Poinsett, Joel Roberts (1779-1851) [Circular letter announcing the establishment of Smithsonian Institution]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00573 Author/Creator: Poinsett, Joel Roberts (1779-1851) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Printed document signed Date: 10 September 1840 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 26 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Sends a copy of the constitution and by-laws of the National Institution for the Promotion of Science (the Smithsonian). Requests information on geography, natural history, and ethnology from the unknown recipient's area of the United States. Specifically requests information on Native Americans in the area.
Poinsett was Secretary of War in the Cabinet of President Van Buren 1837-1841, and senior director of the Smithsonian Institution.
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