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^[[1884]]

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.

Washington, D.C., January 21, 1885.

The annual meeting of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution was held this day at half-past 10 o'clock, a.m.

Present: Hin. G. F. EDMUNDS, Hon. J. S. MORRILL, Hon. S. B. MAXEY, Hon. O. R. SINGLETON, Hon. W. L. WILSON, Hon. W. W. PHELPS, Rev. Dr. JOHN MACLEAN, Rev. Dr. NOAH PORTER, Dr. HENRY COPPÉE, Dr. JAMES C. WELLING, and the Secretary, Professor BAIRD.

Excuses for non-attendance were read from Chief-Justice Waite, Prof. Asa Gray, and Hon. N. P. Hill.

In the absence of the Chancellor, on the motion of Mr. Phelps, Dr. PORTER was called to the chair.

The journal of the Board was read and approved.

The Secretary stated that the Rev. Dr. NOAH PORTER had been re-elected a Regent for six years by the joint resolution of Congress, approved March 3, 1884.

The Secretary presented to the Board the following letter:

Prof. SPENCER F. BAIRD,
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution:

DEAR SIR: The state of my health renders it necessary to tender my resignation as a member of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

In signifying my resignation it is with no ordinary feelings I recall the years I have been connected with the Board and the distinguished men with whom it has been my privilege and honor to be associated. Not only the present members whom I so highly respect and esteem, but a long list of honored names of former members now deceased, recur to me, the last of which is that of Professor JOSEPH HENRY, and while JAMES SMITHSON will be known to the world and remembered as the founder of the Institution, JOSEPH HENRY will be regarded as having raised up by a signal Providence, the true interpreter of his will, the able organizer of the Institution, and wise controller of its finances.

May the Smithsonian Institution, so auspiciously established and extensively known, continue, under your wise administration, an establishment distinct and specific, for the "increase and diffusion of knowledge among men."

With great respect, your friend and servant,
PETER PARKER.
2 LAFAYETTE SQUARE,
Washington, D.C., April, 7, 1884.