Smithson Artifacts Obtained from de la Batut

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Summary

At the request of the Smithsonian Institution, while on a visit to France, Mr. Thomas Donaldson calls on Mons. George Henry de la Batut, the half brother of Smithson's nephew. He procures the following articles: an engraved portrait of Hugh Percy, Duke of Northumberland, father of James Smithson, and Col. Henry Louis Dickinson; a silhoutte portrait of Henry James Dickinson, nephew and heir of Smithson; a paper in the handwriting of Smithson; an inventory of the personal effects of Smithson at the time of his death, made by the British consul at Genoa; an engraved visiting card for Henri de la Batut; and a copy in wax of the de la Batut family seal. De la Batut writes on Feb. 9, 1879 to complain that he wasn't thanked for the gifts and asks for them back or for payment. On April 2, 1879, Baird writes back to thank him and says a box of Smithsonian publications will be sent.

Subject

  • de la Batut, George Henry
  • Donaldson, Thomas
  • Dickinson, Henry Louis 1771-1820
  • Baird, Spencer Fullerton 1823-1887
  • Smithson, James 1765-1829
  • Smithson, Hugh, Sir 1715-1786

Category

Chronology of Smithsonian History

Notes

  • De la Batut writes on February 9, 1879, to complain that he was not thanked for the gifts and asks for them back or for payment. On April 2, 1879, Baird writes back to thank him and says a box of Smithsonian publications will be sent.
  • Annual Report of the Smithsonian Institution for the year 1878, p. 63
  • Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 7000, p. Box 3, Folder 7

Contact information

Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Institution Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu

Date

October, 1878

Topic

  • Smithson Bequest
  • Art
  • Accessions
  • Controversies
  • Secretaries
  • Gifts
  • Art objects

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