The Medallic History of the United States of America 1776-1876
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Title: The Medallic History of the United States of America 1776-1876
Author: J. F. Loubat
Illustrator: Jules-Ferdinand Jacquemart
Release date: June 20, 2007 [eBook #21880]
Most recently updated: December 21, 2009
Language: English
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THE
MEDALLIC HISTORY
OF
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
1776-1876.
BY
J. F. LOUBAT, LL.D.
MEMBER OF THE NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
KNIGHT COMMANDER OF ST. STANISLAUS OF RUSSIA.
KNIGHT OF THE FIRST CLASS OF THE CROWN AND OF
FREDERICK OF WÜRTTEMBERG.
KNIGHT OF THE LEGION OF HONOR OF FRANCE.
WITH 170 ETCHINGS BY JULES JACQUEMART.
_published by_
N. FLAYDERMAN & CO., INC.
New Milford, Connecticut, U.S.A.
Library of Congress Catalog Card No 67-28353
Printed & Bound in Norwalk, Connecticut
by T. O'Toole & Sons, Inc.
All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be
reproduced in any form without written permission
of the publisher.
N. FLAYDERMAN & CO., INC.
New Milford, Connecticut, U.S.A.
TO THE HONORABLE ELIHU B. WASHBURNE, (p. vi)
LATE ENVOY EXTRAORDINARY AND MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY
OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO FRANCE.
My Dear Sir:
Permit me to dedicate to you this work on our National Medals,
as a slight testimonial for your distinguished services during
your long official residence in Paris, and especially during
the siege of that city in 1870-1871, when you had under your
protection the subjects of fourteen governments besides your
own, and yet so discharged your delicate and responsible duties
as to win universal approbation.
Yours sincerely,
J. F. LOUBAT.
New-York, Union Club, _May_, _1878_.
INTRODUCTION. (p. vii)
Medals, by means of the engraver's art, perpetuate in a durable form
and within a small compass which the eye can embrace at a glance, not
only the features of eminent persons, but the dates, brief accounts,
and representations (direct or emblematical) of events; they rank,
therefore, among the most valuable records of the past, especially
when they recall men, deeds, or circumstances which have influenced
the life of nations. How much light has been furnished for the study
of history by the concise and faithful testimony of these silent
witnesses! The importance of medals is now universally acknowledged,
and in almost every country they are preserved with reverent care, and
made the subject of costly publications, illustrated by elaborate
engravings, with carefully prepared letter-press descriptions and
notes. Up to the present time no thorough work devoted to the medals
of the United States of America has been published. When I entered
upon the task, several years ago, of investigating their history (p. viii)
for the period embracing the first century of the Republic, I had
little conception of the difficulties to be encountered. The search
involved a very considerable expenditure of time and labor, but at
last I have the satisfaction of offering to the public the result of
my investigations, completed according to the original plan.
Although our political history measures but a hundred years, it
records so many memorable deeds, and the names of so many illustrious
citizens, that our medals form, even now, an historically valuable
collection, to say nothing of the great artistic merit of some of
them. During the War of Independence alone, how many exploits, how
many heroes do we find worthy of being thus honored! How numerous
would have been our medals if Congress had not been imbued with the
conviction that only the very highest achievements are entitled to
such a distinction, and that the value of a reward is enhanced by its
rarity! In voting those struck after the War of 1812-'15 with Great
Britain, and after that of 1846-'47 with Mexico, the same discretion
was shown. There was still greater necessity for reserve during the
late Civil War, and only two were presented during that painful
period: one to Ulysses S. Grant, then a major-general, for victories,
and another to Cornelius Vanderbilt, in acknowledgment of his free
gift of the steamship which bore his name.
Similar national rewards have been earned also by deeds which interest
humanity, science, or commerce; as, for instance, the laying of the
transatlantic telegraph cable, the expedition of Doctor Kane to the
Arctic Seas, and the beneficence of George Peabody. If to these are
added the Indian peace medals, bearing the effigies of our (p. ix)
successive Presidents, the various elements which compose the official
medals of the United States of America will have been enumerated.
As neither titles of nobility nor orders of knighthood exist in our
country, Congress can bestow no higher distinction on an American
citizen than to offer him the thanks of the nation, and to order that
a medal be struck in his honor. I cannot do better than to quote here
the words of General Winfield Scott, when he received from President
Monroe the medal voted to him for the battles of Chippewa and Niagara:
"With a deep sense of the additional obligation now contracted, I
accept at the hands of the venerable Chief Magistrate of the Union the
classic token of the highest reward a free man can receive: the
recorded approbation of his country."
Our medals number eighty-six in all, most of which were struck by
order of Congress in honor of citizens of the United States. Seventeen
belong to the period of the Revolution, twenty-seven to the War of
1812-'15, four to the Mexican War, and two to the Civil War. Only five
were voted to foreigners: one, in 1779, to Lieutenant-Colonel de
Fleury, a French gentleman in the Continental Army, for gallant
conduct at Stony Point; another, in 1858, to Dr. Frederick Rose, an
assistant-surgeon in the British Navy for kindness and humanity to
sick seamen on one of our men-of-war; and the others, in 1866, to three
foreign merchant captains, Messrs. Creighton, Low, and Stouffer, who,
in December, 1853, went to the aid of the steamer San Francisco, (p. x)
thereby "rescuing about five hundred Americans."
Seven of the eighty-six medals do not owe their origin to a
congressional vote: two which were struck in the United Netherlands
(1782), one to commemorate their acknowledgment of the United States
of America, and the other the treaty of amity and commerce between the
two countries; that known as Libertas Americana (1783); the two in
honor of Franklin (1784-1786); the Diplomatic medal (1790); and lastly
that struck in memory of the conclusion of the treaty of commerce
between the United States and France (1822). Although these cannot
properly be classed as official medals, their historic importance and
value as works of art entitle them to a place in our national
collection.
Nearly all of the early medals were executed by French engravers,
whose names alone are a warrant for the artistic merit of their work.
We are indebted to Augustin Dupré, who has been called the "great
Dupré" for the Daniel Morgan, the Nathaniel Greene, the John Paul
Jones, the Libertas Americana, the two Franklin, and the Diplomatic
medals; to Pierre Simon Duvivier for those of George Washington, de
Fleury, William Augustine Washington, and John Eager Howard; to
Nicolas Marie Gatteaux for those of Horatio Gates, Anthony Wayne, and
John Stewart; and to Bertrand Andrieu and Raymond Gayrard for the one
in commemoration of the signature of the treaty of commerce between
France and the United States.
Congress had not yet proclaimed the independence of the thirteen
United Colonies when, on March 25, 1776, it ordered that a gold (p. xi)
medal be struck and presented to "His Excellency, General Washington,"
for his "wise and spirited conduct in the siege and acquisition of
Boston." But this, although the first one voted, was not engraved
until after the de Fleury and the Libertas Americana pieces, both of
which were executed in Paris under the direction of Benjamin Franklin.
The following letter gives the date of the de Fleury medal:
To His Excellency
Mr. HUNTINGTON, Passy, March 4, 1780.
President of Congress.
Sir: Agreeably to the order of Congress, I have employed one of
the best artists here in cutting the dies for the medal intended
for M. de Fleury. The price of such work is beyond my
expectation, being a thousand livres for each die. I shall try if
it is not possible to have the others done cheaper.
- - - - -
With great respect I have the honour to be, Sir, your most
obedient and most humble servant,
B. FRANKLIN.
This medal was shown in the exhibition of the Royal Academy in Paris
in 1781. The Libertas Americana piece was struck in 1783.
Six of the earliest of the series were designed under the supervision
of Colonel David Humphreys, namely, those for Generals Washington,
Gates, Greene, and Morgan, and Lieutenant-Colonels Washington and
Howard. To insure a due observance of the laws of numismatics, and
that they might bear comparison with the best specimens of modern
times, Colonel Humphreys asked the aid of the French Academy of
Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres in the composition of the designs. (p. xii)
He explained his action in this respect to the President of Congress
in the following letter:
To His Excellency Paris, March 18, 1785.
THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Sir: Before I left America, I made application to the
Superintendent of Finances for the sword which Congress had been
pleased to order, by their resolution of the 17th of November,
1781, to be presented to me, in consequence of which Mr. Morris
informed me verbally that he would take the necessary
arrangements for procuring all the honourary presents which had
been directed to be given to different officers during the late
war, and requested that I would undertake to have them executed
in Europe. Some time after my arrival here, I received the
inclosed letter[1] from him, accompanied with a list of medals,
etc., and a description of those intended for General Morgan and
Colonels Washington and Howard.
Upon the receipt of these documents I did not delay to make the
proper inquiries from the characters who were the best skilled in
subjects of this nature, and after having spoken to some of the
first artists, I was advised to apply to the Abbé Barthélémy,
member of the academies of London, Madrid, Cortona, and
Hesse-Cassel, and actual keeper of the King's Cabinet of Medals
and Antiquities, at whose instance I wrote a letter to the Royal
Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres, of which a copy is
inclosed. Being informed at the same time that the description of
medals for General Morgan, etc., was not in the style and manner
such medals were usually executed, I took the liberty of
suspending the execution of them, until I could learn whether it
is the pleasure of Congress to have them performed _exactly_ in
the manner prescribed--which shall be done accordingly, in case I
should not be honoured with further instructions on the subject
before their approaching recess.
The medals voted for the capture of Stony Point have been, or I
believe may be, all struck from the die originally engraved to
furnish one of them for Colonel de Fleury.
As to the swords in question, it is proposed to have them all
constructed in precisely the same fashion, the hilt to be of
silver, round which a foliage of laurel to be enameled in (p. xiii)
gold in such a manner as to leave a medallion in the centre
sufficient to receive the arms of the United States on one side,
and on the reverse an inscription in English, "The United States
to Colonel Meigs, July 25, 1777," and the same for the others.
The whole ten, executed in this manner, may probably cost about
three hundred louis d'or, which is (as I have been informed) but
little more than was paid for the sword which some time since was
presented on the part of the United States to the Marquis de la
Fayette.
I have the honour to be, with the most perfect respect,
D. HUMPHREYS.
P.S. I forgot to mention that, in order to have the medals for
General Morgan, etc., executed in the manner originally proposed,
it will be necessary for me to have more particular information
of the numbers on both sides, of the killed, wounded, prisoners,
trophies, etc., which the enemy lost in the action of the
Cowpens.
[Footnote 1: I have not been able to find this
letter.]
The following is the letter to the Royal Academy of Inscriptions and
Belles-Lettres, referred to by Colonel Humphreys in the above:
Paris, March 14, 1785.
Mr. DACIER,
Perpetual Secretary of the Academy of Inscriptions
and Belles-Lettres, Rue Chabanais, Paris.
Sir: Having it in charge to procure the honourary presents which
(during the late war) have been voted by Congress to several
meritorious officers in their service, particularly three medals
in gold, one for General Washington, another for General Gates,
and a third for General Greene; and, being extremely desirous
that these medals should be executed in a manner grateful to the
illustrious personages for whom they are designed, worthy the
dignity of the sovereign power by whom they are presented, and
calculated to perpetuate the remembrance of those great events
which they are intended to consecrate to immortality, I therefore
take the liberty to address, through you, Sir, the Academy of
Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres, on the subject, and entreat that
this learned body will be pleased to honour me, as soon as (p. xiv)
may be convenient, with their advice and sentiments respecting
the devices and inscriptions proper for the before mentioned
medals. A memoir,[2] which has been left in the hands of M.
Barthélémy, one of their members, will give the necessary
information.
In addressing so respectable an assembly of _literati_ I do not
think myself permitted to enlarge on the importance of this
subject, because they must know, much better than I can inform
them, in how great a degree such monuments of public gratitude
are calculated to produce a laudable emulation, a genuine love of
liberty, and all the virtues of real patriotism, not only among
the innumerable generations who are yet to people the wastes of
America, but on the human character in general. Nor do I make
those apologies for the trouble I am now giving, which would be
requisite, did I not feel a conviction that whatever is
interesting to the national glory of America, to the good of
posterity, or to the happiness of the human race, cannot be
indifferent to a society composed of the most enlightened and
liberal characters in Europe, fostered by the royal protection of
a monarch whose name will forever be as dear to the United States
as it will be glorious in the annals of mankind.
Being so unfortunate as not to be able to write myself in French,
my intimate friend and brave companion in arms, M. le marquis de
la Fayette, has had the goodness to make a translation of this
letter into that language, which I inclose herewith.
I have the honour to be, with the most perfect respect, Sir, your
most obedient and most humble servant,
D. HUMPHREYS.
[Footnote 2: I have not been able to find any trace
of this memoir in the archives of the French
Academy.]
A letter written by Franklin, about the same time, to John Jay, then
Secretary for Foreign Affairs, is of much interest in this connection:
To the Honourable
John JAY, Passy, May 10, 1785.
Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
- - - - -
P.S. The striking of the medals being now in agitation here, I
send the inclosed for consideration.
_A thought concerning the Medals that are to be struck by (p. xv)
order of Congress._
The forming of dies in steel to strike medals or money, is
generally with the intention of making a great number of the same
form.
The engraving those dies in steel is, from the hardness of the
substance, very difficult and expensive, but, once engraved, the
great number to be easily produced afterward by stamping
justifies the expense, it being but small when divided among a
number.
Where only one medal of a kind is wanted, it seems an unthrifty
way to form dies for it in steel to strike the two sides of it,
the whole expense of the dies resting on that medal.
It was by this means that the medal voted by Congress for M. de
Fleury cost one hundred guineas, when an engraving of the same
figures and inscriptions might have been beautifully done on a
plate of silver of the same size for two guineas.
The ancients, when they ordained a medal to record the memory of
any laudable action, and do honour to the performer of that
action, struck a vast number and used them as money. By this
means the honour was extended through their own and neighbouring
nations, every man who received or paid a piece of such money was
reminded of the virtuous action, the person who performed it, and
the reward attending it, and the number gave such security to
this kind of monuments against perishing and being forgotten,
that some of each of them exist to this day, though more than two
thousand years old, and, being now copied in books by the arts of
engraving and painting, are not only exceedingly multiplied but
likely to remain some thousands of years longer.
The man who is honoured only by a single medal is obliged to show
it to enjoy the honour, which can be done only to a few and often
awkwardly. I therefore wish the medals of Congress were ordered
to be money, and so continued as to be convenient money, by being
in value aliquot parts of a dollar.
Copper coins are wanting in America for small change. We have
none but those of the King of England. After one silver or gold
medal is struck from the dies, for the person to be honoured,
they may be usefully employed in striking copper money, or in
some cases small silver.
The nominal value of the pieces might be a little more than the
real, to prevent their being melted down, but not so much more as
to be an encouragement of counterfeiting. I am, etc.,
B. FRANKLIN.
The Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres "entered on the (p. xvi)
discussion with the same alacrity as if the subject had been designed
to illustrate the actions of their compatriots, or to immortalize some
glorious events in the annals of their own nation."[3] Commissioners,
consisting of four of its members, were at once appointed to suggest
designs for the three medals asked for Generals Washington, Gates, and
Greene.[4]
[Footnote 3: See A, page xxxiv.]
[Footnote 4: See B, page xxxvi.]
Through the courtesy of M. Narcisse Dupré, son of Augustin Dupré, I am
enabled to give the contract between his father and Colonel Humphreys
for the engraving of the medal for General Greene:[5]
[Footnote 5: For the French original see C, page
xli.]
I, the undersigned, Augustin Dupré, engraver of medals and
medallist of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, bind
myself to Colonel Humphreys to engrave the medal representing the
portrait of General Greene. On the reverse, Victory treading
under her feet broken arms, with the legend and the exergue, and
I hold myself responsible for any breakage of the dies up to
twenty-four medals, and bind myself to furnish one at my own
expense (the diameter of the medal to be twenty-four _lignes_).
All on the following conditions: That for the two engraved dies
of the said medal shall be paid me the sum of two thousand four
hundred _livres_, on delivery of the two dies after the
twenty-four medals which the Colonel desires have been struck.
Done in duplicate between us, in Paris, this nineteenth of
November, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five (1785).
D. HUMPHREYS.
DUPRÉ.
On November 25th of the same year, M. Dacier, the perpetual secretary
of the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres, communicated another
letter from Colonel Humphreys, in which he requested the Academy to
compose designs for three more medals, which had been voted to
General Morgan and to Lieutenant-Colonels Washington and Howard. (p. xvii)
Commissioners were appointed and designs made for these also.[6]
[Footnote 6: See B, page xxxvi.]
Colonel Humphreys having returned to America before the medals were
finished, their superintendence was undertaken by Mr. Jefferson, as
will be seen from the following letter:
To the Honourable
John JAY, Paris, February 14, 1787.
Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
Sir: Mr. Morris, during his office, being authorized to have the
medals and swords executed, which had been ordered by Congress,
he authorized Colonel Humphreys to take measures here for the
execution. Colonel Humphreys did so, and the swords were finished
in time for him to carry them. The medals not being finished, he
desired me to attend to them. The workman who was to make that of
General Greene brought me yesterday the medal in gold,
twenty-three in copper, and the die. Mr. Short, during my
absence, will avail himself of the first occasion which shall
offer of forwarding the medals to you. I must beg leave, through
you, to ask the pleasure of Congress as to the number they would
choose to have struck. Perhaps they might be willing to deposit
one of each person in every college of the United States. Perhaps
they might choose to give a series of them to each of the crowned
heads of Europe, which would be an acceptable present to them.
They will be pleased to decide. In the meantime I have sealed up
the die, and shall retain it till I am honoured with their orders
as to this medal, and the others also, when they shall be
finished.
With great respect and esteem,
Th: JEFFERSON.
In another letter to Mr. Jay, dated Marseilles, May 4, 1787, Mr.
Jefferson again refers to this subject:
- - - - -
I am in hopes Mr. Short will be able to send you the medals of
General Gates by this packet. I await a general instruction as to
these medals. The academies of Europe will be much pleased to
receive a set.
- - - - -
Mr. Jefferson's communication of the 14th of February was (p. xviii)
brought to the notice of Congress by Mr. Jay, and was referred back to
him by Congress. The result was the following report:
OFFICE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS,
July 11, 1787.
The Secretary of the United States for the Department of Foreign
Affairs, to whom was referred a letter from the Honourable Mr.
Jefferson of the 14th of February last,
_Reports_, Your secretary presumes that the following paragraphs
in this letter occasion its being referred to him, viz.: "The
workman who was to make a medal of General Greene brought me
yesterday the medal in gold, twenty-three in copper, and the die.
I must beg leave, through you, to ask the pleasure of Congress as
to the number they would choose to have struck. Perhaps they
might be willing to deposit one of each person in every college
of the United States. Perhaps they might choose to give a series
of them to each of the crowned heads of Europe, which would be an
acceptable present to them. They will be pleased to decide. In
the meantime I have sealed up the die, and shall retain it till I
am honoured with their orders as to this medal, and the others
also, when they shall be finished."
As these medals were directed to be struck in order to signalize
and commemorate certain interesting events and conspicuous
characters, the distribution of them should in his opinion be
such as may best conduce to that end. He therefore thinks that
both of Mr. Jefferson's hints should be improved, to wit, that a
series of these medals should be presented to each of the crowned
heads in Europe, and that one of each set be deposited in each of
the American colleges. He presumes that Mr. Jefferson does not
mean that any should be presented to the King of Great Britain,
for it would not be delicate; nor that by crowned heads he meant
to exclude free states from the compliment, for to make
discriminations would give offense.
In the judgment of your secretary it would be proper to instruct
Mr. Jefferson to present in the name of the United States one
silver medal of each denomination to every monarch (except His
Britannic Majesty), and to every sovereign and independent state
without exception in Europe; and also to the Emperor of Morocco.
