Letter from SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD to GEORGE PERKINS MARSH, dated August 27, 1877.
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Dear Mr Marsh.
I have just had from Washington, your letter, official & confidential, of the 1 of August, addressed to Prof. Henry. It is certainly a matter of not the least earthly consequence to us, that the Italian government does not choose to receive the privileges offered, of an exchange of publications, with so great an advantage on their part. They will certainly miss it; but that is their look out. Of course the few casual publications sent by her representative, will answer a certain purpose; but he does not get one half, or one-fourth of the important scientific publications of our government, especially those published by & for the Departments, not as Congressional orders.
I have been here a little over a week, in attendance upon the Joint
Fishery Convention in session, to determine the value to the United States
of the privileges of free fishing on the Dominion Shores, having Mary & Lucy
with me, & enjoying the occasion very much. We are receiving
a great deal of
attention in the way of calls, invitations to dinner, etc., & I have with me
the U.S. Steamer Speedwell, in the service of the Fish Commission, with which we
hope to make some interesting scientific discoveries.
Sincerely Yours,S. F. BairdHon. George P. MarshU.S. Minister,Rome,Italy.
Last Municipal Bulletin received. Much obliged for Lucy
References in this letter:
The international exhibition to celebrate the centennial of American independence was held in Philadelphia. Many items displayed in the exhibits were brought back to Washington, significantly increasing Smithsonian holdings.
Trained as a physicist, Joseph Henry (1797-1878) was professor of natural philosophy at Princeton University where he conducted original research on electricity and magnetism. When the Smithsonian Institution was created, he was chosen as its first Secretary. From 1846 to 1878 Henry established basic policies and defined the scope of the Smithsonian's activities.
A meeting of representatives of Canada and the United States met in Halifax in 1877 to negotiate a series of agreement regarding fishing rights.