 |
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 Jvnctae.]
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 Cesar Anne de la Luzerne............. 116 Biographical Sketch of Eleonore Francois Elie 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. Dupre................................... 122 M. de Moustier to M. Dupre.................................. 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 Guerriere.]
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 Fuerst......................... 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 Epervier.]
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. Dupre 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. Dupre.................... January 3, 1789.... xix Thomas Jefferson to M. Dupre.................. February 13, 1789..... xx Thomas Jefferson to M. Dupre.................. February 15, 1789.... xxi General Winfield Scott to the Secretary of War.... July 25, 1846... xxiv Thomas Jefferson to M. Dupre.................. February 23, 1789. xxxiii Colonel Humphreys to the Printer of the American Museum (Mr. Carey)............................. November, 1787.. xxxiv Registre des Assemblees et Deliberations de l'Academie Royale des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres pendant l'annee 1785......... xxxvi Contract between Colonel Humphreys and M. Dupre for Engraving the Medal of General Greene....... November 19, 1785.... xli Registre des Assemblees et Deliberations de l'Academie Royale des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres pendant l'annee 1789........... xli Thomas Jefferson to M. Dupre............. Royale January 3, 1789... xliv Thomas Jefferson to M. Dupre........... Royale February 13, 1789... xliv Thomas Jefferson to M. Dupre.................. February 15, 1789.... xlv Explication des Peintures. Sculptures et Gravures de Messieurs de l'Academie 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. Dupre.................. 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 audaciae monum. et praemium. [Rx]. Aggeres paludes hostes victi. DUVIVIER. 4 22
V MAJOR JOHN STEWART. [Taking of Stony Point.] Joanni Stewart cohortis praefecto Comitia Americana. [Rx]. Stoney-Point oppugnatum. GATTEAUX. 5 28
VI MAJOR HENRY LEE. [Surprise of Paulus Hook.] Henrico Lee legionis equit. praefecto. Comitia Americana. [Rx]. Non obstantib fluminibus vallis, etc. J. WRIGHT. 6 29
VII JOHN PAULDING, DAVID WILLIAMS, ISAAC VAN WART. [Capture of Major Andre.] Fidelity. [Rx]. Vincit amor patriae. 7 37
VIII BRIGADIER-GENERAL DANIEL MORGAN. [Victory of the Cowpens.] Danieli Morgan duci exercitus Comitia Americana. [Rx]. Victoria libertatis vindex. DUPRE. 8 40
IX LIEUTENANT-COLONEL WILLIAM AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON. [Victory of the Cowpens.] Gulielmo Washington legionis equit. praefecto 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 praefecto 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. DUPRE 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 Junctae.] Faustissimo foedere junctae. 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. DUPRE. 14 86
XV BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. Benj. Franklin natus Boston. XVII Jan. MDCCVI. [Rx]. Eripuit coelo fulmen sceptrum que tyrannis. AUG. DUPRE. 16 95
XVII CAPTAIN JOHN PAUL JONES. [Capture of the Serapis.] Joanni Paulo Jones classis praefecto. Comitia Americana. [Rx]. Hostium navibus captis aut fugatis. DUPRE. 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. DUPRE. 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.] Patriae. 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 Guerriere.] Isaacus Hull peritos arte superat Jul. MDCCCXII Aug. certamine fortes. [Rx]. Horae 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. FUeRST. 26 160
XXVIII CAPTAIN STEPHEN DECATUR. [Capture of the Macedonian.] Stephanus Decatur navarchus, pugnis pluribus, victor. [Rx]. Occidit signum hostile sidera surgunt. FUeRST. 27 163
