Narrow Your Results

Go Reset

Refine Your Results

Filter Your Results

Expeditions Information

Close Browse records and papers documenting scientific and collecting expeditions either affiliated with the Smithsonian, or with which Smithsonian researchers participated. Pre-set filters help narrow searches by geographic regions predominantly represented in expedition records.

Smithsonian Secretaries Information

Close Browse records and papers of the Smithsonian Secretaries, from 1846 until today. Pre-set filters help narrow searches by individuals who have held that office.

Smithsonian Records Information

Close Browse official records created at the Smithsonian Institution’s museums, research centers, libraries, and archives, now in the Smithsonian Institution Archives’ collections. Pre-set filters help narrow searches by major topics or disciplines.

Personal Papers Information

Close Browse papers and special collections created by institutions and persons who have contributed to and collaborated with the Smithsonian. Pre-set filters help narrow searches by major topics and disciplines.

Professional Societies Information

Close Browse records of professional societies closely associated with the Smithsonian, that focus on areas of scientific research and museum studies. Pre-set filters help narrow searches by major topics and disciplines.

Oral Histories Information

Close Browse oral and video history collections containing interviews with current and retired Smithsonian staff, and others who have made significant contributions to the Institution. Pre-set filters help narrow searches by major topics or disciplines.

SIA RU007051, Columbian Institute, Records, 1816-1841, with related papers, 1791-1800

Print Share Submit a reference request about this item
* required
Please succinctly provide us with any information pertinent to your inquiry. If you are writing to us about a research request, provide as much detail as possible about the collections in which you are interested (including collection numbers, box numbers, and folder titles).
(if known)
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Summary

Creator:
Columbian Institute
Title:
Records, 1816-1841, with related papers, 1791-1800
Dates:
1791, 1791-1841, 1816-1841, with related papers, 1791-1800
Notes:
The Columbian Institute was organized at Washington, D.C., in 1816, originally as the Metropolitan Society, for the purpose of reducing the United States' dependence on a purely European cultural heritage. Its principal goal was utilitarian; it concentrated on encouraging the diffusion of information about agriculture, manufacturing, and natural resources, mainly through correspondence, exchanges, and a program of publication. The Society became the Columbian Institute for the Promotion of the Arts and Sciences later in 1816, and in 1818 was incorporated by Congress under that name. Despite several reorganizations and other attempts to keep the Institute alive, it collapsed in 1838 and was absorbed by the National Institute in 1841
Restrictions:
Use of this record unit requires prior arrangement with the Archives staff
Topic:
Records of meetings, organizations, and professional societies
Subjects:
Castelnau, Francis comte de 1812-1880, Columbian Institute, Metropolitan Society
Form/Genre:
Mixed archival materials, Collection descriptions
Local Number:
SIA RU007051
Physical Description:
2.36 cubic feet

Finding Aids to Personal Papers and Special Collections in the Smithsonian Institution Archives

Record Unit 7051

Columbian Institute

Records, 1816-1841, with related papers, 1791-1800

Repository: Smithsonian Institution Archives, Washington, D.C. Contact us at osiaref@si.edu.
Creator: Columbian Institute
Title: Records
Dates: 1816-1841, with related papers, 1791-1800
Quantity: 2.36 cubic feet.
Collection: Record Unit 7051
Language of Materials: English

Historical Note

The Columbian Institute (1816-1838) was first organized as the Metropolitan Society, with the professed purpose of reducing the United States' dependence on a purely European cultural heritage. Its principal goal was utilitarian; the society concentrated on encouraging, by correspondence, exchanges, and a program of publication, the diffusion of information about agriculture, manufacturing, and natural resources. Though initially conceived as a local body, the Society soon decided to expand its operations, and so, still in 1816, changed its name to the Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences, under which name it was incorporated by Congress in 1818.

The Institute led a desultory existence. Its first president, Edward Cutbush, a naval surgeon, was energetic; but the Institute was never able to establish itself on a sound footing. Much of its membership seems to have been only casually interested in the Institute's work. Perhaps for this reason, and certainly because Congress gave no aid, there was always a dearth of money. Nor did an 1818 reorganization which added the fields of the liberal arts to its interests prove useful. In 1820 the Institute obtained a plot of land on the Mall and laid out a small botanical garden, virtually its only concrete accomplishment. A few natural history specimens and a small library were collected. The Institute's charter expired in 1838 and, in 1841, it was absorbed by the National Institute.

