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(Feb. 6. 1822)

To the Senate & Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled, the memorial of the Columbian Institute respectfully represents. 

That while they feel truly sensible of the obligations they have already experienced from [[insert]]the[[/insert]] Congress, in fostering this Institution, intended solely for the promotion of Science [[insert]]& useful knowledge,[[/insert]] they consider it as a duty to state that they once entertained hopes that they might with propriety have solicited permission to endeavour to derive some pecuniary aid for carrying into effect the plans which had received the sanction of the enlightened Bodies whom they have now the honor to address, [by the establishment of a Lottery; but when they were contemplating the probable success of such an application, some Doubts were [[strikethough]]suggested[[/strikethrough]] entertained of the propriety of the measure, & they declined it; preferring a resort to any mode deemed less exceptionable of forwarding this national object]; and they cannot conceive any [[insert]]mode which[[/insert]] promises such freedom from objection as the one they have now the honor of respectfully submitting. [[drawn line]] 

Their efforts have been hitherto very much confined by the want of those pecuniary resources, which in the infancy of the Society are absolutely necessary; for every expense in enclosing and preparing the Ground, with the incidental expenses of the meetings of the Society, from time to time, have been defrayed by the private resources of the resident members: [[drawn line]] but when the Society contemplate the erection of a convenient Building for their Sittings, & for the reception of