[ 120 ] 58 



The President took tlie chair. 



This being the first meeting of the estabh'shment, the Secretary gave 

 an account of the institution, of the plan of organization adopted by the 

 Board of Regents, and of the progress made in carrying the several parts 

 into operation. 



The chairman of the Executive Committee gave to the meeting an ac- 

 count of the disbursements of the institution and the state of its funds. 



The following gentlemen having been reconnriended by the Regents 

 and officers of the Institution, and being dnly considered by this meeting, 

 were, on motion of Mr. Meredith, unannnously elected honorary members 

 of the Smithsonian Institution, viz: 



Dr. Robert Hare, of Philadelphia. 



Albert Gallatin, of New York. 



J)r. Benjamin Silliman, of Connecticut. 



Washington Irving, of New York. 



On motion of Mr. Clayton, it was 



Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to draught and re- 

 port by-laws and regulations for the future meetings of the establishment. 



Whereupon, the l^resident appointed Mr. Clayton, Mr. Meredith, and 

 Mr. Seaton, the committee. 



On motion of Mr. CoUamer, the Secretary of the institution was added 

 to the said committee. 



On motion, the meeting then adjourned, to meet again on the call of 

 the President. 



Letters have been received from the gentlenien elected, signifying their 

 acceptance of the appointment, acknowledging the honor conferred upon 

 them, and stating their willingness to assist in advancing the objects 

 of the institution. 



Since the meeting, one of the distinguished gentlemen chosen as hon- 

 orary members of the institution has departed this life, full of years and 

 honor — namely, the Hon. Albert Gallatin — distinguished for his attain- 

 ments in several branches of science, and his additions to the sum of 

 human knowledge. He took a lively interest in the establishment of this 

 institution, and was particularly active in furthering the publication of the 

 first volume of its Contributions. Though we lament his departure, it is 

 a matter of satisfaction that he lived to receive the testimony of tiie 

 highest honor which the Smithsonian Institution could bestow upon his 

 worth. 



RETORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 



To the Board of Regents of the Smithsoman Institution : 



The Executive Committee submit to the board the following report of 

 the expenditures, slate of finance, &c.,of the Smithsonian Institution: 



