Life of Count Rumford. 257 



consider this Property as being no longer mine, and I have ex- 

 erted myself to the utmost of my abilities in the enclosed dec- 

 laration which I hope may pass for a Deed of gift, however it 

 may be defective in point of form to put it legally out of my 

 power. In all events, however, even should there be a flaw in 

 this Instrument, and should I die before the transfer of the 

 Stock could be made, as in my last Will and Testament which 

 is lodged in the hands of Sir Joseph Banks, Baronet, of Soho 

 Square, London, President of the Royal Society, I have be- 

 queathed Five Thousand Dollars three per cent American Stock 

 to the Academy for the purposes mentioned in my letter to the 

 President of the Academy, of the I2th July last, no accident 

 that can possibly happen can prevent the accomplishment of my 

 wishes with respect to this business. 



" Inclosed is a letter from me to the Directors of the Bank 

 of the United States, which I beg you would close with a seal 

 and forward, when you shall have perused it and taken a copy 

 of it for the information of the Academy, who will be pleased 

 to take such measures in regard to the business in question as 

 they may think proper. It will give me great pleasure to learn 

 that Dr. Willard, and my friend, Colonel Baldwin, have found 

 means to complete this business by making the transfer of the 

 Stock, but if anything more should be necessary to be done by 

 me to enable them to finish the transaction, you or they will be 

 pleased to acquaint me with what I can do farther to expedite 

 and facilitate the business. 



" Begging you would assure the American Academy of Arts 

 and Sciences of my best respects, and of my unfeigned gratitude 

 for the distinguished honor they have conferred on me, I am, 

 Sir, with great regard and esteem, 



" Your most obedient humble Servant, 



"RUMFORD. 

 " MR. PEARSON, Secretary, &c." 



The paper, duly signed and witnessed, by which the 

 transfer of stocks was made to the Academy, is preserved 

 in duplicate in our archives. The two bearing the seal 

 17 



