128 PROCEEDINGS OF [Dec. 



little history they contained. I therefore hope you will tliink this homely appa. 

 ratus worthy of your attention. 



I hope when the duplicate specimens of the objects of natural Iiistory, sent homo 

 by the Exploring Expedition, are distributed, the Naval Lyceum will not bo for- 

 gotten. Those who take the deepest interest in its prosperity, are likely to be fore- 

 most in advancing that of the National Institution; and a little encouragement 

 from the parent establishment would, I think, be amply repaid. 



Very truly yours, ANDREW A. HARVVOOD. 



From the Hon. Joseph R. Ingerso!!, Member of Congress, Phila- 

 delphia. 



* Washington, December 13, 1841. 



Sir : The present condition of the " National Institution" affords a cheering 

 promise of extensive usefulness and assured success. It is already advancing ra- 

 pidly towards eminence. In particular departments of science, and in science 

 generally, it can scarcely fail to produce the happiest results. The talents and 

 energy it has concentrated upon topics of that character must give it inestimable 

 value. There is, however, a sphere in which national results no less important 

 may be produced by its exertions, and yet the attention of its members has not, 

 perhaps, been actively devoted to it. I allude to the department of Taste and the 

 Fine Arts. At the same time that science is effectually promoted, it is confidently 

 believed that principles may be cultivated and dilFused which will reiiue, liberalize, 

 and give grace to public sentiment, and make our country no longer dependent 

 upon the schools of foreign nations for the instruction of her gifted sons in the 

 elements of those elegant accomplishments, in which, when their tastes are culti. 

 vated, they are so able to excel. This desirable object can be eflTccted only by ren- 

 dering famUiar to them, at home, the most finished works of art; the genuine per- 

 formances of masters whom the world has united in reverencing as models of study 

 and imitation, whose productions constitute in themselves indispensable lessons in 

 their creative mystery. 



The Count Survilliers has recently become possessed, by the munificent bequest 

 of the late Cardinal Fesch, of what is supposed to be the most valuable private 

 collection of paintings in the world. It is a gallery consisting of works of the 

 great masters, unquestionable as to genuineness and originahty, and of the highest 

 order of merit, beauty, and attractiveness. If, by any effort, this Institution could 

 obtain such a treasure, it would bo difficult to estimate the national benefits that 

 it might produce. The hope thus suggested may possibly be altogether visionary ; 

 but to give reality to it would be a signal and glorious victory. 



Presuming, in some measure, upon the existence of friendly feelings on the part 

 of the present distinguished proprietor towards the country in which he has long 

 resided, and ftiade many attached friends, you may not tliiiik it unreasonable to im. 

 pute to him a disposition to listen to overtures in behalf of the National Institution. 

 Mere pecuniary equivalent it could not, of course, promise or command. But if it 

 could become endowed, either willi a particular view to this splendid posse.ssion, or 

 by a gcncril grant of a tract of the public domain, what happier destination could 

 the endowment receive than to the brilliant purchase I have named ? 



All of these uolioiis arc perhaps dciubive. Of the cont>isleucy of them with the 