Top of Page

Introduction

This finding aid was digitized with funds generously provided by the Smithsonian Institution Women's Committee.

Top of Page

Descriptive Entry

This collection consists of records, mostly dated 1816-1830, concerning the founding and operation of the Columbian Institute by Edward Cutbush, Thomas Law, and others. Records document efforts to raise money for a building, publishing projects, and a botanical garden; and to collect natural history specimens. Also included are minutes of meetings and committee reports; treasurer's records; and correspondence of French naturalist Francois de Laporte, Count Castelneau de Laporte.

Researchers should also consult the Peter Force Collection in the Library of Congress, which contains various minutes, papers, and correspondence of the Institute.

Top of Page

Access Restriction

Use of this record unit requires prior arrangement with the Archives staff.

Top of Page

This collection is indexed under the following access terms. These are links to collections with related topics, persons or places.

Name

Subject

Top of Page

Preferred Citation

Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 7051, Columbian Institute, Records

Top of Page

Container List

Series 1

MINUTES AND COMMITTEE REPORTS

Box 1

Minutes and committee reports of the Columbian Institute, 1816-1839; arranged chronologically; consisting of minutes of meetings and reports of committees, largely ad hoc, appointed by the Institute; and, for 1816-1837, a set of photocopies of minutes taken from an unstated source. Some oversize materials are in Box 4.

Box 1 of 5

Series 2

CORRESPONDENCE OF THE COLUMBIAN INSTITUTE - FACSIMILES

Incoming and outgoing correspondence of the Columbian Institute, 1816-1828, 1830-1835, arranged chronologically; concerning largely routine matters, with occasional references to the botanical garden. Originals are in box 5.

Box 1

Folder 1

Box 1 of 5
Letter from H. Meigs to Asbury Dickens, Secretary of the Columbian Institute, Secretary of the Columbian Institute, relating to internal improvements. Dated 21 January, 1822. Read, and ordered to lie on the table, 2 February 1822.
Letter from John A. Brereton to Josiah Meigs, President of the Columbian Institute, proposing William Darlington, of Pennsylvania, as a corresponding member. Dated 1 February 1822. Read 2 February 1822.
Draft of a letter from the Committee appointed by the Columbian Institute on the 2nd Februrary, 1822, to Daniel Carroll. Esquire of Duddington, requesting his aid and concurrence in obtaining an extension of the land granted by Congress to the Institute. Dated 6 February 1822.
Draft of a memorial of the Columbian Institute to Congress, along with a letter to Daniel Carroll of Duddington, Esquire, for his concurrence. Dating 6 February 1822.
Letter from Eugene A. Vail to Asbury Dickens, Secretary of the Columbian Institute, desiring to be proposed as a resident member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 18 February, 1822. Presented [and read] 6 April 1822 and read.
Letter from Howard Horton to Josiah Meigs, President of the Columbian Institute, transmitting a specimen of gypsum to be delivered to the President and Secretaries Crawford and Calhoun. Dated 2 March 1822. Communicated [and read] 1 June 1822.
Letter from W. Appleton to the Josiah Meigs, President of the Columbian Institute, relative to certain distinguished foreigners, received 16 May 1822. Communicated [and read] June 1822.
Letter from Henry Bry to Josiah Meigs, President of the Columbian Institute, presenting a stone he found in Louisiana. Presented [and read] 1 June 1822.
Letter from George Watterson to Josiah Meigs, President of the Columbian Institute, relative to planting trees in the botanical garden. Dated 25 July 1822. Presented [and read] 3 August 1822.
Letter from William Lambert to Dr. Cutbush, relative to astronomical papers. Dated 7 September 1822. Presented [and read] 7 September 1822.
Letter from Thomas Tingey to the Treasurer of the Columbian Institute, dated 22 August 1822. Presented [and read] 7 September 1822.
Letter from H. Meigs, relative to Italian minerals in the hands of Dr. Mitchill, dated 20 September 1822. Presented [and read] 20 November 1822.
Report of the Committee on a room for the meeting of the Institute, and for the deposit of the various specimens, etc. Presented [and read] 20 November 1822. Recorded, Vol 1, pages 120, 121.
From John Q. Adams [sic] accepting the appointment of President of the Columbian Institute, dated 4 October 1822. Communicated [and read] 2 November 1822.
Letter from Mr. Carbery to Dr. N. Alex McWilliams regarding a room selected for minerals. Dated 26 November 1822.
Letter from William Elliot to John Q. Adams, President of the Columbian Institute, relative to books, instruments, etc. left by Rudolph Schaer, dated 19 December 1822.
Letter from William Lambert to Josiah Meigs, accompanied with two tables relating to the Moon's transits over the meridian. Dated 3 August 1821. Read 4 August 1821.
Letter from Josiah Meigs to Dr. Kent about a bill that has been presented to President of the United States. Dated 7 January 1820.
Letter from Henry R. Schoolcraft, accompanied with a list of American Minerals presented by him to the Columbian Institute. Dated 26 January 1820.