XXIX CAPTAIN WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE. [Capture of the Java.] Gulielmus Bainbridge patria victisque laudatus. [Rx]. Pugnando. FUeRST. 28 166
XXX LIEUTENANT EDWARD RUTLEDGE McCALL. [Capture of the Boxer.] Edward R. McCall navis Enterprise praefectus. Sic itur ad astra. [Rx]. Vivere sat vincere. FUeRST. 29 171
XXXI LIEUTENANT WILLIAM BURROWS. [Capture of the Boxer.] Victoriam tibi claram. patriae maestam. [Rx]. Vivere sat vincere. FUeRST. 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. FUeRST. 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. FUeRST. 32 183
XXXIV CAPTAIN JAMES LAWRENCE. [Capture of the Peacock.] Jac. Lawrence dulce et decorum est pro patria mori. [Rx]. Mansuetud. maj. quam victoria. FUeRST. 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. FUeRST. 34 189
XXXVI CAPTAIN ROBERT HENLEY. [Victory of Lake Champlain.] Rob. Henley Eagle praefect. palma virtu. per aeternit. florebit. [Rx]. Uno latere percusso. alterum impavide vertit. FUeRST. 35 193
XXXVII LIEUTENANT STEPHEN CASSIN. [Victory of Lake Champlain.] Step. Cassin Ticonderoga praefect. Quae regio in terris nos. non plena lab. [Rx]. Uno latere percusso. alterum impavide vertit. FUeRST. 36 195
XXXVIII CAPTAIN LEWIS WARRINGTON. [Capture of the Epervier.] Ludovicus Warrington dux navalis Ameri. [Rx]. Pro patria paratus aut vincere aut mori. FUeRST. 37 197
XXXIX CAPTAIN JOHNSTON BLAKELEY. [Capture of the Reindeer.] Johnston Blakeley Reip. Faed. Am. nav. Wasp dux. [Rx]. Eheu! bis victor patria tua te luget plauditq. FUeRST. 38 200
XL MAJOR-GENERAL JACOB BROWN. [Victories of Chippewa, Niagara, and Erie.] Major General Jacob Brown. [Rx]. Resolution of Congress November 3. 1814. FUeRST. 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. FUeRST. 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. FUeRST. 41 219
XLIII BRIGADIER-GENERAL JAMES MILLER. [Victories of Chippewa, Niagara, and Erie.] Brigadier Genl. James Miller. [Rx]. Resolution of Congress November 3. 1814. FUeRST. 42 223
XLIV MAJOR-GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT. [Victories of Chippewa and Niagara.] Major General Winfield Scott. [Rx]. Resolution of Congress November 3. 1814. etc. FUeRST. 43 224
XLV MAJOR-GENERAL EDMUND P. GAINES. [Victory of Erie.] Major General Edmund P. Gaines. [Rx]. Resolution of Congress November 3. 1814. FUeRST. 44 226
XLVI MAJOR-GENERAL ALEXANDER MACOMB. [Victory of Plattsburgh.] Major General Alexander Macomb. [Rx]. Resolution of Congress November 3. 1814. FUeRST. 45 233
XLVII MAJOR-GENERAL ANDREW JACKSON. [Victory of New Orleans.] Major General Andrew Jackson. [Rx]. Resolution of Congress February 27. 1815. FUeRST. 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. FUeRST. 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. FUeRST. 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. FUeRST. 49 253
LI MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. [Victory of the Thames.] Major General William H. Harrison. [Rx]. Resolution of Congress April 4. 1818. FUeRST. 50 254
LII GOVERNOR ISAAC SHELBY. [Victory of the Thames.] Governor Isaac Shelby. [Rx]. Battle of the Thames. Octo. 5. 1813. FUeRST. 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. FUeRST. 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. FUeRST. 54 271
LVI COLONEL GEORGE CROGHAN. [Defence of Fort Stephenson.] Presented by Congress to Colonel George Croghan 1835. [Rx]. Pars magna fuit. FUeRST. 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. FUeRST. 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 pere," the first of this distinguished family of medal engravers, who lived in Liege 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 Dupre 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 to be comprehended in it as fully as if his name had been specifically mentioned.
