May
09

Today in Smithsonian History: May 9, 1838

Engraving of Richard Rush, ca. 1830 by unknown.

Engraving of Richard Rush, ca. 1830 by unknown.

May 9, 1838 Richard Rush (1780-1859), lawyer and diplomat, served as United States Special Agent to acquire James Smithson’s bequest for the United States by prosecuting the suit in the British Court of Chancery. The suit is decided in favor of the United States on May 9, 1838.

Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution Archives

Related posts:

Banner for 2001 Annual Report featuring haiku on blu backgroundThe Smithsonian’s 2021 Annual Report Still image from Flag Day videoA magical Flag Day celebration at American History America’s earliest colonists may have taken their secrets to the grave, but that doesn’t mean they’ll remain there cropped closed up of underwater vehicleWe live in the future

Posted: 9 May 2019
About the Author:

The Torch relies on contributions from the entire Smithsonian community.