Folder 2

Box 1 of 5
Letter from Asbury Dickens to Wm. Darlington, presenting thanks on behalf of the Columbian Institute for his donation of American plants. Dated 10 March 1820.
Letter from the Secretary of the Columbian Institute to H.R. Schoolcraft, Esq. presenting him with the thanks of the Institute for his donation of specimens of American minerals, dated March 10, 1820.
Letter from Asbury Dickens, Secretary of the Columbian Institute, to C.S. Rafinesque, Esquire, Professor of Botany and Natural History at the Transylvania University, Lexington, professing the Columbian Institute's admiration for Rafinesque's promotion of the sciences in the United States. Dated 6 June 1820.
Letter from H. Meigs to Joseph Meigs [his father], accompanied by a watercolor drawing relating to a building for the Columbian Institute. Dated 7 June 1820.
Watercolor drawing included with 7 June 1820 letter.
Letter from J. Elgar to Josiah Meigs stating that he had laid out 5 acres of land for the use of the Columbian Institute. Dated 12 August 1820.
Letter from J. Meigs to the Secretary of the Columbian Institute, relative to Mr. Schoolcraft, Mr. Elgar, and a special meeting of the Columbian Institute. Dated 13 April 1821.
Letter from George E. Ironside to Asbury Dickens, Esquire, Secretary of the Columbian Institute, acknowledging the receipt of a letter notifying him of his election as a resident member of the Columbian Institute,. Dated 4 September 1820.
Letter from Robert Barnard to Asbury Dickens, Esq., Secretary of the Columbian Institute, stating his desire to be proposed as a resident member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 22 December 1820.
Letter from Robert Barnard to the President of the Columbian Institute, regarding his election as a member to the Columbian Institute. Dated 22 December 1820.
Letter from Major Delafield to the Columbian Institute concerning sulphate specimens. Dated 21 January 1821.
Form of a letter from Asbury Dickens, notifying various persons of their election as members, dated February and June 1821.
Letter from Asbury Dickens to Major J. Delafield, communicating the thanks of the Institute for mineralogical specimens. Dated 6 February 1821.
Letter from Robert Barnard to Asbury Dickens, Secretary of the Columbian Institute, desiring information whether he has been elected a member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 3 March 1821.
Letter from Pishey Thompson to Asbury Dickens, presenting a volume (title not expressed) and desiring to be considered as a candidate for admission. Dated 14 March 1821. Presented and read 7 April 1821.
Letter from Monsieur De Neuville to Asbury Dickens, Secretary of the Columbian Institute, acknowledging the receipt of a letter notifying him of his elevetion as an honorary member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 19 March 1821.
Letter from J. Meigs stating that it will not be in his power to attend a meeting of the Columbian Institute this evening. Dated 7 April 1821.
Letter from J. Meigs to the Secretary of the Columbian Institute, transmitting a certificate of the location, by the President of the United States of five acres of land, for the benefit of the Institute. Dated April 13, 1821.
Letter from Asbury Dickens to Pishey Thompson notifying him of his election as a member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 5 May 1821.
Letter from M. Dickerson to Asbury Dickens, acknowledging the receipt of a letter notifying him of his election as a corresponding member. Dated 20 May 1821.
Letter from Asbury Dickens to Doctor Sewall and W. Lambert, notifiying them of their election as resident members. June, 1821.
Letter from William Lambert to Asbury Dickens, Esquire, Secretary of the Columbian Institute, acknowledging the receipt of a letter notifying him of his election as a resident member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 23 June 1821.
Letter from John A. Brereton to Josiah Meigs, desiring that another member may be appointed of the Committee on Dr McWilliams's of a ship gauge. Dated 17 July 1821.
Letter from H. Meigs, to Asbury Dickins [sic], Esquire, Secretary of the Columbian Institute, in answer to a letter notifying him of his election as a corresponding member. Dated 17 July 1821.
Letter from John A. Brereton to J. Law, Esquire, inclosing accounts of sundry members of the Columbian Institute. Dated 19 September 1821.
Letter from Asbury Dickins [sic] to Honorable W. Darlington, House of Representatives. Dated 16 December 1821.
Letter from William Darlington to Asbury Dickens, Esquire, Secretary of the Columbian Institute, regarding a national Herbarium. Dated 14 December 1819.
Letter from Benjamin Homans to Benjamin L. Lear, relative to notifications usually given by the Secretary of the General Committee of the Columbian Institute. Dated 2 November 1818.
Letter from E. Cutbush to A. Dickins [sic], relative to a special meeting of the Columbian Institute, to be held on Tuesday next. Dated 26 June 1818.
Letter from Nathaniel Cutting to Dr. Cutbush, resigning the office of Secretary to the Columbian Institute; but desiring to be still considered as a resident member. Dated 27 January 1818.
Letter from Nathaniel Cutting to Judge Joseph Anderson, stating that the latter has been nominated to join a committee to create by-laws for the Columbian Institute. Dated 3 November 1817.

