to Mr. Fish.] 



Washington, May 22, 187G. 

 Hon. Hamilton Fish, &c., &c.: 



SiE, : I have the honor to inclose copies of two circulars which I re- 

 ceived in November last from Professor Henry, Secretary of the Smith- 

 sonian Institution, relative to the exchange of official documents between 

 the Governments of the United States and of Her Majesty. I forwarded 

 copies of the circulars to Lord Derby, but as it does not appear that any 

 formal arrangement has yet been made between the two governments 

 for the general exchange of official documents, his lordshij) has directed 

 me to inquire whether the Smithsonian Institution is acting on behalf 

 of the Government of the United States. I shall have much pleasure 

 in conferring with you upon this subject during my next visit to the Stat© 

 Department with a view to ascertain more i^recisely what would be the 

 British official documents which the United States Government would 

 desu'e to receive in exchange for those of this country. 



I have the honor to be, wii-h the highest consideration, 

 Sir, your obedient servant, 



Edward Thornton. 



[The Smithsonian Institution to the State Department.] 



Smithsonian Institution, Washington, June 2, 1876, 

 Hon. Hamilton Fish, 



Secretary of State : 



Dear Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your let- 

 ter of the 29th ultimo, and the accompanying letter from Sir Edward 

 Thornton, relative to the question whether the Smithsonian Institution 

 is acting in behalf of the Government of the United States as agent 

 in the exchange of public documents between the government of this 

 country and that of Great Britain. 



As a reply to this question I beg leave to refer you to the acts of Con- 



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