SMITHSONIAN BEQUEST. 41 



At our conferences, the point of a new power to me from the Presi- 

 dent, similar to my former one, has been touched upon. It is not con- 

 sidered certain that one will be required; but is deemed to be safest, 

 1 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 delivering the fund to the United States, even should the defend- 

 ant's counsel or the Attorney-General not raise the objection. I will 

 therefore ask the favor of such a power; and as I am at present san- 

 guine in the expectation of a favorable as well as early decision, should 

 nothing unforeseen arise, its transmission as soon as convenient after 

 this request gets to hand might prove desirable. 



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

 servant. 



Richard Rush. 



Hon. John Forsyth, 



Secretary of State. 



John Fortiijtli to RicJiiird Hush. 



Department ob^ State, Nonemher IS., 1837. 



Sir: The account heretofore rendered by Mr. Brent, our consul at 

 Paris, for moneys expended by him in precautionary measures to 

 obtain for the United States certain properties supposed to belong to 

 the estate of the late Mr. Smithson, of London, and which formed the 

 subject of a letter of instructions to you, dated the 17th of November 

 last, has been again presented to this department for consideration. 

 After a proper examination the President deems it just that the charge 

 for the professional services of Messrs. Castaignet and Delagrange 

 should be allowed and paid. You are accordingly authorized and 

 requested to discharge Mr. Brent's bill amounting to 272.25 francs, 

 without unnecessar}^ delay. In the final settlement of your account 

 this item may be debited to the Smithsonian legacy, if recovered, and 

 if not to the appropriation for prosecuting the claim of the United 

 States to the said legacy. 



I am, sir, your obedient servant, 



John Forsyth. 



Richard Rush, Esq., etc. 



Richard Rash to John Forsyth. 



London, Decemhei' 16^ 1837. 

 Sir: The court of chancery met on the 2d of last month, and con- 

 tinues in full session. It was the commencement of the Michaelmas 

 term. 