That he also be instructed to send fifteen silver medals of each
set to Congress, to be by them presented to the thirteen (p. xix)
United States respectively, and also to the Emperor of China with
an explanation and a letter, and one to General Washington.
That he also be instructed to present a copper medal of each
denomination to each of the most distinguished universities
(except the British) in Europe, and also to Count de Rochambeau,
to Count d'Estaing, and to Count de Grasse; and, lastly, that he
be instructed to send to Congress two hundred copper ones of each
set, together with the dies.
Your secretary thinks that of these it would be proper to present
one to each of the American colleges, one to the Marquis de la
Fayette, and one to each of the other major-generals who served
in the late American army; and that the residue with the dies be
deposited in the Secretary's Office of the United States, subject
to such future orders as Congress may think proper to make
respecting them.
It might be more magnificent to give gold medals to sovereigns,
silver ones to distinguished persons, and copper ones to the
colleges; but, in his opinion, the nature of the American
Governments, as well as the state of their finance, will
apologize for their declining the expense.
All which is submitted to the wisdom of Congress.
John JAY.
The records of the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres show
that in 1789, at the request of Mr. Jefferson, it also composed
designs for the medals awarded by Congress to General Wayne, Major
Stewart, and Captain John Paul Jones.[7] Mr. Jefferson had previously
had an interview with M. Augustin Dupré on the subject, as will be
seen by the following note, the original of which is in Mr.
Jefferson's handwriting:[8]
[Footnote 7: See D, page xli.]
[Footnote 8: For the French originals of this and
the following letter, see E, page xliv.]
To
M. DUPRÉ,
Engraver of Medals and Medallist of the
Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture.
Mr. Jefferson having received orders concerning medals to be
struck would like to talk about them with M. Dupré, if he will
please do him the honour to call on him to-morrow morning before
eleven o'clock.
Saturday, January 3, 1789.
In the following month, Mr. Jefferson again wrote to M. Dupré, (p. xx)
inclosing descriptions of the designs for the medals of General Morgan
and of Admiral Jones. The reader will note some slight differences
between these and those originally composed by the Academy of
Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres:
To
M. DUPRÉ,
Engraver of Medals and Medallist of the
Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture.
Mr. Jefferson has the honour to send to M. Dupré the devices for
the medals for General Morgan and Rear-Admiral Paul Jones, which
he has just received from the Academy of Belles-Lettres, and the
making of which he proposes to M. Dupré, the latter to be
responsible for the success of the dies up to the striking of
three hundred and fifty of each medal in gold, silver, or bronze,
and to furnish proofs in tin at the end of the month of March
next, so that the medals may all be struck before the 15th of
April. He begs him to kindly mention the conditions on which he
will undertake them, and Mr. Jefferson will have the honour to
reply on receipt of them.
February 13, 1789.
_Medal for General Morgan, of twenty-four lignes in diameter._
The general, at the head of his army, charges the enemy, which
takes to flight.
_Legend_: VICTORIA LIBERTATIS VINDEX.
_Exergue_: FUGATIS CAPTIS AUT CÆSIS AD COWPENS HOSTIBUS 17 Jan.
1781.
_Reverse_: America, recognizable by her shield, rests her left
hand upon a trophy of arms and of flags, and with her right
crowns the general, who bends before her.
_Legend_: DANIELI MORGAN DUCI EXERCITUS.
_Exergue_: COMITIA AMERICANA.
_Medal for Rear-Admiral John Paul Jones, of twenty-four (p. xxi)
lignes._
_Device_: His head (M. Houdon will furnish the bust in plaster).
_Legend_: JOANNI PAULO JONES CLASSIS PRÆFECTO.
_Exergue_: COMITIA AMERICANA.
_Reverse_: Naval Engagement.
_Legend_: HOSTIUM NAVIBUS CAPTIS AUT FUGATIS.
_Exergue_: AD ORAM SCOTIÆ 23 SEPT. 1779.
The following, from the same to the same, bearing date February 15,
1789, throws some light on the prices of the medals engraved by M.
Dupré:
To
M. DUPRÉ,
Engraver of Medals, Paris.
Mr. Jefferson has the honour to observe to M. Dupré that he pays
only twenty-four hundred _livres_ to M. Duvivier or to M.
Gatteaux for medals which measure twenty-four _lignes_, that he
paid the same sum to M. Dupré himself for that of General Greene,
and that recently M. Dupré asked no higher price for that of
General Morgan. Mr. Jefferson cannot, therefore, consent to give
more. For that sum he would expect to have the best work of M.
Dupré and not that of inferior artists. As regards time, perhaps
it may be possible to prolong it somewhat in regard to the medal
for Admiral Paul Jones, that officer being at present in Europe.
Mr. Jefferson will have the honour to await M. Dupré's answer,
and will be happy to conclude this arrangement with him.[9]
February 15, 1789.
[Footnote 9: For the French original see F, page
xlv.]
It is to be supposed that Dupré accepted these conditions, since he is
the engraver of the John Paul Jones medal, one of the finest specimens
in our collection. The Daniel Morgan piece is no less remarkable as an
effort of numismatic skill. The fight at the Cowpens, on the reverse,
is a striking example of the boldness with which Dupré enlarged (p. xxii)
the limits of his art, and, in defiance of all traditional rules,
successfully represented several planes in the background.
I cannot do better than to give the opinion, concerning this and the
other of Dupré's American medals, of M. Charles Blanc,[10] from whom I
quote freely in the following:
[Footnote 10: INSTITUT DE FRANCE--ACADÉMIE DES
BEAUX-ARTS _Notice sur la vie et les ouvrages
d'Augustin Dupré, Graveur-Général des Monnoies de
la République. Lue dans la séance trimestrielle des
cinq classes de l'Institut, le 26 Octobre, 1870,
par M. Charles Blanc_.]
The Morgan medal, says this eminent French critic, seems to vibrate
beneath the rush of cavalry and the tread of infantry flying in the
background, indicated by the almost imperceptible lines of the metal
where the smoke of the cannonade is vanishing away in air. In the
Libertas Americana medal, which recalls, if we except the evacuation
of Boston, the two most memorable events of the War of Independence,
namely, the capitulation of General Burgoyne, at Saratoga, in October,
1777, and that of General Lord Cornwallis, at Yorktown, in October,
1781, Dupré has represented the new-born Liberty, sprung from the
prairies without ancestry and without rulers, as a youthful virgin,
with disheveled hair and dauntless aspect, bearing across her shoulder
a pike, surmounted by the Phrygian cap. This great artist, in
consequence of his intimacy with Franklin, had conceived the greatest
enthusiasm for the cause of the United States. Franklin resided at
Passy, and Dupré at Auteuil. As they both went to Paris every day,
they met and made acquaintance on the road--an acquaintance which soon
ripened into friendship. Dupré first engraved Franklin's seal with the
motto, "_In simplici salus_," and afterward his portrait. This (p. xxiii)
portrait presents an _alto-rilievo_ which is well adapted for medals
only; it is conceived in the spirit of the French school, which has
always attached great importance to the truthful rendering of flesh.
The artist has indicated the flat parts, the relaxation of the
muscles, and, as it were, the quivering of the flesh, so as to convey
an exact idea of the age of the model. He has conscientiously
represented the lines which the finger of Time imprints on the
countenance, but, above all, he has given us with wonderful fidelity
the physiognomy of the American sage, his shrewd simplicity, his
sagacity, and his expression of serene uprightness. A Latin hexameter
from the pen of Turgot became the well-known legend of this medal:
"_Eripuit coelo fulmen, sceptrumque tyrannis._"
The four pieces executed by Duvivier are no less remarkable for beauty
and excellence of workmanship. They all figured at the exhibitions of
the members of the Royal Academy of Paris, that of the Chevalier de
Fleury, as mentioned before, in the exhibition of 1781, and those of
of General and of Lieutenant-Colonel Washington, and Lieutenant-Colonel
Howard, in that of 1789.[11]
[Footnote 11: See G, page xlv.]
In those by Gatteaux, the personification of America as an Indian
queen with an alligator at her feet is noteworthy.
With the exception of the Treaty of Commerce medal (1822), and perhaps
of that of Captain Truxtun, our medals after the War of Independence
were engraved and struck at home. Before that time, indeed, the one
voted in 1779 to Major Henry Lee had been made by John Wright, of
Philadelphia. From the close of the eighteenth century down to (p. xxiv)
1840 John Reich and subsequently Moritz Fürst were the engravers of
the national medals. Reich's works are valued; unfortunately they are
few in number. They consist of the medal voted in 1805 to Captain
Edward Preble for his naval operations against Tripoli, of another
voted in 1813 to Captain Isaac Hull for the capture of the British
frigate Guerrière, and of those of Presidents Jefferson and Madison.
That of President Jefferson especially deserves attention for its
beauty.
But little can be said in commendation of the works of Fürst, whose
numerous medals are very inferior to Reich's, and still less worthy of
being compared with those of the French engravers. While wishing to
avoid undue severity, I cannot but endorse the opinion of General
Scott, given in a communication addressed to the Honorable William L.
Marcy, Secretary of War, in regard to the medal voted to General
Zachary Taylor, for victories on the Rio Grande:
To the Honourable HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
William L. MARCY, Washington, July 25, 1846.
Secretary of War.
As medals are among the surest monuments of history, as well as
muniments of individual distinction, there should be given to
them, besides intrinsic value and durability of material, the
utmost grace of design, with the highest finish in mechanical
execution. All this is necessary to give the greater or
adventitious value; as in the present instance, the medal is to
be, at once, an historical record and a reward of distinguished
merit. The credit of the donor thus becomes even more than that
of the receiver interested in obtaining a perfect specimen in the
fine arts.
The within resolution prescribes _gold_ as the material of the
medal. The general form (circular) may be considered as equally
settled by our own practice, and that of most nations, ancient
and modern. There is, however, some little diversity in
_diameter_ and _thickness_ in the medals heretofore ordered (p. xxv)
by Congress, at different periods, as may be seen in the cabinets
of the War and Navy Departments. Diversity in dimensions is even
greater in other countries.
The specific character of the medal is shown by its two faces, or
the _face_ and the _reverse_. The within resolution directs
appropriate devices and inscriptions thereon.
For the _face_, a bust likeness is needed, to give, with the name
and the rank of the donee, _individuality_. To obtain the
likeness, a first-rate miniature painter should, of course, be
employed.
The _reverse_ receives the device, appropriate to the events
commemorated. To obtain this, it is suggested that the
resolutions and despatches, belonging to the subject, be
transmitted to a master in the art of design--say Prof. Weir, at
West Point--for a drawing--including, if practicable, this
inscription:
PALO ALTO;
RESACA DE LA PALMA:
MAY 8 AND 9, 1846.
A third artist--all to be well paid--is next to be employed--a
die-sinker. The mint of the United States will do the coinage.
Copies, in cheaper metal, of all our gold medals, should be given
to the libraries of the Federal and State Governments, to those
of the colleges, etc.
The medals voted by the Revolutionary Congress were
executed--designs and dies--under the superintendence of Mr.
Jefferson,[12] in Paris, about the year 1786. Those struck in
honour of victories, in our War of 1812, were all--at least so
far as it respected the land service--done at home, and not one
of them presented, I think, earlier than the end of Mr. Monroe's
administration (1825). The delay principally resulted from the
want of good die-sinkers. There was only one of mediocre merit
(and he a foreigner) found for the army. What the state of this
art may now be in the United States I know not. But I beg leave
again to suggest that the honour of the country requires that
medals, voted by Congress, should always exhibit the arts
involved, in their highest state of perfection _wherever_ found:
for letters, science, and the fine arts constitute but _one_
republic, embracing the world. So thought our early Government,
and Mr. Jefferson--a distinguished member of that general
republic.
All which is respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War.
[Footnote 12: This is an error. See page xi.]
Whatever may be the weight of General Scott's opinion on such a (p. xxvi)
subject, and whether or not it is important, as he insists, that
medals should possess high artistic value, in order that they may be
not only the rewards of merit and monuments of history, but also
favorable specimens of contemporary art, it must be acknowledged that
those struck since 1840 differ widely, in many respects, from those of
the preceding period. While the earlier works are of a pure and lofty
style, the later ones are not always in good taste. The former are
conceived generally in strict observance of classical rules, and will
bear comparison with the numismatic masterpieces of antiquity; the
latter reflect the realistic tendency of their day.
The Indian medals, with the exception of that of President Jefferson
and a few others, which are very fine, possess only an historic value.
These pieces owe their origin to the custom, in the colonial times, of
distributing to the chiefs of Indian tribes, with whom treaties were
concluded, medals bearing on the obverse the effigy of the reigning
British sovereign, and on the reverse friendly legends and emblems of
peace. Mr. Kean, member of the Continental Congress from South
Carolina, on April 20, 1786, moved: "That the Board of Treasury
ascertain the number and value of the medals received by the
commissioners appointed to treat with the Indians, from said Indians,
and have an equal number, with the arms of the United States, made of
silver, and returned to the chiefs from whom they were received." The
result was the Indian series, which bear on their obverses the busts
of the respective Presidents under whom they were issued (none (p. xxvii)
exists of President Harrison, who died a month after his inauguration);
but it should be borne in mind that these are mere Indian peace
tokens, struck only for distribution as presents to friendly chiefs.
I have called in question the discernment of some of the Federal
administrations in their choice of engravers; unfortunately, I have
also to draw attention to an unaccountable delay in the execution of
one of the medals. It seems scarcely credible that the one voted in
1857 to Dr. Elisha Kent Kane for his discoveries in the Arctic Seas
has not yet been struck. Elder, in his "Life of E. K. Kane" (page
228), says:
"Congress having failed at its first session after his (Kane's)
return to appropriate, by a national recognition, the honors he
had won for his country, had no other opportunity for repairing
the neglect till after his death; then a gold medal was ordered,
of which, I believe, nothing has been heard since the passage of
the resolution."
To complete my undertaking, it was necessary not only to study the
composition and history of all our national medals, but also to have
plates of them engraved, which could only be done from the originals
or copies, or, as a last resort, from casts.
My first step was to apply to the Mint in Philadelphia for bronze
copies of all the medals. In 1855 the director of that establishment
had been authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury, to strike from
the original dies, copies of the medals for sale, as is the custom at
the Paris Mint. But when he sought to avail himself of this
authorization, it was discovered that many of the dies were missing.
It was thought probable that those of the medals which had been (p. xxviii)
struck in France during the War of Independence would be found there,
and the French Government was communicated with, in 1861, in regard to
the following: "Washington before Boston; General Wayne, for capture
of Stony Point; Colonel Fleury, for same; Captain Stewart, for same;
Major Lee, for capture of Paulus Hook; Colonel John Eager Howard, for
Cowpens; Colonel William Washington, for same; Major-General Greene,
for Eutaw Springs; Captain John Paul Jones, for capture of the Serapis
by the Bonhomme Richard."[13]
[Footnote 13: See H, page xlvii.]
But the Paris Mint possessed only the dies of the two Washington, of
the Howard, and of the John Paul Jones medals; moreover, the rules of
that establishment did not permit them to be given up. Bronze copies
of the four were obtained, however, and from them Messrs. George
Eckfeldt and R. Jefferson of the Philadelphia Mint cut new dies.
In Washington, in January, 1872, I was informed by Mr. Spofford, of
the Library of Congress, that after the fire which destroyed a portion
of that library, December 24, 1851, the bronze copies of the medals
formerly deposited there had been transferred to the Smithsonian
Institution. At the latter place I was shown the remains of the
collection, all more or less injured by fire. Moreover, the five
wanted were not to be found; and further investigations made in
December, 1877, in the Philadelphia Mint, showed that four of the
dies, namely, those of Generals Greene and Wayne, and of
Lieutenant-Colonel de Fleury and Major Stewart, are still missing from
that establishment.
During the year 1872, I obtained permission from the Honorable
Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State, to examine in the archives of (p. xxix)
his department the official papers relating to the medals of the War
of Independence, and was fortunate enough to find the correspondence
concerning the Diplomatic medal between Jefferson, William Short, the
Marquis de la Luzerne, and the Count de Moustier. Afterward, in the
reports of the Massachusetts Historical Society (vol. vi., 3d series),
I found a description which seemed to apply to this same medal. I then
went to Philadelphia to see the writer of the description, Joshua
Francis Fisher, Esq., but he was on his death-bed, and it was
impossible to prosecute the inquiry. After his decease, I was informed
that no medal of the kind described was contained in his collection.
In 1790, President Washington ordered two Diplomatic medals to be
struck and presented, one to the Marquis de la Luzerne, French
Minister to the United States, and the other to his successor, the
Count de Moustier. In Paris, in 1874, I made application to the
present heads of those families, the Count de Vibray[14] and the
Marquis de Moustier,[15] for information concerning these medals; but
no trace of the object of my search could be found among their family
papers.
[Footnote 14: The Count de Vibray is the
representative in the female line of the de la
Luzerne family, which is extinct in the male line.]
[Footnote 15: The Marquis de Moustier is the
great-grandson of the Count de Moustier.]
About this time, Mr. Charles I. Bushnell, of New York city, kindly
sent me plaster casts of an obverse and of a reverse, in which I at
once recognized the Diplomatic medal, but neither bore the signature
of Dupré. Nevertheless, I had a plate engraved from them, hoping by
its aid to find the original.
I then turned once more to M. Gatteaux, the son of M. Nicolas (p. xxx)
Marie Gatteaux, who had shown me, in 1868, in his house in the Rue de
Lille, Paris, the wax model of the obverse of the medal of General
Gates, and the designs for those of General Wayne and Major Stewart,
but, the house having been burnt during the reign of the Commune in
1871, he could furnish no information, and I was as far as ever from
discovering the original of this piece.
In 1876 I showed to M. Augustin Dumont, the celebrated sculptor,[16]
and the godson of Augustin Dupré, the plate engraved from the plaster
casts, and from him I learned that M. Narcisse Dupré, the son of
Augustin, was still living in the south of France, at Montpellier. M.
Dumont had given to M. Ponscarme, his pupil, now professor in the
École des Beaux-Arts, the _maquettes_, or lead proofs, of many of
Dupré's works. A few days later, M. Ponscarme showed me a _maquette_
of the obverse of the Diplomatic medal, and at last M. Narcisse Dupré
sent me a photograph of the reverse. I thus obtained proof of the
correctness of the engraved plate.
[Footnote 16: Among his most noted works is the
bronze statue of the Emperor Napoleon I., placed by
Napoleon III. on the column in the Place Vendôme,
Paris, which was overthrown by the Communists. The
statue has since been replaced on the reconstructed
column. M. Dumont, who is a professor in the École
des Beaux-Arts, is a member of the Institute,
Commander of the Legion of Honor, etc.]
While in Washington, in February, 1872, I was fortunate enough to
find, in the office of Rear-Admiral Joseph Smith, then chief of the
Bureau of Yards and Docks, in the Navy Department, where they were
used as paperweights, the original dies of the medal voted to
Commodore Edward Preble for his naval operations against Tripoli. I
immediately brought this to the notice of the chief clerks of (p. xxxi)
the Navy and of the Treasury Departments, and also to that of Captain
(now Rear-Admiral) George H. Preble, a connection of the commodore's,
and these dies are now where they belong, in the Mint in Philadelphia.
Shortly afterward I was also instrumental in having restored to the
mint the dies of the Vanderbilt medal, which were lying in the cellar
of one of the New York city banks.
I have found it impossible to obtain any trustworthy information
respecting the designer and the engraver of the medal, voted on March
29, 1800, in honor of Captain Thomas Truxtun. As there were no
competent medallists in the United States at the period, and as we
were then at war with France, it is presumable that the dies were made
in England. If so, they were probably cut at the private mint of
Matthew Boulton, of Birmingham, who furnished the United States
Government for a long time with planchets for its copper coinage.
