Publication InformationNo. 810 Smithsonian Institution,Washington, D.C. July 17 1858

My Dear Mr. Marsh.

Prof. Henry just returned from NewYork tells me that the Anglosaxon Dictionary had been taken from the Library by a man named Featherstonhaugh and afterwards sold by him in New York. Prof. Henry had much correspondence on the subject and tried to get damages out of the fellow but in vain. He was not aware till I told him that the book belonged to you and is still more vexed at the man who "done it."

Mary is quite smart again. I enjoy my general good health: have as I told you printed 650 pp. of my bird report, and have not nearly finished. With love to Mrs M. I am

Sincerely yoursS. F. Baird

Hon. Geo. P Marsh
Burlington

References in this letter:

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.

Joseph Bosworth, A Dictionary of the Anglo-Saxon Language. London: Longman etal, 1838.