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.

To His Excellency
Mr. Huntington,
President of Congress.
Passy, March 4, 1780.

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.

To His Excellency
The President of Congress.
Paris, March 18, 1785.

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 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.

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 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.

To the Honourable
John Jay,
Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
Passy, May 10, 1785.

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 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.

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.

To the Honourable
John Jay,
Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
Paris, February 14, 1787.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

To the Honourable
William L. Marcy,
Secretary of War.
Headquarters of the Army,
Washington, July 25, 1846.

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 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.

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].

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Exergue: comitia americana anno ...

Pour le colonel Washington.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

Mardi 13 janvier 1789.

Monsieur Dacier annonça ensuite que Monsieur Jefferson, ministre des États-Unis d'Amérique, priait l'Académie de vouloir bien 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.

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.

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.

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]

Exergue: Same as above.

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 3^me 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 15^me 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 13^me 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 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.

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 15^me février 1789.

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.
A 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.

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.
A 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.

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.

Mint of the United States,
Philadelphia, November 22, 1861.
Honorable
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 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.

Legation of the United States,
Paris, December 10, 1861.
To His Excellency,
Monsieur Thouvenel,
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.

Paris, le 17 janvier 1862.
Monsieur Dayton,
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.]

Paris, January 17, 1862.
Mr. Dayton,
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.

Legation of the United States,
Paris, January 23, 1862.
To His Excellency,
Monsieur Thouvenel,
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 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.

A Monsieur
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.

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.

To
John Hancock, Esq.
President of Congress.
Headquarters, Cambridge,
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.

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.

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.

New York, April 15, 1776.
To
John Adams, Esq.,
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.

Paris, May, 1785.
To
General Washington.

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.

London, January 30, 1786.
To
Thomas Jefferson, Esq.,
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 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.

Paris, May 7, 1786.
To
Colonel Humphreys,
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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Paris, December 4, 1785.
To
Colonel Humphreys,
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.

London, Leicester Square, No. 18.
To
Thomas Jefferson, Esq.,
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.

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 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.

New Windsor, half-past nine o'clock,
July 16, 1779.
To
the President of Congress.

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.

Stony Point, two o'clock a.m.,
July 16, 1779.
To
General Washington.

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.

New Windsor, July 20, 1779.
To
the President of Congress.

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 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 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.

Disappointed in our attempt on the other side, we may lose some of the principal advantages hoped from the undertaking. The enemy may re-establish the post at Stony Point, and still continue to interrupt that communication. Had both places been carried, though we should not have been able to occupy them ourselves, there is great reason to believe the enemy would hardly have mutilated their main body a second time, and gone through the same trouble to regain possession of posts where they had been so unfortunate. But though we may not reap all the benefits which might have followed, those we do reap are very important. The diminution of the enemy's force, by the loss of so many men, will be felt in their present circumstances. The artillery and stores will be a valuable acquisition to us, especially in our scarcity of heavy cannon for the forts. The event will have a good effect upon the minds of the people, give our troops greater confidence in themselves, and depress the spirits of the enemy proportionably. If they resolve to re-establish the post, they must keep their force collected for the purpose. This will serve to confine their ravages within a narrower compass, and to a part of the country already exhausted. They must lose part of the remainder of the campaign in rebuilding the works; and when they have left a garrison for its defence, their main body, by being lessened, must act with so much the less energy, and so much the greater caution.

They have now brought their whole force up the river, and yesterday they landed a body at Stony Point. It is supposed not impossible that General Clinton may retaliate by a stroke upon West Point; and his having stripped New York and its dependencies pretty bare, and brought up a number of small boats, are circumstances that give a colour to the surmise. Though all this may very well be resolved into different motives, prudence requires that our dispositions should have immediate reference to the security of this post; and I have, therefore, drawn our force together, so that the whole may act in its defence on an emergency. To-morrow I shall remove my own quarters to the fort.

It is probable Congress will be pleased to bestow some marks of consideration upon those officers who distinguished themselves upon this occasion. Every officer and man of the corps deserves great credit; but there were particular ones, whose situation placed them foremost in danger, and made their conduct most conspicuous. Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury and Major Stewart commanded the two attacks. Lieutenants Gibbons and Knox commanded the advanced parties, or forlorn hope; and all acquitted themselves as well as possible. These officers have a claim to be more particularly noticed. In any other service promotion would be the proper reward, but in ours it would be injurious. I take the liberty to recommend in preference some honourary present, especially to the field-officers. A brevet captaincy to the other two, as it will have no operation in regimental rank, may not be amiss.

Congress will perceive that some pecuniary rewards were promised by General Wayne to his corps. This was done with my concurrence; and in addition to them, as a greater incitement to their exertions, they were also promised the benefit of whatever was taken in the fort. The artillery and stores are converted to the use of the public, but, in compliance with my engagements, it will be necessary to have them appraised, and the amount paid to the captors in money. I hope my conduct in this instance will not be disapproved. Mr. Archer, who will have the honour of delivering these despatches, is a volunteer aid to General Wayne, and a gentleman of merit. His zeal, activity, and spirit are conspicuous on every occasion.

I have the honour to be, &c.,
Geo. Washington.

P.S. Congress may be at a loss what to do with Mr. Archer. A captain's brevet, or commission in the army at large, will be equal to his wishes; and he deserves encouragement on every account. Lest there should be any misapprehension as to what is mentioned about the manner of sending despatches through General McDougall, I beg leave to be more explicit. I directed General Wayne, when he marched from his ground, to send his despatches in the first instance to the officer of his baggage guard, left at the encampment from which he marched, who was to inform his messenger where I was to be found. I left word with this officer to forward the messenger to General McDougall, and I desired General McDougall to open the despatches. The messenger, who was Captain Fishbourn, came directly on, either through misconception in General Wayne, in the officer of the guard, or in himself.

I forgot to mention that there are two standards taken, one belonging to the garrison and one to the Seventeenth regiment; these shall be sent to Congress by the first convenient opportunity.

General Wayne to General Washington.

Stony Point, July 17, 1779.
To
General Washington.

Sir: I have the honour to give you a full and particular relation of the reduction of this Point, by the light infantry under my command.

On the 15th instant, at twelve o'clock, we took our line of march from Sandy Beach, distant fourteen miles from this place; the roads being exceedingly bad and narrow, and having to pass over high mountains, through deep morasses and difficult defies, we were obliged to move in single files the greatest part of the way. At eight o'clock in the evening the van arrived at Mr. Springsteel's, within one mile and a half of the enemy, and formed into columns as fast as they came up, agreeably to the order of battle annexed; namely, Colonels Febiger's and Meigs' regiments, with Major Hull's detachment, formed the right column; Colonel Butler's regiment and Major Murfey's two companies the left. The troops remained in this position until several of the principal officers with myself had returned from reconnoitering the works. At half-past eleven o'clock, being the hour fixed on, the whole moved forward. The van of the right consisted of one hundred and fifty volunteers, properly officered, who advanced with unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury; these were preceded by twenty picked men, and a vigilant and brave officer, to remove the abatis and other obstructions. The van of the left consisted of one hundred volunteers, under the command of Major Stewart, with unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets, also preceded by a brave and determined officer with twenty men, for the same purpose as the other.

At twelve o'clock, the assault was to begin on the right and left flanks of the enemy's works, while Major Murfey amused them in front; but a deep morass covering their whole front, and at this time overflowed by the tide, together with other obstructions, rendered the approaches more difficult than was at first apprehended, so that it was about twenty minutes after twelve before the assault began. Previously to which I placed myself at the head of Febiger's regiment, or the right column, and gave the troops the most pointed orders not to fire on any account, but place their whole dependence on the bayonet, which order was literally and faithfully obeyed. Neither the deep morass, the formidable and double rows of abatis, nor the strong works in front and flank, could damp the ardour of the troops, who, in the face of a most tremendous and incessant fire of musketry, and from cannon loaded with grape-shot, forced their way at the point of the bayonet through every obstacle, both columns meeting in the centre of the enemy's works nearly at the same instant. Too much praise cannot be given to Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury (who struck the enemy's standard with his own hand) and to Major Stewart, who commanded the advanced parties, for their brave and prudent conduct.

Colonels Butler, Meigs, and Febiger conducted themselves with that coolness, bravery, and perseverance that will ever insure success.

Lieutenant-Colonel Hay was wounded in the thigh, bravely fighting at the head of his battalion. I should take up too much of Your Excellency's time were I to particularize every individual who deserves it, for his bravery on this occasion. I cannot, however, omit Major Lee, to whom I am indebted for frequent and very useful intelligence, which contributed much to the success of the enterprize, and it is with the greatest pleasure I acknowledge to you, that I was supported in the attack by all the officers and soldiers under my command, to the utmost of my wishes. The officers and privates of the artillery exerted themselves in turning the cannon against Verplanck's Point, and forced the enemy to cut the cables of their shipping, and run down the river.

I should be wanting in gratitude were I to omit mentioning Captain Fishbourn and Mr. Archer, my two aids-de-camp, who, on every occasion, showed the greatest intrepidity, and supported me into the works after I received my wound in passing the last abatis.

Inclosed are the returns of the killed and wounded of the light infantry, as also of the enemy, together with the number of prisoners taken; likewise of the ordnance and stores found in the garrison.

I forgot to inform Your Excellency that, previously to my marching, I had drawn General Muhlenberg into my rear, who, with three hundred men of his brigade, took post on the opposite side of the marsh, so as to be in readiness either to support me, or to cover a retreat, in case of accident; and I have no doubt of his faithfully and effectually executing either, had there been any occasion for him.

The humanity of our brave soldiery, who scorned to take the lives of a vanquished foe calling for mercy, reflects the highest honour on them, and accounts for the few of the enemy killed on the occasion.

I am not satisfied with the manner in which I have mentioned the conduct of Lieutenants Gibbons and Knox, the two gentlemen who led the advanced parties of twenty men each. Their distinguished bravery deserves the highest commendation. The former belongs to the Sixth Pennsylvania regiment, and lost seventeen men killed and wounded in the attack; the latter belongs to the Ninth Pennsylvania regiment, and was more fortunate in saving his men, though not less exposed.

I have the honour to be, &c.,
Anthony Wayne.

General Washington to the President of Congress.

Headquarters, West Point,
July 25, 1779.
To
The President of Congress.

Sir: Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury having communicated to me his intention to return to France at the present juncture, on some matters interesting to himself, I have thought proper to give him this letter to testify to Congress the favourable opinion I entertain of his conduct. The marks of their approbation which he received on a former occasion have been amply justified by all his subsequent behaviour. He has signalized himself in more than one instance since; and in the late assault on Stony Point he commanded one of the attacks, was the first that entered the enemy's works, and struck the British flag with his own hands, as reported by General Wayne. It is but justice to him to declare that, in the different stations in which he has been employed, he has rendered services of real utility, and has acquitted himself in every respect as an officer of distinguished merit, one whose talents, zeal, activity, and bravery alike entitle him to particular notice. He has intimated to me a desire to obtain a furlough for a few months. I doubt not Congress will be disposed to grant him every indulgence which can be granted with propriety.

I have the honour to be, &c.,
Geo. Washington.

General Washington to the President of Congress.

Certificate.

West Point, July 28, 1779.
To
The President of Congress.

I certify that Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury has served in the army of the United States since the beginning of the campaign of 1777, to the present period, and has uniformly acquitted himself as an officer of distinguished merit for talents, zeal, activity, prudence, and bravery; that he first obtained a captain's commission from Congress, and entered as a volunteer in a corps of riflemen, in which, by his activity and bravery, he soon recommended himself to notice; that he next served as brigade-major, with the rank of major, first in the infantry and then in the cavalry, in which stations he acquired reputation in the army, and the approbation of his commanding officers, of which he has the most ample testimonies; that, toward the conclusion of the campaign of 1777, he was sent to the important post of Fort Mifflin in quality of engineer, in which he rendered essential services, and equally signalized his intelligence and his valour.

That, in consequence of his good conduct on this and on former occasions, he was promoted by Congress to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and has been since employed in the following stations, namely, as a sub-inspector, as second in command in a corps of light infantry in an expedition against Rhode Island, and lastly as commandant of a battalion of light infantry in the army under my immediate command; that in each of these capacities, as well as the former, he has justified the confidence reposed in him, and acquired more and more the character of a judicious, well-informed, indefatigable, and brave officer. In the assault of Stony Point, a strong fortified post of the enemy on the North River, he commanded one of the attacks, was the first that entered the main works, and struck the British flag with his own hands.

I have the honour to be, &c.,
Geo. Washington.

A Memorial for M. de Fleury, an Officer in the Regiment of Rouergue for twelve years; a Captain of Engineers in the Service of France for three years; and a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Service of the United States for two years.

M. de Fleury left France with M. du Coudray in 1776.

He obtained a furlough and was commissioned as a captain of engineers.

Congress having refused to employ M. du Coudray and the officers who came over with him, almost all of them were discouraged; but M. de Fleury joined the army and served as a volunteer private during a part of the campaign of 1777.

At the fight of Piscataqua he had the good fortune to be remarked while in performance of his duty, and he was promoted to the rank of captain. (Certified by Colonel Morgan).

He was afterward employed to make a survey of the environs of Philadelphia, which was to be the seat of the approaching campaign, to take soundings in the Delaware, and to fortify Billingsport. (Certified by General Washington).

The enemy having landed at Hith, he joined the army and acted as major of brigade.

At the battle of the Brandywine, he remained on the field after his brigade had been routed, had a horse shot under him, and carried off a piece of ordnance.

On the report of General Washington to Congress, it was ordered that a horse be presented to M. de Fleury "as a mark of the high sense Congress entertained of his merits." (Certified by General Washington and General Sullivan).

N.B. This honour has been paid only to General Arnold and M. de Fleury.

At the battle of Germantown he acted as brigade-major of dragoons, charged several times, and made several prisoners. The horse which had been given to him by Congress was shot under him, and he himself was wounded in the leg. (Certified by General Count Pulaski).

Fort Mifflin, on Mud Island, the only defence of the Delaware, was threatened by the British army and squadron. It was a post of the greatest importance, and M. de Fleury was sent there as chief engineer. He sustained a siege of six weeks behind a stockade. A ship of sixty-four guns, the Augusta, and one of 22 guns, the Merlin, blew up under fire from the fort. The commandant and the garrison, numbering 600 men, were relieved three times, but M. de Fleury refused to leave the fort. He was wounded October 15th, and the fort was evacuated that same night. For this action he was made a lieutenant-colonel, and a letter of thanks was addressed to him by the President of Congress. (Certified by Congress, the General-in-chief, and M. de la Fayette).

During the winter of 1778 he formed the project of crossing the ice and setting fire to the English squadron. The Delaware not being frozen that year hard enough for his purpose, he invented explosive boats, and he was engaged in constructing them when he received orders to join the Army of the North. (Certified by General Washington and Commodore Hasilwood).

The Canadian expedition did not take place, and on his return M. de Fleury was appointed inspector and charged with forming, instructing, and disciplining the troops. (Certified by General Washington).

At the opening of the campaign of 1778 he was second in command of a select corps (in which was the general's body-guard) of 600 men, 2 pieces of ordnance, and 50 cavalry. He served in this capacity at the battle of Monmouth and afterward.

On the arrival of the French squadron, he was sent to meet Count d'Estaing by General Washington, and he went with him to Rhode Island, where an attack was expected.

It was by his advice that the fruitless siege of Newport was raised, and that the retreat to the north part of the island was resolved upon. The corps in which he served repulsed the enemy and covered the retreat. (Certified by General Sullivan).

When he returned to the Army of the South, Count d'Estaing kindly wrote to General Washington: "Allow me to recommend particularly to your favour M. de Fleury. General Sullivan will tell you what he did at Rhode Island; he is an excellent officer and a useful Frenchman. I should be happy, if the occasion offered, to serve again with him. He is fitted to bring about good feeling among private individuals, and to make them as friendly as our two nations are." (Letter of M. d'Estaing).

At the opening of the campaign of 1779 M. de Fleury was in command of a corps of light infantry; he was the first to mount the ramparts of Stony Point, and he took the enemy's flag with his own hand. (Certified by the General and by Congress).

On this occasion the President of Congress wrote that Congress hoped he would receive some reward from his own country, and the French minister also expressed a hope that his Court would give America, through M. de Fleury, some token of the satisfaction with which the services of a French officer to America were viewed in France. (Letter from Mr. Jay).

When M. de la Luzerne arrived, General Washington requested him to call the attention of the French Court to the conduct of M. de Fleury.

At the close of the campaign, by the advice of his general, he asked for nine months' leave. At his departure, General Washington wrote to Congress that he desired the return of an officer who had rendered such important services. (Letter of General Washington).

Though far from rich, M. de Fleury declined any pecuniary recompense on leaving America.

M. de Fleury, having thus by his services risen from the ranks to a lieutenant-colonelcy, and having been honoured by the good will of the nation and of the army, the esteem of Congress and the confidence of his general, ventures to solicit some mark of the approbation of his Prince and of the minister under whose auspices he entered the service of an ally of France.

Though convinced that he owes his success to his good fortune rather than to his talents, and that by his zeal he has alone been enabled to make up for his deficiency, he ventures to hope that his country will not overlook his services, and that his return to a beloved land—which is a source of happiness to every Frenchman—will not prove in his case a misfortune and a loss.

P.S. M. de Fleury has made some surveys and written reports which have met with the approbation of M. Girard; he begs to be allowed to present them to the Minister. (Letter of M. Girard).

Resolutions of Congress Voting a Medal to Major Henry Lee, etc.

By the United States in Congress Assembled.

Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be given to His Excellency General Washington, for ordering with so much wisdom the late attack on the enemy's fort and works at Powles Hook.[38]

Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be given to Major-General Lord Stirling for the judicious measures taken by him to forward the enterprize and to secure the retreat of the party.

Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be given to Major Lee for the remarkable prudence, address and bravery displayed by him on the occasion; and that they approve the humanity shown in circumstances prompting to severity, as honourable to the arms of the United States, and correspondent to the noble principles on which they were assumed.

Resolved, That Congress entertain a high sense of the discipline, fortitude, and spirit manifested by the officers and soldiers under the command of Major Lee in the march, action and retreat; and while with singular satisfaction they acknowledge the merit of these gallant men, they feel an additional pleasure by considering them as part of an army, in which very many brave officers and soldiers have proved, by their cheerful performance of every duty under every difficulty, that they ardently wish to give the truly glorious examples they now receive.

Resolved, That Congress justly esteem the military caution so happily combined with daring activity by Lieutenants McAllister and Rudolph in leading on the forlorn hope.

Resolved, That a medal of gold, emblematical of this affair, be struck, under the direction of the Board of Treasury, and presented to Major Lee.

Resolved, That the brevet, and the pay and subsistence of captain, be given to Lieutenant McAllister and to Lieutenant Rudolph respectively.

Resolved, That the sum of 15,000 dollars be put into the hands of Major Lee, to be by him distributed among the non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the detachment he commanded at the attack and surprize of Powles Hook, in such manner as the commander-in-chief shall direct.

Friday, September 24, 1779.

General Washington to the President of Congress.

Head Quarters, West Point,
August 23, 1779.
To
The President of Congress.

Sir: I have the honour to enclose to Your Excellency Major Lee's report of the surprize and capture of the garrison of Powles Hook. The Major displayed a remarkable degree of prudence, address, enterprize and bravery, upon this occasion, which does the highest honour to himself and to all the officers and men under his command. The situation of the post rendered the attempt critical and the success brilliant. It was made in consequence of information that the garrison was in a state of negligent security, which the event has justified. I am much indebted to Lord Stirling for the judicious measures he took to forward the enterprize, and to secure the retreat of the party. Lieutenant McAllister, who will have the honour of delivering these despatches, will present Congress with the standard of the garrison, which fell into his possession during the attack. Major Lee speaks of this gentleman's conduct in the handsomest terms.

I have the honour to be, &c.,
Geo. Washington.

P.S. The report not having been received till this day, prevented a speedier transmission. Major Lee mentions twenty men lost on our side. Captain Rudolph informs me that, since the report was concluded, several of the missing had returned, which will lessen the supposed loss near one half.

Major Henry Lee to General Washington.

Paramus, August 22, 1779.
To His Excellency
General Washington.

Sir: Lord Stirling was pleased to communicate to Your Excellency my verbal report to his Lordship of the 19th instant. I now do myself the honour to present a particular relation of the enterprize Your Excellency was pleased to commit to my direction.

I took command of the troops employed on this occasion on the 18th. They amounted to four hundred infantry, composed of detachments from the Virginia and Maryland divisions, and one troop of dismounted dragoons.

The troops moved from the vicinity of the New Bridge about four o'clock p.m. Patrols of horse being detached to watch the communication with the North River, and parties of infantry stationed at the different avenues leading to Powles Hook. My anxiety to render the march as easy as possible, induced me to pursue the Bergen road lower than intended. After filing into the mountains, the timidity or treachery of the principal guide prolonged a short march into a march of three hours; by this means the troops were exceedingly harassed, and being obliged, through deep mountainous woods, to regain our route, some parties of the rear were unfortunately separated. This affected me most sensibly, as it not only diminished the number of men destined for the assault, but deprived me of the aid of several officers of distinguished merit.

On reaching the point of separation, I found my first disposition impracticable, both from the near approach of day and the rising of the tide. Not a moment being to spare, I paid no attention to the punctilios of honour or rank, but ordered the troops to advance in their then disposition. Lieutenant Rudolph, whom I had previously detached to reconnoitre the passages of the canal, returned to me at this point of time and reported that all was silence within the works, that he had fathomed the canal and found the passage on the centre route still admissible. This intervening intelligence was immediately communicated from front to rear, and the troops pushed on with that resolution, order, and coolness which insures success.