The work now offered to the public consists of two volumes: Volume I.,
Text; Volume II., Plates.
The text is subdivided into eighty-six sections, corresponding to the
number of the medals, in each of which is included, besides the
descriptive matter, all the documents that could be obtained relating
to the respective piece, and arranged according to the following plan:
1. The number of the medal, its date, and its number in the book of
plates. The medals are arranged chronologically: those voted by
Congress according to the dates of the several resolutions or acts
awarding them, and not in the order of the events which they
commemorate; the unofficial ones in the order of events which they
commemorate; and the presidential pieces according to the date (p. xxxii)
of inauguration of each President.
2. The descriptive titles of each medal, in the following order: 1st,
the legends of the obverse and of the reverse; 2d, the name of the
person honored, or of the title by which the piece is known; 3d, the
event commemorated.
3. A description of the medal, beginning with the obverse: 1st, the
whole legend; 2d, the description of the emblems and devices; 3d, the
legend of the exergue; 4th, the names of the designer and of the
engraver. The same order has been followed for the reverse. The
legends are copied exactly from the medals, and when in Latin,
translated; the abbreviations are explained, and are, like the
translations, placed between parentheses. The words, "facing the
right" and "facing the left" mean the right or the left of the person
looking at the piece.
4. A short biographical sketch of the designers and of the engravers.
5. A short biographical sketch of the person in whose honor the medal
was struck, or of the President of the United States, in case of the
Indian peace tokens.
6. Original documents, such as Resolutions or Acts of Congress, the
official reports of the events commemorated, and letters of interest.
The original documents have been given in the belief that the reader
would prefer them to a mere recital of the events of which they treat.
Many of these are now printed for the first time.
It is interesting to note that Mr. Jefferson, as early as 1789,
entertained the idea of publishing an account of all the (p. xxxiii)
American medals struck up to that time, as will be seen from the
following letter;
To
M. DUPRÉ,
Engraver of Medals, Paris.
Mr. Jefferson is going to have a description of all the medals
printed, in order to send them, with copies of the medals, to the
sovereigns of Europe. The one of Mr. Franklin, made by M. Dupré,
is wanting; he begs you to lend him a copy, and to communicate to
him the description also, if any has been made, as is probable.
February 23, 1789[17].
[Footnote 17: The original of this letter, which is
in French, and which was communicated to me in
Paris by M. Narcisse Dupré, is undoubtedly in the
handwriting of Mr. Jefferson. I have sought in vain
for the document mentioned in it. See I, page 1.]
No mention is made of the size of the medals, as the plates show their
exact dimensions.
Being desirous that the execution of the engravings should be as
perfect as possible, I invited M. Jules Jacquemart, of Paris, to
undertake the whole of them. M. Jacquemart needs no praise. All
amateurs know his etchings from Van der Meer, Franz Hals, Rembrandt,
etc., and his plates for the "History of Porcelain," by M. Albert
Jacquemart, his father, for the "Gems and Jewels of the Crown,"
published by M. Barbet de Jouy, and for the "Collection of Arms" of
Count de Nieuwerkerke. The American public has had, moreover, an
opportunity of admiring the works of this eminent artist at the
Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York city. His collaboration adds
great value to the artistic portion of this work.
ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS (p. xxxiv)
REFERRED TO IN THE INTRODUCTION.
A
Mount Vernon, November, 1787.
To
THE PRINTER OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM (Mr. CAREY.)
Sir: I understand that a part, if not all, of the medals which,
in the course of the late war, were voted by Congress to officers
of distinguished merit, and for the execution of which I
contracted with artists at Paris, have lately arrived in America.
But, not having seen any account published of the devices and
inscriptions, I presume it will not be ungrateful to the public
to receive some authentic information respecting these memorials
of national glory. However superfluous the publication of the
correspondence[18] on this subject with the Perpetual Secretary
of the Royal Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres might be
deemed, it will not, I conceive, be improper it should be known
that this learned society, to whom a reference was made, entered
on the discussion with the same alacrity as if the subject had
been designed to illustrate the actions of their compatriots, or
to immortalize some glorious events in the annals of their own
nation. You will be at liberty to insert in your _Museum_ the
result of their deliberations.
In our free republics certainly nothing should be suppressed that
can tend to awaken a noble spirit of emulation, to cherish the
fine feelings of patriotism, to exhibit alluring examples for
imitation, or to extend and perpetuate the remembrance of those
heroic achievements which have ennobled the era of the American
Revolution. Few inventions could be more happily calculated to
diffuse the knowledge and preserve the memory of illustrious
characters and splendid events than medals--whether we take into
consideration the imperishable nature of the substance whence
they are formed, the facility of multiplying copies, or the
practice of depositing them in the cabinets of the curious.
Perhaps one improvement might be made. The sage and venerable Dr.
Franklin, whose patriotic genius is active in old age, and ever
prolific in projects of public utility, once suggested,[19] in
conversation with me, as an expedient for propagating still more
extensively the knowledge of facts designed to be perpetuated in
medals, that their devices should be impressed on the current
coin of the nation.
Under influence of such ideas, I shall claim the indulgence (p. xxxv)
of my countrymen for bringing forward a communication which might
possibly have come more satisfactorily from some other quarter.
An apprehension that the subject might remain unnoticed is my
apology.
I am, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
David HUMPHREYS.
[Footnote 18: I have found none of this
correspondence in the archives of the French
Academy, Paris, nor in those of the State
Department, Washington, excepting the letter of
Colonel Humphreys to M. Dacier, dated Paris, March
14, 1785, for which see page xiii.]
[Footnote 19: See Franklin's despatch to the
Honorable John Jay, dated Passy, May 10, 1785, page
xiv.]
_Devices and Inscriptions of American Medals._
The gold medal for General Washington represents the head of His
Excellency, with this legend: GEORGIO WASHINGTON SUPREMO DUCI
EXERCITUUM, ADSERTORI LIBERTATIS, COMITIA AMERICANA. On the
reverse: The Evacuation of Boston. The American army advances in
good order toward the town, which is seen at a distance, while
the British army flies with precipitation toward the strand, to
embark on board the vessels with which the roads are covered. In
the front of the picture, on the side of the American army,
General Washington appears on horseback, amid a group of
officers, to whom he seems to be pointing out the retreat of the
enemy.
Legend: HOSTIBUS PRIMO FUGATIS.
On the Exergue: BOSTONIUM RECUPERATUM, DIE 17 MARTII, MDCCLXXVI.
The gold medal for General Gates represents the head of that
general, with this legend: HORATIO GATES, DUCI STRENUO, COMITIA
AMERICANA.
On the reverse: The enemy's general, at the head of his army, who
are grounding their arms, presents his sword to the American
general, whose troops stand with shouldered arms.
Legend: SALUS REGIONUM SEPTENTRIONALIUM.
On the Exergue: HOSTE AD SARATOGAM IN DEDITIONEM ACCEPTO, DIE 17
OCTOBRIS, MDCCLXXVII.
The gold medal of General Greene represents the head of that
general, with this legend: NATHANIELI GREEN, EGREGIO DUCI,
COMITIA AMERICANA.
On the reverse: A Victory treading under feet broken arms.
Legend: SALUS REGIONUM AUSTRALIUM.
On the Exergue: HOSTIBUS APUD EUTAW DEBELLATIS, DIE 8 SEPTEMBRIS,
MDCCLXXXI.
The medal in gold for General Morgan, and those in silver for
Colonels Howard and Washington, were to be indicative of the
several circumstances which attended the victory at the Cowpens
on the 17th of January, 1781, in conformity to a special
resolution of Congress.
It may not be foreign to the purpose to add that dies have
formerly been engraved under the direction of Dr. Franklin,[20]
for striking the gold medal for General Wayne, and the silver
medals for Colonels de Fleury and Stewart, emblematic of their
gallant conduct in storming the works of Stony Point, sword in
hand.
[Footnote 20: This is an error. The medals for
General Wayne and Major Stewart were composed, at
the request of Mr. Jefferson, by the French Royal
Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres, in
1789. See D, page xli.]
These are all the medals voted by Congress in the course of the
war.[21]
[Footnote 21: This is incorrect, as Congress voted
medals to Major Lee, September 24, 1779, and to
John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart,
November 3, 1780.]
* * * * *
B (p. xxxvi)
_Registre des Assemblées et Délibérations de l'Académie Royale des
Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres pendant l'année 1785._
Vendredi 8 avril 1785.
- - - - -
Monsieur le secrétaire a fait part d'une lettre de Monsieur
Humphreys, ancien colonel au service des États-Unis, par laquelle
il demande trois médailles pour Messieurs Washington, le général
Gates et le général Green. Il envoie en même temps des
renseignements sur les actions de ces trois personnes.
L'académie a remis à huitaine pour s'occuper de ces trois
médailles.
Mardi 19 avril 1785.
- - - - -
Après ces différents arrangements, on s'est occupé des médailles
demandées par le Congrès d'Amérique, et l'on a invité messieurs
les académiciens à apporter des projets pour ces médailles, à la
première séance, dans laquelle on est convenu de nommer des
commissaires pour rédiger ces médailles.
Vendredi 22 avril 1785.
- - - - -
Monsieur Dacier a fait ensuite la lecture des projets des trois
médailles pour les trois officiers généraux américains; après les
avoir bien discutés, on a nommé, pour les terminer, Messieurs
Barthélémy, Dupuy, Brotier et Le Blond.
Mardi 26 avril 1785.
- - - - -
Monsieur Dacier, le secrétaire perpétuel, lut ensuite les sujets
de médailles demandées par le Congrès pour trois officiers
généraux.
_Pour Monsieur Washington._
D'un côté sa tête.
_Légende_: GEORGIO WASHINGTON SUPREMO DUCI EXERCITUUM ADSERTORI
LIBERTATIS.
_Exergue_: COMITIA AMERICANA.
_Revers_: La prise de Boston, l'armée anglaise fuyant vers le
rivage pour s'embarquer, etc.
_Légende_: HOSTIBUS OU ANGLIS PRIMUM FUGATIS.
_Exergue_: BOSTONIUM RECUPERATUM DIE 17 MARTII ANNO 1776.
_Pour Monsieur Gates._
D'un côté sa tête.
_Légende_: HORATIO GATES DUCI PROVIDO COMITIA AMERICANA.
_Revers_: Le général ennemi, à la tête de son armée, présente son
épée au général Gates, à la tête de l'armée américaine.
_Légende_: SALUS PROVINCIARUM SEPTENTRIONALIUM. (p. xxxvii)
_Exergue_: HOSTE AD SARATOGAM IN DEDITIONEM ACCEPTO DIE 17
8{bris} 1777.
_Pour Monsieur Green._
D'un côté sa tête.
_Légende_: NATHANIELI GREEN EGREGIO DUCI COMITIA AMERICANA.
_Revers_: La Victoire foulant aux pieds des armes brisées.
_Légende_: SALUS PROVINCIARUM AUSTRALIUM.
_Exergue_: HOSTIBUS AD EUTAW DEBELLATIS DIE ... 1781.
Vendredi 13 mai 1785.
- - - - -
D'après des observations des commissaires, on a cru devoir
changer, dans les deux médailles du général Gates et du général
Green, le mot _Provinciarum_ en celui de _Regionum_. Et dans les
médailles de Gates, du côté de la tête, au lieu de _Duci provido_
on a mis _Duci strenuo_.
Vendredi 25 novembre 1785.
- - - - -
Monsieur le secrétaire a fait encore la lecture d'une lettre du
colonel Humphreys, secrétaire d'ambassade de l'Amérique, par
laquelle il prie l'académie, au nom du Congrès, de faire trois
médailles votées par le même Congrès; l'une pour le général
Morgan, la seconde pour le colonel Washington, la troisième pour
le colonel Howard.
La délibération a été remise à huitaine selon l'usage.
Mardi 6 décembre 1785.
- - - - -
On a nommé, pour rédiger les sujets de médailles demandées par le
Congrès des États-Unis de l'Amérique, Messieurs Barthélémy, Des
Brequigny, Le Blond, Brotier.
Mardi 13 décembre 1785.
- - - - -
Monsieur le secrétaire a lu les trois projets de médailles
arrêtés par les commissaires pour les médailles du général Morgan
et des colonels Washington et Howard, les voici:
_Pour le général Morgan._
_Type_: Le général à la tête de ses troupes, charge l'armée
ennemie qui prend la fuite.
_Légende_: VICTORIA LIBERTATIS VINDEX.
_Exergue_: CÆSIS AUT CAPTIS AD COWPENS HOSTIUM ... SIGNIS RELATIS
... 17 JAN. 1781.
_Revers_: L'Amérique, reconnaissable à son écusson, appuie sa
main gauche sur un trophée d'armes et de drapeaux, et de la
droite couronne le général incliné devant elle.
_Légende_:[22] N. MORGAN DUCI EXERCITUS.
[Footnote 22: Abbreviation of NOMEN, name, or of
NESCIO, I know not.]
_Exergue_: COMITIA AMERICANA ANNO ...
_Pour le colonel Washington._ (p. xxxviii)
_Type_: Le colonel, à la tête d'un petit nombre de soldats, fond
sur l'ennemi, qui commence à prendre la fuite, et que lui montre
la Victoire, placée au-dessus de sa tête.
_Légende_: N. WASHINGTON LEGIONIS N. PRÆFECTO.
_Exergue_: COMITIA, etc.
_Revers_: L'inscription suivante doit être gravée dans une
couronne de lauriers:
QUOD
PARVA MILITUM MANU
STRENUE PROSECUTUS HOSTES
VIRTUTIS INGENITÆ
PRÆCLARUM SPECIMEN DEDIT
IN PUGNA APUD COWPENS
17 JAN. 1781.
_Pour le colonel Howard._
Même type, même légende au nom près.
Même exergue qu'à la précédente.
Au _Revers_: Dans une couronne de lauriers:
QUOD
IN NUTANTEM HOSTIUM ACIEM
SUBITO IRRUENS
PRÆCLARUM BELLICÆ VIRTUTIS
SPECIMEN DEDIT
IN PUGNA APUD COWPENS
17 JAN. 1781.
[Translation.]
_Register of the Meetings and Deliberations of the Royal Academy of
Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres during the year 1785._
Friday, April 8, 1785.
- - - - -
The secretary communicated a letter from Mr. Humphreys, formerly
a colonel in the service of the United States, in which he asks
for three medals for Messrs. Washington, General Gates and
General Green. He sends at the same time information concerning
the deeds of these three persons.
The academy postponed for a week the consideration of these three
medals.
Tuesday, April 19, 1785.
- - - - -
After these different arrangements, the medals asked by the
Congress of America considered, and the gentlemen academicians
were invited to bring suggestions for these medals at the (p. xxxix)
following meeting, at which it was agreed that commissioners
should be named to compose these medals.
Friday, April 22, 1785.
- - - - -
M. Dacier then read the proposals for the three medals for the
three American general officers; after they had been thoroughly
discussed, Messrs. Barthélémy, Dupuy, Brotier, and Le Blond, were
appointed to report on them.
Tuesday, April 26, 1785.
- - - - -
M. Dacier, the perpetual secretary, then read the subjects of the
medals asked for by Congress for the three general officers.
_For Mr. Washington._
On one side, his head.
_Legend_: GEORGIO WASHINGTON SUPREMO DUCI EXERCITUUM ADSERTORI
LIBERTATIS.
_Exergue_: COMITIA AMERICANA.
_Reverse_: The taking of Boston, the English army fleeing toward
the shore to embark, etc.
_Legend_: HOSTIBUS or ANGLIS PRIMUM FUGATIS.
_Exergue_: BOSTONIUM RECUPERATUM DIE 17 MARTII ANNO 1776.
_For Mr. Gates._
On one side, his head.
_Legend_: HORATIO GATES DUCI PROVIDO COMITIA AMERICANA.
_Reverse_: The enemy's general at the head of his army,
surrenders his sword to General Gates, at the head of the
American army.
_Legend_: SALUS PROVINCIARUM SEPTENTRIONALIUM.
_Exergue_: HOSTE AD SARATOGAM IN DEDITIONEM ACCEPTO DIE 17
8{bris} 1777.
_For Mr. Green._
On one side, his head.
_Legend_: NATHANIELI GREEN EGREGIO DUCI COMITIA AMERICANA.
_Reverse_: Victory treading under her feet broken arms.
_Legend_: SALUS PROVINCIARUM AUSTRALIUM.
_Exergue_: HOSTIBUS AD EUTAW DEBELLATIS DIE ... 1781.
Friday, May 13, 1783.
- - - - -
After observations by the commissioners, it was thought proper to
change, in the two medals of General Gates and of General Green,
the word _Provinciarum_ to that of _Regionum_. And in the medal
of Gates, on the side of the head, instead of _Duci provido_ to
substitute _Duci strenuo_.
Friday, November 25, 1785. (p. xl)
- - - - -
The secretary also read a letter of Colonel Humphreys, Secretary
of Embassy of America, in which he requested the academy, in the
name of Congress, to compose three medals voted by the same
Congress: one for General Morgan, the second for Colonel
Washington, the third for Colonel Howard.
The discussion was laid over, according to custom, until next
week.
Tuesday, December 6, 1785.
- - - - -
Messrs. Barthélémy, Des Brequigny, Le Blond, and Brotier, were
named to compose the medals asked for by the Congress of the
United States of America.
Tuesday, December 13, 1785.
- - - - -
The secretary read the three reports agreed upon by the
commissioners for the medals for General Morgan and Colonels
Washington and Howard, as follows:
_For General Morgan._
_Device_: The general, at the head of his troops, charges the
army of the enemy, which takes to flight.
_Legend_: VICTORIA LIBERTATIS VINDEX.
_Exergue_: CÆSIS AUT CAPTIS AD COWPENS HOSTIUM ... SIGNIS RELATIS
... 17 JAN. 1781.
_Reverse_: America, recognizable by her shield, rests her left
hand upon a trophy of arms and of flags, and with her right
crowns the general, who bends before her.
_Legend_: N. MORGAN DUCI EXERCITUS.
_Exergue_: COMITIA AMERICANA ANNO ...
_For Colonel Washington._
_Device_: The colonel, at the head of a few soldiers, rushes on
the enemy, who begin to fly, and whom Victory, hovering over his
head, points out to him.
_Legend_: N. WASHINGTON LEGIONIS N. PRÆFECTO.
_Exergue_: COMITIA, etc.
_Reverse_: The following inscription to be engraved in a crown of
laurel:
QUOD
PARVA MILITUM MANU
STRENUE PROSECUTUS HOSTES
VIRTUTIS INGENITÆ
PRÆCLARUM SPECIMEN DEDIT
IN PUGNA APUD COWPENS
17 JAN. 1781.
_For Colonel Howard._ (p. xli)
Same device, same legend, excepting the name.
Same exergue as the preceding.
_Reverse_: Within a crown of laurel:
QUOD
IN NUTANTEM HOSTIUM ACIEM
SUBITO IRRUENS
PRÆCLARUM BELLICÆ VIRTUTIS
SPECIMEN DEDIT
IN PUGNA APUD COWPENS
17 JAN. 1781
* * * * *
C
Je soussigné Augustin Dupré, graveur en médaille[23] et
médailliste de l'Académie Royal de Peinture et Sculpture.
M'engage envers Monsieur le colonel Humphreys à graver la
médaille représentant le portrait du général Green. Au revers la
Victoire foulant aux pieds des armes brisées avecque la légende
et l'exergue, et répond de la fracture des coins jusqu'à la
concurrence de vingt quatre médailles, dont j'en fourniray une en
or à mes frais et dépend (le diamètre de la médaille sera de la
grandeur de vingt-quatre lignes).
