SWEDISH OPINION 
355 
explanation “ how it could happen that these collec¬ 
tions were sold to a foreigner when a Swede offered 
to pay the like amount.” The answer, which was 
requested by return, was to be laid by the Chancellor 
before His Majesty for his gracious consideration. 
Acrel’s answer, dated the 13th October, related all that 
had happened, and stated that the heirs had already 
received one half of the purchase money, adding, that 
since the collections were sold, a student named Dahl 
desired to negotiate for their purchase, but as the sale 
had already been concluded with the foreigner, this 
offer could not be considered. Probably the King 
considering the explanation afforded to be satisfactory, 
concluded that nothing then could be done, as the 
vessel had already sailed. 
What Gustaf III. did in this matter, shrank to 
pure insignificance. But had he been informed in 
proper time it is certain that he would have strongly 
exerted himself and rescued these precious collections 
for the fatherland, especially when one considers his 
care for Sweden’s honour, and the great admiration he 
entertained for Linne. Such was the conviction 
among the people that they for a long time believed 
the rumour that directly he had information of the 
brig’s departure, he despatched a warship to follow it 
and bring it back, but it did not succeed. Whether 
this rumour arose in Sweden or England, matters not. 
That Dr. Smith, three years later, after receipt 
of the collections, had no knowledge of it, is certain, 
although afterwards he spoke of it and believed it. 
Another statement also obtained currency, that Smith, 
in his delight in the story, had a medal struck, which 
showed on one side the little English vessel pursued 
by the Swedish frigate, and on the other side an 
inscription “ The pursuit of the ship containing the 
Linnean collection by order of the King of Sweden.” 
No such medal has been discovered, in spite of a 
hundred years’ search. The origin of this story is 
probably due to an engraving of a portrait of Smith in 
