Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1855-12-01

s9 Mr.. S. G. Rathburn, the St. Paul and
Dunleith stage Agent, has his office at the
American House, St. Anthony.st., and appears
to be very accommodating, obIiging young
man. Call on him.
Meeting Of the Minnesota Historical Society,"
eches-DepOsiis-Presents,& &c.
On Tuesday evening large number of our
most influential and intelligent citizens conven-
ed at the Society's room at the Capitol, to make
arrangements for course of Lectures the
present winter, and to suggest plans to aid the
Association in its progress. Rev. f. d. Neil,
the Secretary, called the meeting to order, and
in the absence of the President Judge Cooper
was appointed to fill his place.
On motion, Theodore French was elected asst.
Secretary. Two Committees had been ap-
pointed, from whom reports were expected
Col. Robertson, Chairman of the Business
Committee, made verbal report on progress.
He stated that some time ago, several gentle
men interested in this enterprise, desired TO
give the Society local habitation as we'll as
name land to do this, it was necessary
to purchase property, and the institution would
soon become one of the most respectable in the
world. The object in view was to procure two
lots upon which to build an edifce. These
lots had been selected and secured. They are
opposite the Capitol Square, corner of Tenth
and Wabashaw streets, in the heart of our city.
The price was $500, and it was expected to
raise that sum by life membership. each MEM
Der paying $25. The first payment of $500
had been raised and paid. The balance,
$1,000, will be due on the first day of Feb
ruary, and he entertained no doubt but the mo-.
ney would be forthcoming.
A letter was read from the Treasurer of the
Society, J. Wesley Bond, informing the menu
bers that Luther B. Guernsey, ESQ.,, of Phila-
delphia, would lecture before the Association
on Don Quixotte.
1t was moved that committee of five be ap-
pointed to procure lecturers. The motion was
amended so as to read
That committee of five be appointed by
the chair to make arrangements for course of
lectures before this Society this winter. Mo-
ton carried and the following gentlemen APP
pointed: d. A. Robertson, Parker Paine,
William Hollinshead, M. f. rAmes, J. p.
Owens. as u-33 PSI Hf
The Treasurer's report was read showing
that the expense Of fitting up the room had
been liquidated, and that the Society was clear
from debt, aside from the purchase of the lots.
By the addition Of one hundred paying men,
bers, he thought that should the officers think
it necessary to incur any further incidental ex-
penses, they could be met.
Rev. E. d. Neill stated that he had been in
correspondence with the Marine Dept at Paris.
1t had been asserted that the first manuscript
ever written on thu Mississippi, was in the
hands of General Cass. A member of the
Minnesota Society had discovered that an old
er manuscript existed in Paris, and the speaker
had written to procure it-had been successful,
and it was now before the members. 1t was
dated 1902. The Paris Society desired that it
should not be published in the French language,
as written. verbatim ct literatim.
The speaker had been informed that there
were several members present who had valua-
bic prints and books to present to the Society.
He hoped they would produce them, accompa-
MED with statements Of their merits. He had
deposited with the Society the original portrait
Of WASHINGTON, taken in Philadelphia during
ID Z
portrait is an original letter, written by WASH
INeroN the third day after the battle of Will
mington. The British had possession of the
town and WAsHIxcToN desired to know If it
would be prudent to attempt re-capture. The
letter exhibits the characteristics Of the great
man, and as it had never been published, it is
valuable as relic of the past.
Col. Robertson remarked, that it was expec-
ted to make the institution interesting and in
structive by these donations, deposits, &c., and
after while requests would be left it, for
many leaving this world would be glad to
leave something behind them as mementoes Of
their appreciation of such institutions, and the
pleasure they experienced while porting over its
archives. Looking about him and noting the
responsibility and intelligence of the audience,
he felt sure that the institution would become
known in all parts Of the world. TWAS already
known in Berlin, Copenhagen, and other re-
mote places, and was looked upon with IA
vorable eye by the greatest institutions of Eu-
rope. He had in his hands copies of the his
tory Of the Society in Copenhagen, which were
printed in Danish and other languages, and
when so much could be accomplished by that
little State, how much more could be accom-
plished BY Minnesota, which, to-day would sell
under the hammer for a much greater sum-
The speaker had made the Acquaintance Of
Mr.. Kohl, a foreign gentleman of erudition and
scientific attainments, who inquired for the
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