APPENDIX 



PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF THE 



INSTITUTION 



COMPILED BY WILLIAM JONES RHEES 



1826 



Oct. 23, James Smithson's will made. 



1829 

 June 27, Death of James Smithson in Genoa, Italy. 



1835 



July 28, United States Government advised that it was entitled to bequest of Smithson. 

 Dec. 77, Congress notified by President Jackson of the bequest. 



1836 



July i, Act passed by Congress authorizing appointment of agent to prosecute claim of 



the United States for the legacy. 

 July n, Richard Rush appointed agent to prosecute the claim of the United States to the 



bequest of Smithson. 

 Nov. f^, Richard Rush, as agent for the United States, entered suit in the British Court 



of Chancery to obtain possession of the bequest. 



1837 

 Feb. i, First hearing of the suit before Court of Chancery in London. 



1838 



May 0, Chancery suit decided in favor of the United States. 

 June j, Smithson bequest transferred to Mr. Rush. 



Sept. /, Smithson's personal effects deposited with Collector of Port of New York. 

 Sept. i, Bequest deposited in the United States Mint in Philadelphia. 

 Dec. 6, President Jackson announced to Congress the receipt of the Smithson bequest 

 and asked for adoption of a plan to carry out the intentions of Smithson. 



1841 



July 12, Minerals, books, manuscripts, and other articles forming part of the Smithson be- 

 quest deposited in Patent Office by the Secretary of the Treasury. 



1846 



Feb. 28, Bill passed House of Representatives organizing the Smithsonian Institution. 



Atig. jo, Act of organization of Smithsonian Institution passed by Senate. 



Aug. 10, Act of Congress organizing the Smithsonian Institution approved by President 



Polk. 

 Sept. 7, First meeting of the Board of Regents held, at which George M. Dallas was 



elected Chancellor of the Institution. 



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