Folder 3

Box 1 of 5
Letter from Rudolph Schaer acknowledging the receipt of a letter informing him of his election as a member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 28 October 1817.
Copy of Circular from Nathaniel Cutting, addressed to the members of the General Committee of the Columbian Institute. Dated 27 October 1817.
Letter from Reverend William Matthews to Nathaniel Cutting, acknowledging the receipt of a letter, notifying him of his election as a resident member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 15 October 1817.
Letter from Dr. William Thornton, declining to serve in quality of a curator. To Nathaniel Cutting, Esquire, the Secretary of the Columbian Institute. Dated 6 October 1817.
Letter from Nathaniel Cutting (Copy of Circular to the Newly Elected Members), to Reverend Laurie, October 9, 1817.
Letter from Samuel H. Smith to Benjamin Homans, relating to a special meetng of the General Committee of the Columbian Institute. Dated 13 September 1817.
Letter to Edward Cutbush requesting a special meeting of the General Committee of the Columbian Institute. Request is attached to a letter from Edward Cutbush to Nathaniel Cutting asking the latter to schedule the requested meeting.
Letter from Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Law thanking him for Jefferson's honorary membership to the Columbian Institute. Dated 24 February 1817.
Letter from Dr. Cuttbush [sic] signifying his compliance with the wishes of the members of the Columbian Institute to have a copy of his oration for the Press. Dated 12 January 1817.
Letter from Nathaniel Cutting to Dr. Cutbush, thanking him for his address and asking that a copy of his oration be released to the Press. Dated 12 January 1817.
Letter from Edward Cutbush to Benjamin Homans relative to a discourse to be delivered by the President of the Columbian Institute. Dated 13 December 1816.
Letter from Dr. William Thornton, apologizing for nonattendance on the General Committee. Dated 7 November 1816.

