Jul
28

Today in Smithsonian History: July 28, 1835

Full text of the two page, double-sided handwritten draft of James Smithson's will, believed to be in his own handwriting, in which he specifies his bequest to the United States. This handwritten draft of Smithson's will was acquired by the Smithsonian Institution in 1878 from George Henry de la Batut of France.

Full text of the two page, double-sided handwritten draft of James Smithson’s will, believed to be in his own handwriting, in which he specifies his bequest to the United States. This handwritten draft of Smithson’s will was acquired by the Smithsonian Institution in 1878 from George Henry de la Batut of France.

July 28, 1835  Aaron Vail, Charge d’Affaires of the United States in London, writes to Secretary of State John Forsyth to inform him that an Englishman named James Smithson has left a bequest to the people of the United States to found in Washington an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge. Vail was notified by Smithson’s solicitors, Messrs. Clarke, Fynmore & Fladgate.

Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution Archives

Related posts:

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 Heart-shaped CookiesBlack Family History Composite photo of 13 secretaries plus blankWhat it takes to lead the Smithsonian

Posted: 28 July 2019
About the Author:

The Torch relies on contributions from the entire Smithsonian community.