Legislation for Smithson Bequest Enacted

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Summary

Senator Benjamin W. Leigh of Virginia makes a report to the United States Congress, accompanied by a joint resolution, to authorize and enable the President to assert and prosecute with effect the claim of the United States to the legacy bequeathed to them by James Smithson. This begins the process of pushing legislation to accept the bequest.

Subject

  • Leigh, Benjamin Watkins 1781-1849
  • Smithson, James 1765-1829
  • United States President
  • United States Congress

Category

Chronology of Smithsonian History

Notes

Rhees, William Jones. The Smithsonian Institution: Documents Relative to Its Origin and History: 1835-1899, Vol. 1, 1835-1887. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1901., p. 125-135

Contact information

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

Date

January 5, 1836

Topic

  • Smithson Bequest
  • Actions and defenses
  • Act to establish the "Smithsonian Institution," for the Increase and Diffusion of Knowledge Among Men

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