Name/Title
Congressional Correspondence on The Birds of America and Quadrupeds of North AmericaEntry/Object ID
JJA.1938.571Description
This is a letter from the Speaker of the House of Representatives to the Secretary of State suggesting that copies of "The Birds of America" and "Quadrupeds of North America" be offered as official gifts to foreign dignitaries. Transcription is as follows:
"34th. Congress 1st Session
House of Representatives
(Ex. Doc. No. 68)
Birds and Quadrupeds of North America, etc. Letter from The Secretary of State, Transmitting A copy of letter from Mr. V. G. Audubon in relation to certain works on Birds and Quadrupeds of America, etc. March 26, 1856 - Referred to the Committee on the Library, and ordered to be printed. Department of State, Washington, March 25, 1856
Sir, I enclose a copy of a letter addressed to me by Mr. V. G. Audubon, with the remark that it often happens that foreign governments present to that of the United States valuable works, and it is desirable to have similar works to offer in return thereof. "The Birds of America" and "The Quadrupeds of North America" would be very proper books for that purpose. I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, W. L. Maracy, Hon. N. P. Banks, Jr. Speaker of the House of Representatives
Washington City
March 21, 1856
Sir,
Having completed octavo editions of the two works called the "Birds of America" by J. J. Audubon, and "The Quadrupeds of North America", by J. J. Audubon and the Rev. John Bachman, - the former in seven, and the latter in three volumes, I respectfully submit them to your inspection, in the hope that you will find these works worthy of a recommendation by you to the Committees on the Library (or on Printing) in Congress, with a view to such action being had as to authorize the State Department to order a certain number of copies of these works from me - say as many as you may deem advisable, for the purpose of making some return to foreign powers which have given presents to our government, as evidence of their desire to cultivate the friendship of the United States. Allow me, sir, to add, that the plates of the large editions of these works have been injured so much that no more copies can be produced from them, and that the number of impressions of the octavo editions is limited. In case of your approval of the above works, I most respectfully ask of you to accede to the foregoing request, and assure you, sir, that I shall always remain, Your obliged and most obedient servant,
V. G. Audubon
Hon. W. L. Marcy, Secretary of State of the United States, etc. etc. "Collection
L. S. Tyler CollectionLexicon
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