PROCEEDINGS OF 
128 
[Dec. 
little history they contained. I therefore hope you will think this homely appa¬ 
ratus worthy of your attention. 
I hope when the duplicate specimens of the objects of natural history, sent home 
by the Exploring Expedition, are distributed, the Naval Lyceum will not be for¬ 
gotten. Those who take the deepest interest in its prosperity, are likely to be fore¬ 
most in advancing that of the National Institution; and a little encouragement 
from the parent establishment would, I think, be amply repaid. 
Very truly yours, ANDREW A. HARWOOD. 
From the Hon. Joseph R. Ingersoll, Member of Congress, Phila- 
delphia. 
Washington, December 13, 1841. 
Sia: The present condition of the “National Institution” affords a cheering 
promise of extensive usefulness and assured success. It is already advancing ra¬ 
pidly towards eminence. In particular departments of science, and in science 
generally, it can scarcely fail to produce the happiest results. The talents and 
energy it has concentrated upon topics of that character must give it inestimable 
value. There is, however, a sphere in which national results no less important 
may be produced by its exertions, and yet the attention of its members has not, 
perhaps, been actively devoted to it. I allude to the department of Tasie and the 
Fine Arts. At the same time that science is effectually promoted, it is confidently 
believed that principles may be cultivated and diffused which will refine, liberalize, 
and give grace to public sentiment, and make our country no longer dependent 
upon the schools of foreign nations for the instruction of her gifted sons in the 
elements of those elegant accomplishments, in which, when their tastes are culti- 
vated, they are so able to excel. This desirable object can be effected only by ren¬ 
dering familiar to them, at home, the most finished works of art; the genuine per¬ 
formances of masters whom the world has united in reverencing as models of study 
and imitation, whose productions constitute in themselves indispensable lessons in 
their creative mystery. 
The Count Survilliers has recently become possessed, by the munificent bequest 
of the late Cardinal Fesch, of what is supposed to be the most valuable private 
collection of paintings in the world. It is a gallery consisting of works of the 
great masters, unquestionable as to genuineness and originality, and of the highest 
order of merit, beauty, and attractiveness. If, by any effort, this Institution could 
obtain such a treasure, it would be difficult to estimate the national benefits that 
it might produce. The hope thus suggested may possibly be altogether visionary; 
but to give reality to it would be a signal and glorious victory. 
Presuming, in some measure, upon the existence of friendly feelings on the part 
of the present distinguished proprietor towards the country in which he has long 
resided, and made many attached friends, you may not think it unreasonable to im«a 
pute to him a disposition to listen to overtures in behalf of the National Institution. 
Mere pecuniary equivalent it could not, of course, promise or command. But if it 
could become endowed, either with a particular view to this splendid possession, or 
by a general grant of a tract of the public domain, what happier destination could 
the endowment receive than to the brilliant purchase I have named ? 
All of these notions are perhaps delusive. Of the consistency of them with the 
