REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 53 



and veneration had it not been associated in my miud, from the first, 

 with a sense of its difficulty and responsibility. I was aware that it 

 was not enough to narrate the events of his life, and to give a 

 recital of his numerous and diversified labors; but that it would also 

 be necessary to analyze his mental and moral constitution, as well as 

 to trace the influence which his career has had, and will continue to 

 have, on the advancement of science and education in this country. 

 To fulfil this satisfactorily, though a duty not to be declined, is a 

 labor requiring much care, and involving much solicitude. The 

 sketch which 1 have prepared has been sent to Gen. Sabine for 

 insertion in the proceedings of the Royal Society of London, and in 

 view of my other pressing duties, it will be difficult for me to present 

 the complete eulogy to the board at its present session. I therefore 

 crave the indulgence of being allowed to defer the publication until 

 the appearance of the report for 1868. 

 Respectfully submitted: 



JOSEPH HENRY, 

 Secretary Smithsonian Institution. 

 Washington, January, 1868. 



