44 SMITHSONIAN BEQUEST. 



fore been at a pause, and no further proceedings have been 

 had in the suit of the United States. 



But I have from time to time called upon the solicitors, 

 and am able to report that they have not been idle during- 

 this interval. They have been employed in preparing an- 

 swers to certain interrogatories exhibited on the part of 

 Madame la Batut, with a view to establish her claim; and 

 the strict and careful inquires they have instituted, and 

 will continue to pursue, assure me, although no facts are 

 yet ripe for communication, that the interest of the United 

 States will be well guarded in relation to it. The court 

 will sit again next month, when the steps which the solic- 

 itors have been taking, in anticipation of its recommence- 

 ment, will in due time, I trust, be productive of the proper 

 results. The claim in question has been so vexatiously 

 urged, that my directions have been given for the closest 

 scrutiny into its merits at all points. 



I have the honor to remain, with great respect, your 

 obedient servant, 



Richard Rush. 



The Hon. John Forsyth, Secretary of State. 



Bichard Hush to John Forsyth. 



London, October 27, 1837. 



Sir : The court of chancery will resume its sittings next 

 week, and I have this week been in conference with our 

 solicitors, urging them to act expeditiously. Evidence 

 obtained on the la Batut claim, and on other points, now- 

 only waits a few forms to go before the master, from whose 

 office a report may be anticipated, as I am confidently told, 

 at a day not distant after the meeting of the court. I trust 

 that this will be the case, and that the report may be satis- 

 factory. 



At our conferences, the point of a new powef to me from 

 the President, similar to x\\y former one, has been touched 

 upon. It is not considered certain that one will be required ; 

 but is deemed to be safest, I lind, that I should be armed 

 with one, as the court might possibly ask for it, in the 

 event of a favorable decree, prior to the final order for de- 

 livering the fund to the United States, even should the 

 defendant's counsel or the Attornev General not raise the 