Folder 4

Box 1 of 5
Letter from William Fitzhugh to Asbury Dickins, Esquire, accepting his nomination as a member of the Columbian Institute, and inclosing $5 for the membership fee. Note from W.L. [William Lambert] Rec'd five dollars. Dated 10 November 1826. Read 2 December 1826. Abstract recorded, Vol. 1 Page 231.
Letter from Edward Cutbush, resigning his membership in the Columbian Institute. Dated and read 9 December 1826. Note from W.L. [William Lambert] Rec'd the check. Abstract recorded, Vol. 1 Page 233.
Letter from William Cranch to Asbury Dickens acknowledging the receipt of a letter informing him of his election as a resident member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 19 October 1826.
Letter from William Tell Poussin to Asbury Dickens acknowledging the receipt of a letter informing him of his election as a resident member of the Columbian Institute, dated 18 October 1826.
Letter from G. Ducatel to Asbury Dickens accepting his nomination as a corresponding member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 18 October 1826.
Letter from Dr. James Lovell to Asbury Dickens, accompanied with a meteorological register? [sic] Dated 18 October 1826, presented 4 November 1826.
Letter from Brigadier General Simon Bernard, acknowledging the receipt of a notification of his election as a resident member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 23 August 1826. Read 2 September 1826.
Letter from Mr. Adams, dated Quincy, 6 August 1826, [sic] acknowledging the receipt of resolutions in honor of the memory of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Communicated to the Institute 12 August, 1826.
Form of a letter from the Secretary to the relatives of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Dated July 27 1826. Accompanying the minutes of the Institute, 12 August 1826.
Letter accompanying a requisition to call a special meeting of the Institute, from Dr. Nathanial P. Causin, Reverend Obadiah Brown, and Dr. Tobias Watkins. Dated 17 July 1826. Read 19 July 1826. Recorded Vol 1, page 223.
Requisition for a special meeting of the Columbian Institute, on Saturday 15 July 1826, made by Robert Little, William Elliot, William W. Seaton, Thomas Law; sent to Asbury Dickens. Dated 15 July 1826.
Letter from Edward Everett to Misters Dickens, Thornton and Sewall, declining to give the address at the annivesary celebration of the institute, citing work and personnal obligations from giving him adequate time to prepare. Dated 14 May 1826.
Letter from Dr. James Lovell, Surgeon General, relative to specimens of seeds, plants, minerals, etc. required to be forwarded for the use of the Columbian Institute, by the Medical department of the Army. Dated 29 April, 1826.
Letter from Dr. Watkins, inclosing 50 printed copies of his address delivered on the 7th of January, 1826. Abstract recorded, Vol 1, Page 193. Dated 21 January 1826.
Letter from Stephen Collins, to A. Dickins, stating his inability to attend some previous meetings of the Columbian Institute. Dated 14 January 1826.
Letter from Thomas Law, stating his inability to attend the meeting of this evening, but enclosing suggestions for a committee to be formed to meet with Congress. Dated January 14 1826.
Letter from Dr. Alexander McWilliams, relative to an herbarium of the plants in the District of Columbia, to the members of the Columbian Institute. Dated and read 14 January 1826. Recorded in abstract , Vol 1 Page 192.
Letter from Robert Little, stating the loss of a valuable self registering thermometer, etc. Allowed a credit of $10 for his thermometer, and authorized to purchase another. Dated and read 31 December 1825. Abstract recorded, Vol 1. Page 191.
Letter from John C. Calhoun requesting to be attached to the class of physical sciences. Dated 20 December 1825. Read 24 December 1825.
Letter from the Honorable John C. Calhoun to the Treasurer of the Columbian Institute, inclosing $5 in full of his admission, as a resident member of the Institute. Dated 20 December 1825.
Letter from John N. Moore, presenting a book of original letters from Dr. Maskelyne, and the Reverend M. Hitchins to Joshua Moore, dated between the years 1788 and 1793. Dated 20 December 1825. Read and thanks of the Institute given 31 December 1825.
Letter from Richard Rush acknowledging the receipt of a letter, notifying him of his election as a resident member of the Columbian Institute, dated 19 December 1825. Read 24 December 1825.
Letter from Dr. Tobias Watkins presenting 107 coins of various dates. Dated [and read] 17 December 1825.
Letter from George Watterson, relative to drawing the Botanic garden. Dated 28 November 1825. Read 3 December 1825. Abstract recorded, Vol 1. Page 181-182.
Letter from Edward Cutbush to Asbury Dickins [sic], stating that the president of the Institute declines to deliver an address at the next anniversary of the Institute. Dated [and read] 12 November 1825.
Letter from Jeremy Robinson, acknowledging the receipt of a letter, notifying him of his election as a corresponding member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 29 October 1825. Read 12 November 1825.
Letter from Edward Everett, acknowledging the receipt of a letter notifying him of his election as a correspondng member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 22 October 1825.
Letter from Benjamin L. Lear, resigning his membership in the Columbian Institute. Dated 30 September 1825. Read 1 October 1825.
Letter from John A. Brereton, stating reasons for withdrawing from the Columbian Institute. Dated 29 September 1825. Read 1 October 1825.
Envelope from Rebello
Letter from J. Silvestre Rebello, stating that the Emperor of Brazil has permitted him to accept the appointment of corresponding member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 28 September 1825. Read 1 October 1825.

