424 MISCELLANEOUS COKRESPONDENCE. 



I have already read the larger part of the report for 1869, and some 

 of the pamphlets, which give me access to papers not previously within 

 ray reach, but of which I had heard something. 



We hope to receive future reports, although we can hardly hope to 

 make adequate return. The librarian has already sent our calendar and 

 catalogue of our library. I am also about to send to your London agent 

 a set of my own publications, as I much desire that they may have a 

 place in the Smithsonian library, which, as I learn from the report, 

 appears likely to become the great national library of America. 



I trust that the design may be carried out of erecting in America a 

 library of unlimited extent, and of all-comprehensive character, which 

 may, in course of time, embody the whole literature of the world as far 

 as possible. This is, as you of course know, the design, upon which 

 our British Museum library is now conducted, and it is impossible to 

 exaggerate the services which it yields to literature and human, knowl- 

 edge, however imperfect the library still is. 



It would be no more than we might fairly expect from the wealth, 

 intellect, and energy of America that it should ultimately create at 

 least one library equaling or surpassing our national one, but I am 

 aware it must be a work of time. 



You may, perhaps, , think these remarks somewhat superfluous, but 

 I make them because I have a strong opinion that there ought to be in 

 every part of the world great repositories, where the literature of the 

 past and present may be put, as far as possible, beyond the risk of 

 destruction, and handed down for the use of future generations. We 

 cannot tell what will be of most interest to future ages, and therefore, 

 the best way is to preserve as much as possible. 