The forlorn hopes, led by Lieutenant McAllister, of the Maryland, and Lieutenant Rudolph, of the dragoons, marched on with trailed arms, in most profound silence. Such was the singular address of these two gentlemen, that the first notice to the garrison was the forlorns plunging into the canal. A firing immediately commenced from the block-houses and along the line of the abatis, but did not in the least check the advance of the troops. The forlorns, supported by Major Clarke, at the head of the right column, broke through all opposition, and found an entrance into the main work. So rapid was the movement of the troops, that we gained the fort before the discharge of a single piece of artillery. The centre column, conducted by Captain Forsyth, on passing the abatis, took a direction to their left. Lieutenant Armstrong led on the advance of this column. They soon possessed themselves of the officers and troops posted at the house No. 6, and fully completed every object of their destination. The rear column, under Captain Handy, moved forward in support of the whole. Thus were we completely victorious in the space of a few moments.

The appearance of daylight, my apprehension lest some accident might have befallen the boats, the numerous difficulties of the retreat, the harassed state of the troops, and the destruction of all our ammunition by passing the canal, conspired in influencing me to retire in the moment of victory. Major Clarke, with the right column, was immediately put in motion with the greater part of the prisoners. Captain Handy followed on with the remainder. Lieutenants Armstrong and Reed formed the rear guard.

Immediately on the commencement of the retreat, I sent forward Captain Forsyth to Prior's Mill to collect such men from the different columns as were most fit for action, and to take post on the heights of Bergen to cover the retreat.

On my reaching this place I was informed by Cornet Neill (who had been posted there during the night for the purpose of laying the bridge and communicating with the boats), that my messenger, directed to him previous to the attack, had not arrived, nor had he heard from Captain Peyton, who had charge of the boats.

Struck with apprehension that I should be disappointed in the route of retreat, I rode forward to the front, under Major Clarke, whom I found very near the point of embarkation, and no boats to receive them. In this very critical situation I lost no time in my decision, but ordered the troops to regain Bergen road and shove on to the New Bridge; at the same time I communicated my disappointment to Lord Stirling by express, then returned to Prior's Bridge to the rear-guard.

Oppressed by every possible misfortune, at the head of troops worn down by a rapid march of thirty miles, through mountains, swamps, and deep morasses, without the least refreshment during the whole march, ammunition destroyed, incumbered with prisoners, and a retreat of fourteen miles to make good, on a route admissible of interception at several points, by a moving in our rear, and another (from the intelligence I had received from the captured officers) in all probability well advanced on our right; a retreat naturally impossible to our left; under all these distressing circumstances, my sole dependence was in the persevering gallantry of the officers and obstinate courage of the troops. In this I was fully satisfied by the shouts of the soldiery, who gave every proof of unimpaired vigour the moment that the enemy's approach was announced.

Having gained the point of intersection opposite Weehawken, Captain Handy was directed to move with his division on the mountain road, in order to facilitate the retreat. Captain Catlett, of the Virginia regiment, fortunately joined me at this moment, at the head of fifty men, with good ammunition. I immediately halted this officer, and having detached two parties, the one on the Bergen road in the rear of Major Clarke, the other on the banks of the North River, I moved with the party under the command of the captain on the centre route. By these precautions a sudden approach of the enemy was fully prevented. I am very much indebted to this officer, and the gentlemen under him, for their alacrity and vigilance on this occasion.

On the rear's approach to the Fort Lee road, we met a detachment under the command of Colonel Ball, which Lord Stirling had pushed forward, on the first notice of our situation, to support the retreat. The colonel moved on, and occupied a position which effectually covered us.

Some little time after this, a body of the enemy (alluded to in the intelligence I mentioned to have received from the officers while in the fort) made their appearance, issuing out of the woods on our right, and moving through the fields directly to the road. They immediately commenced a fire upon my rear. Lieutenant Reed threw himself, with a party, into a stone house which commanded the road. These two officers were directed mutually to support each other, and give time for the troops to pass the English Neighbourhood Creek, at the liberty pole. On the enemy's observing this disposition, they immediately retired by the same route they had approached, and gained the woods. The precipitation with which they retired, preventing the possibility of Colonel Ball's falling in with them, saved the whole.

The body which moved in our rear, having excessively fatigued themselves by the rapidity of their march, thought prudent to halt before they came in contact with us.

Thus, Sir, was every attempt to cut off our rear completely baffled. The troops arrived safe at the New Bridge, with all the prisoners, about one o'clock p.m. on the nineteenth.

I should commit the highest injustice was I not to assure Your Excellency that my endeavours were fully seconded by every officer in his station; nor can any discrimination justly be made but what arose from opportunity. The troops vied with each other in patience under their many sufferings, and conducted themselves in every vicissitude of fortune with a resolution which reflects the highest honour on them.

During the whole action not a single musket was fired on our side—the bayonet was our sole dependence.

Having gained the fort, such was the order of the troops, and attention of the officers, that the soldiers were prevented from plundering, although in the midst of every sort.

American humanity has been again signally manifested. Self-preservation strongly dictated, on the retreat, the putting the prisoners to death, and British cruelty fully justified it, notwithstanding which, not a man was wantonly hurt.

During the progress of the troops in the works, from the different reports of my officers, I conclude not more than fifty of the enemy were killed, and a few wounded. Among the killed is one officer, supposed (from his description) to be a captain in Colonel Buskirk's regiment. Our loss, on this occasion, is very trifling. I have not yet had a report from the detachment of the Virginians; but as I conclude their loss to be proportionate to the loss of the other troops, I can venture to pronounce that the loss of the whole, in killed, wounded, and missing, will not exceed twenty. As soon as the report comes to hand, I will transmit to headquarters an accurate return. I herewith enclose a return of the prisoners taken from the enemy.

At every point of the enterprize I stood highly indebted to Major Clarke for his zeal, activity, and example. Captains Handy and Forsyth have claim to my particular thanks for the support I experienced from them on every occasion. The Captains Reed, McLane, Smith, Crump, and Wilmot, behaved with the greatest zeal and intrepidity. I must acknowledge myself very much indebted to Major Burnet and Captain Peyton, of the dragoons, for their counsel and indefatigability in the previous preparations to the attack. The premature withdrawal of the boats was owing to the non-arrival of my despatches; and, though a most mortifying circumstance, can be called nothing more than unfortunate. Lieutenant Vanderville, who was to have commanded one of the forlorns, but was thrown out by alteration of the disposition of battle, conducted himself perfectly soldier-like. The whole of the officers behaved with the greatest propriety; and, as I said before, no discrimination can justly be made, but what arose from opportunity.

The Lieutenants McAllister, Armstrong, Reed, and Rudolph distinguished themselves remarkably. Too much praise cannot be given to those gentlemen for their prowess and example. Captain Bradford, of the train, who volunteered it with me, for the purpose of taking direction of the artillery, deserves my warmest thanks for his zeal and activity. I am personally indebted to Captain Rudolph and Dr. Irvine, of the dragoons, who attended me during the expedition, for their many services.

I beg leave to present Your Excellency with the flag of the fort by the hands of Mr. McAllister, the gentleman into whose possession it fell.

It is needless for me to explain my reasons for the instantaneous evacuation of the fort. Your Excellency's knowledge of the post will suggest fully the propriety of it. The event confirms it.

Among the many unfortunate circumstances which crossed our wishes, none was more so than the accidental absence of Colonel Buskirk and the greatest part of his regiment. They had set out on an expedition up the North River the very night of the attack. A company of vigilant Hessians had taken their place in the fort, which rendered the secrecy of approach more precarious, and, at the same time, diminished the object of the enterprize by a reduction of the number of the garrison. Major Sutherland fortunately saved himself by a soldier counterfeiting his person. This imposition was not discovered until too late.

I intended to have burned the barracks, but on finding a number of sick soldiers and women with young children in them, humanity forbade the execution of my intention. The key of the magazine could not be found, nor could it be broken open in the little time we had to spare, many attempts having been made to that purpose by the Lieutenants McAllister and Reed. It was completely impracticable to bring off any pieces of artillery. I consulted Captain Bradford on the point, who confirmed me in my opinion. The circumstance of spiking them being trivial it was omitted altogether.

After most of the troops had retired from the works, and were passed and passing the canal, a fire of musketry commenced from a few stragglers, who had collected in an old work, on the right of the main fort. Their fire being ineffectual, and the object trifling, I determined not to break in upon the order of retreat, but continued passing the defile in front. I cannot conclude this relation without expressing my wannest thanks to Lord Stirling, for the full patronage I received from him in every stage of the enterprize. I must also return my thanks to the cavalry, for their vigilant execution of the duties assigned them.

Captain Rudolph waits on Your Excellency with these despatches. I beg leave to refer to this officer for any further explanation that may be required.

I have the honour to be, Sir, with the most perfect respect,
Your Excellency's most obedient and humble servant,
Henry Lee, Jr.

Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart.

By The United States in Congress Assembled.

Whereas, Congress have received information that John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart, three young volunteer militiamen of the State of New York, did, on the 23d day of September last, intercept Major John André, adjutant-general of the British army, on his return from the American lines, in the character of a spy; and, notwithstanding the large bribes offered them for his release, nobly disdaining to sacrifice their country for the sake of gold, secured and conveyed him to the commanding officer of the district, whereby the dangerous and traitorous conspiracy of Benedict Arnold was brought to light, the insidious designs of the enemy baffled, and the United States rescued from impending danger:

Resolved, That Congress have a high sense of the virtuous and patriotic conduct of the said John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart. In testimony whereof,

Ordered, That each of them receive annually, out of the public treasury, 200 dollars in specie, or an equivalent in the current money of these States, during life; and that the Board of War procure for each of them a silver medal, on one side of which shall be a shield with this inscription: "Fidelity," and on the other the following motto: "Vincit amor patriæ," and forward them to the commander-in-chief, who is requested to present the same, with a copy of this resolution, and the thanks of Congress for their fidelity, and the eminent service they have rendered their country.

Friday, November 3, 1780.

General Washington to the President of Congress.

Robinson House, In The Highlands,
September 26, 1780.
To
The President Of Congress.
Sir:

In the mean time, a packet had arrived from Lieutenant-Colonel Jameson, announcing the capture of a John Anderson, who was endeavouring to go to New York with several interesting and important papers, all in the handwriting of General Arnold. This was also accompanied with a letter from the prisoner, avowing himself to be Major John André, adjutant-general of the British army, relating the manner of his capture, and endeavouring to show that he did not come under the description of a spy. From the several circumstances, and information that the general (Arnold) seemed to be thrown into some degree of agitation on receiving a letter, a little time before he went down from his quarters, I was led to conclude immediately, that he had heard of Major André's captivity, and that he would, if possible, escape to the enemy; and I accordingly took such measures as appeared the most probable, to apprehend him. But he had embarked in a barge, and proceeded down the river under a flag to the Vulture sloop-of-war, which lay some miles below Stony and Verplanck's Points. After he got on board, he wrote to me a letter, of which the enclosed is a copy.

Major André is not arrived yet, but I hope he is secure, and that he will be here to-day. I have been and am taking proper precautions, which I trust will prove effectual, to prevent the important consequences which this conduct on the part of General Arnold was intended to produce. I do not know the party that took Major André, but it is said to have consisted only of militia, who acted in such a manner as does them the highest honour, and proves them to be men of great virtue. They were offered, I am informed, a large sum of money for his release, and as many goods as they would demand, but without any effect. Their conduct gives them a just claim to the thanks of their country, and I also hope they will be otherwise rewarded. As soon as I know their names, I shall take pleasure in transmitting them to Congress.

I have the honour to be, &c.,
Geo. Washington.

General Washington to the President of Congress.

Paramus, October 7, 1780.
To
The President Of Congress.
Sir:

I have now the pleasure to communicate the names of the three persons who captured Major André, and who refused to release him, notwithstanding the most earnest importunities and assurances of a liberal reward on his part. Their conduct merits our wannest esteem; and I beg leave to add, that I think the public will do well to make them a handsome gratuity. They have prevented in all probability our suffering one of the severest strokes that could have been meditated against us. Their names are John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart.

I have the honour to be, &c.,
Geo. Washington.

Resolutions of Congress Voting Medals to General Morgan and to Lieutenant-Colonels Washington and Howard, etc.

By the United States in Congress Assembled.

Considering it as a tribute due to distinguished merit to give a public approbation of the conduct of Brigadier-General Morgan, and of the officers and men under his command, on the 17th day of January last, when with 80 cavalry and 237 infantry of the troops of the United States, and 553 militia from the States of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, he obtained a complete and important victory over a select and well appointed detachment of more than 1,100 British troops commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton; do therefore resolve:—

That the thanks of the United States in Congress assembled be given to Brigadier-General Morgan, and the officers and men under his command, for their fortitude and good conduct displayed in the action at the Cowpens, in the State of South Carolina, on the 17th day of January last:

That a medal of gold be presented to Brigadier-General Morgan, and a medal of silver to Lieutenant-Colonel Washington (William), of the cavalry, and one of silver to Lieutenant-Colonel Howard, of the infantry of the United States; severally with emblems and mottoes descriptive of the conduct of those officers respectively on that memorable day:

That a sword be presented to Colonel Pickens, of the militia, in testimony of his spirited conduct in the action before mentioned:

That Captain Edward Giles, aid-de-camp of Brigadier-General Morgan, have the brevet commission of major; and that Baron de Glasbuch, who served with Brigadier-General Morgan as a volunteer, have the brevet commission of captain in the army of the United States; in consideration of their merit and services.

Ordered, That the commanding officer in the southern department communicate these resolutions in general orders.

Friday, March 9, 1781.

General Morgan to General Greene.

Camp, near Cain Creek,
January 19, 1781.
To
General Greene.

Sir: The troops I have the honour to command have been so fortunate as to obtain a complete victory over a detachment from the British army, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton. The action happened on the 17th instant, about sunrise, at the Cowpens. It perhaps would be well to remark, for the honour of the American arms, that although the progress of this corps was marked with burning and devastation, and although they waged the most cruel warfare, not a man was killed, wounded, or even insulted, after he surrendered. Had not the Britons during this contest received so many lessons of humanity, I should natter myself that this might teach them a little. But I fear they are incorrigible.

To give you a just idea of our operation, it will be necessary to inform you, that on the 14th instant, having received certain intelligence that Lord Cornwallis and Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton were both in motion, and that their movements clearly indicated their intentions of dislodging me, I abandoned my encampment on Grindall's Ford on the Pacolet, and on the 16th, in the evening, took possession of a post, about seven miles from the Cherokee Ford, on Broad river. My former position subjected me at once to the operations of Cornwallis and Tarleton, and in case of a defeat, my retreat might have easily been cut off. My situation at the Cowpens enabled me to improve any advantages I might gain, and to provide better for my own security should I be unfortunate. These reasons induced me to take this post, at the risk of its wearing the face of a retreat.

I received regular intelligence of the enemy's movements from the time they were first in motion. On the evening of the 16th instant they took possession of the ground I had removed from in the morning, distant from the scene of action about twelve miles. An hour before daylight, one of my scouts returned and informed me that Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton had advanced within five miles of our camp. On this information, I hastened to form as good a disposition as circumstances would admit, and from the alacrity of the troops, we were soon prepared to receive them. The light infantry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Howard, and the Virginia Militia, under the command of Major Triplett, were formed on a rising ground, and extended a line in front. The third regiment of dragoons, under Lieutenant-Colonel Washington, were posted at such a distance in their rear as not to be subjected to the line of fire directed at them, and to be so near as to be able to charge the enemy should they be broken. The volunteers of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, under the command of the brave and valuable Colonel Pickens, were situated to guard the flanks. Major McDowell, of the North Carolina Volunteers, was posted on the right flank in front of the line, one hundred and fifty yards; and Major Cunningham, of the Georgia Volunteers, on the left, at the same distance in front. Colonels Brannon and Thomas, of the South Carolinians, were posted on the right of Major McDowell, and Colonels Hays and McCall, of the same corps, on the left of Major Cunningham. Captains Tate and Buchanan, with the Augusta Riflemen, to support the right of the line.

The enemy drew up in single line of battle, four hundred yards in front of our advanced corps. The first battalion of the 71st regiment was opposed to our right, the 7th regiment to our left, the infantry of the legion to our centre, the light companies on their flank. In front moved two pieces of artillery. Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton, with his cavalry, was posted in the rear of his line.

The disposition of battle being thus formed, small parties of riflemen were detached to skirmish with the enemy, upon which their whole line moved on with the greatest impetuosity, shouting as they advanced. McDowell and Cunningham gave them a heavy and galling fire, and retreated to the regiments intended for their support. The whole of Colonel Pickens' command then kept up a fire by regiments, retreating agreeably to their orders. When the enemy advanced to our line, they received a well-directed and incessant fire; but their numbers being superior to ours, they gained our flanks, which obliged us to change our position. We retired in good order about fifty paces, formed, advanced on the enemy, and gave them a fortunate volley, which threw them into disorder. Lieutenant-Colonel Howard, observing this, gave orders for the line to charge bayonets, which was done with such address that they fled with the utmost precipitation, leaving their field pieces in our possession. We pushed our advantages so effectually, that they never had an opportunity of rallying, had their intentions been ever so good.

Lieutenant-Colonel Washington, having been informed that Tarleton was cutting down our riflemen on the left, pushed forward, and charged them with such firmness, that, instead of attempting to recover the fate of the day, which one would have expected from an officer of his splendid character, they broke and fled.

The enemy's whole force were now bent solely in providing for their safety in flight—the list of their killed, wounded, and prisoners, will inform you with what effect Tarleton, with the small remains of his cavalry, and a few scattering infantry he had mounted on his waggon horses, made their escape. He was pursued twenty-four miles, but owing to our having taken a wrong trail at first, we never could overtake him.

As I was obliged to move off the field of action in the morning, to secure the prisoners, I cannot be so accurate as to the killed and wounded as I could wish. From the reports of an officer whom I sent to view the ground, there were one hundred non-commissioned officers and privates, and ten commissioned officers, killed, and two hundred rank and file wounded. We have now in our possession five hundred and two non-commissioned officers and privates prisoners, independent of the wounded, and the militia are taking up stragglers continually. Twenty-nine commissioned officers have fallen into our hands. Their rank you will see by an enclosed list. The officers I have paroled, the privates I am conveying by the safest route to Salisbury.

Two standards, two field pieces, thirty-five waggons, a travelling forge, and all their music are ours. Their baggage, which was immense, they have in a great measure destroyed.

Our loss is inconsiderable, which the enclosed return will evince. I have not been able to ascertain Colonel Pickens' loss, but know it to be very small.

From our force being composed of such a variety of corps, a wrong judgment may be formed of our numbers. We fought only eight hundred men, two-thirds of which were militia. The British, with their baggage guard, were not less than one thousand one hundred and fifty, and these veteran troops. Their own officers confess that they fought one thousand and thirty-seven.

Such was the inferiority of our numbers, that our success must be attributed to the justice of our cause and the bravery of our troops. My wishes would induce me to mention the name of every sentinel in the corps I have the honour to command. In justice to the bravery and good conduct of the officers, I have taken the liberty to enclose you a list of their names, from a conviction that you will be pleased to introduce such characters to the world.

Major Giles, my aid, and Captain Brookes, my brigade-major, deserve and have my thanks for their assistance and behaviour on this occasion.

The Baron de Glasbuch, who accompanies Major Giles with these despatches, served with me in the action as a volunteer, and behaved in such a manner as merits your attention.

I am, dear Sir, your obedient servant,
Daniel Morgan.

P.S. Our loss was very inconsiderable, not having more than twelve killed and about sixty wounded.

The enemy had ten commissioned officers and upwards of one hundred rank and file killed, two hundred rank and file wounded, and twenty-seven officers and more than five hundred privates which fell into our hands, with two pieces of artillery, two Standards, eight hundred stand of arms, one travelling forge, thirty-five waggons, ten negroes, and upwards of one hundred dragoon horses.

Although our success was complete, we fought only eight hundred men, and were opposed by upwards of one thousand British troops.

Act of Congress directing a gold copy of General Morgan's medal to be struck and presented to Morgan Neville, Esq., the lineal heir of General Morgan.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled, That, in pursuance of the request of Morgan Neville, in his memorial presented at the present session of Congress, the director of the mint be and he is hereby authorized and directed to cause to be struck, a gold medal, of the intrinsic value of one hundred and fifty dollars, in honour of the battle of the Cowpens, which was fought on the seventeenth day of January, seventeen hundred and eighty-one, to replace the original medal presented by a resolution of the Continental Congress, of March ninth, seventeen hundred and eighty-one, to Brigadier-General Daniel Morgan; the said medal to be struck from the original die, and delivered when executed to the said Morgan Neville, the lineal heir of General Morgan; the expense of the same to be paid out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.

Approved July 2d, 1836.

Resolutions of Congress Voting a Medal to General Greene, etc.

By the United States in Congress Assembled.

Resolved, That the thanks of the United States in Congress assembled, be presented to Major-General Greene for his wise, decisive, and magnanimous conduct in the action of the 8th of September last, near the Eutaw Springs, in South Carolina, in which, with a force inferior in number to that of the enemy, he obtained a most signal victory.

That the thanks of the United States in Congress assembled, be presented to the officers and men of the Maryland and Virginia brigades, and Delaware battalion of continental troops, for the unparalleled bravery and heroism by them displayed, in advancing to the enemy through an incessant fire, and charging them with an impetuosity and ardour that could not be resisted.

That the thanks of the United States in Congress assembled, be presented to the officers and men of the legionary corps and artillery, for their intrepid and gallant exertions during the action.

That the thanks of the United States in Congress assembled, be presented to the brigade of North Carolina for their resolution and perseverance in attacking the enemy, and sustaining a superior fire.

That the thanks of the United States in Congress assembled, be presented to the officers and men of the state corps of South Carolina, for the zeal, activity, and firmness by them exhibited throughout the engagement.

That the thanks of the United States in Congress assembled, be presented to the officers and men of the militia, who formed the front line in the order of battle, and sustained their post with honour, propriety, and resolution, worthy of men determined to be free.

