5 [211] 



rials ; aiid that they further report in regard to such other matters as they 

 may consider important in the premises. . 

 On motion, it was 



Resolved, That the thanks of this board be offered to David Dale Ovv- 

 €n, M. D., of Indiana, for the plans of buildings for the Smithsonian In- 

 stitution, presented on his behalf; and that said plans, with the corres- 

 pondence explanatory of the same, and any other plans which may be 

 presented to this board, be referred to the committee just named. 

 On motion, it was 



Resolved, That the committee appointed to report at the next session 

 are authorized to purchase such works, per account of the board, on ar- 

 chitecture, bibliography, and • the like, as they may deem necessary to 

 enable them to perform the duties of their appointment ; to visit any 

 structures and collections in this country ; and also to avail themselves 

 of the suggestions of other skilful persons, and to offer therefor, if neces- 

 sary, such remuneration as the regents may choose subsequently to make. 

 On motion, it was 



Resolved, That the regular meetings of the Board of Regents shall be 

 on the second Wednesday of December and the third Wednesday of 

 February in each year; and on the first Wednesday of June in each al- 

 ternate year, commencing with the first Wednesday of June in the year 

 1S4S. 



On motion, it was 



Resolved, That Mr. Rush be a committee to ascertain, thiough the so- 

 licitors formerly employed by him on behalf of the United States in the 

 suit to obtain the Smithsonian bequest, or otherwise, whether Madam De 

 la Batut still survives; and if not, what steps are necessary to be taken 

 to obtain the fund reverting to the United States at her death ; being a 

 portion of the original property of James Smithson retained by the En- 

 glish court of chancery, in order to furnish, in the shape of interest, an 

 annuity to the said Madam De la Batut. And further, in case the said 

 Madam De la Batut survives, to adopt measures by which her decease 

 may be communicated to the board whenever that event may occur. And 

 that Mr. Rush report to the Executive Committee the legal charge thus 

 incurred, which the said committee is hereby authorized to pay. 

 On motion, it was 



Resolved, That the stibject of the selection of a site be referred to the 

 committee on the buildings constituted at this meeting, to report at an 

 adjourned meeting of this board. 

 On motion, it was 



Resolved, That when this board adjourn, it adjourn to meet at the Vice 

 President's room, in the Capitol, on the last Monday of November next, 

 at 12 o'clock, noon. 



On motion, it was 



Resolved, That Mr. Choate and Mr. Pennybacker be added to the 

 committee appointed yesterday to digest a plan to carry out the provisions 

 of the act establishing the Smithsonian Institution. 

 It was 



Resolved, That the Secretary be requested, without unnecessary delay, 

 to collect, on behalf , of the institution, all the documents, Congressional 

 and others, connected with the history of the Smithsonian bequest, and 



