24th Congress, ^ Doc. No. 51. 1 Ho. of Reps. 



2d Session. Executive. 



BEaUEST OF JAMES SMITHSON. 



MESSAGE 



FROM THE 



PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. 



TRANSMITTING 



The information in relation to the bequest of James Smithson, late of 

 London, required by a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 

 23d instant. 



December 30, 1836. 



Read, and laid upon the lable. 



To the House of Representatives of the United States : 



In compliance with the resohition of the House of Representatives, of the 

 23d instant, I herewith transmit a report from the Secretary of State, to 

 whom the resokitiftn was referred, containing all the information upon the 

 subject which he is now able to communicate. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 



Washington, December 28, 1836. 



Dkpautaient of State, 



Washington, December 28, 183G. 

 The Secretary of State, to whom has been referred the resolution of the 

 House of Representatives, dated the 23d instant, requesting the President 

 'ii^he shall deem it consistent with the public interests, to communicate to 

 that House all information he may have obtained in relation to the bequest 

 of James Smithson, late of London, deceased, to found an institution at 

 Washmgton for the ditFusion of knowledge among men, since the appoint- 

 ment of an agent under the act of Congress of the last session," has the 

 honor to report to the President, in answer to the above recited resolution, 

 the accompanying copy of a letter from the agent of the United States now 

 in liondon. 



Rfespectfully submitted. 



JOHN FORSYTH. 



To the President of the United States. 



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Blair & Rives, printers. 