Resolved, That a British standard be presented to Major-General Greene as an honourable testimony of his merit, and a golden medal emblematical of the battle and victory aforesaid.

That Major-General Greene be desired to present the thanks of Congress to Captains Pierce and Pendleton, Major Hyrne and Captain Shubrick, his aids-de-camp in testimony of their particular activity and good conduct during the whole of the action.

That a sword be presented to Captain Pierce, who bore the general's despatches giving an account of the victory, and that the Board of War take order herein.

Resolved, That the thanks of the United States in Congress assembled, be presented to Brigadier-General Marion, of the South Carolina militia, for his wise, gallant, and decided conduct in defending the liberties of his country; and particularly for his prudent and intrepid attack on a body of the British troops, on the 30th day of August last, and for the distinguished part he took in the battle of the 8th of September.

Monday, October 29, 1781.

General Greene to the President of Congress.

Headquarters, Martin's Tavern, near Ferguson's Swamp,
South Carolina, September 11, 1781.

To His Excellency
The President of Congress.

Sir: In my last despatch of the 25th of August, I informed Your Excellency that we were on our march for Fryday's Ferry, to form a junction with the State troops and a body of militia, collecting at that place, with an intention to make an attack upon the British army laying at Colonel Thompson's, near McCord's Ferry. On the 27th, on our arrival near Fryday's Ferry, I got intelligence that the enemy were retiring.

We crossed the river at Howell's Ferry, and took post at Motte's plantation. Here I got intelligence that the enemy had halted at the Eutaw Springs, about forty miles below us; and that they had a reinforcement, and were making preparations to establish a permanent post there. To prevent this, I was determined rather to hazard an action, notwithstanding our numbers were greatly inferior to theirs. On the 5th we began our march, our baggage and stores having been ordered to Howell's Ferry under a proper guard. We moved by slow and easy marches, as well to disguise our real intention, as to give General Marion an opportunity to join us, who had been detached for the support of Colonel Harden, a report of which I transmitted in my letter of the 5th, dated Maybrick's Creek. General Marion joined us on the evening of the 7th, at Burdell's plantation, seven miles from the enemy's camp.

We made the following disposition, and marched at four o'clock the next morning to attack the enemy. Our front line was composed of four small battalions of militia, two of North and two of South Carolinians; one of the South Carolinians was under the immediate command of General Marion, and was posted on the right, who also commanded the front line; the two North Carolina battalions, wider the command of Colonel Malmady, were posted in the centre; and the other South Carolina battalion under the command of General Pickens, was posted on the left. Our second line consisted of three small brigades of continental troops—one from North Carolina, one from Virginia, and one from Maryland. The North Carolinians were formed into three battalions, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Ash, Majors Armstrong and Blount; the whole commanded by General Sumner, and posted upon the right. The Virginians consisted of two battalions, commanded by Major Snead and Captain Edmonds, and the whole by Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, and posted in the centre. The Marylanders also consisted of two battalions, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Howard and Major Hardman, and the brigade by Colonel Williams, deputy adjutant-general to the army, and were posted upon the left. Lieutenant-Colonel Lee with his legion covered our right flank; and Lieutenant-Colonel Henderson, with the State troops, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonels Hampton, Middleton, and Polk, our left. Lieutenant-Colonel Washington, with his horse and the Delaware troops, under Captain Kirkwood, formed a corps of reserve. Two three-pounders, under Captain-Lieutenant Gaines, advanced with the front line, and two sixes, under Captain Browne, with the second.

The legion and State troops formed our advance, and were to retire upon the flanks upon the enemy's forming. In this order we moved on to the attack. The legion and State troops fell in with a party of the enemy's horse and foot, about four miles from their camp, who, mistaking our people for a party of militia, charged them briskly, but were soon convinced of their mistake by the reception they met with. The infantry of the State troops kept up a heavy fire, and the legion in front, under Captain Rudolph, charged them with fixed bayonets; they fled on all sides, leaving four or five dead on the ground, and several more wounded. As this was supposed to be the advance of the British army, our front line was ordered to form and move on briskly in line, the legion and State troops to take their position upon the flanks. All the country is covered with timber, from the place the action began to Eutaw Springs. The firing began again between two and three miles from the British camp. The militia were ordered to keep advancing as they fired. The enemy's advanced parties were soon driven in, and a most tremendous fire began on both sides from right to left, and the legion and State troops were closely engaged. General Marion, Colonel Malmady, and General Pickens conducted the troops with great gallantry and good conduct; and the militia fought with a degree of spirit and firmness that reflects the highest honour upon that class of soldiers. But the enemy's fire being greatly superior to ours, and continuing to advance, the militia began to give ground. The North Carolina brigade, under General Sumner, was ordered up to their support. These were all new levies, and had been under discipline but little more than a month, notwithstanding which they fought with a degree of obstinacy that would do honour to the best of veterans, and I could hardly tell which to admire most, the gallantry of the officers or the bravery of the troops. They kept up a heavy and well directed fire, and the enemy returned it with equal spirit, for they really fought worthy of a better cause, and great execution was done on both sides. In this stage of the action, the Virginians under Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, and the Marylanders under Colonel Williams, were led on to a brisk charge, with trailed arms, through a heavy cannonade and a shower of musket balls. Nothing could exceed the gallantry and firmness of both officers and soldiers upon this occasion. They preserved their order, and pressed on with such unshaken resolution that they bore all before them. The enemy was routed in all quarters. Lieutenant-Colonel Lee had, with great address, gallantry, and good conduct, turned the enemy's left flank, and was charging them in rear at the same time the Virginia and Maryland troops were charging them in front. A most valuable officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Hampton, who commanded the State cavalry, and who fortunately succeeded Lieutenant-Colonel Henderson in command, charged a party of the enemy, and took upwards of one hundred prisoners. Lieutenant-Colonel Washington brought up the corps of reserve upon the left, where the enemy seemed disposed to make further resistance, and charged them so briskly with the cavalry and Captain Kirkwood's infantry as gave them no time to rally or form. Lieutenant-Colonels Polk and Middleton, who commanded the State infantry, were no less conspicuous for their good conduct than their intrepidity; and the troops under their command gave a specimen of what may be expected from men, naturally brave, when improved by proper discipline. Captain-Lieutenant Gaines, who commanded the three-pounders with the front line, did great execution until his pieces were dismounted. We kept close at the enemy's heels after they broke, until we got into their camp, and a great number of prisoners were continually falling into our hands, and some hundreds of the fugitives ran off toward Charleston. But a party threw themselves into a large three-story brick house, which stands near the spring; others took post in a picqueted garden, while others were lodged in an impenetrable thicket, consisting of a cragged shrub called a blackjack. Thus secured in front, and upon the right by the house and a deep ravine, upon the left by the picqueted garden and in the impenetrable shrubs, and the rear also being secured by the springs and deep hollow ways, the enemy renewed the action. Every exertion was made to dislodge them. Lieutenant-Colonel Washington made most astonishing efforts to get through the thicket to charge the enemy in the rear, but found it impracticable, had his horse shot under him, and was wounded and taken prisoner. Four six-pounders were ordered up before the house—two of our own and two of the enemy's, which they had abandoned—and they were pushed on so much under the command of the fire from the house and the party in the thicket as rendered it impracticable to bring them off again when the troops were ordered to retire. Never were pieces better served; most of the men and officers were either killed or wounded. Washington failing in his charge upon the left, and the legion baffled in an attempt upon the right, and finding our infantry galled by the fire of the enemy, and our ammunition mostly consumed, though both officers and men continued to exhibit uncommon acts of heroism, I thought proper to retire out of the fire of the house, and draw up the troops at a little distance in the woods, not thinking it advisable to push our advantages further, being persuaded the enemy could not hold the post many hours, and that our chance to attack them on the retreat was better than a second attempt to dislodge them, in which, if we succeeded, it must be attended with considerable loss.

We collected all our wounded, except such as were under the command of the fire of the house, and retired to the ground from which we marched in the morning, there being no water nearer, and the troops ready to faint with the heat and want of refreshment, the action having continued near four hours. I left on the field of action a strong picquet, and early in the morning detached General Marion and Lieutenant-Colonel Lee, with the legion of horse between Eutaw and Charleston, to prevent any reinforcements from coming to the relief of the enemy; and also to retard their march, should they attempt to retire, and give time to the army to fall upon their rear and put a finishing stroke to our success. We left two pieces of our artillery in the hands of the enemy, and brought off one of theirs. On the evening of the 9th the enemy retired, leaving upward of seventy of their wounded behind them, and not less than one thousand stand of arms that were picked up on the field, and found broke and concealed in the Eutaw Springs. They stove between twenty and thirty puncheons of rum, and destroyed a great variety of other stores, which they had not carriages to carry off. We pursued them the moment we got intelligence of their retiring; but they formed a junction with Major McArthur at this place, General Marion and Lieutenant-Colonel Lee not having a force sufficient to prevent it; but on our approach they retired to the neighbourhood of Charleston. We have taken five hundred prisoners, including the wounded the enemy left behind; and I think they cannot have suffered less than six hundred more in killed and wounded. The fugitives that fled from the field of battle spread such an alarm that the enemy burnt their stores at Dorchester, and abandoned their post at Fair Lawn; and a great number of negroes and others were employed in felling trees across the roads for some miles without the gates at Charleston. Nothing but the brick house, and the peculiar strength of the position at Eutaw, saved the remains of the British army from being all made prisoners.

We pursued them as far as this place; but not being able to overtake them, we shall halt a day or two to refresh, and then take our old position on the high hills of Santee. I think myself principally indebted for the victory we obtained to the free use of the bayonet, made by the Virginians and Marylanders, the infantry of the legion, and Captain Kirkwood's light infantry, and though few armies ever exhibited equal bravery with ours in general, yet the conduct and intrepidity of these corps were peculiarly conspicuous. Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell fell as he was leading his troops to the charge, and though he fell with distinguished marks of honour, yet his loss is much to be regretted; he was the great soldier and the firm patriot.

Our loss in officers is considerable, more from their value than their number; for never did men or officers offer their blood more willingly in the service of their country. I cannot help acknowledging my obligations to Colonel Williams for his great activity on this and many other occasions in forming the army, and for his uncommon intrepidity in leading on the Maryland troops to the charge, which exceeded anything I ever saw. I also feel myself greatly indebted to Captains Pierce and Pendleton, Major Hyrne and Captain Shubrick, my aids-de-camp, for their activity and good conduct throughout the whole of the action.

This despatch will be handed to Your Excellency by Captain Pierce, to whom I beg leave to refer you for further particulars.

I have the honour to be, &c.,
Nath. Greene.

John Jay to Major William Pierce and others.

Office for Foreign Affairs,
12 February, 1788.
To the Honourables

Major William Pierce and Nathaniel Pendleton, Esquire, of Georgia, and Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis Morris[46], Major Thomas Shubrick and Major Hyrne, of South Carolina, formerly aids of the late General Greene.

Sir: It gives me pleasure to have an opportunity of transmitting to you, by order of Congress, a copy of the medal struck by their direction in honour of the late General Greene. A variety of circumstances conspire to render this work of public attention acceptable to you, though I am persuaded none among them will more immediately affect the feelings, than the relation it bears to that great man, whose loss you in particular, and the people of America in general, have great reason to regret and lament.

I have the honour to be, etc.
John Jay.

John Adams to Robert R. Livingston.

Amsterdam, April 19th, 1782.
To
Robert R. Livingston,
Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

Sir: I have the honour to transmit you the following resolutions of the respective provinces, relative to my admission in quality of Minister Plenipotentiary, together with two resolutions of their High Mightinesses, upon the same subject, all in the order in which they were taken.

I have the honour, etc.,
John Adams.

Friesland.

Extract from the Register Book of the Lords, the States of Friesland.

"The requisition of Mr. Adams, for presenting his letters of credence from the United States of North America to their High Mightinesses, having been brought into the Assembly and put into deliberation, as also the ulterior address to the same purpose, with a demand of a categorical answer, made by him, as is more amply mentioned in the minutes of their High Mightinesses, of the 4th of May, 1781, and the 9th of January, 1782, whereupon, it having been taken into consideration, that the said Mr. Adams would have, probably, some propositions to make to their High Mightinesses, and to present to them the principal articles and foundations upon which the Congress, on their part, would enter into a treaty of commerce and friendship, or other affairs to propose, in regard to which dispatch would be requisite.

"It has been thought fit and resolved to authorize the gentlemen, the Deputies of this Province at the generality, and to instruct them to direct things, at the table of their High Mightinesses, in such a manner that the said Mr. Adams be admitted forthwith as Minister of the Congress of North America, with further order to the said Deputies, that if there should be made, moreover, any similar propositions by the same to inform immediately their Noble Mightinesses of them. And an extract of the present Resolution shall be sent them for their information, that they may conduct themselves conformably.

"Thus resolved at the Province House, the 26th of February, 1782.
"Compared with the aforesaid book to my knowledge,
A. J. V. Sminia."

Holland and West Friesland.

Extract of the Resolutions of the Lords, the States of Holland and West Friesland, taken in the Assembly of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses.

Thursday, March 28th, 1782.

"Deliberated by resumption upon the address and the ulterior address of Mr. Adams, made the 4th of May, 1781, and the 9th of January, 1782, to the President of the States-General, communicated to the Assembly, the 9th of May, 1781, and the 22d of last month, to present his letters of credence, in the name of the United States of America, to their High Mightinesses, by which ulterior address the said Mr. Adams has demanded a categorical answer, that he may acquaint his constituents thereof; deliberated also upon the petitions of a great number of merchants, manufacturers and others, inhabitants of this Province interested in commerce, to support their request presented to the States-General the 20th current, to the end that efficacious measures might be taken to establish a commerce between this country and North America, copies of which petitions have been given to the members the 21st; and it has been thought fit, and resolved, that the affairs shall be directed, on the part of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses, at the Assembly of the States-General, and there shall be there made the strongest instances that Mr. Adams be admitted and acknowledged, as soon as possible, by their High Mightinesses in quality of Envoy of the United States of America. And the Counsellor-Pensionary has been charged to inform, under his hand, the said Mr. Adams of this Resolution of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses."

Zealand.

Extract of the Resolutions of their High Mightinesses, the States-General of the United Provinces.

Monday, April 8th, 1782.

"The Deputies of the Province of Zealand have brought to the Assembly and caused to be read there the Resolution of the States of the said Province, their principals, to cause to be admitted as soon as possible, Mr. Adams, in quality of Envoy of the Congress of North America in the following terms:

Extract from the Register of the Resolutions of the Lords, the States of Zealand.

April 4th, 1782.

"It has been thought fit and ordered, that the gentlemen, the Ordinary Deputies of this Province at the generality, shall be convoked and authorized, as it is done by the present, to assist in the direction of affairs at the Assembly of their High Mightinesses, in such a manner that Mr. Adams may be acknowledged as soon as possible as Envoy of the Congress of North America; that the letters of credence be accepted, and that he be admitted in that quality according to the ordinary form, enjoining further upon the said Lords, the Ordinary Deputies, to take such propositions as should be made to this Republic, by the said Mr. Adams, for the information and the deliberation of their High Mightinesses, to the end to transmit them here as soon as possible. And an extract of this resolution of their Noble Mightinesses shall be sent to the gentlemen, their Ordinary Deputies, to serve them as an instruction.

J. M. Chalmers."

"Upon which, having deliberated, it has been thought fit and resolved to pray, by the present, the gentlemen, the Deputies of the Provinces of Guelderland, Utrecht, and Groningen, and Ommelanden, who have not as yet explained themselves upon this subject, to be pleased to do it, as soon as possible."

Overyssel.

Extract from the Register of the Resolutions of the Equestrian Order, and of the cities composing the States Overyssel.

Zwoll, 5th of April, 1782.

"The grand Bailiff de Sallande, and the other commissions of their Noble Mightinesses for the affairs of finance, having examined, conformably to their commissarial resolution of the 3d of this month, the addresses of Mr. Adams, communicated to the Assembly the 4th of May, 1781, and the 22d of February, 1782, to present his letters of credence to their High Mightinesses, in the name of the United States of North America; as well as the resolution of the Lords, the States of Holland and West Friesland, dated the 28th of March, 1782, carried the 29th of the same month to the Assembly of their High Mightinesses, for the admission and acknowledgment of Mr. Adams, have reported to the Assembly, that they should be of opinion that the gentlemen, the Deputies of this Province in the States-General, ought to be authorized and charged to declare in the Assembly of their High Mightinesses, that the Equestrian Order and the cities' Judge, that it is proper to acknowledge, as soon as possible, Mr. Adams, in quality of Minister of the United States of North America, to their High Mightinesses. Upon which, having deliberated, the Equestrian Order and the cities have conformed themselves to the said report.

"Compared with the aforesaid Register.
Derk Dumbar."

Groningen.

Extract from the Register of the Resolutions of their Noble Mightinesses, the States of Groningen and Ommelanden.

Tuesday, 9th of April, 1782.

"The Lords, the States of Groningen and Ommelanden, having heard the report of the gentlemen, the Commissioners for the Petitions of the Council of State and the Finances of the Province, and having carefully examined the demand of Mr. Adams, to present his letters of credence from the United States of North America, to their High Mightinesses, have, after deliberation upon the subject, declared themselves of opinion that in the critical circumstances in which the Republic finds itself at present, it is proper to take, without loss of time, such efficacious measures as may not only repair the losses and damages that the kingdom of Great Britain has caused, in a manner so unjust, and against every shadow of right, to the commerce of the Republic, as well before as after the war, but particularly such as may establish the free navigation and the commerce of the Republic, for the future, upon the most solid foundations, as may confirm and re-assure it by the strongest bonds of reciprocal interest, and that, in consequence, the gentlemen, the Deputies at the Assembly of their High Mightinesses, ought to be authorized on the part of the Province, as they are by the present, to admit Mr. Adams to present his letters of credence from the United States of North America, and to receive the propositions which he shall make, to make report of them to the Lords, the States of this Province.

E. Lewe, Secretary."

"The States-General, having deliberated the same day upon this resolution, have Resolved, 'That the Deputies of the Province of Guelderland, which has not yet declared itself upon the same subject, should be requested to be pleased to do it as soon as possible.'"

Utrecht.

Extract of the Resolutions of their Noble Mightinesses, the States of the Province of Utrecht.

10th of April, 1782.

"Heard the report of Mr. de Westerveld, and other Deputies of their Noble Mightinesses for the Department of War, who, in virtue of the commissarial resolutions of the 9th of May, 1781, the 16th of January, and the 20th of March, of the present year, 1782, have examined the resolution of their High Mightinesses of the 4th of May, 1781, containing an overture, that the President of the Assembly of their High Mightinesses had made, 'that a person, styling himself J. Adams, had been with him, and had given him to understand that he had received letters of credence for their High Mightinesses from the United States of North America, with a request that he would be pleased to communicate them to their High Mightinesses,' as well as the resolution of their High Mightinesses, of the 9th of January, containing an ulterior overture of the President, 'that the said Mr. Adams had been with him, and had insisted upon a categorical answer, whether his said letters of credence would be accepted or not;' finally, the resolution of their High Mightinesses, of the 5th of March last, with the insertion of the resolution of Friesland, containing a proposition 'to admit Mr. Adams in quality of Minister of the Congress of North America.'"

"Upon which, having deliberated and remarked that the Lords, the States of Holland and West Friesland, by their resolution, carried the 29th of March to the States-General, have also consented to the admission of the said Mr. Adams in quality of Minister of the Congress of North America, it has been thought fit, and resolved, that the gentlemen, the Deputies of this Province in the States-General, should be authorized, as their Noble Highnesses authorize them by the present, to conform themselves, in the name of this Province, to the resolution of the Lords, the States of Holland and West Friesland, and of Friesland, and to consent, by consequence, that Mr. Adams be acknowledged and admitted as Minister of the United States of North America, their Noble Mightinesses being at the same time of opinion that it would be necessary to acquaint Her Majesty, the Empress of Russia, and the other neutral powers, with the resolution to be taken by their High Mightinesses upon this subject, in communicating to them (as much as shall be necessary) the reasons which have induced their High Mightinesses to it, and in giving them the strongest assurances, that the intention of their High Mightinesses is by no means to prolong thereby the war, which they would have willingly prevented and terminated long since; but that, on the contrary, their High Mightinesses wish nothing with more ardor than a prompt re-establishment of peace, and that they shall be always ready on their part to co-operate in it, in all possible ways, and with a suitable readiness, so far as that shall be any way compatible with their honour and their dignity. And to this end an extract of this shall be carried by missive to the gentlemen, the Deputies at the Generality."

Guelderland.

Extract from the Precis of the ordinary Diet, held in the City of Nimeguen, in the month of April, 1782.

Wednesday, 17th of April, 1782.

"The requisition of Mr. Adams to present his letter of credence to their High Mightinesses, in the name of the United States of North America, having been brought to the Assembly and read, as well as an ulterior address made upon this subject, with the demand of a categorical answer by the said Mr. Adams, more amply mentioned in the registers of their High Mightinesses, of the date of the 4th of May, 1781, and the 9th of January, 1782, moreover, the resolutions of the Lords, the States of the six other Provinces, carried successively to the Assembly of their High Mightinesses, and all tending to admit Mr. Adams, in quality of Envoy of the United States of North America, to this Republic; upon which their Noble Mightinesses, after deliberation, have resolved to authorize the Deputies of this Province, as they authorize them by the present, to conform themselves in the name of this Province, to the resolution of the Lords, the States of Holland and West Friesland, and to consent, by consequence, that Mr. Adams may be acknowledged and admitted, in quality of Envoy of the United States of North America, to this Republic. In consequence, an extract of the present shall be sent to the said Deputies, to make, as soon as possible, the requisite overture of it to the Assembly of their High Mightinesses.