Box 1A

Folder 5

Box 1A of 5
Letter from Samuel Southard, acknowleding the receipt of a letter notifying him of his election as a resident member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 9 August 1825. Read 3 September 1825.
Rough draft of a letter from the Secretary of the Columbian Institute to John A. Brereton, Overton Carr, Edmund Saw, Benjamin L Lear, George W. May, George E. Ironside. Dated 11 August 1825. See Statement C. Record Book, Vol. 1, pages 175, 179.
Copy of a letter from William Lambert to Asbury Dickens regarding sundry calculations. Dated 27 May 1825.
Letter from Jeremy Robinson, desiring to be proposed as a corresponding member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 2 April 1825.
Letter from J. Elgar to A. Dickins [sic]. Read 2 April 1825 and informed to the Board of Administration, with instructions to do what they may deem proper in the matter. Read in the Board of Administration 6 April 1825 and acted upon.
Letter from William W. Seaton to A. Dickins, enclosing 20 dollars, received from Mr. Harvey and W. Eddy, corresponding members of the Institute. Dated 1 March 1825. 6 April 1825 - paid to the Treasurer.
Letter from J. Silvestre Rebello, acknowledging the receipt of a letter, notifying him of his election as a corresponding member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 18 January 1825. Presented and read 2 April 1825.
Letter from P. Obregon to A. Dickins, acknowleding the receipt of a letter notifying him of his election as a corresponding member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 9 February 1825 and read 2 April 1825.
Letter from A. H. Everitt, acknowledging the receipt of a letter, notifying him of his election as a corresponding member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 8 January 1825 and read 2 April 1825.
Letter from J. Silvestre Rebello presenting specimens of minerals. Dated 29 November 1824. Presented and read 5 December 1824, thanks of the Institute for the donation.
Letter from J. Elgar, to the President of the Columbian Institute, stating that the room in the Capitol appropriated by Congress for the use of the Institute is now filled up. Dated 20 November 1824.
Letter from J. Cox Barnett, to John Q. Adams [sic], acknowledging the receipt of a letter from A. Dickins notifying home of his election as a corresponding member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 10 July 1824. Presented [and read] 5 December 1824.
Unsigned letter advising the removal of the books, and other property of the Columbian Institute, to room No. 44, in the Capital prior to the next slated meeting of the Institute. Dated June 1 1824. Note: In Mr. Shefford's opinion the handwriting is that of John Quincy Adams, then Secretary of State.
Letter from Jose Silvestre Rebello on behalf of Leandro de Sacramento of Rio Janeiro regarding the exchange of seeds between the two countries, presented 1 May 1824. Presented to the Columbian Institute on the 1 May 1824 and referred to the Botanical committee. An English translation of the letter appears on page 3.
Letter from Hersant, presenting seeds, etc to the Columbian Institute. Dated 23 January 1824. Presented and read 6 March 1824.
Letter from the Marquis La Fayette [sic] acknowledging the receipt of a letter notifying him of his election as a member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 5 January 1824 and read 2 April 1825.
Form of a letter of the Secretary, notifying members (resident, corresponding, etc) of their election. Dated 1 January 1824.
Letter from Nathaniel Cutting, resigning his membership in the Columbian Institute. Dated 22 July 1823.

