Visual Materials
Photographs of the gunboat Philadelphia at the Smithsonian Institution
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Smithsonian Institution records
Manuscripts
The collection comprises papers, mostly correspondence, documenting routine activities of the Smithsonian Institution; materials relating to the first Smithsonian secretaries -- Joseph Henry (1797-1878) and Spencer Fullerton Baird (1823-1887), and miscellaneous items relating to the National Museum, Library, and encouragement of research.
mssRH Boxes 36-55
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Smithsonian Institution receipts
Manuscripts
Acknowledgements of receipt of Smithsonian Institution annual reports, bulletins, and other publications, some with accompanying letters. Items are filed alphabetically by sender and are still in their original envelopes.
mssSI
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Smithsonian Institution acknowledgment to General Montgomery C. Meigs
Manuscripts
This document acknowledges the gift of an "Indian Stone implement" by General Montgomery C. Megis to the Smithsonian Institution. It is dated August 23, 1873, and is signed by Joseph Henry, Secretary of the Smithsonian.
mssHM 81288
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Exploration of the Colorado River of the West and its tributaries : explored in 1869, 1870, 1871, and 1872, under the direction of the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
Manuscripts
Ms. notes throughout; typed, photocopied, or carbon-copy notes and photocopied illustrations laid in; photograph taped facing p. 92. Prefatory material signed: Joseph Henry, Secretary Smithsonian Institution; J.W. Powell. Includes segments by A.H. Thompson, Elliott Coues, and G. Brown Goode. Folded map and 1 folded ill. in pocket.
mssMarston Box 188 (2)
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Smithsonian Institution materials
Manuscripts
This series contains correspondence and papers relating to the Smithsonian Institution and its executive officers. Subject matter includes: A. James Smithson (chiefly references to him and his bequest creating the Smithsonian Institution) Routine activities of the Smithsonian Institution 1. Preparation and circulation of reports and other publications, including replies to the plan of organization sent to scientists, educators, etc. in 1847 for their opinions 2. Meetings of the Regents and Executive Committee 3. Visits to the Institution. C. Joseph Henry (1797-1878), the first Secretary, including biography material, papers related to the administration of the Smithsonian Institution, and his other interests including research in physics, Princeton University, the United States Lighthouse Board, the National Academy of Sciences, and correspondence with noted contemporaries; and commemoration including a memorial service held on January 16, 1879 and a statute by William Wetmore Story erected in Washington in 1883 D. Spencer Fullerton Baird (1823-1887), the second Secretary, related to his administrative duties and the United States Bureau of Fish and Fisheries E. Miscellaneous items related to the National Museum, the Library, and encouragement of research Some notable items include: A copy of the receipt given by Charles Coffin Jewett for the books and pamphlets in the Smithson bequest (January 10, 1849) 6 letters from prominent historians, including George Bancroft, Washington Irving, and Jared Sparks, urging publication by the Smithsonian of some Spanish documents relating to the history of the Southwest. A letter from Joseph Henry to Professor Agassiz, giving details of the fire that destroyed part of the Smithsonian Institution on January 24th (January 31, 1865) A letter from George Catlin asking Professor Henry's aid for securing his Indian portraits for the benefit of science (March 21, 1870). There is also a memorial from the New York Historical Society, signed by several members, urging action to preserve this collection (January 1875) 3 letters from Sir John Henry Lefroy to Joseph Henry from Bermuda (1872-1873) A letter from Phineas Taylor Barnum to Joseph Henry regarding a proposed aerial navigation of the Atlantic in a balloon (September 19, 1873) A letter from Rear Admiral John Rodgers to Mrs. Henry notifying her of the action of Congress for the payment of $11,000 to the heirs of Professor Henry in recognition of his services to the Lighthouse Establishment (July 5, 1878) Draft of the address given by Samuel Sullivan Cox at the commemoration services for Joseph Henry (January 16, 1879) 10 letters from Frank Hamilton Cushing to William Jones Rhees from Zuni, New Mexico Territory (1880-1881) There are many letters from prominent figures in science, education, and politics, though it is often routine correspondence.
mssRH
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Smithsonian Institution
Manuscripts
Although assembled chiefly for its autograph value, the collection contains various groups of related materials. In addition to the collections of Alexander Dallas Bache, Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, National Institute for the Promotion of Sciences, and Smithsonian Institution, the collection contains correspondence of William Jones Rhees, letters and papers addressed to the United States Pension Bureau, letters and papers related to Indian affairs, and miscellaneous autograph letters and documents. Personal correspondence of William Jones Rhees and correspondence with Sons of the American Revolution, particularly the chapter at Washington, D.C. This portion of the collection holds letters from Dorothea Lynde Dix. Letters and addresses to the United States Pension Bureau contain routine letters regarding pensions or applications. Letters and papers relating to Indian affairs pertain to various Indian agents and factors, including Benjamin Hawkins, William Hull, William Irvine, Return Jonathan Meigs, and others. There are also 134 letters collected chiefly for their autograph value, and receipts for Smithsonian publications. The papers of Alexander Dallas Bache, 1827-1867; National Institution for the Promotion of Sciences 1816-1858, Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, 1815-1874, and Smithsonian Institution, 1831-1906 have been organized in separate sub-units.
mssRH