J. In De Betouw."

This resolution of Guelderland was no sooner remitted, on the 19th, to their High Mightinesses, than they took immediately a resolution conformable to the unanimous wish of the Seven Provinces, conceived in the following terms:

Extract from the Register of the Resolutions of their High Mightinesses, the States-General of the United Provinces.

Friday, April 19th, 1782.

"Deliberated by resumption upon the address and the ulterior address, made by Mr. Adams, the 4th of May, 1781, and the 9th of January of the current year, to the President of the Assembly of their High Mightinesses, to present to their High Mightinesses his letters of credence, in the name of the United States of North America, and by which ulterior address the said Mr. Adams has demanded a categorical answer, to the end to be able to acquaint his constituents thereof; it has been thought fit and resolved, that Mr. Adams shall be admitted and acknowledged in quality of Envoy of the United States of North America to their High Mightinesses, as he is admitted and acknowledged by the present."

W. Boreel."
"Compared with the aforesaid register.
H. Fagel."

The Formal Resolution Of Their High Mightinesses.

Extract from the Register of the Resolutions of their High Mightinesses, the States-General of the United Provinces.

Monday, April 22d, 1782.

"Mr. Boreel, who presided in the Assembly the last week, has reported to their High Mightinesses and notified them, that Mr. John Adams, Envoy of the United States of America, had been with him last Saturday, and had presented to him a letter from the Assembly of Congress, written at Philadelphia, the 1st of January, 1781, containing a credence for the said Mr. Adams, to the end to reside in quality of its Minister Plenipotentiary near their High Mightinesses. Upon which, having deliberated, it has been thought fit and resolved to declare by the present, that the said Mr. Adams is agreeable to their High Mightinesses; that he shall be acknowledged in quality of Minister Plenipotentiary, and that there shall be granted to him an audience, or assigned commissioners, when he shall demand it. Information of the above shall be given to the said Mr. Adams by the agent, Van der Burch de Spieringshoek.

W. van Citters."
"Compared with the aforesaid register.
H. Fagel."

Original Documents, from the Royal Archives at the Hague, relating to the acknowledgment of the United States of America by the United Netherlands.[48]

Extract uit het Register der resolutien van de Heeren Staten der provincie Friesland van den jare 1782.

Adams te admitteeren als minister weegens het congres van Noord-America.

Ter vergaderinge voorgedragen en in deliberatie gelegd zijnde het versoek van de heer Adams om zijne brieven van credentie van de Verenigde Staten van Noord-America aan Hun Hoog Mog' te overhandigen, mitsgaders het nader adres ten dien einde, met versoek van een cathegorisch antwoord door deselve gedaan en breeder in de notulen van Hun Hoog Mog' van den 4 May 1781 en 9 January 1782, vermeld.

Waarop in consideratie genomen zijnde dat de voorschr. heer Adams niet onwaarschijnlijk eenige propositien aan Hun Hoog Mog' zoude hebben te doen en voorname articulen en gronden aan Hun Hoog Mog' kunnen ter hand stellen, waarop 't congres aan haare zijde in een tractaat van commercie en vriendschap zoude willen treeden of andere zaaken hebben voortedragen, waaromtrent spoed vereischt wierde, is goedgevonden en verstaan de heeren deeser prov. gecommitteerden ter generaliteit te authoriseeren en te gelasten, het ter tafel van Hun Hoog Mog' daar heen te dirigeeren, dat gedagte heer Adams met den eersten als minister van het Congres van Noord-America, werde toegelaten, met verdere last aan opgemelde gecommitteerden, om indien door deselve eenige soortgelijke propositien werden gedaan, daar van ten spoedigsten Hun Ed. Mog' te informeeren.

En sal extract deeses aan hun worden toegesonden tot narigt en om sig daar na te gedragen.

Aldus geresolveert op 't Landschapshuis den 26e February 1782.

Extract uit het Register der resolutien van de Heeren Staten van Holland en Westfriesland van den jare, 1782.

Donderdag den 28 Maart 1782.

Bij resumtie gedelibereert zijnde op het adres en nader adres van den heer Adams den 4 Mey 1781 en 9 January 1782 aan den heer ter generaliteit presideerende en den 9 Mey 1781 en 22 der voorlede maand ter vergadering gecommuniceert, om uit naam der Vereenigde Staten van Noord-America zijne brieven van credentie aan Hun Hoog Mogende te overhandigen en bij welk nader adres gemelde heer Adams een cathagorisch antwoord heeft versogt, om daar van aan sijne principaalen kennis te kunnen geeven, als meede op de requesten van een groot aantal commercieerende, fabriceerende en sig door den handel geneerende ingezeetenen in deese provincie, tot appui van hunne versoeken ter generaliteit den 20 deeser gedaan ten einde tot verkrijging der handel uit deesen landen op Noord-America, efficacieuse middelen werden beraamt, op den 21 deeser bij copie aan de leden gegeeven.

Is goedgevonden en verstaan dat de saak van wegens Hun Edele Groot Mog' ter generaliteit daar heen sal worden gedirigeert en daar op ten sterkste geinsteert, dat de heer Adams als afgezant van de Vereenigde Staten van Noord-America, ten spoedigsten bij Hun Hoog Mog' moge werden ge admitteert en erkent; en word de raadpensionaris gelast den voornoemden heer Adams van deese Hun Edele Groot Mog' resolutie onder de hand te informeeren.

Extract uit het Register der resolutien van de Heeren Staten der provincie Zeeland van den jare 1782.

Den 29 Maart 1782.

De raadpensionaris heeft ter voldoening aan Hun Ed. Mog' onderscheiden resolutien commissoriaal van den 5, 11 en 25 deezer maand, uit naam van heeren commissarissen gerapporteerd, dat geexamineerd hadden het nader adres van den heer Adams, den 9 January deezes jaars aan den heer præsideerende ter vergadering van Hun Hoog Mog' gedaan op het subject van het overhandigen zijner brieven van credentie aan hoogstdezelve uit naam der Vereenigde Staten van Noord-America, ten einde en met verzoek van een cathagorisch antwoord daar op, om deswegens aan dezelve kennis te kunnen geeven, voorts de resolutie der heeren Staten van Vriesland den 5 deezer ter generaliteit ingebragt, houdende een auctorisatie op derzelver gecommitteerden om het aldaar daar heen te dirigeeren dat gemelden heer Adams met den eersten als minister van Noord-America worde erkend, nog Hun Hoog Mog' resolutie nopens de aan hoogstdezelve den 20 deezer gepræsenteerde drie requesten door commercieerende, fabriceerende en met verscheiden handel zig geneerende ingezeetenen deezer landen, waar bij op het sterkste aandringen op een vryen handel tusschen de ingezeetenen deezer republicq en die van Noord-America, en eindelijk de den 25 deezer aan Hun Ed. Mog' gepræsenteerde requesten door het collegie van de kooplieden te Middelburg en die te Vlissingen, verzoekende dat hoogstdezelve de heeren gedeputeerden van deeze provincie ter generaliteit gelieven te auctoriseeren, om het ter vergadering van Hun Hoog Mog' insgelyks daar heen te helpen dirigeeren dat meergenoemden heer Adams in voorschr. qualiteit erkend, met denzelven in onderhandeling getreeden en een tractaat van commercie en navigatie gesloten werde, bij voorige notulen breeder vermeld, bij welke gelegenheid de raadpensionaris wyders heeft gerelateerd, dat even voor het aangaan van het besogne nog ontfangen hebbende een request van een groot aantal kooplieden, rheeders, assuradeurs, trafiquanten en fabricquers binnen de stad Middelburg, tendeerende ten zelven einde als de twee evengemelde requesten, heeren commissarissen, onder Hun Ed. Mog' welnemen (als relatif tot het onderwerp waar over 't besogne was gedecerneerd) geen zwarigheid hadden gemaakt om hetzelve al mede te examineeren en daarop rapport te doen, ter wyl heeren commissarissen ook waren geinformeerd geworden dat eenige kooplieden te Veere mede van voornemen zijn geweest om tot hetzelve oogmerk zig aan Hun Ed. Mog te adresseeren, indien tijdig genoeg van de voorschr. requesten hadden kennis gehad; dat heeren commissarissen, in ernstige overweginge genomen hebbende het verval van den koophandel, die voorname zenuw van den Staat, de vermindering, ja bijna geheelen stilstand van de fabricquen en traficquen, mitsgaders het middel 't geen mogelyk zon kunnen strekken om al het zelve wederom eenigsins te herstellen of wel tot voorig aanzien te brengen, en dus de schaden, welken de commercieerende ingezeetenen door den oorlog met het rijk van Groot Brittannien bereids geleeden hadden, wederom vergoed te krijgen, door naamelyk het sluyten van een tractaat van commercie en negotie tusschen deeze republyk en de Vereenigde Staten van Noord-Amerika als waar op zoo zeer door 's lands ingezeetenen alomme wordt aangedrongen en waar toe ook van de zyde van het congres sedert eenige maanden aanzoek was gedaan; na alles rijpelyk onderzogt, als mede in 't breede beredeneerd te hebben, eindelijk gemeend hadden Hun Ed. Mog' te moeten adviseeren dat de heeren ordinaris gedeputeerden deezer provincie ter generaliteit door Hun Ed. Mog' zoo spoedig immers doenlijk zij, zouden behooren te worden aangeschreeven en geauctoriseerd, om het ter vergadering van Hun Hoog Mog' daar heen te helpen dirigeeren, dat de heer Adams, als minister plenipotentiaris van het congres van Noord-America, ten spoedigsten werde erkend, deszelfs brieven van credentie geaccepteerd, en in die hoedanigheid ter gemelde vergadering van Hun Hoog Mog' toegelaaten, met verderen last aan dezelve heeren ordinaris gedeputeerden om zoodaanige propositien, als door den voorschr. heer aan deeze republijk zouden mogen worden gedaan, ter kennis en deliberatie van Hun Ed. Mog' copielijk overtenemen en dezelve ten spoedigsten overtezenden. Waarop gedelibereerd zijnde, hebben de raadpensionaris voor den heer eersten edelen, benevens de heeren gedeputeerden van Middelburg, Ziericzee, Goes, Tholen en Veere copie verzogt van het voorschr. rapport en die van Tholen ook van de drie over het zelve onderwerp aan Hun Ed. Mog' gepresenteerde requesten, om te brengen ter kennis en deliberatie van de heeren hunne respective committenten. De heeren gedeputeerden van Vlissingen hebben geinhaereerd het advys door dezelve omtrent de admissie van den heer Adams op de laastvoorige sessie uitgebragt en wyders geinsteerd dat de andere leden zig, zoo ras mogelijk op dit important poinct gelieven te verklaaren, waar op die van Veere aannaamen om in deeze zaak alle spoed te recommandeeren aan de heeren hunne principaalen, ten einde zoo veel van dezelve dependeerde, een spoedige conclusie zal kunnen worden genomen.

Extract uit het Register der resolutien van de Heeren Staten der provincie Zeeland van den jare 1782.

Den 4 April 1782.

De heer van Lijnden voor den heer eersten edelen en de heeren gedeputeerden van Middelburg, Ziericzee, Goes, Tholen en Veere verzogt zijnde zig te verklaaren op het rapport van het besogne den 29 Maart, jongstleden ter vergadering uitgebragt, raakende het erkennen van den heer Adams, als minister plenipotentiaris der Vereenigde Staten van Noord-Amerika, by voorige notulen breeder gemeld, heeft eerstgemelden heer aangenomen zig daar op nader te zullen verklaaren; die van Middelburg, Goes, Tholen en Veere hebben, op speciaalen last van de heeren hunne committenten, zig met het voorschr. rapport geconformeerd en die van Ziericzee uit specialen last gedeclareerd, dat indien de kooplieden binnen de stad Ziericzee in tijds kennisse bekomen hadden dat die van de Walchersche steden zig wegens deeze zaak aan Hun Ed. Mog' zouden addresseeren, zij uyt overtuiging van het nut, het geen uit eene alliantie met de Noord-Americaansche Staten voor den koophandel en scheepvaart deezer landen zouden voortspruiten, zig zeer gaarne daar bij zouden hebben gevoegd. Dat Hun Ed. Actb. ook volkomen geconvinceerd van het important belang hetgeen in zoodanige alliantie voor de geheele republiq geleegen zij, van wegens hunne stad de dertien Vereenigde Staten van Noord-America als vry en onafhankelyk erkennen en mitsdien met alle empressement moeten insteeren, dat de heeren ordinaris geedeputeerden ter generaliteit ten spoedigsten werden gelast, den heer Adams als minister plenipotentiaris van het congres, ter audientie te admitteren en als dan de propositien, welke door denzelven tot het aangaan van een tractaat van koophandel of eenige andere dergelijke, mogten worden gedaan, ter deliberatie van Hun Ed. Mog' overteneemen. Het welk gehoord, heeft de raadpensionaris verzogt dat den heer van Lijnden zig nu ook geliefde te expliceeren, die daar op gezegd heeft dat, ziende de inclinatie van alle deszelfs medeleden in de admissie van den heer Adams zeer wel konde toekomen, doch dat eenige bedenkingen hebbende op een te neemen resolutie, conform het dispositif van het voorschr. rapport, zoude praefereeren dat in deeze zaak werde te werk gegaan even als bij de heeren Staten van Holland, en mitsdien hoogstderzelver resolutie gevolgd, en vervolgens door den raadpensionaris daar op omvrage gedaan zijnde, hebben die van Middelburg geoordeeld dat alle zwaarigheid zoude kunnen worden weggenomen, indien maar eenvoudig wierde gesteld de volgende periode: "en in die hoedanigheid, op de gewoone wijze toegelaaten," zonder melding te maken van het "admitteeren" bepaaldelijk "ter vergadering van Hun Hoog Mogende," de heeren gedeputeerden van de vijf andere steden hebben zig met onderlinge concurrentie met het gemeld conciliatoir advijs der heeren van Middelburg geconformeerd, waar na de heer van Lijnden heeft gedeclareerd dat, ofschoon meer inclineerde, zoo als gezegd heeft, om de resolutie van Holland te volgen, echter bespeurende de overeenkomende sentimenten der andere leden om, onder de voorgeslage verandering, het rapport ter conclusie te brengen en overtuigd zijnde van de noodzaakelykheid dat hier omtrent een resolutie met eenpaarigheid werde genomen, zig als nu ook daar by zoude voegen, om de afdoening deezer zaak te bevorderen. Vervolgens bij resumtie gedelibereerd zijnde op het voorschr. rapport, als mede op de onderscheidene requesten en andere stukken daar bij gemeld, is, met eenparige bewilliging van alle de leden, goedgevonden en verstaan dat de heeren ordinaris gedeputeerden deezer provincie ter generaliteit zullen worden aangeschreven, en geauctoriseerd, gelijk geschiedt by deeze om het ter vergadering van Hun Hoog Mogende daar heen te helpen dirigeeren, dat de heer Adams, als afgezant van het congres van Noord-America, ten spoedigsten werde erkend deszelfs brieven van credentie geaccepteerd en in die hoedanigheid op de gewoone wyze toegelaaten; met verdere last aan dezelve heeren ordinaris gedeputeerden om zoodaanige propositien, als door den voorschr. heer Adams aan deeze republicq zouden mogen worden gedaan, ter kennis en deliberatie van Hun Ed. Mog' copielijk overteneemen en dezelve ten spoedigsten herwaards te zenden.

En zal extract van deeze Hun Ed. Mog' resolutie aan gemelde heeren ordinaris gedeputeerden, tot derzelver narigt worden gezonden, zonder resumtie.

Extract uit het Register der resolutien van de Heeren Staten der provincie Overijssel, van 11 Maart tot 1 November 1782.

Vrijdag den 5 April 1782.

De heeren de droste van Zalland en andere Hunner Ed. Mog' gecommitteerden tot de zaaken van financie, ingevolge en ter voldoening van derzelver resolutie commissoriaal van den 30 deezer hebbende geexamineerd de adressen van den heere Adams, den 4e Mey 1781 en 9e January 1782, aan den heere ter generaliteit presideerende en den 9e Mey 1781 en 22 February 1782 ter vergadering gecommuniceert, om uit naam van de Vereenigde Staten van Noord-America, zijne brieven van credentie aan Hun Hoog Mogende te overhandigen; als mede de resolutie van de heeren staten van Holland en Westvriesland van den 28e Maart 1782 den 29e, dierzelfde maand ter vergadering van Hun Hoog Mog' ingebragt op de admissie en erkentenis van den heere Adams, als afgezant der Vereenigde Staten van Noord-America. Hebben ter vergadering gerapporteert, dat van advise zouden wesen, dat de heeren gecommitteerden van wegens deeze provincie ter generaliteit zouden behooren te worden geautoriseerd en gelast, om ter vergadering van Hun Hoog Mog' te declareeren, dat Ridders en Steden van oordeel zijn, dat de heer Adams als afgezant van de Vereenigde Staten van Noord-America bij Hun Hoog Mog' ten spoedigsten behoorde te worden erkent.

Waarop zijnde gedelibereerd, hebben Ridders en Steden zig met het voorschr. rapport geconformeert.

En hebben wijders de heeren gedeputeerden der stad Deventer geinsteert, dat de twee overige pointen vervat in derzelver resolutie van den 30 Maart 1782, geinsereerd in deeze onze notulen van den 3 dezer mede ter deliberatie mogen worden genomen.

Waarmede de heere droste van Ysselmuijden zig heeft gevoegd.

Extract uit het Register der resolutien van de Heeren Staten der provincie Stad en Lande (Groningen) van 1781-1782.

Dingsdag den 9 April 1782.

Gedelibereert sijnde op het rapport der heeren Gecommitteerden tot de petitien van de Raad van State en deezer provincie finances, in dato den 26 deser, tenderende om den heere Adams tot het overgeven van zijne brieven van credentie van de Vereenigde Staten van Noord-America aan Hun Hoog Mogende toetelaaten, luidende als volgt:

Rapport der heeren Gecommitteerden tot de petitien van de Raad van State en deser provincie finances.

Edele Mogende Heeren.

Door de heeren Uwer Edele Mogende gecommitteerden ingevolge en ter voldoeninge aan de resolutie commissoriaal, in dato den 4 May des voorigen jaars, zijnde geexamineert, het verzoek van den heer Adams, om zijne brieven van credentie van de Vereenigde Staten van Noord-America aan Hun Hoog Mogende te overhandigen, als mede ter voldoeninge aan de resolutie commissoriaal in dato den 14 Maart jongstl. daar tevens zijnde gelesen en naagegaan, de resolutie der Heeren Staten van Friesland op den 5 Meert, daar bevorens ter vergadering van Hun Hoog Mogende ingebragt waar bij de heeren derzelver gecommitteerden ter generaliteit hebben gelast ter tafel van Hun Hoog Mogende het daar heen te dirigeren dat de heer Adams, als minister van 't congres van Noord-America, by Hun Hoog Mogende werde toegelaten met verdere last aan opgemelde gecommitteerden indien door dezelve eenige propositien werden gedaan, betrekkelijk het aangaan van een tractaat van commercie en vriendschap, daar van ten spoedigsten de heeren Staten van Friesland te informeren, hebben de heeren gecommitteerden de eer UEdele Mogende te rapporteeren, dat van gedagten zouden zijn, dat in de hachelijke omstandigheden, waar in de republyk zich thans ziet gebragt, zodane efficacieuse maatregelen, zonder tijdverzuim, behoorden te worden genomen, waar door niet alleen de geledene schadens en naedeelen tegens allen schijn van recht, zoo voor als nae het declareren van den oorlog door het rijk van Groot Brittannien, op zulk een onregtvaardige wyze aan de commercie dezer landen toegebragt, zoude kunnen worden vergoed, maar vooral ook de vrye scheepvaart en koophandel van de Republyk voor het toekomende op vaste gronden gestelt en door de sterkste banden van weederkerige belangens bevestigt en beveiligt en dat overzulks de heeren UEdele Mogende gedeputeerden ter vergaderinge van Hun Hoog Mogende behoorden te worden geauthoriseert, om zoo haast door de provincie van Holland en Westfriesland, of eene der meest geinteresseerde provincien, daar in mede zal sijn geconsenteert, den heer Adams, tot het overgeven sijner brieven van credentie van de Vereenigde Staten van Noord-America toetelaten, diens te doene propositie overtenemen en daar van aan UEdele Mogende ten eersten verslag te doen.

Aldus gedaan binnen Groningen in het provincie huis, op dingsdag den 26 Maart 1782—

was getekent:

T. van Hoorn,
L. A. Trip,
I. H. Keiser,
P. Laman,
G. Lewe,
T. Jarges,
S. I. Niehoff,
F. Fiddens, en
I. A. Engelhard.

Hebben de heeren Staten van Stad en Lande, zich met het uitgebragte rapport geconformeert en de heeren ministers geauthoriseert, hier van extract naa der zaaken omstandigheid geconcipieert, te verzenden; zonder resumtie aftewachten.

Extract uit het Register der resolutien van de Heeren Staten der provincie Gelderland van 1782-1783.

Mercurii den 17 April 1782.

Was ter vergaderinge ingekomen en aan gedeputeerden en hoofdsteden copielijk medegedeeld.

1.

Een missive van de gecommitteerdens ter generaliteit van den 8 Maart, hebbende tot bylage copie van eene bij haar nevens de heeren gedeputeerden van de provincien van Zeeland, van Utrecht en van Stad en Lande overgenomene resolutie van de heeren Staten van de provincie van Friesland op den 5 daar bevorens ter tafele van Haar Hoog Mogende geexhibeerd, waar bij de gecommitteerdens van welgemelte provincie ter generaliteit worden gelast, het ter vergadering van Haar Hoog Mogende daar heenen te dirigereen, dat, in consideratie der redenen in voorschreeve resolutie vervat, de heer Adams, met ten eersten als minister van het congres van Noord-America, bij de republicq werde geadmitteerd, van welke missive en bijlage op den 9 Maart de afschriften aan gedeputeerden en hoofdsteden waaren ingezonden.

