402 APPENDIX TO JOURNAL. 



complete in all its appointments, in successful operation before divesting 

 myself of the title by any formal instrument, but the years which have 

 thus passed away, and the accumulation of other cares and duties, warn, 

 me no longer to indulge the pleasing anticipation. 



I have, therefore, not doubting your general interest in the subject, 

 taken the liberty of executing to you, as trustees, a deed, which I here- 

 with deliver, sufficiently defining the trusts which I ask you to accept. 

 In addition to the title to tbe property itself, you will observe that 

 the instrument vests in you, for the purposes of the trust, the right to 

 receive the rents, wholly unpaid, for the period during which it has 

 been occupied by the Government, now nearly eight years, which will 

 doubtless be adjusted with you, in the absence of any special agreement, 

 upon fair and, perhaps, liberal terms. 



As soon as the interior of the building shall have been completed ac- 

 cording to the original plans, (which will be placed at your disposal,) 

 for which the rents in arrears will more than suffice, I shall ask you to 

 receive as a nucleus my own gallery of ait, which has been collected at 

 no inconsiderable pains, and I have assurances from friends in other 

 cities, whose tastes and liberality have taken this direction, that they 

 will contribute fine works of art from their respective collections. 



I may add, that it is my intention to provide further endowment of 

 the institution in such manner and to such extent as may consist with 

 other objects which claim my attention ; and I venture to hope that, 

 with your kind co-operation and judicious management, we shall have 

 provided, at no distant day, not only a pure and refined pleasure for res- 

 idents and visitors at the national metropolis, but have accomplished 

 something useful in the development of American genius. 



I am, gentlemen, with great respect and regard, your obedient ser- 

 vant, 



W. W. CORCORAN. 

 To James M. Carlisle, James C. Hall, George W. Riggs, An- 

 thony Hyde, James G. Berret, James C. Kennedy, Henry D 

 Cooke, James C. McGuire, William T. Walters. 



Reply of the Trustees. 



Washington, May 10, 1869. 



Dear Sir : We have accepted the trusts confided to us by yo*ur deed 

 of this date, in the formal manner indicated by the deed itself. 



But we desire, individually and collectively, to add the expression of 

 our personal appreciation of the privilege of endeavoring efficiently to 

 administer such an institution, projected spontaneously by your liberal 

 mind and securely founded by your sole munificence. 



While we cannot doubt that, at least in the time of our successors, all 

 your anticipations will be realized, we sincerely hope that you may 



