In Smithson's will, he stated that should his nephew, Henry James Hungerford, die without heirs, the Smithson estate would go to the government of the United States for creating an "Establishment for the increase & diffusion of Knowledge among men".
He stated in his will that should his nephew, Henry James Hungerford, die without children, the Smithson estate would go to the government of the United States.  He wanted it used as an "Establishment for the increase & diffusion of Knowledge among men".