2.
Dat 't hof enz.

Op welke voorschreve poincten voor zoo verre daar op niet mogte geresolveerd zijn, welgemelde raaden verzogten, dat Haar Edele Mogende zoodane resolutien zouden gelieven te neemen als na derselver hooge wijsheid zouden oordeelen en vermeenen te behooren.

Ter vergaderinge voorgebragt en gelesen zijnde het versoek van den heer Adams, om uit naam van de Vereenigde Staten van Noord-America, zijne brieven van credentie aan Hun Hoog Mogende te overhandigen, mitsgaders het nader adres ten dien einde, met versoek van een cathegorisch antwoord door denzelven gedaan en breder in de notulen van Hun Hoog Mogende van den 4 May 1781 en 9 January 1782, vermeld, als mede de resolutie van de heeren Staten van de ses andere provincien, ter vergadering van Hun Hoog Mogende successivelyk ingebragt, alle tendeerende tot het admitteeren van den heer Adams, als afgesant van de Vereenigde Staten van Noord-America, bij dese republicq.

Hebben Haar Edele Mogende na gehoudene deliberatie, goedgevonden de gecommitteerdens van wegens dese provincie ter generaliteit te authoriseeren, gelijk geauctoriseert worden bij dezen, on zig namens deze provincie met de resolutie der heeren Staten van Holland en Westfriesland te conformeeren en dienvolgens te consenteeren dat de heer Adams, als gezant van de Vereenigde Staten van Noord-America bij deze republicq werde erkend en geadmitteerd.

Zullende oversulx extract dezes aan welgemelte gecommitteerdens worden toegesonden, om daar van ten spoedigsten ter vergadering van Hun Hoog Mogende de vereischte opening te doen.

Extract uit het Register der resolutien van de Hoog Mogende Heeren Staten Generaal der Vereenigde Provincien van den jare 1782. 1 deel.

Veneris den 19 April 1782.

Bij resumtie gedelibereerd sijnde op het adres en nader adres van den heer Adams, den 4 Mey, 1781 en 9 January deezes jaars aan den heer ter vergadering van Haar Hoog Mogende præsideerende, gedaan, om uit naem der Vereenigde Staten van Noord-America, zijne brieven van credentie aan Haar Hoog Mogende te overhandigen, en bij welk nader adres, gem. heer Adams, een cathegorisch antwoord heeft versogt, om daer van aan zijne principalen kennis te kunnen geeven.

Is goedgevonden en verstaan, dat de heer Adams als afgezant van de Vereenigde Staten van Noord-America, bij Haar Hoog Mogende zal worden geadmitteert en erkent, gelijk deselve geadmitteert en erkend word bij deezen.

De heeren gedeputeerden van de provincien van Zeeland en Utrecht hebben geinhaereert de resolutien van de heeren Staten hunne principalen op het voorn subject ter vergadering van Haar Hoog Mogende ingebragt.

Extract uit het Register der resolutien van de Hoog Mogende Heeren Staten Generaal der Vereenigde Nederlanden van den jare 1782. 1 deel.

Lunae den 22 April 1782.

De heer Boreel, in de voorleeden week ter vergaderinge gepraesideert hebbende heeft aan Haar Hoog Mogende voorgedragen en bekend gemaakt dat den heer John Adams, afgezant van de Vereenigde Staten van America, voorleeden saturdag bij hem was geweest en aan hem overgeleevert hadde een missive van de vergadering van 't Congres, geschreeven te Philadelphia den 1 January 1781, houdende creditif op gemelde heer Adams, om in qualitiet als hunnen minister plenipotentiars bij Haar Hoog Mogende te resideeren.

Waarop gedelibereerd sijnde, is goedgevonden en verstaan mits deezen te verklaaren dat gemelde heer Adams aan Haar Hoog Mogende aangenaam is en dat deselve in de qualitiet van minister plenipotentiaris sal worden erkent en dat aan dezelve audientie sal worden verleent of commissarissen toegevoegt zullen worden, als hij die zal komen te versoeken.

En zal hier van aan geme. heer Adams door den agent van der Burch van Spieringshoek, kennise worden gegeeven.

John Adams to Robert R. Livingston.

The Hague, April 22d, 1782.
To
Robert R. Livingston.

Sir: On the 22d of April I was introduced, by the Chamberlain, to His Most Serene Highness, the Prince of Orange.

Knowing that His Highness spoke English, I asked his permission to speak to him in that language, to which he answered, smiling, "if you please, Sir." Although French is the language of the Court, he seemed to be pleased, and to receive as a compliment my request to speak to him in English.

I told him I was happy to have the honour of presenting the respects of the United States of America, and a letter of credence from them to His Most Serene Highness, and to assure him of the profound veneration in which the House of Orange had been held in America even from its first settlement, and that I should be happier still to be the instrument of further cementing the new connexions between two nations professing the same religion, animated by the same spirit of liberty, and having reciprocal interests, both political and commercial, so extensive and so important; and that, in the faithful and diligent discharge of the duties of my mission, I flattered myself with hopes of the approbation of His Most Serene Highness.

His Highness received the letter of credence, which he opened and read. The answer that he made to me was in a voice so low and so indistinctly pronounced that I comprehended only the conclusion of it, which was that "he had made no difficulty against my reception." He then fell into familiar conversation with me, and asked me many questions about indifferent things, as is the custom of Princes and Princesses upon such occasions. How long I had been in Europe? How long I had been in this country? Whether I had purchased a house at the Hague? Whether I had not lived some time at Leyden? How long I had lived at Amsterdam? How I liked the country? &c.

This conference passed in the Prince's chamber of audience, with his Highness alone. I had waited some time in the antechamber, as the Duc de la Vauguyon was in conference with the Prince. The Duke, on his return through the antechamber, meeting me unexpectedly, presented me his hand with an air of cordiality which was remarked by every courtier, and had a very good effect.

The Prince has since said to the Duc de la Vauguyon that he was obliged to me for not having pressed him upon the affair of my reception at the beginning. He had reason; for if I had, and he had said or done anything offensive to the United States or disagreeable to me, it would now be remembered, much to the disadvantage of the Court.

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient and most humble servant,
John Adams.

Treaty of Amity and Commerce between their High Mightinesses the States-General of the United Netherlands and the United States of America, to wit: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Concluded October 8, 1782; ratified January 22, 1783.

Their High Mightinesses the States-General of the United Netherlands and the United States of America, to wit: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, desiring to ascertain, in a permanent and equitable manner, the rules to be observed relative to the commerce and correspondence which they intend to establish between their respective States, countries and inhabitants, have judged that the said end cannot be better obtained than by establishing the most perfect equality and reciprocity for the basis of their agreement, and by avoiding all those burdensome preferences which are usually the sources of debate, embarrassment, and discontent; by leaving also each party at liberty to make, respecting commerce and navigation, such ulterior regulations as it shall find most convenient to itself; and by founding the advantages of commerce solely upon reciprocal utility and the just rules of free intercourse; reserving withal to each party the liberty of admitting at its pleasure other nations to a participation of the same advantages.

On these principles their said High Mightinesses the States-General of the United Netherlands have named for their Plenipotentiaries, from the midst of their assembly, Messieurs their Deputies for the Foreign Affairs; and the said United States of America, on their part, have furnished with full powers Mr. John Adams, late Commissioner of the United States of America at the Court of Versailles, heretofore Delegate in Congress from the State of Massachusetts Bay, and Chief Justice of the said State, who have agreed and concluded as follows, to wit:

Article I.

There shall be a firm, inviolable, and universal peace and sincere friendship between their High Mightinesses, the Lords, the States-General of the United Netherlands, and the United States of America, and between the subjects and inhabitants of the said parties, and between the countries, islands, cities, and places situated under the jurisdiction of the said United Netherlands and the said United States of America, their subjects and inhabitants, of every degree, without exception of persons or places.

Article II.

The subjects of the said States-General of the United Netherlands shall pay in the ports, havens, roads, countries, islands, cities, or places of the United States of America, or any of them, no other nor greater duties or imposts, of whatever nature or denomination they may be, than those which the nations the most favoured are or shall be obliged to pay; and they shall enjoy all the rights, liberties, privileges immunities, and exemptions in trade, navigation, and commerce which the said nations do or shall enjoy, whether in passing from one port to another in the said States, or in going from any of those ports to any foreign port of the world, or from any foreign port of the world to any of those ports.

Article III.

The subjects and inhabitants of the said United States of America shall pay in the ports, havens, roads, countries, islands, cities or places of the said United Netherlands, or any of them, no other nor greater duties or imposts, of whatever nature or denomination they may be, than those which the nations the most favoured are or shall be obliged to pay; and they shall enjoy all the rights, liberties, privileges, immunities and exemptions in trade, navigation and commerce, which the said nations do or shall enjoy, whether in passing from one port to another in the said States, or from any one toward any one of those ports from or to any foreign port of the world. And the United States of America, with their subjects and inhabitants, shall leave to those of their High Mightinesses the peaceable enjoyment of their rights in the countries, islands and seas in the East and West Indies, without any hindrance or molestation.

Article IV.

There shall be an entire and perfect liberty of conscience allowed to the subjects and inhabitants of each party, and to their families; and no one shall be molested in regard to his worship, provided he submits, as to the public demonstration of it, to the laws of the country: There shall be given, moreover, liberty, when any subjects or inhabitants of either party shall die in the territory of the other, to bury them in the usual burying-places, or in decent and convenient grounds to be appointed for that purpose, as occasion shall require; and the dead bodies of those who are buried shall not in any wise be molested. And the two contracting parties shall provide, each one in his jurisdiction, that their respective subjects and inhabitants may henceforward obtain the requisite certificates in cases of deaths in which they shall be interested.

Article V.

Their High Mightinesses the States-General of the United Netherlands and the United States of America shall endeavour, by all the means in their power, to defend and protect all vessels and other effects, belonging to their subjects and inhabitants, respectively, or to any of them, in their ports, roads, havens, internal seas, passes, rivers, and as far as their jurisdiction extends at sea, and to recover, and cause to be restored to the true proprietors, their agents, or attorneys, all such vessels and effects, which shall be taken under their jurisdiction: And their vessels of war and convoys, in cases when they may have a common enemy, shall take under their protection all the vessels belonging to the subjects and inhabitants of either party, which shall not be laden with contraband goods, according to the description which shall be made of them hereafter, for places with which one of the parties is in peace and the other at war, nor destined for any place blockaded, and which shall hold the same course or follow the same route; and they shall defend such vessels as long as they shall hold the same course or follow the same route, against all attacks, force and violence of the common enemy, in the same manner as they ought to protect and defend the vessels belonging to their own respective subjects.

Article VI.

The subjects of the contracting parties may, on one side and on the other, in the respective countries and States, dispose of their effects by testament, donation or otherwise; and their heirs, subjects of one of the parties, and residing in the country of the other, or elsewhere, shall receive such successions, even ab intestato, whether in person or by their attorney or substitute, even although they shall not have obtained letters of naturalization, without having the effects of such commission tested under pretext of any rights or prerogatives of any province, city or private person. And if the heirs to whom such successions may have fallen shall be minors, the tutors or curators established by the judge domiciliary of the minors may govern, direct, administer, sell and alienate the effects fallen to the said minors by inheritance, and, in general, in relation to the said successions and effects, use all the rights and fulfill all the functions which belong, by the disposition of the laws, to guardians, tutors and curators: provided, nevertheless, that this disposition cannot take place but in cases where the testator shall not have named guardians, tutors or curators by testament, codicil or other legal instrument.

Article VII.

It shall be lawful and free for the subjects of each party to employ such advocates, attorneys, notaries, solicitors or factors as they shall judge proper.

Article VIII.

Merchants, masters and owners of ships, mariners, men of all kinds, ships and vessels, and all merchandizes and goods in general, and effects of one of the confederates, or of the subjects thereof, shall not be seized or detained in any of the countries, lands, islands, cities, places, ports, shores, or dominions whatsoever of the other confederate, for any military expedition, publick or private use of any one, by arrests, violence, or any colour thereof; much less shall it be permitted to the subjects of either party to take or extort by force anything from the subjects of the other party, without the consent of the owner; which, however, is not to be understood of seizures, detentions, and arrests which shall be made by the command and authority of justice, and by the ordinary methods, on account of debts or crimes, in respect whereof the proceedings must be by way of law, according to the forms of justice.

Article IX.

It is further agreed and concluded that it shall be wholly free for all merchants, commanders of ships, and other subjects and inhabitants of the contracting parties, in every place subjected to the jurisdiction of the two powers respectively, to manage themselves their own business; and moreover as to the use of interpreters or brokers, as also in relation to the loading or unloading of their vessels, and everything which has relation thereto, they shall be, on one side, and on the other, considered and treated upon the footing of natural subjects, or, at least, upon an equality with the most favoured nation.

Article X.

The merchant ships of either of the parties, coming from the port of an enemy, or from their own, or a neutral port, may navigate freely towards any port of an enemy of the other ally: they shall be, nevertheless, held, whenever it shall be required, to exhibit, as well upon the high seas as in the ports, their sea-letters and other documents described in the twenty-fifth article, stating expressly that their effects are not of the number of those which are prohibited as contraband; and not having any contraband goods for an enemy's port, they may freely, and without hindrance, pursue their voyage towards the port of an enemy. Nevertheless, it shall not be required to examine the papers of vessels convoyed by vessels of war, but credence shall be given to the word of the officer who shall conduct the convoy.

Article XI.

If, by exhibiting the sea-letters and other documents described more particularly in the twenty-fifth article of this treaty, the other party shall discover there are any of those sorts of goods which are declared prohibited and contraband, and that they are consigned for a port under the obedience of his enemy, it shall not be lawful to break up the hatches of such ship, nor to open any chests, coffers, packs, casks, or other vessels found therein, or to remove the smallest parcels of her goods, whether the said vessel belongs to the subjects of their High Mightinesses the States-General of the United Netherlands or to the subjects or inhabitants of the said United States of America, unless the lading be brought on shore, in presence of the officers of the Court of Admiralty, and an inventory thereof made; but there shall be no allowance to sell, exchange or alienate the same until after that due and lawful process shall have been had against such prohibited goods of contraband, and the Court of Admiralty, by a sentence pronounced, shall have confiscated the same, saving always as well the ship itself as any other goods found therein, which are to be esteemed free, and may not be detained on pretence of their being infected by the prohibited goods, much less shall they be confiscated as lawful prize: But, on the contrary, when, by the visitation at land, it shall be found that there are no contraband goods in the vessel, and it shall not appear by the papers that he who has taken and carried in the vessel has been able to discover any there, he ought to be condemned in all the charges, damages and interests of them, which he shall have caused, both to the owners of vessels and to the owners and freighters of cargoes with which they shall be loaded, by his temerity in taking and carrying them in; declaring most expressly the free vessels shall assure the liberty of the effects with which they shall be loaded, and that this liberty shall extend itself equally to the persons who shall be found in a free vessel, who may not be taken out of her, unless they are military men actually in the service of an enemy.

Article XII.

On the contrary, it is agreed that whatever shall be found to be taken by the subjects and inhabitants of either party, or any ship belonging to the enemies of the other, or to their subjects, although it be not comprehended under the sort of prohibited goods, the whole may be confiscated in the same manner as if it belonged to the enemy; except, nevertheless, such effects and merchandizes as were put on board such vessel before the declaration of war, or in the space of six months after it, which effects shall not be, in any manner, subject to confiscation, but shall be faithfully and without delay restored in nature to the owners who shall claim them, or cause them to be claimed, before the confiscation and sale, as also their proceeds, if the claim could not be made, but in the space of eight months after the sale, which ought to be publick: Provided, nevertheless, that if the said merchandizes are contraband, it shall by no means be lawful to transport them afterwards to any port belonging to enemies.

Article XIII.

And that more effectual care may be taken for the security of subjects and people of either party, that they do not suffer molestation from the vessels of war or privateers of the other party, it shall be forbidden to all commanders of vessels of war and other armed vessels of the said States-General of the United Netherlands and the said United States of America, as well as to all their officers, subjects and people, to give any offence or do any damage to those of the other party; and if they act to the contrary they shall be, upon the first complaint which shall be made of it, being found guilty after a just examination, punished by their proper judges, and, moreover, obliged to make satisfaction for all damages and interests thereof, by reparation, under pain and obligation of their persons and goods.

Article XIV.

For further determining of what has been said, all captains of privateers or fitters-out of vessels armed for war, under commission and on account of private persons, shall be held, before their departure, to give sufficient caution, before competent judges, either to be entirely responsible for the malversations which they may commit in their cruizes or voyages, as well as for the contraventions of their captains and officers against the present treaty, and against the ordinances and edicts which shall be published in consequence of and conformity to it, under pain of forfeiture and nullity of the said commissions.

Article XV.

All vessels and merchandizes, of whatsoever nature, which shall be rescued out of the hands of any pirates or robbers, navigating the high seas without requisite commissions, shall be brought into some port of one of the two States, and deposited in the hands of the officers of that port, in order to be restored entire to the true proprietor as soon as due and sufficient proofs shall be made concerning the property thereof.

Article XVI.

If any ships or vessels belonging to either of the parties, their subjects, or people, shall, within the coasts or dominions of the other, stick upon the sands, or be wrecked, or suffer any other sea damage, all friendly assistance and relief shall be given to the persons shipwrecked, or such as shall be in danger thereof; and the vessels, effects and merchandizes, or the part of them which shall have been saved or the proceeds of them, if, being perishable, they shall have been sold, being claimed within a year and a day by the masters or owners, or their agents or attorneys, shall be restored, paying only the reasonable charges, and that which must be paid, in the same case, for the salvage, by the proper subjects of the country: there shall also be delivered them safe conducts or passports for their free and safe passage from thence, and to return, each one to his own country.

Article XVII.

In case the subjects or people of either party, with their shipping, whether publick and of war, or private and of merchants, be forced, through stress of weather, pursuit of pirates or enemies, or any other urgent necessity for seeking of shelter and harbor, to retract and enter into any of the rivers, creeks, bays, ports, roads or shores belonging to the other party, they shall be received with all humanity and kindness, and enjoy all friendly protection and help, and they shall be permitted to refresh and provide themselves, at reasonable rates, with victuals, and all things needful for the sustenance of their persons or reparation of their ships; and they shall no ways be detained or hindered from returning out of the said ports or roads, but may remove and depart when and whither they please, without any let or hindrance.

Article XVIII.

For the better promoting of commerce on both sides, it is agreed that, if a war should break out between their High Mightinesses the States-General of the United Netherlands and the United States of America, there shall always be granted to the subjects on each side the term of nine months after the date of the rupture, or the proclamation of war, to the end that they may retire, with their effects, and transport them where they please, which it shall be lawful for them to do, as well as to sell or transport their effects and goods, in all freedom and without any hindrance, and without being able to proceed, during the said term of nine months, to any arrests of their effects, much less of their persons; on the contrary, there shall be given them, for their vessels and their effects, which they could carry away, passports and safe conducts for the nearest ports of their respective countries, and for the time necessary for the voyage. And no prize made at sea shall be adjudged lawful, at least if the declaration of war was not or could not be known in the last port which the vessel taken has quitted; but for whatever may have been taken from the subjects and inhabitants of either party, and for the offences which may have been given them, in the interval of the said terms, a complete satisfaction shall be given them.

Article XIX.

No subject of their High Mightinesses the States-General of the United Netherlands shall apply for or take any commission or letters of marque for arming any ship or ships to act as privateers against the said United States of America, or any of them, or the subjects and inhabitants of the said United States, or any of them, or against the property of the inhabitants of any of them, from any Prince or State with which the said United States of America may happen to be at war: nor shall any subject or inhabitant of the said United States of America, or any of them, apply for or take any commission or letters of marque for arming any ship or ships to act as privateers against the High and Mighty Lords the States-General of the United Netherlands, or against the subjects of their High Mightinesses, or any of them, or against the property of any one of them, from any Prince or State with which their High Mightinesses may be at war: And if any person of either nation shall take such commission or letters of marque, he shall be punished as a pirate.

Article XX.

If the vessels of the subjects or inhabitants of one of the parties come upon any coast belonging to either of the said allies, but not willing to enter into port, or being entered into port and not willing to unload their cargoes or break bulk, or take in any cargo, they shall not be obliged to pay, neither for the vessels nor for the cargoes, at least if there is not just cause to presume that they carry to an enemy merchandizes of contraband.

Article XXI.

The two contracting parties grant to each other, mutually, the liberty of having, each in the ports of the other, consuls, vice-consuls, agents, and commissaries, of their own appointing, whose functions shall be regulated by particular agreement, whenever either party chooses to make such appointments.

Article XXII.

This treaty shall not be understood in any manner to derogate from the ninth, tenth, nineteenth, and twenty-fourth articles of the treaty with France, as they were numbered in the same treaty, concluded the sixth of February, 1778, and which make the articles ninth, tenth, seventeenth, and twenty-second of the treaty of commerce now subsisting between the United States of America and the Crown of France; nor shall it hinder His Catholic Majesty from according to that treaty, and enjoying the advantages of said four articles.

Article XXIII.

If at any time the United States of America shall judge necessary to commence negotiations with the King or Emperor of Morocco and Fez, and with the Regencies of Algiers, Tunis, or Tripoli, or with any of them, to obtain passports for the security of their navigation in the Mediterranean Sea, their High Mightinesses promise that upon the requisition which the United States of America shall make of it, they will second such negotiations in the most favourable manner, by means of their Consuls residing near the said King, Emperor, and Regencies.

Contraband.

Article XXIV.

