80 THE RETROSPECT OF THE YEAR. 



To-day we have received notice of a legacy from Jo- 

 seph Henry Stickney of Baltimore, Md., of $1,000. Mr. 

 Stickney had often visited our rooms during his summer 

 visits in this vicinity and was much interested in histori- 

 cal matters. 



Something has been accomplished the last yenr in the 

 arrangements of the manuscripts. Although our collection 

 is a large one, like Oliver Twist, we are always asking 

 for more, and we trust no member will be foolish enough 

 to allow ancient MSS. of any kind, even old bills, account 

 books, letters, etc., to be cast into the fire or otherwise 

 destroyed if he can possibly prevent it. All this may 

 sound very funny to some people and perhaps silly to 

 others ; but it is really a very serious matter sometimes 

 to have old papers destroyed without an examination by 

 judicious persons. 



There is many a poor person to-day, who would per- 

 haps be well off if some of the family papers relating 

 to French claims had been preserved. 



The committee on the Columbian Exposition at Chi- 

 cago have done an efficient work during the year toward 

 making a creditable exhibit in behalf of the Institute ; but, 

 as its labors have not yet ceased, the committee is not 

 ready to make a report of its doings at present. 



Eespectfully submitted, 



HENRY M. BROOKS, 



Secretary. 