Folder 6

Box 1A of 5
Letter from William W. Tuckfield to Ann Lawton conveyance of title to land, etc. Accompanying a report of Capt. T. Randall, a committee to ascertain the lawful owner of the buiding in the Botanical Garden. Dated 7 June 1823.
Letter from Thomas Munroe to Mountjoy Bayley, Lease etc. Accompanying the report made by T Randall, 7 June 1823. (Thomas Munroe to Mountjoy Bayley. Received the 2nd day of September 1813 to be recorded and the same day --- recorded in Siber NH Vol 31 folios 192, 193, and 194 one of the same ------- County in the District of Columbia and examined by William Brent.)
Letter from Jeremiah Elkins to A. Dickins, presenting a box of minerals. Dated 22 May 1823. 7 June 1823, thanks of the Institution given.
Note that accompanied one box of minerals that was to be sent to Asbury Dickins. From New York. Dated 2 April 1823.
Letter from H. Meigs to the Secretary of the Columbian Institute relative to a box of minerals. Dated March 7 1823. Communicated [and read] 5 April 1823.
Letter from Asbury Dickens to William Elliot, enclosed are the minutes of June late and your own note of the meeting in July. Undated.
Letter from William Elliot, Treasurer, regarding Bills to be collected by John Hughes for the Columbian Institute. Dated 1 June 1835.
Letter from B Washington to the President of the Columbian Institute, resigning his office as Treasurer and requesting his accounts be examined. Dated 28 May 1832.
Letter from J. Silvestre Rebello to Asbury Dickens regarding a donation of a box of mineral specimens, Dated 4 November 1831, read 9 April 1832.
Letter from William Tell Poussin regarding the presentation, on behalf of General Bernard, a work on chymistry by A. F. Foureroy, M.D. and professor of chymistry [sic]. Dated 14 July 1831 and presented 3 August? 1831.
Note from Eugene Vail regarding the receipt from the Secretary of the Columbian Institute of a memoir, and his promise to return it to the Institute's files. Dated 6 June 1831.
Letter from Nathaniel P. Poor, for himself, William Green, and Company, the proprietors and publishers of the American Journal of Improvements in the Useful Arts, and Mirror of the Patent Office, to the members of the Columbian Institute, requesting that they contribute articles for the publication, dated 2 May 1831 and read 6 June 1831.
Letter from William W. Seaton to Asbury Dickens, Secretary of the Columbian Institute, enclosing a letter from W. d'Azambya, and apologizing for missing the last meeting, dated April 9, 1831.
Letter from W. d'Azambya regarding the delivery of two bags of Portuguese wheat grains, dated 3 April 1831, read 6 June 1831.
Letter from Louis de Rochelle to the Gentlemen and Members of the Columbian Institute, regarding the offer of help from the French Geographic Society. Dated 21 March 1831. Read 6 June 1831.

Folder 7

Box 1A of 5
Letter from N.Webster to Asbury Dickens regarding his election as a coresponding member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 8 January 1831. Presented 7 February 1831.
Letter from Louis de Rochelle to Asbury Dickens, January 6, 1831. Presented February 7, 1831.
Letter from William Seaton stating his inability to attend the meeting of the Columbian Institute, September 6, 1830.
Letter from A. Dubios regarding not being able to attend an upcoming meeting and the plans for the botanical garden. Dated 6 September 1830.
Letter from Francis Barnes to the Columbian Institute proposing a lease for the upkeep and maintenance of the botanical garden, which will contribute to the civilizing of Washington. Dated 29 July 1830.
Letter from William Elliot to Asbury Dickens regarding the letting out of the botanical garden as a pleasure garden to a private individual from New York. Dated 6 August 1830.
Letter from Gales & Seaton to Dr. B. Washington regarding dues to the Columbian Institute. Dated 3 July 1830.
Mr. Bulfinch requests Mr.Dickens to deliver to the care of Nr. Nott copies of eulogies and discourse. Dated 2 June 1828.
Letter from Levi C. Bootes on behalf of Gales & Seaton inclosing [sic] an additional account against the Columbian Institute, from the 8th August 1816, to 3 July 1820. Letter dated 17 May 1828, rendered May 20, 1828.
Letter from William Lambert to the Columbian Institute, on the establishment of a National Observatory at the seat of government of the United States. Dated 3 December 1827. Referred to the mathematical class. Vol. 1, page 275.
J.Trumbull's letter of acknowledgement for his admission as a corresponding member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 5 November 1827. Read 5 November 1827.
Letter from Col. Isaac Roberdrau, to the committee appointed on a letter from the committee of the public buildings. Dated 8 October 1827. Accompanying a report of the committee, made 5 November, 1827. Vol.1 pages 273-274.
Letter from Thomas Law, suggesting that some marked attention should be paid to the memory of Robert Little, deceased. Dated 13 August 1827. Read and ordered to the table, 13 August 1827.
Note from John P. Ingle to William Elliot. Dated 19 June 1827. Accompanying a report of a committee [made] 5 Novmeber 1827.
Letter from J. Elgar, Commissioner of the public buildings. Dated 9 June 1827. Read 2 July 1827. Referred to a select committee who will inquire with all the matter connected therewithin, and report to the Institute at the next meeting. The committee consists of Mr. Elliott, Mr. Lambert, Mr. Hale. July 2, 1827. 5 November 1827, report made.
Letter from F. Hall to Robert Little, Secretary of the Columbian Institute, regarding his appointment as a corresponding member of the Columbian Institute. Dated 27 May 1827. Present [sic] 4 June 1827.

