Jul
17

Today in Smithsonian History: July 17, 1838

Richard Rush, painted by Thomas Waterman Wood, 1856. (Photo courtesy National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian Institution Archives)

July 17, 1838  Lawyer and diplomat Richard Rush (1780-1859) sails from London on July 17, 1838, on the packet ship Mediator, bound for New York City. He is transporting the proceeds of James Smithson’s estate, which he has converted into more than $500,000 in gold sovereigns–almost $12 million today–along with Smithson’s personal effects, including his library, mineral collection and scientific notes.

Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution Archives

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Posted: 17 July 2019
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