Horatio GATES.
Thomas Jefferson to Colonel Humphreys. (p. 013)
To Colonel HUMPHREYS, Paris, December 4, 1785. London.
Dear Sir: I inclose a letter from Gatteaux, observing that there will be an anachronism if, in making a medal to commemorate the victory of Saratoga, he puts on General Gates the insignia of the Cincinnati, which did not exist at that date. I wrote him, in answer, that I thought so, too, but that you had the direction of the business; that you were now in London; that I would write to you, and probably should have an answer within a fortnight; and that, in the mean time, he could be employed on other parts of the die. I supposed you might not have observed on the print of General Gates the insignia of the Cincinnati, or did not mean that that particular should be copied. Another reason against it strikes me: Congress have studiously avoided giving to the public their sense of this institution. Should medals be prepared to be presented from them to certain officers, and bearing on them the insignia of the order, as the presenting them would involve an approbation of the institution, a previous question would be forced on them, whether they would present these medals. I am of opinion it would be very disagreeable to them to be placed under the necessity of making this declaration. Be so good as to let me know your wishes on this subject by the first post, and be assured of the esteem with which I am, dear Sir, your friend and servant, Th: JEFFERSON.
Colonel Humphreys to Thomas Jefferson.
To Thomas JEFFERSON, Esq., London, Leicester Square, No. 18. Paris.
Dear Sir: I have been honoured with your favour of December 4th, and on the subject of Gatteaux' application take the liberty to inform you that I never had an idea of his engraving the insignia of the Cincinnati. I clearly see the impropriety of it. I should, therefore, be much obliged if you would take the trouble of giving him definitive instructions on this and any other points that may occur in the execution of the medal....
I am, with the sincerest affection, dear Sir, your most obedient and humble servant, D. HUMPHREYS.
No. 3. (p. 014) PLATE III.
July 15, 7779.
Antonio Wayne duci exercitus Comitia Americana. [Rx]. Stoney-Point expugnatum.
BRIGADIER-GENERAL ANTHONY WAYNE.
[Taking of Stony Point.]
ANTONIO WAYNE DUCI EXERCITUS COMITIA AMERICANA. (The American Congress to General Anthony Wayne.) America, personified as an Indian queen, standing, and having at her feet a bow, an alligator, and the American shield, presents to General Wayne a laurel and a mural crown. GATTEAUX.
STONEY-POINT (sic) EXPUGNATUM. (Stony Point carried by storm.) The American troops carrying Stony Point by assault. Six ships on the Hudson River. Exergue: XV JUL. MDCCLXXIX. (15 Julii, 1779: July 15, 1779.) On the platform, GATTEAUX.[32]
[Footnote 32: See INTRODUCTION, pages x, xix, xxviii, xxx, xxxv; D, xli; and H, xlvii.]
ANTHONY WAYNE was born at Waynesborough, Chester County, Pennsylvania, January 1, 1745. He was educated in Philadelphia. In 1774 he was elected a member of the Pennsylvania Convention, and in 1775 was appointed colonel of a regiment under General Thomas in Canada, and took part in the engagements at Three Rivers and at Ticonderoga. In 1777 he was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general under Washington, and fought at the Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth. On the night of July 15, 1779, he surprised and took Stony Point, on the Hudson River, for which gallant deed Congress gave him a vote of thanks and a gold medal. He afterward served in the South, occupied Savannah, July 11, 1782, and Charleston, South Carolina, on the 14th of December following, and retired to his estate at the close of the war. On April 3, 1792, he was appointed major-general and commander-in-chief in the war against the western Indians, and in 1794 gained an important victory over the Miami tribe of Indians. He died at Presque Isle, (p. 015) now Erie, Pennsylvania, December 14, 1796. In 1809, his son, Colonel Wayne, removed his remains to the cemetery of Radnor church, near Waynesborough, where the Pennsylvania State Society of the Cincinnati caused a handsome monument to be erected to his memory. He was known during the Revolutionary War by the sobriquet of "Mad Anthony."
ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.
Resolutions of Congress Voting Medals to General Wayne, to Lieutenant Colonel de Fleury, and to Major Stewart, etc.
IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED.
Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of Congress be given to His Excellency General Washington for the vigilance, wisdom, and magnanimity with which he hath conducted the military operations of these States, and which are among many other signal instances manifested in his orders for the late glorious enterprize and successful attack on the enemy's fortress on the bank of Hudson's river.
Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of Congress be presented to Brigadier-General Wayne for his brave, prudent, and soldierly conduct in the spirited and well-conducted attack of Stony Point.
Resolved unanimously, That Congress entertain a proper sense of the good conduct of the officers and soldiers under the command of Brigadier-General Wayne, in the assault of the enemy's works at Stony Point, and highly commend the coolness, discipline, and firm intrepidity exhibited on that occasion.
Resolved unanimously, That Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury and Major Stewart, who by their situation in leading the two attacks had a more immediate opportunity of distinguishing themselves, have, by their personal achievements, exhibited a bright example to their brother soldiers, and merit in a particular manner the approbation and acknowledgment of the United States.
Resolved unanimously, That Congress warmly approve and applaud the cool determined spirit with which Lieutenant Gibbons and Lieutenant Knox led on the forlorn hope, braving danger and death in the cause of their country.
Resolved unanimously, That a medal, emblematical of this action, be struck:
That one of gold be presented to Brigadier-General Wayne, and a silver one to Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury and Major Stewart respectively.
Resolved unanimously, That brevets of captain be given to Lieutenant Gibbons and Lieutenant Knox.
That the brevet of captain be given to Mr. Archer, the bearer of the general's letter, and volunteer aid to Brigadier-General Wayne.
That Congress approve the promises of reward made by General (p. 016) Wayne, with the concurrence of the commander-in-chief, to the troops under his command.
That the value of the military stores taken at Stony Point be ascertained, and divided among the gallant troops by whom it was reduced, in such manner and proportion as the commander-in-chief shall prescribe.
Monday, July 26, 1779.
General Washington to the President of Congress.
To New Windsor, half-past nine o'clock, THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. July 16, 1779.
Sir: I have the pleasure to transmit to Your Excellency the inclosed copy of a letter from Brigadier-General Wayne, which this moment came to hand. I congratulate Congress upon our success, and what makes it still more agreeable from the report of Captain Fishbourn, who brought me General Wayne's letter, the post was gained with but very inconsiderable loss on our part. As soon as I receive a particular account of the affair, I shall transmit it.
I have the honour to be, etc., Geo. WASHINGTON.
General Wayne to General Washington.
To Stony Point, two o'clock A.M., General WASHINGTON. July 16, 1779.
Dear General: The fort and garrison with Colonel Johnson are ours. Our officers and men behaved like men who are determined to be free. Yours, most sincerely, Anthony WAYNE.
General Washington to the President of Congress.
To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. New Windsor, July 20, 1779.
Sir: On the 16th instant I had the honour to inform Congress of a successful attack upon the enemy's post at Stony Point, on the preceding night, by Brigadier-General Wayne and the corps of light infantry under his command. The ulterior operations on which we have been engaged have hitherto put it out of my power to transmit the particulars of this interesting event. They will now be found in the inclosed report, which I have received from General Wayne. To the encomiums he has deservedly bestowed on the officers and men under his command, it gives me pleasure to add, that his own conduct throughout the whole of this arduous enterprize merits the warmest approbation of Congress. He (p. 017) improved upon the plan recommended by me, and executed it in a manner that does signal honour to his judgment and to his bravery. In a critical moment of the assault, he received a flesh wound in the head with a musket ball, but continued leading on his men with unshaken firmness.