Le tout aux conditions suivantes, que les deux coins gravés de
ladite médaille me seront payée la somme de deux mille quatre
cens livres en remettant les deux coins après avoir frappés les
vingt quatre médailles que désire Monsieur le colonel.
Fait le double entre nous, ce dix-neuf novembre mille sept cens
quatre vingt cinq (1785) à Paris.
D. HUMPHREYS.
DUPRÉ.
[Footnote 23: The reader will detect many errors in
this and the following French letters. The
originals are copied exactly in each case.]
* * * * *
D
_Registre des Assemblées et Délibérations de l'Académie Royale des
Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres pendant l'année 1789._
Mardi 13 janvier 1789.
- - - - -
Monsieur Dacier annonça ensuite que Monsieur Jefferson, ministre
des États-Unis d'Amérique, priait l'Académie de vouloir bien (p. xlii)
s'occuper de sujets pour les trois médailles que le Congrès a
résolu de frapper en l'honneur du général Wayne, du major Stewart
et du commodore Paul Jones. Sur cette demande, la Compagnie a
décidé que les commissaires nommés dans la séance précédente
seraient chargés de rédiger le projet de ces médailles.
Mardi 10 février 1789.
- - - - -
Monsieur Dacier a mis, au commencement de la séance, sous les
yeux de l'Académie, le travail de Messieurs les commissaires
relativement aux médailles qu'ils étaient chargés de rédiger.
Sur la demande de Monsieur Jefferson, ministre des États-Unis de
l'Amérique, on a corrigé ainsi l'exergue de la médaille
anciennement composée pour le général Morgan:
FUGATIS CAPTIS AUT CÆSIS AD COWPENS HOSTIBUS, 17 JAN. 1781.
_Médaille pour le général Wayne._
_Type_: L'Amérique, reconnaissable à son écusson, tient de la
main gauche, élevée, une couronne murale, et donne, de la droite,
une couronne de lauriers au général incliné devant elle.
_Légende_: N. WAYNE DUCI EXERCITUS.
_Exergue_: COMITIA AMERICANA.
_Revers_: Le Rocher et le Fort de Stony Point.
_Légende_: STONY POINT EXPUGNATUM.
_Exergue_: 15 JUL. 1779.
_Pour le major Stewart._
_Type_: L'Amérique, debout, comme ci-dessus, donne une palme au
major, incliné devant elle.
_Légende_: N. STEWART COHORTIS PRÆFECTO.
_Exergue_: COMITIA AMERICANA.
_Revers_: Le major monte à l'assaut au travers d'un abatis
d'arbres qu'il a fait rompre par sa troupe.
_Légende_: STONY POINT OPPUGNATUM.
_Exergue_: 15 JUL. 1779.
_Pour le commodore Paul Jones._
_Type_: La tête du commodore.
_Légende_: PAULO JONES CLASSIS PRÆFECTO.
_Exergue_: COMITIA AMERICANA.
_Revers_: Combat de vaisseaux.
_Légende_: PRIMUS AMERICANORUM TRIUMPHUS NAVALIS.
_Exergue_: AD ORAM SCOTIÆ 23 SEPT. ANNO ...
_Autre légende_: HOSTIUM NAVIBUS CAPTIS AUT FUGATIS.
_Exergue_: Comme de l'autre part.
[Translation.] (p. xliii)
_Register of the Meetings and Deliberations of the Royal Academy of
Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres during the year 1789._
Tuesday, January 13, 1789.
- - - - -
M. Dacier then announced that Mr. Jefferson, Minister of the
United States of America, begged the academy kindly to occupy
itself with the subjects of the three medals which Congress has
resolved to strike in honor of General Wayne, Major Stewart, and
Commodore Paul Jones. According to this request, the company have
decided that the commissioners[24] named in the preceding sitting
shall be charged with the composition of these medals.
[Footnote 24: These were Messrs. l'abbé Barthélémy,
l'abbé Garnier, l'abbé Le Blond, l'abbé Brotier, de
Vauvillier, Dupuis, and D. Poirier.]
Tuesday, February 10, 1789.
- - - - -
M. Dacier submitted to the academy at the opening of the sitting,
the report of the commissioners in reference to the medals, with
the composition of which they had been intrusted.
At the suggestion of Mr. Jefferson, Minister of the United States
of America, the exergue of the medal formerly composed for
General Morgan was altered as follows:
FUGATIS CAPTIS AUT CÆSIS AD COWPENS HOSTIBUS 17 JAN. 1781.
_Medal for General Wayne._
_Device_: America, recognizable by her shield, holds in her left
hand, which is elevated, a mural crown, and presents with her
right a crown of laurels to the general, who bends before her.
_Legend_: N. WAYNE DUCI EXERCITUS.
_Exergue_: COMITIA AMERICANA.
_Reverse_: The Rock and the Fort of Stony Point.
_Legend_: STONY POINT EXPUGNATUM.
_Exergue_: 15 JUL. 1779.
_For Major Stewart._
_Device_: America, standing as above, presents a palm to the
major, who bends before her.
_Legend_: N. STEWART COHORTIS PRÆFECTO.
_Exergue_: COMITIA AMERICANA.
_Reverse_: The major mounts to the assault through an abatis of
trees, which his men have broken through.
_Legend_: STONY POINT OPPUGNATUM.
_Exergue_: 15 JUL. 1779.
_For Commodore Paul Jones._ (p. xliv)
_Device_: The head of the commodore.
_Legend_: PAULO JONES CLASSIS PRÆFECTO.
_Exergue_: COMITIA AMERICANA.
_Reverse_: A naval engagement.
_Legend_: PRIMUS AMERICANORUM TRIUMPHUS NAVALIS.
_Exergue_: AD ORAM SCOTIÆ 23 SEPT. ANNO ...
_Another legend_: HOSTIUM NAVIBUS CAPTIS AUT FUGATIS.[25]
[Footnote 25: The accepted legend.]
_Exergue_: Same as above.
* * * * *
E
A Monsieur
Monsieur DUPRÉ,
Graveur en médaille et médailliste de l'Académie
Royale de Peinture et Sculpture.
Monsieur Jefferson ayant reçu des ordres au sujet des médailles à
faire seroit bien aise d'en traiter avec Monsieur Dupré, s'il
voudrait bien lui faire l'honneur de passer chez lui demain matin
avant les onze heures.
Samedi 3me janvier 1789.
Monsieur Jefferson a l'honneur d'envoyer à Monsieur Dupré les
devises des médailles pour le général Morgan et le contre-amiral
Paul Jones qu'il vient de recevoir de l'Académie des
Belles-Lettres, et dont il propose à Monsieur Dupré l'entreprise,
en répondant du succès des coins jusqu'à frapper trois cents
cinquante de chaque médaille en or, argent ou bronze, et d'en
fournir les épreuves en étain au fin du mois de mars prochain, à
fin que les médailles peuvent être frappées toutes avant le 15me
avril. Il le prie d'avoir la bonté de lui indiquer les conditions
auxquelles il les entreprendra, et Monsieur Jefferson aura
l'honneur d'y répondre au moment qu'il les recevra.
Ce 13me février 1789.
_Médaille pour le général Morgan, de 24 lignes de diamètre._
Le général à la tête de son armée charge l'ennemi, qui prend la
fuite.
_Légende_: VICTORIA LIBERTATIS VINDEX.
_Exergue_: FUGATIS CAPTIS AUT CÆSIS AD COWPENS HOSTIBUS 17 JAN.
1781.
_Revers_: L'Amérique reconnaissable à son écusson appuie sa main
gauche sur une trophée d'armes et de drapeaux, et de la droite,
couronne le général incliné devant elle.
_Légende_: DANIELI MORGAN DUCI EXERCITUS.
_Exergue_: COMITIA AMERICANA.
_Médaille pour le contre-amiral John Paul Jones, de 24 (p. xlv)
lignes._
_Type_: Sa tête (M. Houdon fournira le buste en plâtre).
_Légende_: JOANNI PAULO JONES CLASSIS PRÆFECTO.
_Exergue_: COMITIA AMERICANA.
_Revers_: Combat de vaisseaux.
_Légende_: HOSTIUM NAVIBUS CAPTIS AUT FUGATIS.
_Exergue_: AD ORAM SCOTIÆ 23 SEPT. 1779.
* * * * *
F
A Monsieur
Monsieur DUPRÉ,
Graveur en médailles, à Paris.
Monsieur Jefferson a l'honneur d'observer à Monsieur Dupré qu'il
ne donne pas pour les médailles de 24 lignes ni à Monsieur
Duvivier ni à Monsieur Gatteaux que 2,400 livres, que c'est là ce
qu'il a payé à Monsieur Dupré aussi pour celle du général Greene,
et que Monsieur Dupré n'a demandé que ça dernièrement pour celle
du général Morgan. Monsieur Jefferson ne peut pas consentir donc
de donner plus. À ce prix, il attendroit ce que Monsieur Dupré
pourrait faire de mieux, de soi-même, et non pas par des artistes
subalternes. Pour ce qui regarde le temps, peut être qu'il seroit
possible de le prolonger un peu pour la médaille de l'amiral Paul
Jones, cet officier étant actuellement en Europe. Monsieur
Jefferson aura l'honneur d'attendre la réponse de Monsieur Dupré
et sera charmé de pouvoir conclure cet arrangement avec lui.
Ce 15me février 1789.
* * * * *
G
EXPLICATION des Peintures, Sculptures et Gravures de Messieurs de
l'Académie Royale, dont l'Exposition a été ordonnée, suivant
l'intention de Sa Majesté, par M. le Comte de la Billarderie
d'Angeviller, Conseiller du Roi en ses conseils, Mestre-de-Camp
de Cavalerie, Chevalier de l'ordre Royal et Militaire de
Saint-Louis, Commandeur de l'ordre de Saint-Lazare, Intendant du
Jardin du Roi, Directeur et Ordonnateur Général des Bâtiments de
Sa Majesté, Jardins, Arts, Académies & Manufactures Royales; de
l'Académie Royale des Sciences.
À Paris, rue Saint-Jacques,
De l'Imprimerie de la veuve Hérissant, Imprimeur du Roi, des
Cabinet, Maison et Bâtiments de Sa Majesté; de l'Académie Royale
de Peinture, etc.
M.DCC.LXXXI.
Avec privilège du Roi.
_Gravures._ (p. xlvi)
Par M. DUVIVIER, académicien, graveur général des Monnoies de
France & des Médailles du Roi.
294.--Sous un même cadre et sous un même numéro.
1. *** ...
2. *** ...
3. *** ...
4. Médaille ordonnée par les États-Unis de l'Amérique, à l'honneur
de M. le Chevalier de Fleury, pour s'être distingué à la prise
de Stony Point, en 1779.
EXPLICATION des Peintures, Sculptures et Gravures de Messieurs de
l'Académie Royale, dont l'Exposition a été ordonnée, suivant
l'intention de Sa Majesté, par M. le Comte de la Billarderie
d'Angeviller, Conseiller du Roi en ses conseils, Mestre-de-Camp
de Cavalerie, Chevalier de l'ordre Royal et Militaire de
Saint-Louis, Commandeur de l'ordre de Saint-Lazare, Gouverneur de
Rambouillet, Directeur et Ordonnateur Général des Bâtiments de Sa
Majesté, Jardins, Arts, Académies et Manufactures Royales; de
l'Académie Royale des Sciences.
À Paris,
De l'Imprimerie des Bâtiments du Roi et de l'Académie Royale de
Peinture.
M.DCC.LXXXIX.
Avec privilège du Roi.
_Gravures._
Par M. DUVIVIER, graveur général des Monnoies et des Médailles du
Roi.
1. *** ...
2. *** ...
3. *** ...
4. *** ...
5. Buste du Général Washington, & au revers, Évacuation de Boston,
1776.
6 & 7. Médailles pour le Colonel Washington et le Colonel Howard.
ces trois médailles sont pour les États-Unis de l'Amérique.
[Translation.]
EXPLANATION of the Paintings, Sculptures, and Engravings of the
Gentlemen of the Royal Academy, of which the Exhibition has been
ordered, according to the intention of His Majesty, by the Count
de la Billarderie d'Angeviller, Councillor of the King in His
Councils, Master-of-Camp of Cavalry, Knight of the Royal and
Military Order of St. Louis, Commander of the Order of Saint
Lazare, Intendant of the Garden of the King, Director and
Ordonnator-General of His Majesty's Buildings, Gardens, Arts and
Royal Academies and Manufactures; of the Royal Academy of
Sciences.
Paris, Rue Saint Jacques,
From the Printing Office of widow Hérissant, Printer to the King,
to the Cabinet, Household and Buildings of His Majesty; of the
Royal Academy of Paintings, etc.
M.DCC.LXXXI.
With the privilege of the King.
_Engravings._ (p. xlvii)
By M. Duvivier, Academician, engraver-general of the Moneys of
France and of the Medals of the King.
294--In the same case and under the same number.
1. *** ...
2. *** ...
3. *** ...
4. Medal ordered by the United States of America in honor of the
Chevalier de Fleury, for having distinguished himself at the
taking of Stony Point, in 1779.
EXPLANATION of the Paintings, Sculptures, and Engravings of the
Gentlemen of the Royal Academy, of which the Exhibition has been
ordered, according to the intention of His Majesty, by the Count
de la Billarderie d'Angeviller, Councillor of the King in His
Councils, Master-of-Camp of Cavalry, Knight of the Royal and
Military Order of Saint Louis, Commander of the Order of Saint
Lazare, Governor of Rambouillet, Director and Ordonnator-General
of His Majesty's Buildings, Gardens, Arts, and Royal Academies
and Manufactures; of the Royal Academy of Sciences.
PARIS.
From the Printing Office of the Building of the King and of the
Royal Academy of Painting.
M.DCC.LXXXIX.
With the privilege of the King.
_Engravings._
By M. Duvivier, engraver-general of the Moneys and of the Medals
of the King.
1. *** ...
2. *** ...
3. *** ...
4. *** ...
5. Bust of General Washington, and on the reverse, Evacuation of
Boston, 1776.
6 and 7. Medals for Colonel Washington and Colonel Howard.
These three medals are for the United States of America.
* * * * *
H
MINT OF THE UNITED STATES,
Honorable Philadelphia, November 22, 1861.
William L. DAYTON,
Minister of the United States at the Court of France.
Dear Sir: During the Revolutionary War, medals were awarded by
resolution of the Continental Congress to certain officers who
commanded the American forces in the principal conflicts with the
enemy, or participated therein. The dies for these medals were
prepared in Paris, and the medals produced there. Several of the
dies in question are understood to be in the possession of the
Mint of Medals at Paris. As we have recently prepared, for (p. xlviii)
distribution, bronze medals from the national medal dies in our
country, it would be very gratifying if the American medal dies,
at the French Mint, could be procured and the series made complete.
The medals that were prepared for us in Paris are interesting
memorials of some of the most remarkable events in our history,
and the appropriate place for the dies would appear to be in
the National Mint of the United States.
May I request the favor of you to ascertain, from the proper
official source, what medal dies, relating to events connected
with the history of the United States, are at the mint in Paris,
and whether the same can be obtained. If not, I should be glad to
have, say twenty copies in bronze, struck from the dies, provided
the expense would not be too great.
Inclosed I send you a list of the medals recently struck in
bronze from the dies of a public character in our possession. It
will be seen that it is deficient in medals of the Revolutionary
era.
The following American medal dies are believed to be at the French
Mint of Medals:
Washington before Boston.
General Wayne, for capture of Stony Point.
Colonel Fleury, for same.
Captain Stewart, for same.
Major Lee, for capture of Paulus Hook.
Colonel John Eager Howard, for Cowpens.
Colonel William Washington, for same.
Major General Greene, for Eutaw Springs.
Captain John Paul Jones, for capture of the Serapis by the
Bonhomme Richard.
Your attention to the request contained herein will greatly
oblige,
Your friend and obedient servant,
James POLLOCK,
Director of the Mint.
To His Excellency, Legation of the United States,
Monsieur THOUVENEL, Paris, December 10, 1861.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, etc., Paris.
Monsieur le Ministre: I have received from the Director of the
Mint of the United States a letter (of which I annex a copy),
calling me to procure a certain series of medals prepared in
Paris to commemorate certain events in the history of the
American Revolution.
These dies having been prepared in Paris, and the medals struck
here, it is supposed the former yet remain in some safe
depository.
If it is possible to procure the original dies, I am requested to
do so; if that be not possible, I should be happy to learn if I
can procure copies.
I avail myself of the occasion to renew to Your Excellency the
assurance of the high consideration with which I have the honor
to be,
Your obedient servant,
W. L. DAYTON.
Monsieur DAYTON, Paris, le 17 janvier 1862. (p. xlix)
Ministre des États-Unis à Paris.
Monsieur: Par la lettre que vous m'avez fait l'honneur de
m'adresser le 10 décembre dernier, vous m'exprimiez le désir
d'être mis en possession des coins d'un certain nombre de
médailles commémoratives d'événements de la guerre de
l'Indépendance qui ont été frappées à Paris. Monsieur le Ministre
des Finances à qui j'avais du écrire à ce sujet, me répond que le
Musée Monétaire ne possède les coins que de quatre de ces
médailles. La prise de Boston, la prise de Serapis, bataille de
Cowpens--Washington, et bataille de Cowpens--Howard. Le musée ne
pourrait se dessaisir de ces coins, mais il serait facile,
moyennant une légère dépense, de faire frapper de nouveaux
exemplaires; il faudrait seulement, si la proposition était agrée
par le gouvernement Fédéral, que vous me fissiez parvenir
l'indication précise du nombre d'exemplaires de chacune de ces
médailles qu'il désirerait obtenir.
Agréez les assurances de la haute considération avec laquelle
j'ai l'honneur d'être,
Monsieur,
Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur,
Pour le ministre et par autorisation,
Le Ministre Plénipotentiaire Directeur,
BANNEVILLE.
[Translation.]
Mr. DAYTON, Paris, January 17, 1862.
Minister of the United States, Paris.
Sir: By the letter which you did me the honor to address to me on
the 10th of December last, you expressed to me the desire to
obtain the dies of a certain number of medals, commemorative of
events of the War of Independence, which were struck in Paris.
The Minister of Finance, to whom I had to write on the subject,
replies that the Museum of the Mint possesses the dies of only
four of these medals: the taking of Boston, the capture of the
Serapis, the battle of the Cowpens--Washington, and the battle of
the Cowpens--Howard. The museum cannot part with these dies, but
it will be easy, at a small outlay, to have new copies struck; it
will only be necessary, if the proposition is accepted by the
Federal Government, for you to indicate to me the precise number
of copies of each of these medals which it wishes to obtain.
Receive the assurances of the high consideration with which I
have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your very humble and very obedient servant,
For the minister and by authorization,
The Minister Plenipotentiary Director,
BANNEVILLE.
To His Excellency, Legation of the United States,
Monsieur THOUVENEL, Paris, January 23, 1862.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, etc., Paris.
Monsieur Le Ministre: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt
of your letter of the 17th instant in reference to the American
medal dies. I avail myself of your kind offer to have copies
struck from the original dies.
Be pleased to direct that twenty copies in bronze be struck (p. l)
from such dies, with a diameter of two and one half inches. The
expense will be met by this Legation immediately upon notice.
I avail myself of the opportunity to assure Your Excellency of
the high consideration with which I am,
Your humble servant,
W. L. DAYTON.
* * * * *
I
À Monsieur DUPRÉ,
Graveur en médailles, à Paris.
Monsieur Jefferson va faire imprimer des explications de toutes
les médailles, pour les envoyer avec les médailles aux souverains
de l'Europe; il lui manque celle de M. Franklin, faite par M.
