10 



rescue, and to redeem their character from the charge of indifference 

 and neglect. A prompt and simultaneous combination in its behalf on 

 the part of the citizens of the District in particular, and a responsive 

 liberality in Congress to our appeal, would rescue the Institute from the 

 embarrassed condition it is in at present, and enable it to enlarge the 

 circle of its usefulness. That condition of pecuniaiy difficulty has been 

 mainly produced by the desire of its members to make it better known 

 and more generally felt. The scattered residences of those whose names 

 are on its list, and the consequent difficulty, if not impossibility, of ob- 

 taining the amount of their subscriptions, have made it a hard matter 

 for the Treasurer to meet the numerous and heavy demands upon him 

 for the current expenses of the Institute. Must it then be said that an 

 association, honored with the names, influence, and approbation of some 

 of the best men in the country, the objects of which are so national and 

 important the constitution so liberal and appropriate the operations 

 so extensive and improving, shall not meet with the affectionate pat- 

 ronage of the people, for whose benefit it was established ? Will the 

 citizens of this District be so dead to their own interests and to the 

 promptings of an honorable spirit, as to stand with their arms folded 

 when so much is to be done, and so good an agent is presented? Will 

 Congress, the honored servant of the people, refuse the small pittance 

 we ask at its hands, and reject a course of action which must redound to 

 the credit and advantage of the whole country ? We most sincerely pray 

 and trust that none of these things will come to pass ; but that, support- 

 ed by the influence of the people among whom it is established 

 cheered on by the approbation and good will of the country at large, 

 and favorably received by the National Legislature, our young but 

 public spirited Institute may realize the hopes of its most sanguine 

 friends, and become what it was intended it should be, a national bless- 

 ing, and an honor to the Republic at home and abroad. 



In my next I shall dwell upon the proposed alliance of the Institute 

 and the Smithsonian bequest, and until then I am, gentleman, respect- 

 fully yours, J. c. B. 



ON THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE. 

 LETTER No. III. 



WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 1843. 



GENTLEMEN : In my article, published in your paper last Monday, 

 I gave a brief notice and eulogium of the National Institute. I shall 