I now beg leave, for the private satisfaction of Congress, to explain the motives which induced me to direct the attempt. In my former letters I have pointed out the advantages which the enemy derived from the possession of this post and the one on the opposite side, and the inconveniences resulting from it to us. To deprive them of the former, and to remove the latter, were sufficient inducements to endeavour to dispossess them. The necessity of doing something to satisfy the expectations of the people, and reconcile them to the defensive plan we are obliged to pursue, and to the apparent inactivity which our situation imposes upon us; the value of the acquisition in itself, with respect to the men, artillery, and stores, which composed the garrison; the effect it would have upon the successive operations of the campaign, and the check it would give to the immediate depredations of the enemy at the present season; all these motives concurred to determine me to the undertaking. The certain advantages of success, even if not so extensive as might be hoped, would, at all events, be very important; the probable disadvantages of a failure were comparatively inconsiderable, and, on the plan which was adopted, could amount to little more than the loss of a small number of men.
After reconnoitering the post myself, and collecting all the information I could get of its strength and situation, I found that, without hazarding a greater loss than we were able to afford, and with little likelihood of success, the attempt to carry it could only be by way of surprize. I therefore resolved on this mode, and gave my instructions to General Wayne accordingly, in hopes that Verplanck's Point might fall in consequence of the reduction of the other. Dispositions were made for the purpose, which unluckily did not succeed. The evening appointed for the attack, I directed Major-General McDougall to put two brigades under marching orders to be moved down toward Verplanck's, as soon as he should receive intelligence of the success of the attempt on this side, and requested General Wayne to let his despatches to me pass through General McDougall, that he might have the earliest advice of the event. But by some misconception, they came directly to headquarters, which occasioned a loss of several hours. The next morning Major-General Howe was sent to take the command of those troops, with orders to advance to the vicinity of the enemy's works, and open batteries against them. I was in hopes that this might either awe them, under the impression of what had happened on the other side, to surrender, or prepare the way for an assault. But some accidental delays, in bringing on the heavy cannon and intrenching tools necessary for an operation of this kind, unavoidably retarded its execution, till the approach of the enemy's main body made it too late. General Howe, to avoid being intercepted, found himself under the necessity of relinquishing his project and returning to a place of security. I did not unite the two attacks at the same time and in the same manner, because this would have rendered the enterprize more complex, more liable to suspicion, and less likely to succeed for want of an exact co-operation, which could hardly have been expected. When I came to examine the post at Stony Point, I found it (p. 018) would require more men to maintain it than we could afford, without incapacitating the army for other operations. In the opinion of the engineer, corresponding with my own and that of all the general officers present, not less than fifteen hundred men would be requisite for its defence; and, from the nature of the works, which were opened toward the river, a great deal of labour and expense must have been incurred, and much time employed to make them defensible by us. The enemy, depending on their shipping to protect their rear, had constructed the works solely against an attack by land. We should have had to apprehend equally an attack by water, and must have inclosed the post. While we were doing this, the whole army must have been in the vicinity, exposed to the risk of a general action, on terms which it would not be our interest to court, and too distant to assist in carrying on the fortifications at West Point, or to support them in case of necessity. These considerations made it a unanimous sentiment to evacuate the post, remove the cannon and stores, and destroy the works, which was accomplished on the night of the 18th, one piece of heavy cannon only excepted. For want of proper tackling within reach to transport the cannon by land, we were obliged to send them to the fort by water. The movements of the enemy's vessels created some uneasiness on their account, and induced me to keep one of the pieces for their protection, which finally could not be brought off without risking more for its preservation than it was worth. We also lost a galley, which was ordered down to cover the boats. She got under way on her return the afternoon of the 18th. The enemy began a severe and continued cannonade upon her, from which having suffered some injury she was run on shore, which disabled her from proceeding. As she could not be got afloat till late in the flood-tide, and one or two of the enemy's vessels under favour of the night passed above her, she was set on fire and blown up. |
|
