Stories from the Smithsonian

Get to know the people who have shaped the Smithsonian since its founding in 1846, through their letters, diaries, oral histories, and photographs.

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Letter from Levi Woodbury to Nathan Mayer Rothschild, July 18, 1836

Letter from Levi Woodbury to Nathan Mayer Rothschild, July 18, 1836
Sir, 
The acting Treasurer of the United States has been instructed to transmit to you the accompanying bill of Exchange, the proceeds of which are to be placed to the credit of the United States on account of the following appropriations -- 
"For outfits of Chargés d'Affaires to Mexico, Prussia, & Peru4.500"
"For outfit of a Chargé d'Affaires to Russia4.500"

"To enable the President to assert and prosecute with effect the claims of the United States to the legacy bequeathed to them by James Smithson late of London deceased, to found at Washington under the name of the Smithsonian Institution an establishment for the increase & diffusion of knowledge among men . . .

 

 

10,000"
 £3967.10.5=$19,000"
I have the honor Dear Sir 
very respectfully, 
your obedient Servant 
Levi Woodbury 
Secretary of the Treasury 
N.M. Rothschild Esqr 
Banker of the United States 
London