Dupré; il le prie de lui en prêter une exemplaire, et de lui en
communiquer l'explication aussi, s'il y en a été une de faite
comme il y en avait sans doute.
Ce 23 février 1789.
CONTENTS. (p. li)
Number Number
of Text of Plate.
1 GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON. I
[_Boston Retaken._] Page.
Description of Medal.......................................... 1
Biographical Sketch of Pierre Simon Duvivier.................. 2
Biographical Sketch of George Washington...................... 2
Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to General
Washington................................ March 25, 1776... 3
General Washington to the President of
Congress.................................. March 19, 1776... 4
The President of Congress to General
Washington................................. April 2, 1776... 5
John Adams to General Washington............. April 2, 1776... 5
General Washington to John Adams............ April 15, 1776... 6
Colonel Humphreys to General Washington.......... May, 1785... 6
Colonel Humphreys to Thomas Jefferson..... January 30, 1786... 6
Thomas Jefferson to Colonel Humphreys.......... May 7, 1786... 7
2 MAJOR-GENERAL HORATIO GATES. II
[_Surrender of the British Army at Saratoga._]
Description of Medal.......................................... 8
Biographical Sketch of Nicolas Marie Gatteaux................. 9
Biographical Sketch of Horatio Gates.......................... 9
Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to General
Gates.................................. November 4, 1777... 10
General Gates to the President of
Congress............................... October 18, 1777... 10
Articles of Convention between Generals Gates and
Burgoyne............................... October 16, 1777... 11
Thomas Jefferson to Colonel Humphreys.... December 4, 1785... 13
Colonel Humphreys to Thomas Jefferson........................ 13
3 BRIGADIER-GENERAL ANTHONY WAYNE. III
[_Taking of Stony Point._]
Description of Medal......................................... 14
Biographical Sketch of Anthony Wayne......................... 14
Resolutions of Congress Voting Medals to General
Wayne, to Lieutenant-Colonel de Fleury, and to
Major Stewart, etc........................ July 26, 1779... 15
General Washington to the President of
Congress.................................. July 16, 1779... 16
General Wayne to General Washington......... July 16, 1779... 16
General Washington to the President of
Congress.................................. July 20, 1779... 16
General Wayne to General Washington......... July 17, 1779... 20
4 LIEUTENANT-COLONEL DE FLEURY. IV (p. lii)
[_Taking of Stony Point._]
Description of Medal......................................... 22
Biographical Sketch of François Louis Teisseidre de Fleury... 23
General Washington to the President of
Congress.................................. July 25, 1779... 24
General Washington to the President of
Congress.................................. July 28, 1779... 25
Memorial for M. de Fleury.................................... 25
5 MAJOR JOHN STEWART. V
[_Taking of Stony Point._]
Description of Medal......................................... 28
Biographical Sketch of John Stewart.......................... 28
6 MAJOR HENRY LEE. VI
[_Surprise of Paulus Hook._]
Description of Medal......................................... 29
Biographical Sketch of Joseph Wright......................... 30
Biographical Sketch of Henry Lee............................. 30
Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to Major
Henry Lee, etc....................... September 24, 1779... 30
General Washington to the President of
Congress................................ August 23, 1779... 31
Major Henry Lee to General Washington..... August 22, 1779... 32
7 JOHN PAULDING, DAVID WILLIAMS, ISAAC VAN WART. VII
[_Capture of Major André._]
Description of Medal......................................... 37
Biographical Sketches of Paulding, Williams, and Van Wart.... 37
Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to John Paulding,
David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart..... November 3, 1780... 38
General Washington to the President of
Congress............................. September 26, 1780... 38
General Washington to the President of
Congress................................ October 7, 1780... 39
8 BRIGADIER-GENERAL DANIEL MORGAN. VIII
[_Victory of the Cowpens._]
Description of Medal......................................... 40
Biographical Sketch of Augustin Dupré........................ 41
Biographical Sketch of Daniel Morgan......................... 41
Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to General Morgan and
to Lieutenant-Colonels Washington and Howard,
etc....................................... March 9, 1781... 41
General Morgan to General Greene......... January 19, 1781... 42
Act of Congress Directing a Gold Copy of General Morgan's
Medal to be Struck for Morgan Neville...... July 2, 1836... 45
9 LIEUTENANT-COLONEL WILLIAM A. WASHINGTON. IX (p. liii)
[_Victory of the Cowpens._]
Description of Medal......................................... 46
Biographical Sketch of William Augustine Washington.......... 46
10 LIEUTENANT-COLONEL JOHN EAGER HOWARD. X
[_Victory of the Cowpens._]
Description of Medal......................................... 48
Biographical Sketch of John Eager Howard..................... 48
11 MAJOR-GENERAL NATHANIEL GREENE. XI
[_Victory of Eutaw Springs._]
Description of Medal......................................... 50
Biographical Sketch of Nathaniel Greene...................... 50
Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to General
Greene, etc............................ October 29, 1781... 51
General Greene to the President of
Congress............................. September 11, 1781... 52
John Jay to Major William Pierce and
others................................ February 12, 1788... 56
12 ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
BY THE UNITED NETHERLANDS. XII
[_Libera Soror._]
Description of Medal......................................... 57
Biographical Sketch of John George Holtzhey.................. 58
John Adams to Robert R. Livingston......... April 19, 1782... 58
Extracts from the Register Books of the States of
the Netherlands.................................... 1782... 58
Original Documents from the Royal Archives at the
Hague.............................................. 1782... 64
John Adams to Robert R. Livingston......... April 22, 1782... 72
13 TREATY OF AMITY AND COMMERCE BETWEEN THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA AND THE UNITED NETHERLANDS. XIII
[_Favstissimo Foedere Jvnctæ._]
Description of Medal......................................... 74
Treaty between the United Netherlands and the United
States of America....................... October 8, 1782... 75
Convention between the United Netherlands and the
United States of America................ October 8, 1782... 84
14 LIBERTAS AMERICANA. XIV (p. liv)
[_Surrender of the British Armies at Saratoga and at Yorktown._]
Description of Medal......................................... 86
General Washington to the President of
Congress............................... October 19, 1781... 87
General Washington to the President of
Congress............................... October 27, 1781... 88
Resolutions of Congress Voting Thanks, etc., for the
Taking of Yorktown..................... October 29, 1781... 88
Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston... March 4, 1782... 90
Benjamin Franklin to Sir William Jones..... March 17, 1783... 90
Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston.. April 15, 1783... 90
Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston... July 22, 1783... 91
Benjamin Franklin to the Grand Master of
Malta..................................... April 6, 1783... 91
The Grand Master of Malta to Benjamin
Franklin.................................. June 21, 1783... 92
15 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. XV
Description of Medal......................................... 93
Biographical Sketch of Benjamin Franklin..................... 93
16 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. XVI
Description of Medal......................................... 95
William Short to Thomas Jefferson........... June 14, 1790... 95
Thomas Jefferson to the President of the National
Assembly of France........................ March 8, 1791... 96
17 CAPTAIN JOHN PAUL JONES. XVII
[_Capture of the Serapis._]
Description of Medal......................................... 97
Biographical Sketch of John Paul Jones....................... 98
Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to the
Chevalier John Paul Jones.............. October 16, 1787... 98
Captain John Paul Jones to Benjamin
Franklin................................ October 3, 1779... 99
M. de Sartine to the President of Congress... May 30, 1780.. 109
M. de Sartine to Commodore John Paul Jones.. June 28, 1780.. 109
Resolution of Congress Authorizing Captain Jones to Accept
from the King of France the Cross of Military
Merit................................. February 27, 1781.. 110
The United States to the King of France.. October 19, 1787.. 110
Thomas Jefferson to General Washington........ May 2, 1788.. 111
Admiral John Paul Jones to Thomas
Jefferson.................. August 29--September 9, 1788.. 112
18 PRESIDENT GEORGE WASHINGTON. XVIII
XIX
[_First President of the United States of America._]
Description of Medal........................................ 113
Indian Peace Medals......................................... 113
19 THE DIPLOMATIC MEDAL. XX (p. lv)
Description of Medal........................................ 115
Biographical Sketch of César Anne de la Luzerne............. 116
Biographical Sketch of Éléonore François Élie de Moustier... 116
John Adams to the President of Congress... August 3, 1779... 117
Thomas Jefferson to William Short......... April 30, 1790... 117
Thomas Jefferson to the Marquis de la
Luzerne................................. April 30, 1790... 118
William Short to Thomas Jefferson.......... June 14, 1790... 119
Thomas Jefferson to William Short.......... July 26, 1790... 119
Thomas Jefferson to the Count de Moustier.. March 2, 1791... 120
Thomas Jefferson to William Short.......... March 8, 1791... 120
William Short to Thomas Jefferson........... June 6, 1791... 121
William Short to Thomas Jefferson..... September 25, 1791... 121
William Short to M. Dupré................................... 122
M. de Moustier to M. Dupré.................................. 123
William Short to Thomas Jefferson....... February 8, 1792... 124
M. Lagrange to William Short............ January 31, 1792... 124
20 PRESIDENT JOHN ADAMS. XXI
[_Second President of the United States of America._]
Description of Medal........................................ 127
Biographical Sketch of John Adams........................... 127
21 CAPTAIN THOMAS TRUXTUN. XXII
[_Action with the Vengeance._]
Description of Medal........................................ 128
Biographical Sketch of Thomas Truxtun....................... 128
Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to Captain
Truxtun, etc............................ March 29, 1800... 129
Captain Thomas Truxtun to the Secretary of the
Navy.................................. February 3, 1800... 130
Journal of Captain Truxtun of Occurrences on board
the United States Ship Constellation.. February 1, 1800... 130
President John Adams to the Secretary of the
Navy.................................... March 31, 1800... 132
John Adams to Captain Thomas Truxtun... November 30, 1802... 132
22 PRESIDENT THOMAS JEFFERSON. XXIII
[_Third President of the United States of America._]
Description of Medal........................................ 133
Biographical Sketch of John Reich........................... 133
Biographical Sketch of Thomas Jefferson..................... 133
23 COMMODORE EDWARD PREBLE. XXIV (p. lvi)
[_Naval operations against Tripoli._]
Description of Medal........................................ 135
Biographical Sketch of Edward Preble........................ 135
Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to Commodore
Preble................................... March 3, 1805... 136
President Thomas Jefferson to Congress. February 20, 1805... 136
Commodore Preble to the Secretary of the
Navy................................ September 18, 1804... 137
R. Smith to George Harrison................ June 26, 1805... 150
24 PRESIDENT JAMES MADISON. XXV
[_Fourth President of the United States of America._]
Description of Medal........................................ 151
Biographical Sketch of James Madison........................ 152
25 CAPTAIN ISAAC HULL. XXVI
[_Capture of the Guerrière._]
Description of Medal........................................ 153
Biographical Sketch of Isaac Hull........................... 153
Resolutions of Congress Voting Medals to Captains Hull,
Decatur, Jones, etc................... January 29, 1813... 154
Captain Hull to the Secretary of the Navy.. July 21, 1812... 155
Captain Hull to the Secretary of the
Navy................................... August 30, 1812... 157
Captain Hull to the Secretary of the
Navy................................... August 30, 1812... 159
26 CAPTAIN JACOB JONES. XXVII
[_Capture of the Frolic._]
Description of Medal........................................ 160
Biographical Sketch of Moritz Fürst......................... 160
Biographical Sketch of Jacob Jones.......................... 161
Captain Jacob Jones to the Secretary of the
Navy................................. November 24, 1812... 161
27 CAPTAIN STEPHEN DECATUR. XXVIII
[_Capture of the Macedonian._]
Description of Medal........................................ 163
Biographical Sketch of Stephen Decatur...................... 163
Captain Decatur to the Secretary of the
Navy.................................. October 30, 1812... 164
28 CAPTAIN WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE. XXIX (p. lvii)
[_Capture of the Java._]
Description of Medal........................................ 166
Biographical Sketch of William Bainbridge................... 166
Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to Captain
Bainbridge, etc.......................... March 3, 1813... 167
Captain Bainbridge to the Secretary of the
Navy................................... January 3, 1813... 167
Extract from Captain Bainbridge's
Journal.............................. December 30, 1812... 168
H. D. Corneck to Lieutenant Wood......... January 1, 1813... 170
29 LIEUTENANT EDWARD RUTLEDGE McCALL. XXX
[_Capture of the Boxer._]
Description of Medal........................................ 171
Biographical Sketch of Edward Rutledge McCall............... 171
Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to Lieutenants
McCall. Burrows, etc................... January 6, 1814... 172
Captain Hull to the Secretary of the
Navy................................ September 14, 1813... 172
Lieutenant McCall to Captain Hull...... September 7, 1813... 173
30 LIEUTENANT WILLIAM BURROWS. XXXI
[_Capture of the Boxer._]
Description of Medal........................................ 174
Biographical Sketch of William Burrows...................... 174
31 CAPTAIN OLIVER HAZARD PERRY. XXXII
[_Victory of Lake Erie._]
Description of Medal........................................ 176
Biographical Sketch of Oliver Hazard Perry.................. 176
Resolutions of Congress Voting Medals to Captains
Perry, Elliott, etc.................... January 6, 1814... 177
Captain Perry to the Secretary of the
Navy................................ September 10, 1813... 178
Captain Perry to the Secretary of the
Navy................................ September 13, 1813... 178
The Secretary of the Navy to George
Harrison.................................. July 4, 1814... 180
32 CAPTAIN JESSE DUNCAN ELLIOTT. XXXIII
[_Victory of Lake Erie._]
Description of Medal........................................ 183
Biographical Sketch of Jesse Duncan Elliott................. 183
33 CAPTAIN JAMES LAWRENCE. XXXIV (p. lviii)
[_Captain of the Peacock._]
Description of Medal........................................ 185
Biographical Sketch of James Lawrence....................... 185
Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to Captain Lawrence,
etc................................... January 11, 1814... 186
Captain Lawrence to the Secretary of the
Navy.................................... March 19, 1813... 186
34 CAPTAIN THOMAS MACDONOUGH. XXXV
[_Victory of Lake Champlain._]
Description of Medal........................................ 189
Biographical Sketch of Thomas Macdonough.................... 189
Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to Captains
Macdonough and Henley, Lieutenant Cassin,
etc................................... October 20, 1814... 190
Resolution of Congress Complimentary to Lieutenant
Silas Duncan.............................. May 13, 1826... 190
Captain Macdonough to the Secretary of the
Navy................................ September 11, 1814... 191
Captain Macdonough to the Secretary of the
Navy................................ September 13, 1814... 191
35 CAPTAIN ROBERT HENLEY. XXXVI
[_Victory of Lake Champlain._]
Description of Medal........................................ 193
Biographical Sketch of Robert Henley........................ 194
36 LIEUTENANT STEPHEN CASSIN. XXXVII
[_Victory of Lake Champlain._]
Description of Medal........................................ 195
Biographical Sketch of Stephen Cassin....................... 196
37 CAPTAIN LEWIS WARRINGTON. XXXVIII
[_Capture of the Épervier._]
Description of Medal........................................ 197
Biographical Sketch of Lewis Warrington..................... 197
Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to Captain
Warrington, etc....................... October 21, 1814... 198
Captain Warrington to the Secretary of the
Navy.................................... April 29, 1814... 198
38 CAPTAIN JOHNSTON BLAKELEY. XXXIX
[_Capture of the Reindeer._]
Description of Medal........................................ 200
Biographical Sketch of Johnston Blakeley.................... 201
Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to Captain
Blakeley, etc......................... November 3, 1814... 201
Captain Blakeley to the Secretary of the
Navy...................................... July 8, 1814... 201
39 MAJOR-GENERAL JACOB BROWN. XL (p. lix)
[_Victories of Chippewa, Niagara, and Erie._]
Description of Medal........................................ 203
Biographical Sketch of Jacob Brown.......................... 203
Resolutions of Congress Voting Medals to Generals Brown,
Scott, Porter, Gaines, Macomb, Ripley and
Miller................................ November 3, 1814... 204
General Brown to the Secretary of War....... July 7, 1814... 205
General Orders.............................. July 6, 1814... 208
General Brown to the Secretary of War....... August, 1814... 208
General Brown to the Secretary of War. September 29, 1814... 211
General Brown to the Secretary of War.... October 1, 1814... 214
40 MAJOR-GENERAL PETER BUEL PORTER. XLI
[_Victories of Chippewa, Niagara, and Erie._]
Description of Medal........................................ 215
Biographical Sketch of Peter Buel Porter.................... 215
General Porter to General Brown........September 22, 1814... 216
41 BRIGADIER-GENERAL ELEAZER WHEELOCK RIPLEY. XLII
[_Victories of Chippewa, Niagara, and Erie._]
Description of Medal........................................ 219
Biographical Sketch of Eleazer Wheelock Ripley.............. 219
General Ripley to General Gaines. August 17, 1814........... 220
42 BRIGADIER-GENERAL JAMES MILLER. XLIII
[_Victories of Chippewa, Niagara, and Erie._]
Description of Medal........................................ 223
Biographical Sketch of James Miller......................... 223
43 MAJOR-GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT. XLIV
[_Victories of Chippewa and Niagara._]
Description of Medal........................................ 224
Biographical Sketch of Winfield Scott....................... 224
44 MAJOR-GENERAL EDMUND PENDLETON GAINES. XLV
[_Victory of Erie._]
Description of Medal........................................ 226
Biographical Sketch of Edmund Pendleton Gaines.............. 226
General Gaines to the Secretary of War... August 15, 1814... 227
General Gaines to the Secretary of War... August 23, 1814... 227
General Gaines to the Secretary of War... August 26, 1814... 231
45 MAJOR-GENERAL ALEXANDER MACOMB. XLVI (p. lx)
[_Victory of Plattsburgh._]
Description of Medal........................................ 233
Biographical Sketch of Alexander Macomb..................... 233
General Macomb to the Secretary of
War................................. September 15, 1814... 234
Resolution of Congress Voting Rifles to Martin
J. Aitkin and others...................... May 20, 1826... 237
46 MAJOR-GENERAL ANDREW JACKSON. XLVII
[_Victory of New Orleans._]
Description of Medal........................................ 238
Biographical Sketch of Andrew Jackson....................... 238
Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to General
Jackson.............................. February 27, 1815... 239
General Jackson to the Secretary of War. January 13, 1815... 240
General Jackson to the Secretary of War. January 19, 1815... 241
General Jackson's Farewell Address to his
Army....................................... March, 1815... 242
Resolutions of Congress complimentary to Commodore
D. T. Patterson and others........... February 15, 1815... 243
Resolutions of Congress complimentary to the People of the
State of Louisiana, etc.............. February 15, 1815... 244
47 CAPTAIN CHARLES STEWART. XLVIII
[_Capture of the Cyane and of the Levant._]
Description of Medal........................................ 245
Biographical Sketch of Charles Stewart...................... 245
Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to Captain
Stewart, etc......................... February 22, 1816... 246
Captain Stewart to the Secretary of the Navy... May, 1815... 246
Minutes of the Action between the Constitution,
Cyane, and Levant.................... February 20, 1815... 247
48 CAPTAIN JAMES BIDDLE. XLIX
[_Capture of the Penguin._]
Description of Medal........................................ 249
Biographical Sketch of James Biddle......................... 249
Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to Captain
Biddle, etc.......................... February 22, 1816... 250
Captain Biddle to the Secretary of the
Navy.................................... March 25, 1815... 250
49 PRESIDENT JAMES MONROE. L
[_Fifth President of the United States of America._]
Description of Medal........................................ 253
Biographical Sketch of James Monroe......................... 253
50 MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. LI (p. lxi)
[_Victory of the Thames._]
Description of Medal........................................ 254
Biographical Sketch of William Henry Harrison............... 254
Resolutions of Congress Voting Medals to General Harrison
and Governor Shelby, etc................. April 4, 1818... 255
General Harrison to the Secretary of War. October 5, 1813... 255
General Harrison to the Secretary of War. October 9, 1813... 256
General Orders of Debarkation, of March, and of
Battle.............................. September 27, 1813... 261
51 GOVERNOR ISAAC SHELBY. LII
[_Victory of the Thames._]
Description of Medal........................................ 265
Biographical Sketch of Isaac Shelby......................... 265
52 TREATY OF COMMERCE WITH FRANCE. LIII
Description of Medal........................................ 266
Biographical Sketch of Bertrand Andrieu..................... 266
Biographical Sketch of Raymond Gayrard...................... 267
Treaty of Commerce with France............. June 24, 1822... 267
53 PRESIDENT JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. LIV
[_Sixth President of the United States of America._]
Description of Medal........................................ 270
Biographical Sketch of John Quincy Adams.................... 270
54 PRESIDENT ANDREW JACKSON. LV
[_Seventh President of the United States of America._]
Description of Medal........................................ 271
55 COLONEL GEORGE CROGHAN. LVI
[_Defence of Fort Stephenson._]
Description of Medal........................................ 272
Biographical Sketch of George Croghan....................... 272
Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to Colonel Croghan,
etc.................................. February 13, 1835... 273
Major Croghan to General Harrison......... August 5, 1813... 273
56 PRESIDENT MARTIN VAN BUREN. LVII (p. lxii)
[_Eighth President of the United States of America._]
Description of Medal........................................ 275
Biographical Sketch of Martin Van Buren..................... 275
57 PRESIDENT JOHN TYLER. LVIII
[_Tenth President of the United States of America._]
Description of Medal........................................ 276
Biographical Sketch of John Tyler........................... 276
R. M. Patterson to J. C. Spencer........ November 2, 1841... 277
J. C. Spencer to R. M. Patterson....... November 13, 1841... 278
R. M. Patterson to John C. Spencer.... September 17, 1842... 279
D. Parker to R. M. Patterson.......... September 21, 1842... 279
58 PRESIDENT JAMES KNOX POLK. LIX
[_Eleventh President of the United States of America._]
Description of Medal........................................ 280
Biographical Sketch of James Knox Polk...................... 280
59 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. LX
[_Victories on the Rio Grande._]
Description of Medal........................................ 281
Biographical Sketch of Zachary Taylor....................... 281
Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to
General Taylor........................... July 16, 1846... 282
General Taylor to the Adjutant-General of the
Army....................................... May 9, 1846... 282
General Taylor to the Adjutant-General of the
Army....................................... May 9, 1846... 283
General Order Congratulating the Army....... May 11, 1846... 284
General Taylor to the Adjutant-General of the
Army...................................... May 16, 1846... 285
The Secretary of War to Doctor
Patterson............................. December 9, 1846... 287
Doctor Patterson to the Secretary of
War.................................. December 12, 1846... 288
60 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. LXI
[_Taking of Monterey._]
Description of Medal........................................ 290
Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to General
Taylor................................... March 2, 1847... 290
General Taylor to the Adjutant-General of the
Army................................... October 9, 1846... 291
61 LOSS OF THE UNITED STATES BRIG-OF-WAR SOMERS. LXII (p. lxiii)
[_For Having Saved the Lives of Americans._]
Description of Medal........................................ 299
Biographical Sketch of Charles Gushing Wright............... 299
Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to British, French, and
Spanish Officers, etc.................... March 3, 1847... 300
Lieutenant Semmes to Commodore M. C.
