134 BOARD OF REGENTS. 



He proposes to sell the whole collection described in the catalogue published by tbe 

 institution, one hundred and fifty-two in number, for the sum of twelve thousand 

 dollars — one-third of the same cash and the remainder at two equal annual instalments l . 

 or, if it should be preferred, one-fourth down and the residue in three equal annual 

 instalments. j 



The undersigned commenced his labors in this work in 18-12, and devoted the best 

 years of his life in travelling through the region of our country peopled principally 

 by the red man — through the wilds of Oregon and what is now Washington Terri- 

 tory. All of the portraits are accurate likenesses of prominent chiefs and braves, 

 and readily recognized by men who have had intercourse with the various tribes of 

 Indians. 



Since 1852 he has cherished the hope (but has not been able to realize it) that Con- 

 gress would authorize the purchase of this collection. He has, up to this time, made 

 sae»ifices — such as one believing in the merit of his own work, and whose zeal in 

 persevering through arduous and unremitting toil to accomplish it, alone would make — 

 to keep this collection together. He will not affect the modesty of refraining from ex- 

 pressing his belief that no other gallery (aside from what artistic merit the public 

 may award it) possesses the interest, in a national point of view, that this does. 

 Some of the chiefs represented are no longer living; and, to the little we know of 

 their history it will be some satisfaction to add tbe perpetuation of their features. 

 These were taken from life and in the character they themselves preferred to be 

 handed down to the gaze of future generations. 



The price at which he offers this collection will not more than cover the outlay in 

 cost of material, transportation, insurance, travelling expenses, &c, and will not 

 afford him any compensation for his time and labor. Taking, as he humbly con- 

 ceives, the intrinsic value of these Indian portraits into consideration, he will receive 

 no pecuniary profit by their disposal on the terms named. 



His ardent desire that they should be preserved, as a national work, in some place 

 at the capital of our country ; his failure heretofore to induce Congress to agree to 

 their purchase, and the more pressing reasons of liabilities now maturing, impel 

 him to make this proposition. Your honorable Board are again requested to consider 

 it and communicate your answer at as early a day as is convenient. If the purchase 

 of the portraits is not authorized by you, he will be compelled to expose them at 

 public auction in time to have the proceeds available by the 1st of May next. 



The undersigned will take this occasion to tender his acknowledgments to the Board 

 and Professor Henry for the use of the hall in the institution where the gallery now 

 is, and for other courtesies, which he will always appreciate. 

 I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



J. M. STANLEY. 



The Hon. Board of Eegents of the Smithsonian Institution. 



On motion, this communication was referred to a special com- 

 mittee, and Messrs. Felton, Douglas, and Badger were appointed. 



The Secretary laid before the Board a present from Miss Contax- 

 aki, of Greece, consisting of a volume of drawings, &c, illustrating 

 the celebrated works of art in her own land, together with the fol- 

 lowing letters : 



Washington, November 23, 1857. 



Sir: During my last trip to the east I was charged by Miss Elizabeth B. Contax- 

 aki, a native of the isle of Crete, with an "ornamental album," which she desired 

 me to present, through you, to the Smithsonian Institution. In forming the work, 

 this lady designed it as a contribution to the Universal Exhibition at Paris, in 1855, 

 worthy of the classic renown of the ancient city of Athens. So ardent is her admir- 

 ation of the United States and its institutions that she wishes it to be permanently 

 placed in this country, and having a high appreciation of you as an American states- 

 man, and your reputation as a classical scholar, she desired that I would request you 

 to offer it in her name to the Smithsonian Institution. 



The " Classical Bouquet," as it is entitled, consists of illustrations of the principal 

 monuments and places in the kingdom of Greece, to which are added a few from her 

 native isle of Crete, not yet emancipated from the Moslem yoke. These illustrations 

 are explained by quotations from the ancient Greek authors in the original language, 