Series 3

PAPERS SUBMITTED TO THE INSTITUTE

The reports listed are a selection of reports included in this series.

Box 1A

Folders 8-9 Papers submitted to the Institute, 1791-1816, 1818, 1821, 1825-1828, 1830, 1834-1835, 1837, 1840, and undated, arranged chronologically, loose; concerning topics in natural history, astronomy, and mathematics. Some oversize materials are in Box 4. Papers include:

Box 1A of 5
William Elliot, "Memoir by Wm. Elliot of Washington on a New Method of Calculation, by means of printed Rods," March 31, 1821.
William Lambert, ["... a method to find the ratio of the Earth's equatorial and polar diameters, by having the measure of a degree in two latitudes"], August 3, 1825.
Thomas Law, ["... suggestions relating to enclosure of the Mall.."], January 14, 1826.
Dr. Henry Huntt, "Observations on a change of Climate in Pulmonary Consumption, Read before the Columbian Institute February 11th 1826."
William Lambert, "... calculations relating to the ratio of the equatorial diameter to the polar axis of the Earth etc.," April 29, 1826.
William Lambert, "Solar Eclipse of April 3d, 1791," October 17 and 27, 1826.
William Lambert, "To find the Moon's true longitude, latitude, right ascension, and declination by the method of interpolation from successive differences...," November 25 and December 9, 1826.
William Lambert, "Principal Appearances of the Solar Eclipse which happened on the 16th of June, 1806," April 7, 1827.
William Lambert, "On the ratio of the diameter to the circumference of a circle," April 7, 1827.
William Lambert, "To find the latitude of a place, and the correct apparent time...," April 7, 1827.
William Lambert, "Rules and processes to determine the latitude of a place...," April 7, 1827.
William Lambert, "Calculations of the ratio of the equatorial diameter to the polar axis of the Earth...," October 1, 1827.
William Lambert, "To find the longitude of a place, by the Moon's altitude," March 14, 1828.
Thomas Law, ["A National Currency"], August 2, 1830.
Wm. Elliot, "On a Demonstrative Moral System...," February 3, 1834.
Wm. Elliot, "On the Unit of Measurement and Weight," March 10, 1835.
William Elliot, "To multiply numbers by Napier's Bones," n.d.
"On Comets," n.d.

Series 4

TREASURER'S RECORDS

Box 2

Fiscal records of the Institute, 1816-1837, arranged chronologically; accounts, receipts, disbursements, reports.

Box 2 of 5

Series 5

MISCELLANY

Box 2

Membership lists and records, circa 1816-1832

Box 2 of 5

Map of the Institute's plot for botanical garden on the Mall

Box 2 of 5

Other miscellaneous papers

Box 2 of 5

Samuel Harrison Smith, "Memoir of the Life, Character, and Writings of Thomas Jefferson...," Washington: S. A. Elliott, 1827

Box 2 of 5

Samuel Lewis Southard, "Anniversary Address Delivered Before the Columbian Institute, at Washington...," Washington: 1828.

Box 2 of 5

Papers presented to the Columbian Institute, 1791-1816

Box 2 of 5

Series 6

PAPERS OF FRANCOIS DE LAPORTE, COUNT CASTELNEAU DE LAPORTE

Box 3

Papers and, for the most part, correspondence of Francois de Laporte, French naturalist, in French and English, circa 1829-1833; unarranged, loose.

Box 3 of 5

Series 7

LARGE FORMAT MATERIALS

Box 4

Large format materials removed from Series 1 and 3.

Box 4 of 5

Series 8

CORRESPONDENCE OF THE COLUMBIAN INSTITUTE - ORIGINALS (NON-CIRCULATING)

Box 5

Original correspondence from Series 2.

Box 5 of 5

Top of Page

Using the Archives' Collections

The Smithsonian Institution Archives welcomes personal and educational use of its collections unless otherwise noted. Please cite the Smithsonian Institution Archives as the source of the content, and when possible, link to the Smithsonian Archives website (siarchives.si.edu). Please let us know how you are using our collections for your projects. For information on commercial licensing or other uses, visit Rights and Reproductions. More information available within the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use policy.