Perry,............................... December 10, 1846... 300
62 MAJOR-GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT. LXIII
[_Mexican Campaign._]
Description of Medal........................................ 304
Biographical Sketch of Salathiel Ellis...................... 304
Biographical Sketch of G. C. Humphries...................... 304
Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to General
Scott.................................... March 9, 1848... 305
General Scott to the Secretary of War..... March 12, 1847... 305
General Scott to the Secretary of War..... March 23, 1847... 307
General Scott to the Secretary of War..... March 29, 1847... 309
Terms of Capitulation for the Surrender of Vera Cruz, etc... 310
General Scott to the Secretary of War..... April 19, 1847... 311
General Orders No. 111.................... April 17, 1847... 314
General Scott to the Secretary of War.... August 28, 1847... 315
General Scott to the Secretary of
War................................. September 11, 1847... 323
General Scott to the Secretary of
War................................. September 18, 1847... 325
General Orders No. 286................... September, 1847... 334
63 MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. LXIV
[_Victory of Buena Vista._]
Description of Medal........................................ 336
Biographical Sketch of Frederick Augustus Smith............. 336
Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to General
Taylor..................................... May 9, 1848... 336
General Taylor to the Adjutant-General of the
Army..................................... March 6, 1847... 337
General Order Congratulating the Army.. February 26, 1847... 346
64 PRESIDENT ZACHARY TAYLOR. LXV
[_Twelfth President of the United States of America._]
Description of Medal........................................ 348
65 PRESIDENT MILLARD FILLMORE. LXVI
[_Thirteenth President of the United States of America._]
Description of Medal........................................ 349
Biographical Sketch of Joseph Willson....................... 349
Biographical Sketch of Millard Fillmore..................... 349
66 PRESIDENT FRANKLIN PIERCE. LXVII (p. lxiv)
[_Fourteenth President of the United States of America._]
Description of Medal........................................ 351
Biographical Sketch of Franklin Pierce...................... 351
67 COMMANDER DUNCAN NATHANIEL INGRAHAM. LXVIII
[_Release of Martin Coszta._]
Description of Medal........................................ 352
Biographical Sketch of Seth Eastman......................... 353
Biographical Sketch of P. F. Cross.......................... 353
Biographical Sketch of James Barton Longacre................ 353
Biographical Sketch of Duncan Nathaniel Ingraham............ 353
Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to Commander
Ingraham................................ August 4, 1854... 353
Commander Ingraham to Commodore Stringham... July 6, 1853... 354
Commander Ingraham to Commander Schwartz... June 28, 1853... 355
Commander Schwartz to Commander Ingraham... June 29, 1853... 356
Commander Ingraham to Commander Schwartz.... July 2, 1853... 356
Commander Schwartz to Commander Ingraham.... July 2, 1853... 357
S. N. Brown to Commander Ingraham.......... June 28, 1853... 357
Enclosure from Caleb Lyon of Lyonsdale...................... 358
Martin Coszta's Declaration of Intention... July 31, 1852... 359
Agreement between the Consul-General of Austria and the Consul
of the United States of America........... July 2, 1853... 359
68 PRESIDENT JAMES BUCHANAN. LXIX
[_Fifteenth President of the United States of America._]
Description of Medal........................................ 361
Biographical Sketch of James Buchanan....................... 361
69 DOCTOR FREDERICK HENRY ROSE. LXX
[_Kindness and Humanity of Doctor Rose._]
Description of Medal........................................ 362
Biographical Sketch of A. C. Paquet......................... 362
Biographical Sketch of Frederick Henry Rose................. 363
Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to Doctor
Rose...................................... May 11, 1858... 363
Captain Sands to the Secretary of the
Navy.................................... April 15, 1858... 364
70 PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN. LXXI
[_Sixteenth President of the United States of America._]
Description of Medal........................................ 366
Biographical Sketch of Abraham Lincoln...................... 366
71 NAVY MEDAL OF HONOR. LXXII a (p. lxv)
Description of Medal........................................ 367
Acts of Congress Instituting Naval Medals of Honor
..................................... December 21, 1861... 367
......................................... July 16, 1862... 367
72 ARMY MEDAL OF HONOR. LXXII b
Description of Medal........................................ 368
Resolution and Act of Congress Instituting Army Medals of Honor
......................................... July 12, 1862... 368
......................................... March 3, 1863... 369
73 MAJOR-GENERAL ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT. LXXIII
[_Victories of fort Donelson, Vicksburg, and Chattanooga._]
Description of Medal........................................ 370
Biographical Sketch of Antrobus............................. 371
Biographical Sketch of Ulysses Simpson Grant................ 371
Resolutions of Congress Voting a Medal to General
Grant................................ December 17, 1863... 371
General Grant to General Cullum........ February 16, 1862... 372
General Buckner to General Grant....... February 16, 1862... 374
General Grant to General Buckner....... February 16, 1862... 374
General Buckner to General Grant....... February 16, 1862... 374
General Orders No. 2................... February 17, 1862... 375
General Grant to the Assistant
Adjutant-General.......................... July 6, 1863... 375
General Pemberton to General Grant.......... July 3, 1863... 391
General Grant to General Pemberton.......... July 3, 1863... 392
General Grant to General Pemberton.......... July 3, 1863... 392
General Pemberton to General Grant.......... July 3, 1863... 393
General Grant to General Pemberton.......... July 4, 1863... 393
General Pemberton to General Grant.......... July 4, 1863... 394
General Grant to the Assistant
Adjutant-General..................... December 23, 1863... 394
74 CORNELIUS VANDERBILT. LXXIV
[_Free Gift of Steamship Vanderbilt._]
Description of Medal........................................ 406
Biographical Sketch of Emanuel Leutze....................... 406
Biographical Sketch of Cornelius Vanderbilt................. 407
Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to Cornelius
Vanderbilt............................ January 28, 1864... 407
The Secretary of State to Cornelius
Vanderbilt.............................. April 17, 1866... 408
Cornelius Vanderbilt to the Secretary of
State...................................... May 3, 1866... 408
75 PRESIDENT ANDREW JOHNSON. LXXV
[_Seventeenth President of the United States of America._]
Description of Medal........................................ 410
Biographical Sketch of Andrew Johnson....................... 410
76 WRECK OF THE STEAMSHIP SAN FRANCISCO. LXXVI (p. lxvi)
[_Testimonial of National Gratitude._]
Description of Medal........................................ 411
Resolutions of Congress Voting Medals to Captains Creighton,
Low, and Stouffer........................ July 26, 1866... 412
Major Wyse to the Adjutant General of the
Army.................................. January 14, 1854... 412
Consolidated Morning Report, 3d
Artillery............................. January 14, 1854... 414
Colonel Gates to the Adjutant-General of the
Army.................................. January 16, 1854... 415
Acts of Congress Voting Eight Months' Pay to Lieutenant Francis
Key Murray and others
........................................ March 27, 1854... 416
........................................ August 5, 1854... 417
77 CYRUS WEST FIELD. LXXVII
[_Laying of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable._]
Description of Medal........................................ 418
Biographical Sketch of J. Goldsborough Bruff................ 419
Biographical Sketch of William Barber....................... 419
Biographical Sketch of Cyrus West Field..................... 419
Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to Cyrus W.
Field.................................... March 2, 1867... 419
The Secretary of State to Cyrus W.
Field.................................. January 7, 1869... 420
78 GEORGE PEABODY. LXXVIII
[_Promotion of Universal Education._]
Description of Medal........................................ 421
Biographical Sketch of George Peabody....................... 422
Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to George
Peabody................................. March 16, 1867... 423
George Peabody's Gift for Southern
Education............................. February 7, 1867... 423
Action of the Trustees of the Peabody
Gift.................................. February 8, 1867... 425
The Secretary of State to George Peabody... June 23, 1868... 426
George Peabody to the Secretary of
State............................... September 18, 1868... 427
The Secretary of State to George
Peabody................................ October 7, 1868... 427
George Peabody to the Secretary of
State.................................. January 6, 1869... 428
79 PRESIDENT ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT. LXXIX
[_Eighteenth President of the United States of America._]
Description of Medal........................................ 429
80 GEORGE FOSTER ROBINSON. LXXX
[_Heroic Conduct._]
Description of Medal........................................ 430
Biographical Sketch of George Foster Robinson............... 431
Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to George F.
Robinson................................. March 1, 1871... 431
Report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in Regard to
George F. Robinson........................................ 432
81 LOSS OF THE STEAMER METIS. LXXXI (p. lxvii)
[_Courage and Humanity._]
Description of Medal........................................ 434
Biographical Sketch of Charles E. Barber.................... 434
Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to Captain Crandall
and others........................... February 24, 1873... 434
Captain David Ritchie to the Secretary of the
Navy................................. September 1, 1872... 435
Resolution of Congress Voting Thanks to Captain
Ritchie............................... January 24, 1873... 437
82 CENTENNIAL MEDAL. LXXXII
[_Hundredth Anniversary of American Independence._]
Description of Medal........................................ 438
Act of Congress Authorizing Centennial
Medals................................... June 16, 1874... 439
Official Notice Promulgated by the Centennial Board of
Finance................................. March 24, 1875... 439
83 CENTENNIAL MEDAL. LXXXIII
[_Hundredth Anniversary of American Independence._]
Description of Medal........................................ 440
84 LIFE SAVING MEDAL OF THE FIRST CLASS. LXXXIV
[_Saving Life from the Perils of the Sea._]
Description of Medal........................................ 441
Act of Congress Instituting Life Saving
Medals................................... June 20, 1874... 442
The Acting Secretary of the Treasury to Lucien M.
Clemons.................................. June 30, 1876... 442
The Acting Secretary of the Treasury to James
Martin................................... March 3, 1877... 443
The Acting Secretary of the Treasury to John
Dean..................................... March 3, 1877... 444
Report of the United States Life-Saving
Service.............................. November 30, 1876... 444
The Secretary of the Treasury to Colonel J. Schuyler
Crosby................................... June 30, 1877... 447
The Secretary of the Treasury to Carl
Fosberg............................. September 22, 1877... 448
Report of the United States Life-Saving
Service.............................. November 29, 1877... 448
The Secretary of the Treasury to Philip C.
Bleil................................. January 15, 1878... 452
85 LIFE SAVING MEDAL OF THE SECOND CLASS. LXXXV
[_Saving Life from the Perils of the Sea._]
Description of Medal........................................ 453
The Secretary of the Treasury to John O.
Philbrick................................ July 22, 1876... 453
The Secretary of the Treasury to Henry M.
Lee...................................... July 31, 1877... 454
The Secretary of the Treasury to Captain Charles
H. Smith................................ March 12, 1878... 454
The Secretary of the Treasury to Edward
Nordall................................. March 12, 1878... 455
The Secretary of the Treasury to Malachi
Corbell................................. March 12, 1878... 456
86 JOHN HORN, JR. LXXXVI (p. lxviii)
[_Heroic Exploits._]
Description of Medal........................................ 457
Biographical Sketch of John Horn, Jr........................ 457
Act of Congress Voting a Medal to John
Horn, Jr................................. June 20, 1874... 458
John Horn, Jr., to Moses W. Field...... February 23, 1874... 458
LIST OF THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS (p. lxix)
GIVEN OR REFERRED TO IN THE INTRODUCTION.
Page.
Benjamin Franklin to the President of Congress.... March 4, 1780..... xi
Colonel Humphreys to the President of Congress... March 18, 1785.... xii
Colonel Humphreys to the Perpetual Secretary of
the Royal Academy of Inscriptions and
Belles-Lettres of France....................... March 14, 1785... xiii
Benjamin Franklin to the Secretary for Foreign
Affairs.......................................... May 10, 1785.... xiv
Contract between Colonel Humphreys and M. Dupré for
Engraving the Medal of General Greene....... November 19, 1785.... xvi
Thomas Jefferson to the Secretary for Foreign
Affairs..................................... February 14, 1787... xvii
Report of the Secretary for Foreign Affairs....... July 11, 1787.. xviii
Thomas Jefferson to M. Dupré.................... January 3, 1789.... xix
Thomas Jefferson to M. Dupré.................. February 13, 1789..... xx
Thomas Jefferson to M. Dupré.................. February 15, 1789.... xxi
General Winfield Scott to the Secretary of War.... July 25, 1846... xxiv
Thomas Jefferson to M. Dupré.................. February 23, 1789. xxxiii
Colonel Humphreys to the Printer of the American
Museum (Mr. Carey)............................. November, 1787.. xxxiv
Registre des Assemblées et Délibérations de l'Académie Royale
des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres pendant l'année 1785......... xxxvi
Contract between Colonel Humphreys and M. Dupré for
Engraving the Medal of General Greene....... November 19, 1785.... xli
Registre des Assemblées et Délibérations de l'Académie Royale
des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres pendant l'année 1789........... xli
Thomas Jefferson to M. Dupré............. Royale January 3, 1789... xliv
Thomas Jefferson to M. Dupré........... Royale February 13, 1789... xliv
Thomas Jefferson to M. Dupré.................. February 15, 1789.... xlv
Explication des Peintures. Sculptures et Gravures de
Messieurs de l'Académie Royale, etc............. 1781 and 1789.... xlv
James Pollock to William L. Dayton............ November 22, 1861.. xlvii
William L. Dayton to the French Minister of Foreign
Affairs..................................... December 10, 1861. xlviii
Marquis de Banneville to W. L. Dayton.......... January 17, 1862... xlix
William L. Dayton to the French Minister
of Foreign Affairs........................... January 23, 1862... xlix
Thomas Jefferson to M. Dupré.................. February 23, 1789...... l
LIST OF PLATES.
Number Designer and Number Page
of Plate. Title of Medal. Engraver. of Text. of Text.
I GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON.
[_Boston retaken._]
Georgio Washington svpremo dvci exercitvvm
adsertori libertatis Comitia Americana. [Rx].
Hostibus primo fugatis.
DUVIVIER. 1 1
II MAJOR-GENERAL HORATIO GATES.
[_Surrender of the British Army at Saratoga._]
Horatio Gates duci strenuo Comitia Americana.
[Rx]. Salus regionum septentrional.
N. GATTEAUX. 2 8
III BRIGADIER-GENERAL ANTHONY WAYNE.
[_Taking of Stony Point._]
Antonio Wayne duci exercitus Comitia Americana.
[Rx]. Stoney-Point expugnatum.
GATTEAUX. 3 14
IV LIEUTENANT-COLONEL DE FLEURY.
[_Taking of Stony Point._]
Virtutis et audaciæ monum. et præmium. [Rx].
Aggeres paludes hostes victi.
DUVIVIER. 4 22
V MAJOR JOHN STEWART.
[_Taking of Stony Point._]
Joanni Stewart cohortis præfecto Comitia Americana.
[Rx]. Stoney-Point oppugnatum.
GATTEAUX. 5 28
VI MAJOR HENRY LEE.
[_Surprise of Paulus Hook._]
Henrico Lee legionis equit. præfecto. Comitia
Americana. [Rx]. Non obstantib fluminibus
vallis, etc.
J. WRIGHT. 6 29
VII JOHN PAULDING, DAVID WILLIAMS,
ISAAC VAN WART.
[_Capture of Major André._]
Fidelity. [Rx]. Vincit amor patriæ. 7 37
VIII BRIGADIER-GENERAL DANIEL MORGAN.
[_Victory of the Cowpens._]
Danieli Morgan duci exercitus Comitia
Americana. [Rx]. Victoria libertatis
vindex.
DUPRÉ. 8 40
IX LIEUTENANT-COLONEL WILLIAM
AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON.
[_Victory of the Cowpens._]
Gulielmo Washington legionis equit.
præfecto Comitia American. [Rx]. Quod
parva militum manu, etc.
DUVIVIER. 9 46
X LIEUTENANT-COLONEL JOHN
EAGER HOWARD.
[_Victory of the Cowpens._]
Joh. Egar. Howard legionis peditum
præfecto Comitia Americana. [Rx]. Quod
in nutantem hostium aciem, etc.
DUVIVIER 10 48
XI MAJOR-GENERAL NATHANIEL GREENE.
[_Victory of Eutaw Springs._]
Nathanieli Green egregio duci Comitia
Americana. [Rx]. Salus regionum
australium.
DUPRÉ 11 50
XII ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA BY THE
UNITED NETHERLANDS.