The liberty of navigation and commerce shall extend to all sorts of merchandizes, excepting only those which are distinguished under the name of contraband, or merchandizes prohibited; and under this denomination of contraband and merchandizes prohibited, shall be comprehended only warlike stores and arms, as mortars, artillery, with their artifices and appurtenances, fusils, pistols, bombs, grenades, gunpowder, saltpetre, sulphur, match, bullets and balls, pikes, sabres, lances, halberts, casques, cuirasses, and other sorts of arms, as also soldiers, horses, saddles, and furniture for horses; all other effects and merchandizes, not before specified expressly, and even all sorts of naval matters, however proper they may be for the construction and equipment of vessels of war, or for the manufacture of one or another sort of machines of war, by land or sea, shall not be judged contraband, neither by the letter, nor according to any pretended interpretation whatever, ought they or can they be comprehended under the notion of effects prohibited or contraband: so that all effects and merchandizes, which are not expressly before named, may, without any exception, and in perfect liberty, be transported by the subjects and inhabitants of both allies, from and to places belonging to the enemy; excepting only the places which at the time shall be besieged, blocked, or invested; and those places only shall be held for such which are surrounded nearly by some of the belligerent powers.

Article XXV.

To the end that all dissention and quarrel may be avoided and prevented, it has been agreed, that in case that one of the two parties happens to be at war, the vessels belonging to the subjects or inhabitants of the other ally shall be provided with sea letters or passports, expressing the name, the property, and the burthen of the vessel, as also the name of abode of the master, or commander of the said vessel, to the end that thereby it may appear that the vessel really and truly belongs to the subjects or inhabitants of one of the parties; which passports shall be drawn and distributed, according to the form annexed to this treaty; each time that the vessel shall return, she should have such her passport renewed, or at least they ought not to be of more ancient date than two years, before the vessel has been returned to her own country.

It has also been agreed that such vessels, being loaded, ought to be provided not only with the said passports or sea letters, but also with a general passport, or with particular passports or manifests, or other publick documents, which are ordinarily given to vessels outward bound in the ports from whence the vessels have set sail in the last place, containing a specification of the cargo, of the place from whence the vessel departed, and of that of her destination, or, instead of all these, with certificates from the magistrates or governors of cities, places and colonies from whence the vessel came, given in the usual form, to the end that it may be known whether there are any effects prohibited or contraband, on board the vessels, and whether they are destined to be carried to an enemy's country or not; and in case any one judges proper to express in the said documents the persons to whom the effects on board belong, he may do it freely, without, however, being bound to do it; and the omission of such expression cannot and ought not to cause a confiscation.

Article XXVI.

If the vessels of the said subjects or inhabitants of either of the parties, sailing along the coasts or on the high seas, are met by a vessel of war, or privateer, or other armed vessel of the other party, the said vessels of war, privateers, or armed vessels, for avoiding all disorder, shall remain without the reach of cannon, but may send their boats on board the merchant vessel, which they shall meet in this manner, upon which they may not pass more than two or three men, to whom the master or commander shall exhibit his passport, containing the property of the vessel, according to the form annexed to this treaty: And the vessel, after having exhibited such a passport, sea letter, and other documents, shall be free to continue her voyage, so that it shall not be lawful to molest her, or search her in any manner, nor give her chase, nor to force her to alter her course.

Article XXVII.

It shall be lawful for merchants, captains, and commanders of vessels, whether publick and of war, or private and of merchants, belonging to the said United States of America, or any of them, or to their subjects and inhabitants, to take freely into their service, and receive on board of their vessels, in any port or place in the jurisdiction of their High Mightinesses aforesaid, seamen or others, natives or inhabitants of any of the said States, upon such conditions as they shall agree on, without being submitted for this to any fine, penalty, punishment, process, or reprehension whatsoever.

And reciprocally, all merchants, captains, and commanders, belonging to the said United Netherlands, shall enjoy, in all the ports and places under the obedience of the said United States of America, the same privilege of engaging and receiving seamen or others, natives or inhabitants of any country of the domination of the said States-General: Provided, that neither on one side nor the other, they may not take into their service such of their countrymen who have already engaged in the service of the other party contracting, whether in war or trade, and whether they meet them by land or sea; at least if the captains or masters under the command of whom such persons may be found, will not of his own consent discharge them from their service, upon pain of being otherwise treated and punished as deserters.

Article XXVIII.

The affair of the refraction shall be regulated in all equity and justice, by the magistrates of cities respectively, where it shall be judged that there is any room to complain in this respect.

Article XXIX.

The present treaty shall be ratified and approved by their High Mightinesses the States-General of the United Netherlands and by the United States of America; and the acts of ratification shall be delivered in good and due form, on one side and on the other, in the space of six months, or sooner if possible, to be computed from the day of the signature.

In faith of which, we the Deputies and Plenipotentiaries of the Lords the States-General of the United Netherlands, and the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America, in virtue of our respective authorities and full powers, have signed the present treaty and apposed thereto the seals of our arms.

Done at the Hague the eighth of October, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two.

John Adams. [L.S.]

George van Randwyck. [L.S.]

B. V. D. Santheuvel. [L.S.]

P. V. Bleiswijk. [L.S.]

W. C. H. van Lijnden. [L.S.]

D. J. van Heeckeren. [L.S.]

Joan van Kuffeler. [L.S.]

F: G: van Dedem, tot den gelder. [L.S.]

H: Tjassens. [L.S.]

Convention between the Lords the States-General of the United Netherlands and the United States of America, concerning vessels recaptured. Concluded October 8, 1782.

The Lords the States-General of the United Netherlands and the United States of America, being inclined to establish some uniform principles with relation to prizes made by vessels of war, and commissioned by the two contracting Powers, upon their common enemies, and to vessels of the subjects of either party, captured by the enemy, and recaptured by vessels of war commissioned by either party, have agreed upon the following articles:

Article I.

The vessels of either of the two nations recaptured by the privateers of the other, shall be restored to the first proprietor, if such vessels have not been four and twenty hours in the power of the enemy, provided the owner of the vessel recaptured pay therefor one-third of the value of the vessel, as also of that of the cargo, the cannons and apparel, which third shall be valued by agreement, between the parties interested; or, if they cannot agree thereon among themselves, they shall address themselves to the officers of the admiralty of the place where the privateer who has retaken the vessel shall have conducted her.

Article II.

If the vessel recaptured has been more than twenty-four hours in the power of the enemy, she shall belong entirely to the privateer who has retaken her.

Article III.

In case a vessel shall have been recaptured by a vessel of war belonging to the States-General of the United Netherlands, or to the United States of America, she shall be restored to the first owner, he paying a thirtieth part of the value of the ship, her cargo, cannons and apparel, if she has been recaptured in the interval of twenty-four hours, and the tenth part if she has been recaptured after the twenty-four hours, which sums shall be distributed in form of gratifications to the crews of the vessels which have retaken her. The valuation of the said thirtieth parts and tenth parts shall be regulated according to the tenor of the first article of the present convention.

Article IV.

The restitution of prizes, whether they may have been retaken by vessels of war or by privateers, in the mean time and until requisite and sufficient proofs can be given of the property of vessels recaptured, shall be admitted in a reasonable time, under sufficient sureties for the observation of the aforesaid articles.

Article V.

The vessels of war and privateers of one and of the other of the two nations, shall be reciprocally, both in Europe and in the other parts of the world, admitted in the respective ports of each with their prizes, which may be unloaded and sold according to the formalities used in the State where the prize shall have been conducted, as far as may be consistent with the 22d article of the treaty of commerce: Provided, always, that the legality of prizes by the vessels of the Low Countries shall be decided conformably to the laws and regulations established in the United Netherlands; as, likewise, that of prizes made by American vessels, shall be judged according to the laws and regulations determined by the United States of America.

Article VI.

Moreover, it shall be free for the States-General of the United Netherlands, as well as for the United States of America, to make such regulations as they may judge necessary, relative to the conduct which their respective vessels and privateers ought to hold in relation to the vessels which they shall have taken and conducted into the ports of the two powers.

In faith of which, We, the Deputies and Plenipotentiaries of the Lords the States-General of the United Netherlands, and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America, have, in virtue of our respective authorities and full powers, signed these presents, and confirmed the same with the seals of our arms.

Done at the Hague the eighth of October, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two.

John Adams. [L.S.]

George van Randwyck. [L.S.]

B. V. D. Santheuvel. [L.S.]

P. V. Bleiswijk. [L.S.]

W. C. H. van Lijnden. [L.S.]

D. J. van Heeckeren. [L.S.]

Joan van Kuffeler. [L.S.]

F: G: van Dedem, tot den gelder. [L.S.]

H: Tjassens. [L.S.]

General Washington to the President of Congress.

Headquarters, near York,
October 19, 1781.
To His Excellency
The President of Congress.

Sir: I have the honour to inform Congress that a reduction of the British army, under the command of Lord Cornwallis, is most happily effected. The unremitted ardour which actuated every officer and soldier in the combined army on this occasion, has principally led to this important event, at an earlier period than my most sanguine hopes had induced me to expect.

The singular spirit of emulation, which animated the whole army from the first commencement of our operations, has filled my mind with the highest pleasure and satisfaction, and had given me the highest presages of success.

On the 17th instant, a letter was received from Lord Cornwallis, proposing a meeting of commissioners to consult on terms for the surrender of the posts of York and Gloucester. This letter (the first that had passed between us) opened a correspondence, a copy of which I do myself the honour to inclose; that correspondence was followed by the definitive capitulation, which was agreed to and signed on the 19th, copy of which is herewith transmitted; and which I hope will meet with the approbation of Congress.

I should be wanting in the feelings of gratitude did I not mention on this occasion, with the warmest sense of acknowledgment, the very cheerful and able assistance which I have received in the course of our operations from His Excellency the Count de Rochambeau. Nothing could equal this zeal of our allies but the imitating spirit of the American officers, whose ardour would not suffer their exertions to be exceeded.

The very uncommon degree of duty and fatigue, which the nature of the service required from the officers of engineers and artillery of both armies, obliges me particularly to mention the obligations I am under to the commanding and other officers of those corps.

I wish it was in my power to express to Congress how much I feel myself indebted to the Count de Grasse, and the officers of the fleet under his command, for the distinguished aid and support which has been afforded by them, between whom and the army the most happy concurrence of sentiments and views have subsisted, and from whom every possible co-operation has been experienced which the most harmonious intercourse could afford.

Returns of the prisoners, military stores, ordnance, shipping and other matters, I shall do myself the honour to transmit to Congress as soon as they can be collected by the heads of departments to which they belong.

Colonel Laurens and the Viscount de Noailles, on the part of the combined army, were the gentlemen who acted as commissioners for forming and settling the terms of capitulation and surrender, herewith transmitted, to whom I am particularly obliged for their readiness and attention exhibited on the occasion.

Colonel Tilghman, one of my aids-de-camp, will have the honour to deliver these despatches to Your Excellency; he will be able to inform you of every minute circumstance which is particularly mentioned in my letter. His merits, which are too well known to need any observations at this time, have gained my particular attention, and I could wish that they may be honoured by the notice of Your Excellency and Congress.

Your Excellency and Congress will be pleased to accept my congratulations on this happy event, and believe me to be, with the highest respect and esteem,

Sir, your Excellency's most obedient humble servant,
Geo. Washington.

P.S. Though I am not possessed of the particular returns, yet I have reason to suppose that the number of prisoners will be between five and six thousand, exclusive of seamen and others.

General Washington to the President of Congress.

Headquarters, near York,
October 27, 1781.
To His Excellency
The President of Congress.

Sir: I do myself the honour to enclose to Your Excellency copies of returns of prisoners, artillery, arms, ordnance, and other stores, surrendered by the enemy in their posts of York and Gloucester, on the 19th instant, which were not completed at the time of my despatches, and but this moment handed to me. A draft of these posts, with the plan of attack and defence, is herewith transmitted; and twenty-four standards, taken at the same time, are ready to be laid before Congress.

My present despatches being important, I have committed to the care of Colonel Humphreys, one of my aids-de-camp, whom, for his attention, fidelity and good services, I beg leave to recommend to Congress and Your Excellency.

I have the honour to be,
Sir, Your Excellency's most obedient humble servant,
Geo. Washington.

Resolutions of Congress Voting Thanks, etc., for the Taking of Yorktown.

By the United States in Congress Assembled:

Resolved, That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, be presented to His Excellency General Washington, for the eminent services which he has rendered to the United States, and particularly for the well concerted plan against the British garrisons in York and Gloucester; for the vigour, attention, and military skill with which that plan was executed, and for the wisdom and prudence manifested in the capitulation.

That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, be presented to His Excellency the Count de Rochambeau, for the cordiality, zeal, judgment, and fortitude, with which he seconded and advanced the progress of the allied army against the British garrison in York.

That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, be presented to His Excellency Count de Grasse, for his display of skill and bravery in attacking and defeating the British fleet off the Bay of Chesapeake, and for his zeal and alacrity in rendering, with the fleet under his command, the most effectual and distinguished aid and support to the operations of the allied army in Virginia.

That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, be presented to the commanding and other officers of the corps of artillery and engineers of the allied army, who sustained extraordinary fatigue and danger in their animated and gallant approaches to the lines of the enemy.

That General Washington be directed to communicate to the other officers and soldiers under his command the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, for their conduct and valour on this occasion:

Resolved, That the United States, in Congress assembled, will cause to be erected, at York, in Virginia, a marble column, adorned with emblems of the alliance between the United States and His Most Christian Majesty, and inscribed with a succinct narrative of the surrender of Earl Cornwallis to His Excellency General Washington, commander-in-chief of the combined forces of America and France, to His Excellency the Count de Rochambeau, commanding the auxiliary troops of His Most Christian Majesty in America, and to His Excellency the Count de Grasse, commanding-in-chief the naval army of France in Chesapeake.

Resolved, That two stands of colours taken from the British army under the capitulation of York, be presented to His Excellency General Washington, in the name of the United States in Congress assembled.

Resolved, That two pieces of the field ordnance, taken from the British army under the capitulation of York, be presented by the commander-in-chief of the American army to Count de Rochambeau; and that there be engraved thereon a short memorandum, that Congress were induced to present them from considerations of the illustrious part which he bore in effectuating the surrender.

Resolved, That the Secretary of Foreign Affairs be directed to request the Minister Plenipotentiary of His Most Christian Majesty, to inform his Majesty that it is the wish of Congress that Count de Grasse may be permitted to accept a testimony of their approbation, similar to that to be presented to Count de Rochambeau.

Resolved, That the Board of War be directed to present to Lieutenant-Colonel Tilghman, in the name of the United States in Congress assembled, a horse properly caparisoned, and an elegant sword, in testimony of their high opinion of his merit and ability.

Monday, October 29, 1781.

Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston.

Passy, March 4, 1782.
To the Honourable
Robert R. Livingston,
Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

Sir:

This puts me in mind of a medal I have had a mind to strike since the late great event[55] you gave me an account of, representing the United States by the figure of an infant Hercules in his cradle, strangling the two serpents; and France by that of Minerva, sitting by as his nurse, with her spear and helmet, and her robe specked with a few "fleurs-de-lis". The extinguishing of two entire armies in one war is what has rarely happened, and it gives a presage of the future force of our growing empire....

With great esteem,
B. Franklin.

Benjamin Franklin to Sir William Jones.

Passy, March 17, 1783.
To
Sir William Jones.

Sir:

The engraving of my medal, which you know was projected before the peace, is but just finished. None are yet struck in hard metal, but will be in a few days. In the meantime, having this good opportunity by Mr. Penn, I send you one of the "épreuves". You will see that I have profited by some of your ideas, and adopted the mottoes you were so kind as to furnish....

B. Franklin.

Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston.

Passy, April 15, 1783.
To the Honourable
Robert R. Livingston,
Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

Sir: I have caused to be struck here the medal which I formerly mentioned to you, the design of which you seemed to approve. I enclose one in silver for the President of Congress and one in copper for yourself. The impression on copper is thought to appear best; and you will soon receive a number for the members. I have presented one to the King and another to the Queen, both in gold; and one in silver to each of the ministers, as a monumental acknowledgment, which may go down to future ages, of the obligations we are under to this nation. It is mighty well received, and gives general pleasure. If the Congress approve of it, as I hope they will, I may add something on the die (for those to be struck hereafter) to shew that it was done by their order, which I could not venture to do till I had authority for it.

With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

B. Franklin.

Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston.

Passy, July 22, 1783.
To the Honourable
Robert R. Livingston,
Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

Sir: I made the Grand Master of Malta a present of one of our medals in silver, writing to him a letter of which I enclose a copy, and I believe our people will be kindly received in his port.

With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant.

B. Franklin

Benjamin Franklin to the Grand Master of Malta.

Passy, 6 April, 1783.
To His Eminent Highness
The Grand Master of Malta.

My Lord: I have the honour to address to Your Eminent Highness the medal which I have lately had struck. It is an Homage of gratitude, my Lord, which is due to the interest you have taken in our cause and we no less owe it to your virtues and to Your Eminent Highnesses wise Administration of Government.

Permit me, my Lord, to demand your protection for such of our citizens as circumstances may lead to your ports. I hope that Your Eminent Highness will be pleased to grant it to them and kindly receive the assurances of the profound respect with which I am, my Lord,

Your Eminent Highnesses most humble and most obedient servant,

B. Franklin.

The Grand Master of Malta to Benjamin Franklin.

Malta, 21 June, 1783.
To His Excellency
B. Franklin.

Sir: I received with the most lively sensibility the medal which Your Excellency sent me, and the value I set upon this acquisition leaves my gratitude unbounded. This monument of American liberty has a distinguished place in my cabinet.

Whenever chance or commerce shall lead any of your fellow citizens or their vessels into the ports of our Island, I shall receive them with the greatest Welcome, they shall experience from me every assistance they may claim. I shall observe with infinite pleasure any growing connection between that interesting nation and my subjects, especially if it will tend to convince Your Excellency of the distinguished sentiments with which I am,

Sir, Your Excellency's most affectionate servant,
The Grand Master,
Rohan.

William Short to Thomas Jefferson.

Paris, June the 14th, 1790.
To the Honourable
Thomas Jefferson,
Secretary of State.

Sir: On the news of Dr. Franklin's death being received here, the National Assembly decreed that they would go in mourning for three days—and that the President should write to Congress to notify to them the part they take in the melancholy event. A kind of enthusiasm has spread also through the different parts of the capital—different societies and bodies have shown their adhesion to the sentiments of the National Assembly in different ways.

I am, etc.,
Wm. Short.

Thomas Jefferson to the President of the National Assembly of France.

Philadelphia, March 8th, 1791.
To
The President of the National Assembly of France.

Sir: I have it in charge from the President of the United States of America to communicate to the National Assembly of France the peculiar sensibility of Congress to the tribute paid to the memory of Benjamin Franklin, by the enlightened and free Representatives of a great nation, in their decree of the 11th of June, 1790.

That the loss of such a citizen should be lamented by us, among whom he lived, whom he so long and eminently served, and who feel their country advanced and honoured by his birth, life and labours, was to be expected, but it remained for the National Assembly of France to set the first example of the Representative of one nation doing homage by a public act to the private citizen of another, and by withdrawing arbitrary lines of separation, to reduce into one fraternity the good and the great, wherever they have lived or died.

That these separations may disappear between us in all times and circumstances, and that the union of sentiment, which mingles our sorrows on this occasion, may continue long to cement the friendship and the interests of our two nations is our constant prayer. With no one is it more sincere than with him, who in being charged with the honour of conveying a public sentiment, is permitted that of expressing the homage of profound respect and veneration with which he is,

Sir, your most obedient and humble servant,
Th: Jefferson.

Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to the Chevalier John Paul Jones.

In Congress.

Resolved unanimously, That a medal of gold be struck and presented to the Chevalier John Paul Jones, in commemoration of the valour and brilliant services of that officer, in the command of a squadron of French and American ships, under the flag and commission of the United States, off the coast of Great Britain, in the late war; and that the Honourable Mr. Jefferson, Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at the Court of Versailles, have the same executed, with the proper devices.

Resolved, That a letter be written to His Most Christian Majesty, informing him that the United States, in Congress assembled, have bestowed upon the Chevalier John Paul Jones, this medal, as well in consideration of the distinguished marks of approbation which His Majesty has pleased to confer upon that officer, as from a sense of his merit: And, that as it is his earnest desire to acquire greater knowledge in his profession, it would be acceptable to Congress, that His Majesty would be pleased to permit him to embark with his fleets of evolution, convinced that he can no where else so well acquire that knowledge which may hereafter render him more extensively useful.

Ordered, That the Secretary of Foreign Affairs prepare a letter for the above purpose, to be signed by the President, and that the Chevalier Jones be the bearer of the said letter.

Tuesday, October 16, 1787.

Captain John Paul Jones to Benjamin Franklin.

On board the ship Serapis,
At anchor without the Texel, in Holland,
October 3, 1779.
To His Excellency
Benjamin Franklin.

Honoured and Dear Sir: When I had the honour of writing to you on the 11th of August, previous to my departure from the Road of Groaix, I had before me the most flattering prospect of rendering essential service to the common cause of France and America. I had a full confidence in the voluntary inclination and ability of every captain under my command to assist and support me in my duty with cheerful emulation; and I was persuaded that every one of them would pursue glory in preference to interest.

Whether I was or was not deceived will best appear by a relation of circumstances.

The little squadron under my orders, consisting of the Bonhomme Richard of 40 guns, the Alliance of 36 guns, the Pallas of 32 guns, the Cerf of 18 guns, and the Vengeance of 12 guns, joined by two privateers, the Monsieur and the Granville, sailed from the Road of Groaix at daybreak on the 14th of August; the same day we spoke with a large convoy bound from the southward to Brest.

On the 18th we retook a large ship belonging to Holland, laden chiefly with brandy and wine that had been destined from Barcelona for Dunkirk, and taken eight days before by an English privateer. The captain of the Monsieur, however, took out of this prize such articles as he pleased in the night, and the next day being astern of the squadron and to windward, he actually wrote orders in his proper name, and sent away the prize under one of his own officers. This, however, I superseded by sending her for L'Orient under my orders in the character of commander-in-chief. The evening of the day following the Monsieur separated from the squadron.

On the 20th we saw and chased a large ship, but could not overtake her, she being to windward.

