National Intelligencer
Feb. 17, 1836, p. 2
We have obtained room in our paper today, for the interesting Report made by Mr. JOHN Q. ADAMS, from the Select Committee of the House of Representatives, on the subject of the Smithsonian Bequest, in which subject we hope there are very few of our readers who do not feel an interest.
SMITHSONIAN BEQUEST
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DEC. 21, 1835.
The message of the President of the United States, in relation to the bequest of James Smithson, of London, for founding at Washington an "institution for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men," was referred to a select committee; and
Mr. John Quincy Adams, of Massachusetts, Mr. Thomas, of Maryland, Mr. Garland, of Virginia, Mr. Pearce, of Rhode Island, Mr. Speight, of North Carolina, Mr. McKennan, of Pennsylvania, Mr. Hannegan, of Indiana, Mr. Garland, of Louisiana, and Mr. Chapin, of New York, were appointed the said committee.
JANUARY 14, 1836.
MR. ADAMS, from the Select Committee on the message of the President relating to the bequest of James Smithson, made the following Report:
The Select Committee, to which was referred the message of the President of the United States, of the 17th of December last, with documents relating to the bequest of James Smithson, of London, to the United States of America, for the purpose of founding, at Washington, an establishment, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men, respectfully report:
That, from the papers transmitted to Congress with the message of the President, it appears that James Smithson, a foreigner, of noble family and of affluent fortune, did, by his last will and testament, made in the year 1826, bequeath, under certain contingencies, which have since been realized, and with certain exceptions, for which provision was made by the same will, the whole of his property, of an amount exceeding four hundred thousand dollars; to the United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.