Addressed severally to the Hon. ~Edward Everett~, of
Cambridge; ~Charles Folsom~, esq., Librarian of the Boston
Athenæum; ~Joseph G. Cogswell~, esq., Superintendent of
the Astor Library, New York; ~George Livermore~, esq., of
Boston; ~Samuel F. Haven~, esq., Librarian of the American
Antiquarian Society, and the Rev. ~Edward E. Hale~, of
Worcester.
~Smithsonian Institution~,
_August 16, 1850_.
~Dear Sir~: The Smithsonian Institution, desirous of facilitating
research in literature and science, and of thus aiding in the
increase and diffusion of knowledge, has resolved to form a general
catalogue of the various libraries in the United States, and I submit
to you for examination the plans proposed by Professor Jewett,
librarian of the Institution, for accomplishing this object.
1st. A plan for stereotyping catalogues of libraries by separate
titles, in a uniform style.
2d. A set of general rules, to be recommended for adoption by the
different libraries of the United States, in the preparation of their
catalogues.
Professor Jewett will present to you his plans in person, and I beg
leave, in behalf of the Executive Committee of the Institution, to
request that you will give this subject that attention which its
importance demands, and report:
First. On the practicability of the plan presented.
Second. On the propriety of adopting the rules proposed.
You will also confer a favor on the Institution, by giving any
suggestions with regard to the general proposition of forming a
catalogue of all the libraries in this country.
I remain respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOSEPH HENRY,
_Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution_.