May
09

May 9, 1838

The_Court_of_Chancery_dur

The English Court of Chancery suit pertaining to the bequest of James Smithson is decided in favor of the United States. In 1836, President Andrew Jackson sent Richard Rush to England as Commissioner to secure Smithson’s legacy for the United States. Rush was successful in this undertaking, bringing to this country the sum of $508,318.46, which was  eventually used to establish the Smithsonian Institution. Rush later became one of the first Regents of the Institution.

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Posted: 9 May 2010
About the Author:

Alex di Giovanni is primarily responsible for "other duties as assigned" in the Office of Communications and External Affairs. She has been with the Smithsonian since 2006 and plans to be interred in the Smithson crypt.