On the 21st we saw and chased another ship that was also to windward, and thereby eluded our pursuit. The same afternoon we took a brigantine called the Mayflower, laden with butter and salt provisions, bound from Limerick, in Ireland, for London; this vessel I immediately expedited for L'Orient.

On the 23d we saw Cape Clear and S. W. part of Ireland. That afternoon, it being calm, I sent some armed boats to take a brigantine that appeared in the N. W. quarter. Soon after in the evening it became necessary to have a boat ahead of the ship to tow, as the helm could not prevent her from laying across the tide of flood, which would have driven us into a deep and dangerous bay, situated between the rocks on the south called the Shallocks, and on the north called the Blaskets. The ship's boats being absent, I sent my own barge ahead to tow the ship. The boats took the brigantine, she was called the Fortune, and bound with a cargo of oil, blubber, and staves, from Newfoundland for Bristol; this vessel I ordered to proceed immediately for Nantes or St. Malo. Soon after sunset the villains who towed the ship, cut the tow rope and decamped with my barge. Sundry shots were fired to bring them to without effect; in the mean time the master of the Bonhomme Richard, without orders, manned one of the ship's boats, and with four soldiers pursued the barge in order to stop the deserters. The evening was clear and serene, but the zeal of that officer, Mr. Cutting Lent, induced him to pursue too far, and a fog which came on soon afterwards prevented the boats from rejoining the ship, although I caused signal guns to be frequently fired. The fog and calm continued the next day till towards evening. In the afternoon Captain Landais came on board the Bonhomme Richard and behaved towards me with great disrespect, affirming in the most indelicate manner and language that I had lost my boats and people through my imprudence in sending boats to take a prize! He persisted in his reproaches, though he was assured by Messrs. de Weibert and de Chamillard that the barge was towing the ship at the time of elopement, and that she had not been sent in pursuit of the prize. He was affronted because I would not the day before suffer him to chase without my orders, and to approach the dangerous shore I have already mentioned, where he was an entire stranger, and when there was not sufficient wind to govern a ship. He told me he was the only American in the squadron, and was determined to follow his own opinion in chasing when and where he thought proper, and in every other matter that concerned the service, and that, if I continued in that situation three days longer, the squadron would be taken, etc. By the advice of Captain de Cottineau, and with the free consent and approbation of M. de Varage, I sent the Cerf in to reconnoitre the coast, and endeavour to take the boats and people the next day, while the squadron stood off and on in S. W. quarter, in the best possible situation to intercept the enemy's merchant ships, whether outward or homeward bound. The Cerf had on board a pilot well acquainted with the coast, and was ordered to join me again before night. I approached the shore in the afternoon, but the Cerf did not appear; this induced me to stand off again in the night in order to return and be joined by the Cerf the next day; but to my great concern and disappointment, though I ranged the coast along, and hoisted our private signals, neither the boats nor the Cerf joined me. The evening of that day, the 26th, brought with it stormy weather, with the appearance of a severe gale from the S. W., yet I must declare I did not follow my own judgment, but was led by the assertion which had fallen from Captain Landais, when I in the evening made a signal to steer to the northward and leave that station, which I wished to have occupied at least a week longer. The gale increased in the night with thick weather; to prevent separation, I carried a top light and fired a gun every quarter of an hour. I carried also a very moderate sail, and the course had been clearly pointed out by a signal before night; yet, with all this precaution, I found myself accompanied only by the brigantine Vengeance in the morning, the Granville having remained astern with a prize, as I have since understood the tiller of the Pallas broke after midnight, which disabled her from keeping up, but no apology has yet been made in behalf of the Alliance.

On the 31st we saw the Flannen Islands, situated near the Lewis, on the N. W. coast of Scotland; and the next morning, off Cape Wrath, we gave chase to a ship to windward, at the same time two ships appearing in the N. W. quarter, which proved to be the Alliance and a prize ship which she had taken, bound, as I understood, from Liverpool to Jamaica. The ship which I chased brought to at noon; she proved to be the Union, letter of marque, bound from London for Quebec, with a cargo of naval stores on account of government, adapted for the service of British armed vessels on the lakes. The public despatches were lost, as the Alliance very imprudently hoisted American colours, though English colours were then flying on board the Bonhomme Richard. Captain Landais sent a small boat to ask whether I would man the ship, or he should, as in the latter case he would suffer no boat nor person from the Bonhomme Richard to go near the prize. Ridiculous as this appeared to me, I yielded to it for the sake of peace, and received the prisoners on board the Bonhomme Richard, while the prize was manned from the Alliance. In the afternoon another sail appeared, and I immediately made the signal for the Alliance to chase; but, instead of obeying, he wore and laid the ship's head the other way. The next morning I made a signal to speak with the Alliance, to which no attention was shown; I then made sail with the ships in company for the second rendezvous which was not far distant, and where I fully expected to be joined by the Pallas and Cerf.

The 2d of September we saw a sail at daybreak, and gave chase; that ship proved to be the Pallas, and had met with no success while separated from the Bonhomme Richard.

On the 3d the Vengeance brought to a small Irish brigantine, bound homeward from Norway. The same evening I sent the Vengeance in the N. E. quarter to bring up the two prize ships that appeared to me to be too near the islands of Shetland, while with the Alliance and Pallas I endeavoured to weather Fair Isle, and to get into my second rendezvous, where I directed the Vengeance to join me with the three prizes. The next morning, having weathered Fair Isle, and not seeing the Vengeance nor the prizes, I spoke the Alliance, and ordered her to steer to the northward and bring them up to the rendezvous.

On the morning of the 4th the Alliance appeared again, and had brought to two very small coasting sloops in ballast, but without having attended properly to my orders of yesterday. The Vengeance joined me soon after, and informed me that in consequence of Captain Landais' orders to the commanders of the two prize ships, they had refused to follow him to the rendezvous. I am to this moment ignorant of what orders these men received from Captain Landais, nor know I by virtue of what authority he ventured to give his orders to prizes in my presence, and without either my knowledge or approbation. Captain Ricot further informed me that he had burnt the prize brigantine, because that vessel proved leaky; and I was sorry to understand afterward that though the vessel was Irish property, the cargo was property of the subjects of Norway.

In the evening I sent for all the captains to come on board the Bonhomme Richard, to consult on future plans of operations. Captains Cottineau and Ricot obeyed me, but Captain Landais obstinately refused, and after sending me various uncivil messages, wrote me a very extraordinary letter in answer to a written order which I had sent him, on finding that he had trifled with my verbal orders. The next day a pilot boat came on board from Shetland, by which means I received such advices as induced me to change a plan which I otherwise meant to have pursued; and as the Cerf did not appear at my second rendezvous, I determined to steer towards the third in hopes of meeting her there.

In the afternoon a gale of wind came on, which continued four days without intermission. In the second night of that gale the Alliance, with her two little prizes, again separated from the Bonhomme Richard. I had now with me only the Pallas and the Vengeance, yet I did not abandon the hopes of performing some essential service. The winds continued contrary, so that we did not see the land till the evening of the 13th, when the hills of the Cheviot in the S. E. of Scotland appeared. The next day we chased sundry vessels, and took a ship and a brigantine, both from the Firth of Edinburgh, laden with coal. Knowing that there lay at anchor in Leith Road an armed ship of 20 guns, with two or three fine cutters, I formed an expedition against Leith, which I purposed to lay under a large contribution, or otherwise to reduce it to ashes. Had I been alone, the wind being favourable, I would have proceeded directly up the Firth, and must have succeeded, as they lay there in a state of perfect indolence and security, which would have proved their ruin. Unfortunately for me, the Pallas and Vengeance were both at a considerable distance in the offing, they having chased to the southward; this obliged us to steer out of the Firth again to meet them. The captains of the Pallas and Vengeance being come on board the Bonhomme Richard, I communicated to them my project, to which many difficulties and objections were made by them; at last, however, they appeared to think better of the design, after I had assured them that I hoped to raise 200,000 pounds sterling on Leith, and that there was no battery of cannon there to oppose our landing. So much time, however, was unavoidably spent in pointed remarks and sage deliberation that night, that the wind became contrary in the morning.

We continued working to windward up the Firth without being able to reach the road of Leith, till, on the morning of the 17th, when, being almost within cannon shot of the town, having everything in readiness for a descent, a very severe gale of wind came on, and being directly contrary, obliged us to bear away, after having in vain endeavoured for some time to withstand its violence. The gale was so severe that one of the prizes that had been taken on the 14th sunk to the bottom, the crew being with difficulty saved. As the alarm by this time had reached Leith by means of a cutter that had watched our motions that morning, and as the wind continued contrary (though more moderate in the evening), I thought it impossible to pursue the enterprize with a good prospect of success; especially as Edinburgh, where there is always a number of troops, is only a mile distant from Leith, therefore I gave up the project.

On the 19th, having taken a sloop and a brigantine in ballast, with a sloop laden with building timber, I proposed another project to M. Cottineau, which would have been highly honourable though not profitable; many difficulties were made, and our situation was represented as being the most perilous. The enemy, he said, would send against us a superior force, and that if I obstinately continued on the coast of England two days longer, we should all be taken. The Vengeance having chased along shore to the southward, Captain Cottineau said he would follow her with the prizes, as I was unable to make much sail, having that day been obliged to strike the main-top-mast to repair damages; and as I afterward understood, he told M. de Chamillard that unless I joined them the next day, both the Pallas and the Vengeance would leave that coast. I had thoughts of attempting the enterprize alone after the Pallas had made sail to join the Vengeance. I am persuaded, even now, that I would have succeeded, and to the honour of my young officers, I found them as ardently disposed to the business as I could desire; nothing prevented me from pursuing my design but the reproach that would have been cast upon my character, as a man of prudence, had the enterprize miscarried. It would have been said, was he not forewarned by Capt. Cottineau and others?

I made sail along shore to the southward, and next morning took a coasting sloop, in ballast, which, with another that I had taken the night before, I ordered to be sunk. In the evening I again met with the Pallas and Vengeance, off Whitby. Captain Cottineau told me he had sunk the brigantine, and ransomed the sloop, laden with building timber, that had been taken the day before. I had told Captain Cottineau, the day before, that I had no authority to ransom prizes.

On the 21st we saw and chased two sail, off Flamborough Head, the Pallas in the N. E. quarter, while the Bonhomme Richard followed by the Vengeance in the S. W. The one I chased, a brigantine collier in ballast, belonging to Scarborough, was soon taken, and sunk immediately afterward, as a fleet then appeared to the southward. It was so late in the day that I could not come up with the fleet before night; at length, however, I got so near one of them as to force her to run ashore, between Flamborough Head and the Spurn. Soon after I took another, a brigantine from Holland, belonging to Sunderland; and at daylight the next morning, seeing a fleet steering towards me from the Spurn, I imagined them to be a convoy, bound from London for Leith, which had been for some time expected; one of them had a pendant hoisted, and appeared to be a ship of force. They had not, however, courage to come on, but kept back, all except the one which seemed to be armed, and that one also kept to windward very near the land, and on the edge of dangerous shoals, where I could not with safety approach. This induced me to make a signal for a pilot, and soon afterward two pilot boats came off; they informed me that the ship that wore a pendant was an armed merchant ship, and that a king's frigate lay there in sight, at anchor within the Humber, waiting to take under convoy a number of merchant ships bound to the northward. The pilots imagined the Bonhomme Richard to be an English ship of war, and, consequently, communicated to me the private signal which they had been required to make. I endeavoured by this means to decoy the ships out of the port, but the wind then changing, and with the tide becoming unfavourable for them, the deception had not the desired effect, and they wisely put back. The entrance of the Humber is exceedingly difficult and dangerous, and, as the Pallas was not in sight, I thought it not prudent to remain off the entrance; I, therefore, steered out again to join the Pallas off Flamborough Head. In the night we saw and chased two ships until three o'clock in the morning, when, being at a very small distance from them, I made the private signal of recognizance, which I had given to each captain before I sailed from Groaix. One half of the answer only was returned. In this position both sides lay to till daylight, when the ships proved to be the Alliance and the Pallas.

On the morning of that day, the 23d of September, the brig from Holland not being in sight, we chased a brigantine that appeared laying to windward. About noon we saw and chased a large ship that appeared coming round Flamborough Head, from the northward, and at the same time I manned and armed one of the pilot boats to sail in pursuit of the brigantine, which now appeared to be the vessel that I had forced ashore. Soon after this a fleet of forty-one sail appeared off Flamborough Head, bearing N. N. E.; this induced me to abandon the single ship which had then anchored in Burlington Bay; I also called back the pilot boat and hoisted a signal for a general chase. When the fleet discovered us bearing down all the merchant ships crowded sail towards the shore. The two ships of war that protected the fleet at the same time steered from the land, and made the disposition for the battle. In approaching the enemy I crowded every possible sail, and made the signal for the line of battle, to which the Alliance showed no attention. Earnest as I was for the action, I could not reach the commodore's ship until seven in the evening, being then within pistol shot, when he hailed the Bonhomme Richard. We answered him by firing a whole broadside.

The battle being thus begun, was continued with unremitting fury. Every method was practised on both sides to gain an advantage, and rake each other; and I must confess that the enemy's ship being much more manageable than the Bonhomme Richard, gained thereby several times an advantageous situation, in spite of my best endeavours to prevent it. As I had to deal with an enemy of greatly superior force, I was under the necessity of closing with him, to prevent the advantage which he had over me in point of manœuvre. It was my intention to lay the Bonhomme Richard athwart the enemy's bow, but as that operation required great dexterity in the management of both sails and helm, and some of our braces being shot away, it did not exactly succeed to my wishes; the enemy's bowsprit, however, came over the Bonhomme Richard's poop, by the mizzen mast, and I made both ships fast together in that situation, which, by the action of the wind on the enemy's sails, forced her stern close to the Bonhomme Richard's bow, so that the ships lay square alongside of each other, the yards being all entangled, and the cannon of each ship touching the opponent's side. When this position took place it was eight o'clock, previous to which the Bonhomme Richard had received sundry eighteen pound shot below the water and leaked very much. My battery of 12-pounders, on which I had placed my chief dependence, being commanded by Lieut. Dale and Col. Weibert, and manned principally with American seamen and French volunteers, were entirely silenced and abandoned. As to the six old 18-pounders that formed the battery of the lower gun-deck, they did no service whatever; two out of three of them burst at the first fire, and killed almost all the men who were stationed to manage them. Before this time, too, Col. de Chamillard, who commanded a party of twenty soldiers on the poop, had abandoned that station, after having lost some of his men. These men deserted their quarters. I had now only two pieces of cannon, 9-pounders, on the quarter-deck that were not silenced, and not one of the heavier cannon was fired during the rest of the action. The purser, Mr. Mease, who commanded the guns on the quarter-deck, being dangerously wounded in the head, I was obliged to fill his place, and with great difficulty rallied a few men, and shifted over one of the lee quarter-deck guns, so that we afterwards played three pieces of 9-pounders upon the enemy. The tops alone seconded the fire of this little battery, and held out bravely during the whole of the action; especially the main top, where Lieut. Stack commanded. I directed the fire of one of the three cannon against the main-mast with double-headed shot, while the other two were exceedingly well served with grape and canister-shot to silence the enemy's musketry, and clear her decks, which was at last effected. The enemy were, as I have since understood, on the instant of calling for quarter, when the cowardice or treachery of three of my under officers induced them to call to the enemy. The English commodore asked me if I demanded quarter, and I having answered him in the most determined negative, they renewed the battle with double fury; they were unable to stand the deck, but the fire of their cannon, especially the lower battery, which was entirely formed of 18-pounders, was incessant. Both ships were set on fire in various places, and the scene was dreadful beyond the reach of language. To account for the timidity of my three under officers, I mean the gunner, the carpenter, and the master-at-arms, I must observe that the two first were slightly wounded, and as the ship had received various shots under water, and one of the pumps being shot away, the carpenter expressed his fear that she would sink, and the other two concluded that she was sinking, which occasioned the gunner to run aft on the poop, without my knowledge, to strike the colours; fortunately for me, a cannon ball had done that before, by carrying away the ensign staff; he was, therefore, reduced to the necessity of sinking, as he supposed, or of calling for quarter, and he preferred the latter.

All this time the Bonhomme Richard had sustained the action alone, and the enemy, though much superior in force, would have been very glad to have got clear, as appeared by their own acknowledgments, and their having let go an anchor the instant I laid them on board, by which means they would have escaped, had I not made them well fast to the Bonhomme Richard.

At last, at half-past nine o'clock, the Alliance appeared, and I now thought the battle at an end; but to my utter astonishment, he discharged a broadside full into the stern of the Bonhomme Richard. We called to him for God's sake to forbear firing into the Bonhomme Richard; yet he passed along the off side of the ship, and continued firing. There was no possibility of his mistaking the enemy's ship for the Bonhomme Richard, there being the most essential difference in their appearance and construction; besides it was then full moonlight, and the sides of the Bonhomme Richard were all black, while the sides of the prizes were yellow; yet, for their greater security, I showed the signal of our reconnoissance by putting out three lanterns, one at the head (bow), another at the stern (quarter), and the third in the middle, in a horizontal line. Every tongue cried that he was firing into the wrong ship, but nothing availed, he passed round, firing into the Bonhomme Richard's head, stern, and broadside, and by one of his volleys killed several of my best men and mortally wounded a good officer on the forecastle. My situation was really deplorable. The Bonhomme Richard received various shots under water from the Alliance; the leak gained on the pumps; and the fire increased much on board both ships. Some officers persuaded me to strike, of whose courage and good sense I entertain a high opinion. My treacherous master-at-arms let loose all my prisoners, without my knowledge, and my prospect became gloomy indeed. I would not, however, give up the point. The enemy's main-mast began to shake, their firing decreased, ours rather increased, and the British colours were struck at half an hour past ten o'clock.

This prize proved to be the British ship-of-war the Serapis, a new ship of 44 guns, built on their most approved construction, with two complete batteries, one of them 18-pounders, and commanded by the brave Commodore Richard Pearson. I had yet two enemies to encounter far more formidable than the Britons—I mean fire, and water. The Serapis was attacked only by the first, but the Bonhomme Richard was assailed by both: there were five feet water in the hold, and though it was moderate from the explosion of so much gunpowder, yet the three pumps that remained could with difficulty only keep the water from gaining. The fire broke out in various parts of the ship, in spite of all the water that could be thrown to quench it, and at length broke out as low as the powder magazine, and within a few inches of the powder. In that dilemma, I took out the powder upon deck, ready to be thrown overboard at the last extremity, and it was 10 o'clock the next day, the 24th, before the fire was entirely extinguished. With respect to the situation of the Bonhomme Richard, the rudder was cut entirely off the stern frame, and the transoms were almost entirely cut away; the timbers, by the lower deck especially, from the mainmast to the stern, being greatly decayed with age, were mangled beyond my power of description; and a person must have been an eye witness to form a just idea of the tremendous scene of carnage, wreck, and ruin that everywhere appeared. Humanity cannot but recoil from the prospect of such finished horror, and lament that war should produce such fatal consequences.

After the carpenters, as well as Capt. de Cottineau, and other men of sense had well examined and surveyed the ship (which was not finished before five in the evening), I found every person to be convinced that it was impossible to keep the Bonhomme Richard afloat so as to reach a port if the wind should increase, it being then only a very moderate breeze. I had but little time to remove my wounded, which now became unavoidable, and which was effected in the course of the night and next morning. I was determined to keep the Bonhomme Richard afloat, and, if possible, to bring her into port. For that purpose, the first lieutenant of the Pallas continued on board with a party of men to attend the pumps, with boats in waiting, ready to take them on board, in case the water should gain on them too fast. The wind augmented in the night and the next day, on the 25th, so that it was impossible to prevent the good old ship from sinking. They did not abandon her until after 9 o'clock; the water was then up to the lower deck, and a little after ten, I saw with inexpressible grief the last glimpse of the Bonhomme Richard. No lives were lost with the ship, but it was impossible to save the stores of any sort whatever. I lost even the best part of my clothes, books, and papers; and several of my officers lost all their clothes and effects.

Having thus endeavoured to give a clear and simple relation of the circumstances and events that have attended the little armament under my command, I shall freely submit my conduct therein to the censure of my superiors and the impartial public. I beg leave, however, to observe, that the force that was put under my command was far from being well composed; and as the great majority of the actors in it have appeared bent on the pursuit of interest only, I am exceedingly sorry that they and I have been at all concerned. I am in the highest degree sensible of the singular attentions which I have experienced from the court of France, which I shall remember with perfect gratitude until the end of my life, and will always endeavour to merit, while I can, consistent with my honour, continue in the public service. I must speak plainly. As I have always been honoured with the full confidence of Congress, and as I always flattered myself with enjoying in some measure the confidence of the court of France, I could not but be astonished at the conduct of M. de Chaumont, when, in the moment of my departure from Groaix, he produced a paper, a concordat, for me to sign, in common with the officers whom I had commissioned but a few days before. Had that paper, or even a less dishonourable one, been proposed to me at the beginning, I would have rejected it with just contempt, and the word déplacement, among others, should have been necessary. I cannot, however, even now suppose that he was authorized by the court to make such a bargain with me; nor can I suppose that the minister of marine meant that M. de Chaumont should consider me merely as a colleague with the commanders of the other ships, and communicate to them not only all he knew, but all he thought, respecting our destination and operations. M. de Chaumont has made me various reproaches on account of the expense of the Bonhomme Richard, wherewith I cannot think I have been justly chargeable. M. de Chamillard can attest that the Bonhomme Richard was at last far from being well fitted or armed for war. If any person or persons who have been charged with the expense of that armament have acted wrong, the fault must not be laid to my charge. I had no authority to superintend that armament, and the persons who had authority were so far from giving me what I thought necessary that M. de Chaumont even refused, among other things, to allow me irons to secure the prisoners of war.

