I. 
Usitep States Senate, March 5, 1863. 
Sir :— 
A bill to incorporate the “National Academy of Sci- 
ences” has been introduced by me in the Senate, and, hav- 
ing passed through the several stages of legislation, has 
now become a law, under which you are one of the corpo- 
rators. In the third section of this act it is enjoined, “ that 
the National Academy of Sciences shall hold an annual 
meeting at such place in the United States as may be des- 
ignated.” In order to fulfil the injunction, and to take the 
first step towards the organization of the Academy, I have 
to request that you will be pleased to inform me, as soon as 
possible, at what time it will be most convenient to you to 
attend a meeting in New York. In naming this time, it is 
not necessary that you should be more specific than to give 
the month and part of the month. 
After receiving the replies to this circular, I will select 
a day of meeting which will be most convenient to a major- 
_ ity of the members, and notify you accordingly. 
IT have the honor to be, with high respect, 
Your most obedient servant, 
HENRY WILSON. 
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