[_Libera Soror._]
Libera soror. [Rx]. Tyrannis virtute
repulsa.
I. G. HOLTZHEY. 12 57
XIII TREATY OF AMITY AND COMMERCE
BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA AND THE UNITED
NETHERLANDS.
[_Faustissimo Foedere Junctæ._]
Faustissimo foedere junctæ. die VII Octob.
MDCCLXXXII. [Rx]. Justitiam et non
temnere divos.
I. G. HOLTZHEY. 13 74
XIV LIBERTAS AMERICANA.
[_Surrender of the British Armies at Saratoga and at
Yorktown._]
Libertas Americana. [Rx]. Non sine diis
animosus infans.
DUPRÉ. 14 86
XV BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
Benj. Franklin natus Boston. XVII Jan. MDCCVI.
[Rx]. Eripuit coelo fulmen sceptrum que tyrannis.
AUG. DUPRÉ. 16 95
XVII CAPTAIN JOHN PAUL JONES.
[_Capture of the Serapis._]
Joanni Paulo Jones classis præfecto.
Comitia Americana. [Rx]. Hostium
navibus captis aut fugatis.
DUPRÉ. 17 97
XVIII
XIX PRESIDENT GEORGE WASHINGTON.
[_First President of the United States of America._]
George Washington President. 1792. 18 113
XX THE DIPLOMATIC MEDAL.
To peace and commerce. [Rx]. The United
States of America.
DUPRÉ. 19 115
XXI PRESIDENT JOHN ADAMS.
[_Second President of the United States of America._]
John Adams President of the U.S. A.D. 1797.
[Rx]. Peace and friendship. 20 127
XXII CAPTAIN THOMAS TRUXTUN.
[_Action with the Vengeance._]
Patriæ. patres. filio. digno. Thomas Truxtun.
[Rx]. United States frigate Constellation of
38 guns, &c. 21 128
XXIII PRESIDENT THOMAS JEFFERSON.
[_Third President of the United States of America._]
Th. Jefferson President of the U.S. A.D.
1801. [Rx]. Peace and friendship.
REICH. 22 133
XXIV COMMODORE EDWARD PREBLE.
[_Naval operations against Tripoli._]
Edwardo Preble duci strenuo Comitia
Americana. [Rx]. Vindici commercii
Americani.
REICH. 23 135
XXV PRESIDENT JAMES MADISON.
[_Fourth President of the United States of America._]
James Madison President of the U.S.A.
D. 1809. [Rx]. Peace and friendship.
REICH. 24 151
XXVI CAPTAIN ISAAC HULL.
[_Capture of the Guerrière._]
Isaacus Hull peritos arte superat Jul.
MDCCCXII Aug. certamine fortes. [Rx].
Horæ momento victoria.
REICH. 25 153
XXVII CAPTAIN JACOB JONES.
[_Capture of the Frolic._]
Jacobus Jones virtus in ardua tendit.
[Rx]. Victoriam hosti majori celerrime
rapuit.
FÜRST. 26 160
XXVIII CAPTAIN STEPHEN DECATUR.
[_Capture of the Macedonian._]
Stephanus Decatur navarchus, pugnis
pluribus, victor. [Rx]. Occidit signum
hostile sidera surgunt.
FÜRST. 27 163
XXIX CAPTAIN WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE.
[_Capture of the Java._]
Gulielmus Bainbridge patria victisque
laudatus. [Rx]. Pugnando.
FÜRST. 28 166
XXX LIEUTENANT EDWARD RUTLEDGE McCALL.
[_Capture of the Boxer._]
Edward R. McCall navis Enterprise
præfectus. Sic itur ad astra. [Rx].
Vivere sat vincere.
FÜRST. 29 171
XXXI LIEUTENANT WILLIAM BURROWS.
[_Capture of the Boxer._]
Victoriam tibi claram. patriæ mæstam. [Rx].
Vivere sat vincere.
FÜRST. 30 174
XXXII CAPTAIN OLIVER HAZARD PERRY.
[_Victory of Lake Erie._]
Oliverus H. Perry, princeps stagno Eriense.
classim totam contudit. [Rx]. Viam invenit
virtus aut facit.
FÜRST. 31 176
XXXIII CAPTAIN JESSE DUNCAN ELLIOTT.
[_Victory of Lake Erie._]
Jesse D. Elliott. Nil actum reputans si quid
superesset agendum. [Rx]. Viam invenit
virtus aut facit.
FÜRST. 32 183
XXXIV CAPTAIN JAMES LAWRENCE.
[_Capture of the Peacock._]
Jac. Lawrence dulce et decorum est pro
patria mori. [Rx]. Mansuetud. maj. quam
victoria.
FÜRST. 33 185
XXXV CAPTAIN THOMAS MACDONOUGH.
[_Victory of Lake Champlain._]
Tho. Macdonough. Stagno Champlain clas.
Reg. Brit. superavit. [Rx]. Uno latere
percusso. alterum impavide vertit.
FÜRST. 34 189
XXXVI CAPTAIN ROBERT HENLEY.
[_Victory of Lake Champlain._]
Rob. Henley Eagle præfect. palma virtu. per
æternit. florebit. [Rx]. Uno latere percusso.
alterum impavide vertit.
FÜRST. 35 193
XXXVII LIEUTENANT STEPHEN CASSIN.
[_Victory of Lake Champlain._]
Step. Cassin Ticonderoga præfect. Quæ
regio in terris nos. non plena lab. [Rx]. Uno
latere percusso. alterum impavide vertit.
FÜRST. 36 195
XXXVIII CAPTAIN LEWIS WARRINGTON.
[_Capture of the Épervier._]
Ludovicus Warrington dux navalis Ameri.
[Rx]. Pro patria paratus aut vincere aut mori.
FÜRST. 37 197
XXXIX CAPTAIN JOHNSTON BLAKELEY.
[_Capture of the Reindeer._]
Johnston Blakeley Reip. Fæd. Am. nav.
Wasp dux. [Rx]. Eheu! bis victor patria
tua te luget plauditq.
FÜRST. 38 200
XL MAJOR-GENERAL JACOB BROWN.
[_Victories of Chippewa, Niagara, and Erie._]
Major General Jacob Brown. [Rx]. Resolution
of Congress November 3. 1814.
FÜRST. 39 203
XLI MAJOR-GENERAL PETER BUEL PORTER.
[_Victories of Chippewa, Niagara, and Erie._]
Major General Peter B. Porter. [Rx]. Resolution
of Congress November 3. 1814.
FÜRST. 40 215
XLII BRIGADIER-GENERAL ELEAZER WHEELOCK RIPLEY.
[_Victories of Chippewa, Niagara, and Erie._]
Brig. General Eleazer W. Ripley. [Rx]. Resolution
of Congress Novemb. 3. 1814.
FÜRST. 41 219
XLIII BRIGADIER-GENERAL JAMES MILLER.
[_Victories of Chippewa, Niagara, and Erie._]
Brigadier Genl. James Miller. [Rx]. Resolution
of Congress November 3. 1814.
FÜRST. 42 223
XLIV MAJOR-GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT.
[_Victories of Chippewa and Niagara._]
Major General Winfield Scott. [Rx]. Resolution
of Congress November 3. 1814. etc.
FÜRST. 43 224
XLV MAJOR-GENERAL EDMUND P. GAINES.
[_Victory of Erie._]
Major General Edmund P. Gaines. [Rx]. Resolution
of Congress November 3. 1814.
FÜRST. 44 226
XLVI MAJOR-GENERAL ALEXANDER MACOMB.
[_Victory of Plattsburgh._]
Major General Alexander Macomb. [Rx]. Resolution
of Congress November 3. 1814.
FÜRST. 45 233
XLVII MAJOR-GENERAL ANDREW JACKSON.
[_Victory of New Orleans._]
Major General Andrew Jackson. [Rx]. Resolution
of Congress February 27. 1815.
FÜRST. 46 238
XLVIII CAPTAIN CHARLES STEWART.
[_Capture of the Cyane and of the Levant._]
Carolus Stewart navis Amer. Constitution dux.
[Rx]. Una victoriam eripuit ratibus binis.
FÜRST. 47 245
XLIX CAPTAIN JAMES BIDDLE.
[_Capture of the Penguin._]
The Congress of the U.S. to Capt. James
Biddle. etc. [Rx]. Capture of the British ship
Penguin by the U.S. ship Hornet.
FÜRST. 48 249
L PRESIDENT JAMES MONROE.
[_Fifth President of the United States of America._]
James Monroe President of the U.S.A. D.
1817. [Rx]. Peace and friendship.
FÜRST. 49 253
LI MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.
[_Victory of the Thames._]
Major General William H. Harrison. [Rx]. Resolution
of Congress April 4. 1818.
FÜRST. 50 254
LII GOVERNOR ISAAC SHELBY.
[_Victory of the Thames._]
Governor Isaac Shelby. [Rx]. Battle of the
Thames. Octo. 5. 1813.
FÜRST. 51 265
LIII TREATY OF COMMERCE WITH FRANCE.
Lvdovicvs. XVIII Franc. et. Nav. rex. [Rx]. Gallia.
et. America. foederata.
ANDRIEU.
GAYRARD. 52 266
LIV PRESIDENT JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.
[_Sixth President of the United States of America._]
John Quincy Adams President of the United
States 1825. [Rx]. Peace and friendship.
FÜRST. 53 270
LV PRESIDENT ANDREW JACKSON.
[_Seventh President of the United States of America._]
Andrew Jackson President of the United States
A.D. 1829. [Rx]. Peace and friendship.
FÜRST. 54 271
LVI COLONEL GEORGE CROGHAN.
[_Defence of Fort Stephenson._]
Presented by Congress to Colonel George
Croghan 1835. [Rx]. Pars magna fuit.
FÜRST. 55 272
LVII PRESIDENT MARTIN VAN BUREN.
[_Eighth President of the United States of America._]
Martin Van Buren President of the United States
A.D. 1837. [Rx]. Peace and friendship.
FÜRST. 56 275
LVIII PRESIDENT JOHN TYLER.
[_Tenth President of the United States of America._]
John Tyler, President of the United States.
1841. [Rx]. Peace and friendship.
57 276
LIX PRESIDENT JAMES KNOX POLK.
[_Eleventh President of the United States of America._]
James K. Polk President of the United States.
1845. [Rx]. Peace and friendship.
PEALE. 58 280
LX MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR.
[_Victories on the Rio Grande._]
Major General Zachary Taylor. [Rx]. Resolution
of Congress July 16th 1846, etc.
59 281
LXI MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR.
[_Taking of Monterey._]
Major General Zachary Taylor. [Rx]. Resolution
of Congress March 2nd 1847, etc.
60 290
LXII LOSS OF THE UNITED STATES BRIG-OR-WAR SOMERS.
[_For Having Saved the Lives of Americans._]
Somers navis Americana. [Rx]. Pro vitis
Americanorum conservatis.
C. C. WRIGHT. 61 299
LXIII MAJOR-GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT.
[_Mexican Campaign._]
Major General Winfield Scott. [Rx].
Vera Cruz. Cerro Gordo.
Contreras, etc.
S. ELLIS.
G. C. HUMPHRIES. 62 394
C. C. WRIGHT.
LXIV MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR
[_Victory of Buena Vista._]
Major General Zachary Taylor, etc.
[Rx]. Buena Vista Feb. 22 & 23, 1847.
S. ELLIS.
F. A. SMITH. 63 336
C. C. WRIGHT.
LXV PRESIDENT ZACHARY TAYLOR
[_Twelfth President of the United States of America._]
Zachary Taylor President of the United
States 1849. [Rx]. Peace and friendship.
F. PEALE. 64 348
LXVI PRESIDENT MILLARD FILLMORE.
[_Thirteenth President of the United States of America._]
Millard Fillmore President of the United
States 1850. [Rx]. Labor virtue honor.
S. ELLIS.
J. WILLSON. 65 349
LXVII PRESIDENT FRANKLIN PIERCE.
[_Fourteenth President of the United States of America._]
Franklin Pierce, President of the United
States. 1853. [Rx]. Labor virute honor.
S. ELLIS.
J. WILLSON. 66 351
LXVIII COMMANDER DUNCAN NATHANIEL INGRAHAM.
[_Release of Martin Coszta._]
Smyrna. American sloop of war St. Louis.
Austrian brig of war Hussar. [Rx].
Presented by the President of the
United States to Commander Duncan N.
Ingraham, etc.
S. EASTMAN.
P. F. CROSS. 67 352
J. B. LONGACRE.
LXIX PRESIDENT JAMES BUCHANAN.
[_Fifteenth President of the United States of America._]
James Buchanan, President of the United
States 1857. [Rx]. Labor virtue honor.
S. ELLIS.
J. WILLSON. 68 361
LXX DOCTOR FREDERICK HENRY ROSE.
[_Kindness and Humanity of Doctor Rose._]
James Buchanan, President of the United
States. [Rx]. To Dr. Frederick Rose, Assistant
Surgeon, Royal Navy, G.B.
PAQUET. 69 362
LXXI PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
[_Sixteenth President of the United States of America._]
Abraham Lincoln, President of the United
States 1862.
S. ELLIS. 70 366
LXXIIa NAVY MEDAL OF HONOR. PAQUET. 71 367
LXXIIb ARMY MEDAL OF HONOR. PAQUET. 72 368
LXXIII MAJOR-GENERAL ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT.
[_Victories of Fort Donelson, Vicksburg, and Chattanooga._]
Major General Ulysses S. Grant. Joint Resolution
of Congress December 17. 1863.
[Rx]. Donelson, Vicksburg, etc.
ANTROBUS.
PAQUET. 73 370
LXXIV CORNELIUS VANDERBILT.
[_Free Gift of Steamship Vanderbilt._]
A grateful country to her generous son
Cornelius Vanderbilt. [Rx]. Bis dat qui tempori
dat. 1865.
LEUTZE.
S. ELLIS. 74 406
LXXV PRESIDENT ANDREW JOHNSON.
[_Seventeenth President of the United States of America._]
Andrew Johnson, President of the United
States. 1865. [Rx]. Peace.
PAQUET. 75 410
LXXVI WRECK OF THE STEAMSHIP SAN FRANCISCO.
[_Testimonial of National Gratitude._]
By joint resolution of Congress to the
rescuers of the passengers officers and
men of steamship San Francisco, etc.
[Rx]. July 26 1866.
PAQUET. 75 410
LXXVII CYRUS WEST FIELD.
[_Laying of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable._]
Honor and fame are the reward. [Rx]. By
resolution of the Congress of the United
States. March 2, 1867. to Cyrus W. Field,
of New York, etc.
J. G. BRUFF.
BARBER. 77 418
LXXVIII GEORGE PEABODY.
[_Promotion of Universal Education._]
[Rx]. The people of the United States to
George Peabody, etc. 78 421
LXXIX PRESIDENT ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT.
[_Eighteenth President of the United States of America._]
United States of America. Liberty justice
and equality "Let us have peace." [Rx].
On earth peace good will toward men.
PAQUET. 79 429
LXXX GEORGE FOSTER ROBINSON.
[_Heroic Conduct._]
To George F. Robinson. Awarded by the
Congress of the United States, March 1, 1871.
G. Y. COFFIN.
PAQUET. 80 430
LXXXI LOSS OF THE STEAMER METIS.
[_Courage and Humanity._]
By Resolution of Congress February 24, 1873.
W. & C. BARBER. 81 434
LXXXII CENTENNIAL MEDAL.
[_Hundredth Anniversary of American Independence._]
These United Colonies are, and of right
ought to be, free and independent States.
[Rx]. In commemoration of the hundredth
anniversary.
W. BARBER. 83 440
LXXXIII CENTENNIAL MEDAL.
[_Hundredth Anniversary of American Independence._]
These United Colonies are, and of right
ought to be, free and independent
States. [Rx]. By authority of the
Congress, etc.
W. BARBER. 83 440
LXXXIV LIFE SAVING MEDAL OF THE FIRST CLASS.
[_Saving Life from the Perils of the Sea._]
Life Saving medal of the first class.
United States of America. [Rx]. In
testimony of heroic deeds, etc.
PAQUET. 84 441
LXXXV LIFE SAVING MEDAL OF THE SECOND CLASS.
[_Saving Life from the Perils of the Sea._]
Life Saving medal of the second class.
United States of America. [Rx]. In testimony
of heroic deeds, etc.
PAQUET. 85 453
LXXXVI JOHN HORN, JR.
[_Heroic Exploits._]
John Horn, Jr. [Rx]. By Act of Congress
June 20th 1874. In recognition of his
heroic exploits, etc.
C. BARBER. 86 457
THE MEDALLIC HISTORY (p. 001)
OF
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
1776-1876.
No. 1.
PLATE I.
_March 17, 1776._
Georgio Washington svpremo dvci exercitvvm adsertori libertatis
Comitia Americana. [Rx].[26] Hostibus primo fugatis.
[Footnote 26: [Rx]. Abbreviation of REVERSE.]
GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON.
[_Boston retaken._]
GEORGIO WASHINGTON SVPREMO DVCI EXERCITVVM ADSERTORI LIBERTATIS
COMITIA AMERICANA. (_The American Congress to George Washington,
commander-in-chief of the armies, the assertor of liberty._) Undraped
bust of General Washington, facing the right. DUVIVIER. Paris. F.
(_fecit_).
HOSTIBUS PRIMO FUGATIS. (_The enemy put to flight for the first
time._) To the left, General Washington on horseback, surrounded by
his staff, points toward the British fleet, which is leaving Boston.
The American army, in battle array in front of its intrenchments, (p. 002)
makes ready to occupy the city. Exergue: BOSTONIUM RECUPERATUM XVII
MARTII MDCCLXXVI. (_Boston retaken, March 17, 1776._) On a cannon,
DUVIV. (_Duvivier_).[27]
[Footnote 27: See INTRODUCTION, pages x, xi, xiii,
xvi, xxiii, xxv, xxviii; B, xxxvi; G, xlv; and H,
xlvii.]
Although this medal was the first one voted by Congress, it was not
struck until after that of the Chevalier de Fleury, which was voted
three years later. Its designs, and those of the medals awarded to
General Horatio Gates for Saratoga, General Nathaniel Greene for Eutaw
Springs, General Daniel Morgan, Lieutenant-Colonels William Augustine
Washington and John Eager Howard for the Cowpens, General Anthony
Wayne and Major John Stewart for Stony Point, and Captain John Paul
Jones for the capture of the Serapis, were composed by commissioners
appointed by the French Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres, at
the request of Colonel David Humphreys and of Mr. Jefferson. The
legend of the reverse of the General Washington medal, as originally
proposed, was HOSTIBUS or ANGLIS PRIMUM FUGATIS. Several of the medals
are treated of at length in the Introduction, to which, to avoid
repetition, the reader is referred.
PIERRE SIMON DUVIVIER was born in Paris, November 5, 1731. He was the
son of Jean Duvivier, a member of the Royal Academy of Painting and
Sculpture, and the grandson of Jean Duvivier, known as Duvivier "_le
père_," the first of this distinguished family of medal engravers, who
lived in Liège at the beginning of the 17th century. Pierre Simon
Duvivier was engraver-general of the Paris Mint prior to 1793, and
executed medals of many eminent persons. America is indebted to him
for those of General Washington, Lieutenant-Colonel de Fleury,
Lieutenant-Colonel William Augustine Washington, and Lieutenant-Colonel
John Eager Howard. He was a member of the Academy of Fine Arts, and
died June 10, 1819.
GEORGE WASHINGTON was born near Pope's Creek, Westmoreland County,
Virginia, February 22, 1732. He lost his father when but ten years of
age, and in 1752, in consequence of the death of his elder brother,
came into possession of the estate of Mount Vernon, on the Potomac
River, and other property. The same year he received a commission as
major of militia, and in 1755 became colonel and aid-de-camp to (p. 003)
General Braddock. On the death of that officer in the disastrous march
against Fort Duquesne, Washington conducted the retreat, and was
shortly afterward appointed commander of the Virginia troops. In 1774
he was elected member of the first Continental Congress, held in
Philadelphia, and in the following year was appointed commander-in-chief
of the Continental Army, taking command of the forces at Cambridge,
July 3, 1775. On March 17, 1776, he compelled the British forces to
evacuate Boston, for which Congress gave him a vote of thanks and a
gold medal. He was commander-in-chief throughout the War of
Independence, and resigned his commission as such, December 23, 1783,
when he retired to Mount Vernon. He was delegate from Virginia to the
National Convention which met in Philadelphia in May, 1787, to frame
the Constitution of the United States, and was chosen its president.
He was afterward unanimously elected first President of the United
States, and was inaugurated in New York city, April 30, 1789. He was
re-elected, and inaugurated a second time, March 4, 1793; refused a
third term of office, and issued a farewell address, September 17,
1796. When a war with France was expected, in 1797, he was
re-appointed commander-in-chief. General Washington died at Mount
Vernon, December 14, 1799.
_____
ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.
_Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to General Washington._
IN CONGRESS.
_Resolved_, That the thanks of this Congress, in their own name,
and in the name of the thirteen United Colonies, whom they
represent, be presented to His Excellency General Washington, and
the officers and soldiers under his command, for their wise and
spirited conduct in the siege and acquisition of Boston; and that
a medal of gold be struck in commemoration of this great event,
and presented to His Excellency; and that a committee of
three[28] be appointed to prepare a letter of thanks and a proper
device for the medal.
Monday, March 25, 1776.
[Footnote 28: The members chosen were Mr. J. Adams,
Mr. Jay, and Mr. Hopkins.]
_____
_General Washington to the President of Congress._ (p. 004)
To
John HANCOCK, Esq., HEADQUARTERS, Cambridge,
President of Congress. March 19, 1776.
Sir: It is with the greatest pleasure I inform you that, on
Sunday last, the seventeenth instant, about nine o'clock in the
forenoon, the ministerial army evacuated the town of Boston, and
that the forces of the United Colonies are now in actual
possession thereof. I beg leave to congratulate you, Sir, and the
honourable Congress, on this happy event, and particularly as it
was effected without endangering the lives and property of the
remaining unhappy inhabitants.
I have great reason to imagine their flight was precipitated by
the appearance of a work which I had ordered to be thrown up last
Saturday night on an eminence at Dorchester, which lay nearest to
Boston Neck, called Nook's Hill.
The town, although it has suffered greatly, is not in so bad a
state as I expected to find it; and I have a particular pleasure
in being able to inform you, Sir, that your house has received no
damage worth mentioning. Your furniture is in tolerable order,
and the family pictures are all left entire and untouched.
Captain Cazeneau takes charge of the whole until he shall receive
further orders from you.
As soon as the ministerial troops had quitted the town, I ordered
a thousand men (who had had the small-pox), under command of
General Putnam, to take possession of the heights, which I shall
endeavour to fortify in such a manner as to prevent their return,
should they attempt it. But as they are still in the harbour, I
thought it not prudent to march off with the main body of the
army until I should be fully satisfied they had quitted the
coast. I have, therefore, only detached five regiments, besides
the rifle battalion, to New York, and shall keep the remainder
here till all suspicion of their return ceases.
The situation in which I found their works evidently discovered
that their retreat was made with the greatest precipitation. They
have left their barracks, and other works of wood at Bunker Hill,
&c., all standing, and have destroyed but a small part of their
lines. They have also left a number of fine pieces of cannon
which they first spiked up, also a very large iron mortar, and,
as I am informed, they have thrown another over the end of your
wharf. I have employed proper persons to drill the cannon, and
doubt not I shall save the most of them. I am not yet able to
procure an exact list of all the stores they have left. As soon
as it can be done, I shall take care to transmit it to you. From
an estimate of what the quartermaster-general has already
discovered, the amount will be twenty-five or thirty thousand
pounds.
Part of the powder mentioned in yours of the sixth instant has
already arrived. The remainder I have ordered to be stopped on
the road, as we shall have no occasion for it here. The letter to
General Thomas I immediately sent to him. He desired leave for
three or four days to settle some of his private affairs, after
which he will set out for his command in Canada. I am happy that
my conduct in intercepting Lord Drummond's letter is approved of
by Congress.
I have the honour to be, &c.,
Geo. WASHINGTON.
_____
_The President of Congress to General Washington._ (p. 005)
To
General WASHINGTON. Philadelphia, April 2, 1776.
Sir: It gives me the most sensible pleasure to convey to you, by
order of Congress, the only tribute which a free people will ever
consent to pay--the tribute of thanks and gratitude to their
friends and benefactors. The disinterested and patriotic
principles which led you to the field have also led you to glory;
and it affords no little consolation to your countrymen to
reflect that, as a peculiar greatness of mind induced you to
decline any compensation for serving them, except the pleasure of
promoting their happiness, they may, without your permission,
bestow upon you the largest share of their affections and esteem.
Those pages in the annals of America will record your title to a
conspicuous place in the temple of fame which shall inform
posterity that, under your direction, an undisciplined band of
husbandmen, in the course of a few months, became soldiers; and
that the desolation meditated against the country by a brave army
of veterans, commanded by the most experienced generals, but
employed by bad men in the worst of causes, was, by the fortitude
of your troops, and the address of their officers, next to the
kind interposition of Providence, confined for near a year within
such narrow limits as scarcely to admit more room than was
necessary for the encampments and fortifications they lately
abandoned. Accept, therefore, Sir, the thanks of the United
Colonies, unanimously declared by their delegates to be due to
you and the brave officers and troops under your command; and be
pleased to communicate to them this distinguished mark of the
approbation of their country. The Congress have ordered a golden
medal, adapted to the occasion, to be struck, and, when finished,
to be presented to you.
I have the honour to be, with every sentiment of esteem, Sir,
your most obedient and very humble servant,
John HANCOCK, President.
_____
_John Adams to General Washington._
To
General WASHINGTON. Philadelphia, April 2, 1776.
Sir: I congratulate you, as well as all the friends of mankind,
in the reduction of Boston, an event which appeared to me of so
great and decisive importance, that, the next morning after the
arrival of the news, I did myself the honour to move for the
thanks of Congress to Your Excellency, and that a medal of gold
should be struck in commemoration of it. Congress have been
pleased to appoint me, with two other gentlemen, to prepare a
device. I should be very happy to have Your Excellency's
sentiments concerning a proper one.
I have the honour to be, with great respect, Sir, your most
obedient and affectionate servant,
John ADAMS.
_____
_General Washington to John Adams._ (p. 006)
To
John ADAMS, Esq., New York, April 15, 1776.
In Congress.
Sir: I am impressed with the deepest gratitude for the high
honour intended me by Congress. Whatever devices may be
determined upon by the respectable committee they have chosen for
that purpose will be highly agreeable to me.
I have the honour to be, most respectfully, Sir, your most
obedient and affectionate humble servant,
Geo. WASHINGTON.
_____
_Colonel Humphreys to General Washington._
To
General WASHINGTON. Paris, May, 1785.
My dear General: Upon leaving America Mr. Morris invested me with
the power of procuring the several honourary presents which have
been voted by Congress to different officers in their service
during the late war. The Royal Academy of Inscriptions and
Belles-Lettres, to whom I addressed a letter on the subject, have
furnished me with the following device and inscriptions for the
gold medal which is to be executed for Your Excellency:
"On one side, the head of the general. Legend: 'GEORGIO
WASHINGTON SUPREMO DUCI EXERCITUUM ADSERTORI LIBERTATIS COMITIA
AMERICANA.' On the reverse: Taking possession of Boston. The
American army advances in good order toward the town, which is
seen at a distance, while the British army flies with
precipitation toward the shore, to embark on board the vessels,
with which the harbour is covered. In the front of the American
army appears the general on horseback, in a group of officers,
whom he seems to make observe the flight of the enemy. Legend:
'HOSTIBUS PRIMO FUGATIS.' Exergue: 'BOSTONIUM RECUPERATUM DIE
XVII MARTII, MDCCLXXVI.'"
I think it has the character of simplicity and dignity which is
to be aimed at in a memorial of this kind, which is designed to
transmit the remembrance of a great event to posterity. You
really do not know how much your name is venerated on this side
of the Atlantic.
I have the honour to be, my dear General, your sincere friend and
humble servant,
D. HUMPHREYS.
_____
_Colonel Humphreys to Thomas Jefferson._
To
Thomas JEFFERSON, Esq., London, January 30, 1786.
Paris.
Dear Sir: Gatteaux, the engraver, lives in the street St. Thomas
du Louvre, opposite the Treasury of the Duke de Chartres.
Now that there is no obstacle to commencing the medal for (p. 007)
General Washington, since Houdon's return, I could wish,
should it not be giving you too much trouble, that you would send
for Duvivier, who lives in the old Louvre, and propose to him
undertaking it upon exactly the terms he had offered, which, I
think, were 2,400 livres, besides the gold and expense of
coinage. If he should not choose it, we must let it rest until
Dupré shall have finished General Greene's. Gatteaux has a paper
on which is the description of General Washington's medal.
I am, Sir, your most obedient and humble servant,
D. HUMPHREYS.
_____
_Thomas Jefferson to Colonel Humphreys._
To
Colonel HUMPHREYS, Paris, May 7, 1786.
London.
Dear Sir: I have received the books and papers you mention, and
will undertake to have finished what you left undone of the
medals, or, at least, will proceed in it till the matter shall be
put into better hands.
I am, dear Sir, your friend and servant,
Th: JEFFERSON.
No. 2. (p. 008)
PLATE II.
_October 17, 1777._
Horatio Gates duci strenuo Comitia Americana. [Rx]. Salus
regionum septentrional.
MAJOR-GENERAL HORATIO GATES.
[_Surrender of the British Army at Saratoga._]
HORATIO GATES DUCI STRENUO COMITIA AMERICANA. (_The American Congress
to Horatio Gates, a valiant general._) Bust of General Gates, in
uniform, facing the left. N. GATTEAUX.
SALUS REGIONUM SEPTENTRIONAL. (_Salus regionum septentrionalium: The
safety of the northern regions._) Lieutenant-General Burgoyne is
surrendering his sword to General Gates. In the background, on the
left, the vanquished troops of Great Britain are grounding their arms
and standards. On the right is the victorious American army, in order
of battle, with colors flying.[29] Exergue: HOSTE AD SARATOGAM IN
DEDITION. (_deditionem_) ACCEPTO DIE XVII. OCT. (_Octobris_)
MDCCLXXVII. (_The enemy surrendered at Saratoga, on the 17th of
October, 1777._) On the platform, GATTEAUX, F. (_fecit_).[30]
[Footnote 29: The "stars and stripes." Congress
passed, June 14, 1777, the following resolution:
_Resolved_, That the flag of the thirteen United
States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and
white; that the union be thirteen stars, white on a
blue field, representing a new constellation.
And it was to this new American flag that General
Burgoyne surrendered.
Congress changed the flag by the following act,
which was approved January 13, 1794:
_Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of
Representatives of the United States in Congress
assembled_, That from and after the first day of
May, anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and
ninety-five, the flag of the United States be
fifteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the
union be fifteen stars, white on a blue field.
Congress made a second change by an act approved
April 14, 1818:
_Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of
Representatives of the United States in Congress
assembled_, That from and after the fourth day of
July next, the flag of the United States be
thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and
white; that the union be twenty stars, white on a
blue field.
SECTION 2. _And be it further enacted_, That on the
admission of every new State into the Union, one
star be added to the union of the flag; and that
such addition shall take place on the fourth day of
July then next succeeding such admission.]
[Footnote 30: See INTRODUCTION, pages x, xi, xiii,
xvi, xvii, xxx, xxxv; and B, xxxvi.]
The legend of the obverse of this medal, originally proposed by (p. 009)
the French Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres, was HORATIO
GATES DUCI PROVIDO COMITIA AMERICANA; and that of the reverse, SALUS
PROVINCIARUM SEPTENTRIONALIUM.
NICOLAS MARIE GATTEAUX was born in Paris, August 2, 1751, and in the
latter part of the reign of Louis XVI. was appointed engraver of
medals to the king. During the French Revolution he was intrusted with
the execution of various works of art for different branches of the
public service. The process followed in the printing of assignats, of
bills of exchange, and of lottery tickets, as well as the
printing-press which works at the same time with the dry and wet
stamp, were his inventions. He designed and engraved a number of
medals representing eminent persons, or important events of the
period, including three relating to the War of Independence, viz.,
those of General Gates, General Wayne, and Major John Stewart He died
in Paris, June 24, 1832.
HORATIO GATES was born in Malden, England, in 1728. He entered the
British army when young, and served under General Lord Cornwallis in
Nova Scotia, and afterward under General Braddock in his campaign
against Fort Duquesne, but, being severely wounded during the retreat,
left the army and settled in Virginia. Having received a commission as
adjutant-general, with the rank of brigadier, he accompanied
Washington to Cambridge in July, 1775. While commander-in-chief of the
northern army, he defeated General John Burgoyne at Stillwater,
September 17, 1777, and received his surrender at Saratoga on the 17th
of October following, for which most important achievement Congress
gave him a vote of thanks and a gold medal.[31] He was appointed
commander-in-chief of the southern department in June, 1780, but,
being defeated shortly afterward at Camden, on the 16th of August, he
was superseded by General Greene. During the remainder of the war he
played no prominent part, and, at the conclusion of peace, retired to
his estate, in Virginia. In 1790 he removed to New York city, where he
died, April 10, 1806.
[Footnote 31: The victory at Saratoga is also
commemorated in the Libertas Americana medal, No.
14, page 86, which was struck in Paris in 1783,
under the direction of Dr. Franklin.]
_____
ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS. (p. 010)
_Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to General Gates._
IN CONGRESS.
_Resolved_, That the thanks of Congress, in their own name, and
in behalf of the inhabitants of the thirteen United States, be
presented to Major-General Gates, commander-in-chief in the
northern department, and to Major-Generals Lincoln and Arnold,
and the rest of the officers and troops under his command, for
their brave and successful efforts in support of the independence
of their country, whereby an army of the enemy, of ten thousand
men, has been totally defeated; one large detachment of it,
strongly posted and intrenched, having been conquered at
Bennington; another repulsed with loss and disgrace from Fort
Schuyler; and the main army of six thousand men, under
Lieutenant-General Burgoyne, after being beaten in different
actions, and driven from a formidable post and strong
intrenchments, reduced to the necessity of surrendering
themselves upon terms honourable and advantageous to these
States, on the 17th day of October last, to Major-General Gates;
and that a medal of gold be struck, under the direction of the
Board of War, in commemoration of this great event, and in the
name of these United States presented by the President to
Major-General Gates.
Tuesday, November 4, 1777.
_____
_General Gates to the President of Congress._
To His Excellency
John HANCOCK, Esq., Camp Saratoga,
President of Congress. October 18, 1777.
Sir: I have the satisfaction to present Your Excellency with the
convention of Saratoga, by which His Excellency
Lieutenant-General Burgoyne has surrendered himself and his whole
army into my hands, and they are now upon their march for Boston.
This signal and important event is the more glorious, as it was
effected with so little loss to the army of the United States.
This letter will be presented to Your Excellency by my
adjutant-general, Colonel Wilkinson, to whom I must beg leave to
refer Your Excellency for the particulars that brought this great
business to so happy and fortunate a conclusion.
I desire to be permitted to recommend this gallant officer in the
warmest manner to Congress, and entreat that he may be continued
in his present office, with the brevet of a brigadier-general.
The honourable Congress will believe me when I assure them that,
from the beginning of this war, I have not met with a more
promising military genius than Colonel Wilkinson, and whose
services have been of the greatest importance to this army.
I am, Sir, Your Excellency's most obedient and humble servant,
Horatio GATES.
_____
_Articles of Convention between Major-General Gates and (p. 011)
Lieutenant-General Burgoyne._
I.
The troops under Lieutenant-General Burgoyne to march out of
their camp, with the honours of war and the artillery of the
intrenchments, to the verge of the river, where the old fort
stood, where the arms and artillery are to be left, the arms to
be piled by word of command from their own officers.
II.
A free passage to be granted to the army under Lieutenant-General
Burgoyne to Great Britain, on condition of not serving again in
North America during the present contest; and the port of Boston
is assigned for the entry of transports to receive the troops
whensoever General Howe shall so order.
III.
Should any cartel take place by which the army under General
Burgoyne, or any part of it, may be exchanged, the foregoing
article to be void, as far as such exchange be made.
IV.
The army under Lieutenant-General Burgoyne to march to
Massachusetts Bay by the easiest, most expeditious and convenient
route, and to be quartered in, near, or as convenient as possible
to, Boston, that the march of the troops may not be delayed when
transports arrive to receive them.
V.
The troops to be supplied, on their march and during their being
in quarters, with provisions, by General Gates's orders, at the
same rate of rations as the troops of his own army; and, if
possible, the officers' horses and cattle are to be supplied with
forage at the usual rates.
VI.
All officers to retain their carriages, bathorses, and other
cattle, and no baggage to be molested or searched,
Lieutenant-General Burgoyne giving his honour that there are no
public stores secreted therein. Major-General Gates will, of
course, take the necessary measures for the due performance of
this article. Should any carriages be wanted, during the march,
for the transportation of officers' baggage, they are, if
possible, to be supplied by the country at the usual rates.
VII.
Upon the march, and during the time the army shall remain in
quarters in Massachusetts Bay, the officers are not, as far as
circumstances admit, to be separated from their men. The officers
are to be quartered according to rank, and are not to be hindered
from assembling their men for roll-call, and other necessary
purposes of regularity.
VIII. (p. 012)
All corps whatsoever of Lieutenant-General Burgoyne's army,
whether composed of sailors, bateaumen, artificers, drivers,
independent companies, and followers of the army, of whatever
country, shall be included in the fullest sense and the utmost
extent of the above articles, and comprehended in every respect
as British subjects.
IX.
All Canadians and persons belonging to the Canadian
establishment, consisting of sailors, bateaumen, artificers,
drivers, independent companies, and many other followers of the
army, who come under no particular description, are to be
permitted to return there; they are to be conducted immediately,
by the shortest route, to the first British post on Lake George,
are to be supplied with provisions in the same manner as the
other troops, and are to be bound by the same condition of not
serving during the present contest in North America.
X.
Passports to be immediately granted for three officers, not
exceeding the rank of captains, who shall be appointed by
Lieutenant-General Burgoyne to carry despatches to Sir William
Howe, Sir Guy Carleton, and to Great Britain, by the way of New
York; and Major-General Gates engages the public faith that these
despatches shall not be opened. These officers are to set out
immediately after receiving their despatches, and are to travel
the shortest route and in the most expeditious manner.
XI.
During the stay of the troops in Massachusetts Bay the officers
are to be admitted on parole, and are to be allowed to wear their
side arms.
XII.
Should the army under Lieutenant-General Burgoyne find it
necessary to send for their clothing and other baggage to Canada,
they are permitted to do it in the most convenient manner, and
the necessary passports granted for that purpose.
XIII.
These articles are to be mutually signed and exchanged to-morrow
morning at nine o'clock, and the troops under Lieutenant-General
Burgoyne are to march out of their intrenchments at three o'clock
in the afternoon.
Horatio GATES, Major-General.
J. BURGOYNE, Lieutenant-General.
Saratoga, October 16, 1777.
To prevent any doubts that might arise from Lieutenant-General
Burgoyne's name not being mentioned in the above treaty,
Major-General Gates hereby declares that he is understood
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