In short, while my life remains, if I have any capacity to render good and acceptable services to the common cause, no man will step forward with greater cheerfulness and alacrity than myself, but I am not made to be dishonoured, nor can I accept of the half confidence of any man living; of course, I cannot, consistent with my honour and a prospect of success, undertake future expeditions, unless when the object and destination is communicated to me alone, and to no other person in the marine line. In cases where troops are embarked, a like confidence is due alone to their commander-in-chief. On no other condition will I ever undertake the chief command of a private expedition; and when I do not command in chief, I have no desire to be in the secret.

Captain Cottineau engaged the Countess of Scarborough, and took her after an hour's action, while the Bonhomme Richard engaged the Serapis. The Countess of Scarborough is an armed ship of 20 six-pounders, and was commanded by a king's officer. In the action, the Countess of Scarborough and the Serapis were at a considerable distance asunder; and the Alliance, as I am informed, fired into the Pallas, and killed some men. If it should be asked why the convoy was suffered to escape, I must answer, that I was myself in no condition to pursue, and that none of the rest showed any inclination, not even M. Ricot, who had held off at a distance to windward during the whole action, and withheld by force the pilot boat with my lieutenant and 15 men. The Alliance, too, was in a state to pursue the fleet, not having had a single man wounded, or a single shot fired at her from the Serapis, and only three that did execution from the Countess of Scarborough, at such a distance that one stuck in the side, and the other two just touched and then dropped into the water. The Alliance killed one man only on board the Serapis. As Captain de Cottineau charged himself with manning and securing the prisoners of the Countess of Scarborough, I think the escape of the Baltic fleet cannot so well be charged to his account.

I should have mentioned that the main-mast and mizzen topmast of the Serapis fell overboard soon after the captain had come on board the Bonhomme Richard.

Upon the whole, the captain of the Alliance has behaved so very ill in every respect that I must complain loudly of his conduct. He pretends that he is authorized to act independent of my command. I have been taught the contrary; but, supposing it to be so, his conduct has been base and unpardonable. M. de Chamillard will explain the particulars. Either Captain Landais or myself is highly criminal, and one or the other must be punished. I forbear to take any steps with him until I have the advice and approbation of Your Excellency. I have been advised by all the officers of the squadron to put M. Landais under arrest; but, as I have postponed it so long, I will bear with him a little longer, until the return of my express.

We this day anchored here, having since the action been tossed to and fro by contrary winds. I wished to have gained the road of Dunkirk on account of our prisoners, but was overruled by the majority of my colleagues. I shall hasten up to Amsterdam, and there, if I meet with no orders from my government, I will take the advice of the French ambassador. It is my present intention to have the Countess of Scarborough ready to transport the prisoners from hence to Dunkirk, unless it should be found more expedient to deliver them to the English ambassador, taking his obligation to send to Dunkirk, &c., immediately an equal number of American prisoners. I am under strong apprehensions that our object here will fail, and that through the imprudence of M. de Chaumont, who has communicated everything he knew or thought on the matter to persons who cannot help talking of it at a full table. This is the way he keeps state secrets, though he never mentioned the affair to me.

I am ever, &c.,
John P. Jones.

M. de Sartine to the President of Congress.

Versailles, May 30, 1780.
To
Mr. Huntington,
President of the Congress of the United States.

Commodore Paul Jones, after having shown to all Europe, and particularly to the enemies of France and the United States, the most unquestionable proofs of his valour and talents, is about returning to America to give an account to Congress of the success of his military operations. I am convinced, Sir, that the reputation he has so justly acquired will precede him, and that the recital of his actions alone will suffice to prove to his fellow citizens that his abilities are equal to his courage. But the King has thought proper to add His suffrage and attention to the public opinion. He has expressly charged me to inform you how perfectly He is satisfied with the services of the Commodore, persuaded that Congress will render him the same justice. He has offered, as a proof of His esteem, to present him with a sword, which cannot be placed in better hands, and likewise proposes to Congress to decorate this brave officer with the Cross of Military Merit.[61] His Majesty conceives that this particular distinction, by holding forth the same honours to the two nations, united by the same interests, will be looked upon as one tie more that connects them, and will support that emulation which is so precious to the common cause. If, after having approved the conduct of the Commodore, it should be thought proper to give him the command of any new expedition to Europe, His Majesty will receive him again with pleasure, and presumes that Congress will oppose nothing that may be judged expedient to secure the success of his enterprizes. My personal esteem for him induces me to recommend him very particularly to you, Sir, and I dare flatter myself that the reception he will receive from Congress and you, will warrant the sentiments with which he has inspired me.

I have the honour of being, &c.,
de Sartine.

M. de Sartine to Commodore John Paul Jones.

Versailles, June 28, 1780.
Mr. Paul Jones,
Commodore in the Navy of the United States of America.

Sir: The King has already testified His approbation of the zeal and valour which you have displayed in Europe, in support of the common cause between the United States and His Majesty, and He has also informed you of the distinguished proofs He is disposed to give you thereof. Persuaded that the United States will give their consent that you should receive the cross of the institution of Military Merit, I send you, in the packet addressed to M. de la Luzerne, the one designed for you. You will be pleased to deliver him this packet, and he will confer on you this distinction by a chevalier of the institution, agreeably to His Majesty's orders. But at any rate that you should have a proof of the King's approbation and munificence, His Majesty has ordered a gold headed sword to be made for you, which will be immediately delivered to you, and He has the greatest confidence in the use you will make of it for His glory and that of the United States.

I have the honour, etc.,
de Sartine.

Resolution of Congress Authorizing Captain Jones to Accept from the King of France the Cross of Military Merit.

In Congress.

The Committee to whom was referred the letter of May 30, 1780, from M. de Sartine, delivered in a report, whereupon

Resolved, That the Congress entertain a high sense of the distinguished bravery and military conduct of John Paul Jones, Esq., captain in the navy of the United States, and particularly in his victory over the British frigate Serapis on the coast of England, which was attended with circumstances so brilliant as to excite general applause and admiration.

That the Minister Plenipotentiary of these United States at the Court of Versailles, communicate to His Most Christian Majesty the high satisfaction Congress have received from the conduct and gallant behaviour of Captain John Paul Jones, which have merited the attention and approbation of His Most Christian Majesty, and that His Majesty's offer of adorning Captain Jones with a Cross of Military Merit is highly acceptable to Congress.

February 27, 1781.

The United States to the King of France.

In Congress, October 19, 1787.

The Secretary for Foreign Affairs reports that agreeably to the order of the 16th, he hath prepared the following letter to His Most Christian Majesty, which having been duly signed and countersigned, was delivered to the Chevalier John Paul Jones.

Great and Beloved Friend:

We, the United States in Congress assembled, in consideration of the distinguished marks of approbation with which Your Majesty has been pleased to honour the Chevalier John Paul Jones, as well as from a sense of his merit, have unanimously directed a medal of gold to be struck and presented to him, in commemoration of his valour and brilliant services, while commanding a squadron of French and American ships under our flag and commission, off the coast of Great Britain, in the late war.

As it is his earnest desire to acquire greater knowledge in his profession, we cannot forbear requesting of Your Majesty to permit him to embark in your fleets of evolution, where only it will be probably in his power to acquire that degree of knowledge which may hereafter render him more extensively useful.

Permit us to repeat to Your Majesty our sincere assurances that the various and important benefits for which we are indebted to your friendship will never cease to interest us in whatever may concern the happiness of Your Majesty, your family, and people.

We pray God to keep you, our great and beloved friend, under his holy protection.

Done at the city of New York, the nineteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord 1787, and of our sovereignty and independence the 12th.

Thomas Jefferson to General Washington.

Paris, May 2, 1788.
To General Washington.

Dear Sir: The war between the Russians and Turks has made an opening for Commodore Paul Jones. The Empress has invited him into her service. She insures to him the rank of a Rear Admiral and will give him a separate command, and it is understood that he is never to be commanded. I think she means to oppose him to the Captain Pasha on the Black Sea. He is, by this time, probably at St. Petersburg. The circumstances did not permit his awaiting the permission of Congress, because the season was close at hand for opening the campaign. But he has made it a condition that he shall be free at all times to return to the orders of Congress, whenever they shall please to call for him; and also that he shall not, in any case, be expected to bear arms against France. I believe Congress had it in contemplation to give him the grade of Admiral from the date of his taking the Serapis. Such a measure now would greatly gratify him, second the efforts of fortune in his favour and better the opportunities of improving him for our service, whenever the moment shall come in which we may want him.

I have the honour to be Your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

Admiral John Paul Jones to Thomas Jefferson.

On board the Wladimir,
Before Oczacoff, August 20,/September 9, 1788.
His Excellency
Thomas Jefferson, Esq.

Sir: Some of my friends in America did me the honour to ask for my bust. I enclose the names of eight gentlemen, to each of whom I promised to send one. You will oblige me by desiring Mr. Houdon to have them prepared and packed up, two and two; and if Mr. Short, to whom I present my respects, will take the trouble to forward them by good opportunities, via Havre de Grace, writing, at the same time, a few words to each of these gentlemen, I shall esteem it a particular favour.

Before I left Copenhagen, I wrote to Mr. Amoureux, merchant at L'Orient, to dispose of some articles of mine in his hands, and remit you the amount. I hope he has done it, and that his remittance may be sufficient to pay Mr. Houdon, and the expense of striking the medal with which I am honoured by the United States. But lest this should not turn out as I expect, I have directed Dr. Bancroft to pay any draft of yours on him for my account, as far as four or five thousand livres. I shall want four gold medals as soon as the dies are finished. I must present one to the United States, another to the King of France, and I cannot do less than offer one to the Empress. As you will keep the dies for me, it is my intention to have some more gold medals struck; therefore I beg you, in the meantime, not to permit the striking of a single silver or copper medal.

I send enclosed an extract from my journal on my expedition from France to Holland, in the year 1779, for the information of the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres. I trust, at the same time, more to your judgment than to theirs. There is a medallist who executed three medals for me in wax, one of them is the battle between the Bonhomme Richard and the Serapis. The position of the two ships is not much amiss; but the necessary figures are much too near the principal objects; and he has placed them to windward, instead of being as they really were, to leeward of the Bonhomme Richard and Serapis. I do not at this moment recollect the medallist's name, but he lives on the 3d or 4th stage, at a marble cutter's almost opposite, but a little higher than your former house, Cul-de-sac Rue Taitbout, and may be easily found. It would be of use to see the medal he has made, although it is by no means to be copied. I have not comprehended, in the extract of my journal, the extreme difficulties I met with in Holland, nor my departure from the Texel in the Alliance, when I was forced out by the Vice Admiral Rhynst, in the face of the enemy's fleet. The critical situation I was in, in Holland, needs no explanation, and I shall not say how much the honour of the American flag depended on my conduct, or how much it affected all the belligerent powers. I shall only say it was a principal cause of the resentment of England against Holland, and the war that ensued. It is for you and the Academy to determine whether that part of my services ought to be the subject of one side of the medal.

I am, with perfect esteem and attachment, Your Excellency's most obedient humble servant,

J. P. Jones.

John Adams to the President of Congress.

Braintree, August 3, 1779.
To His Excellency
John Jay,
President of Congress.

Sir: The Chevalier de la Luzerne is a Knight of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of an ancient and noble family, connected by blood with many characters of principal name in the kingdom; a grandson of the celebrated Chancellor de la Moignon; a nephew of Monsieur Malesherbes, perhaps still more famous as first President of the Court of Aids, and as Minister of State, a brother of the Comte de la Luzerne, and of the Bishop of Langres, one of the three Dukes and Peers who had the honour to assist in the consecration of the King; a near relative of the Marshal de Broglie, and the Comte his brother, and of many other important personages in that country; nor is his personal character less respectable than his connections. As he is possessed of much useful information of all kinds, and particularly of the political system of Europe, obtained in his late Embassy in Bavaria; and of the justest sentiments of the mutual interests of his country and ours, and of the utility to both of that alliance which so happily unites them, and at the same time divested of all personal and party attachments and aversions, Congress and their constituents, I flatter myself, will have much satisfaction in his negotiations, as well as in those of the Secretary to the Embassy, Monsieur Marbois, who was also Secretary to the Embassy in Bavaria, and is a Counsellor of the Parliament of Metz, a gentleman whose abilities, application and disposition cannot fail to make him useful in this momentous office he sustains.

I have the honour to be with great respect, Sir,
Your most obedient and most humble servant,
John Adams.

Thomas Jefferson to William Short.

New York, April 30th, 1790.
To
William Short, Esquire,
Chargé d'Affaires of the United States of America, Paris.

Dear Sir: It has become necessary to determine on a present proper to be given to diplomatic characters on their taking leave of us; and it is concluded that a medal and chain of gold will be the most convenient. I am therefore to ask the favour of you to order the dies to be engraved with all the despatch practicable. The medal must be of 30-lines diameter, with a loop on the edge to receive the chain. On one side must be the arms of the United States, of which I send you a written description, and several impressions in wax, to render that more intelligible; round them as a legend must be "The United States of America." The device on the other side we do not decide on; one suggestion has been a Columbia (a fine female figure) delivering the emblems of Peace and Commerce to a Mercury, with the legend "Peace and Commerce" circumscribed, and the date of our Republic, to-wit: IV Jul. MDCCLXXVI, subscribed as an Exerguum; but having little confidence in our own ideas in an art not familiar here, they are only suggested to you, to be altered, or altogether postponed to such better device as you may approve on consulting with those who are in the habit and study of medals. Duvivier and Dupré seem to be the best workmen, perhaps the last is the best of the two.

I am with great and sincere esteem,
Thomas Jefferson.

Thomas Jefferson to the Marquis de la Luzerne.

New York, April 30th, 1790.
To His Excellency
The Marquis de la Luzerne.

Sir: When in the course of your Legation to the United States your affairs rendered it necessary that you should absent yourself a while from that station, we flattered ourselves with the hopes that that absence was not final. It turned out in events that the interests of your Sovereign called for your talents, and the exercise of your functions in another quarter. You were pleased to announce this to the former Congress through their Secretary for Foreign Affairs, at a Time when that body was closing its Administration, in order to hand it over to a Government, then preparing on a different model. This Government is now formed, organized and in action, and it considers among its earliest duties and assuredly among its most cordial, to testify to you the Regret which the People and Government of the United States felt at your Removal from among them; a very general and sincere regret, and tempered only by the consolation of your personal advancement which accompanied it. You will receive, Sir, by order of the President of the United States, as soon as it can be prepared, a Medal and chain of gold, of which he desires your acceptance, in token of their Esteem and of the sensibility with which they will ever recall your Legation to their memory.

But as this compliment may hereafter be rendered to other missions, from which yours was distinguished by eminent circumstances, the President of the United States wishes to pay you the distinguished tribute of an express acknowledgment of your services, and our sense of them. You came to us, Sir, through all the perils which encompassed us on all sides. You found us struggling and suffering under difficulties as singular and trying as our situation was new and unprecedented. Your magnanimous nation had taken side with us in the conflict and yourself become the center of our common councils, the link which connected our common operations.

In that position you laboured without ceasing, till all labours were crowned with glory to your nation, Freedom to ours, and Benefit to both. During the whole we had constant evidence of your Zeal, your abilities, and your good Faith; and we desire to convey this Testimony of it home to your own Breast and to that of your Sovereign, our best and greatest Friend, and this I do, Sir, in the name and by the express Instruction of the President of the United States.

I feel how flattering it is to me, Sir, to be the organ of the public sense on this occasion, and to be justified by that office in adding to theirs, the homage of those sentiments of respect and esteem with which I have the honour to be,

Your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,
Thomas Jefferson.

William Short to Thomas Jefferson.

Paris, June the 14th, 1790.
To the Honourable
Thomas Jefferson,
Secretary of State.

Dear Sir:

I received three days ago the first letters which have come to my hands from you since your arrival in New York. That of the latest date was April 30th. I communicated to Mr. de Montmorin[66] also the copy of the letter to Mr. de la Luzerne, which he desired I should allow him to retain.

I shall employ Dupré to execute the medal you mention, after having consulted with the Abbé Barthélémi, respecting those parts which are left undecided, and no time shall be lost in forwarding the business.

Wm. Short.

Thomas Jefferson to William Short.

New York, July 26th, 1790.
To
William Short, Esquire,
Chargé d'Affaires of the United States of America, Paris.

Dear Sir:

As I presume the die will be finished by the time you receive this, I am to desire you will have a medal of gold struck for the Marquis de la Luzerne, and have put to it a chain of 365 links, each link containing gold of the value of two dollars and a half, or 13 livres 10 sous, the links to be of plain wire, so that their workmanship may cost as it were nothing. The whole will make a present of a little more than a thousand dollars, including the medal and chain. As soon as done, be pleased to forward them by a safe hand to the Marquis de la Luzerne, in the name of the President of the United States, informing him that it is the one spoken of in my letter to him of April 30th, 1790. Say nothing to anybody of the value of the present, because that will not always be the same in all cases. Be so good as to have a second medal of gold struck in the same die, and to send this second, together with the dies, to Philadelphia by the first safe person who shall be passing. No chain to be sent with it.

I am with great and sincere esteem,
Th: Jefferson.

Thomas Jefferson to the Count de Moustier.

Philadelphia, March 2d, 1791.
To
The Count de Moustier.

Sir: I have received your favour of November 6th, wherein you inform me that the King has thought proper, by a new mission to the Court of Berlin, to put an end to your functions as his Minister Plenipotentiary with the United States.

The President, in a letter to the King, has expressed his sense of your merit, and his entire approbation of your conduct while here, and has charged me to convey to yourself the same sentiments on his part.

Had you returned to your station with us, you would have received new and continued marks of the esteem inspired by the general worth of your character, as well as by the particular dispositions you manifested towards this country.

Amidst the regrets excited by so early a loss of you, it will be a consolation, if your new situation shall contribute to advance your own happiness.

As a testimony of these sentiments, we ask the acceptance of a medal and chain of gold, with which Mr. Short is instructed to present you on the part of the United States.

To this general tribute, permit me to add my own, with sincere wishes for your constant happiness, and assurances of the respect and esteem with which

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient and most humble servant,
Th: Jefferson.

Thomas Jefferson to William Short.

Philadelphia, March 8th, 1791.
To
William Short, Esquire.

Dear Sir: You are directed to have a medal struck from the diplomatic die, formerly ordered, and to present it with a chain of gold to the Count de Moustier, who is notified that this will be done by you. I formerly informed you that we proposed to vary the worth of the present by varying the size of the links of the chain, which are fixed at 365 in number. Let each in the present instance contain six livres worth of gold, and let it be made of plain wire, so that the value may be in the metal and not at all in the workmanship. I shall hope to receive the dies themselves when a safe conveyance presents itself.

I am, with great esteem,
Th: Jefferson.

William Short to Thomas Jefferson.

Paris, June 6th, 1791.
To the Honourable
Thomas Jefferson,
Secretary of State.

Dear Sir: The medal which you desire to be made for Mr. de Moustier shall be executed as soon as I can have the "coins" [dies] finished. You will no doubt be much astonished at this delay, but the engraver has been so devoted to the affair of their money, which is contending for by all the artists, that it has been impossible to get him to finish the work he had undertaken for the United States, and which was nearly completed last fall. This delay cannot last much longer, and he assures me he will shorten it as much as possible. He is to write a letter that I may send it to Mr. de la Luzerne and show him that the delay does not proceed from me. I don't know by what opportunity to send you the dies; there is no other than by the public carriages to Havre, and at present they would be stopped and examined by several of the municipalities, who would take them, from their weight, to be specie to be exported, which they do not allow, notwithstanding the decrees of the assembly....

Wm. Short.

William Short to Thomas Jefferson.

Paris, September 25th, 1791.
To the Honourable
Thomas Jefferson,
Secretary of State.

Dear Sir: You will have heard of the death of Mr. de la Luzerne in England. The dies for the medal destined for him have been retarded in a most unexpected manner on account of the engraver being employed here in the new coinage. Previous to the death of Mr. de la Luzerne, I explained to him the cause of this delay and sent him a letter from the engraver on the subject, which he answered by a desire that the national work should be first performed. The dies were since completed, but unfortunately one of them failed, as often happens, in the hardening.

The engraver is now employed in repairing this evil and says it will be done in two or three weeks.

I suppose it so certain that this medal should be given to Mr. de la Luzerne's representative, that as soon as it is ready I shall mention the subject to Mr. de Montmorin and follow his advice respecting it.

Dear Sir, Yours affectionately,
Wm. Short.

William Short to M. Dupré.

Monsieur:[67]

Comme je ne pense pas que vous ignoriez que la médaille pour l'Amérique, dont le coin a péri à l'épreuve du balancier, est promise depuis longtemps à des personnes d'un caractère distingué sans doute vous ne serez pas surpris de l'intérêt que je prends à ce que ni la délicatesse des donateurs ni l'empressement des légataires soient compromis.

Or je ne vois, Monsieur, qu'un seul moyen de l'éviter, c'est de remettre aux donateurs, pour le moment, la seule épreuve que le coin a permis et qui est entre vos mains; ce moyen, en écartant tout soupçon de négligence de ma part, évite aussi aux États-Unis le désagrément de paraître avoir oublié ses promesses.

Veuillez donc bien, Monsieur, vous prêter à cet arrangement, dont les personnes intéressées ne manqueront pas certainement de vous tenir compte, vos droits sur la fabrication n'étant, d'ailleurs, que retardés, puisque le coin doit être refait.

Je vous prie donc, Monsieur, de remettre la médaille au porteur, afin que je puisse la présenter pour remédier, en quelque sorte, à l'accident, et dans le cas ou vous penseriez devoir la retenir, veuillez bien m'en informer par écrit afin que je puisse me justifier de toute autre manière vis-à-vis les personnes intéressées.

Je suis très-parfaitement, Monsieur, etc.

[Translation.]

William Short to M. Dupré.

Sir: As I do not suppose that you are ignorant that the medal for America, of which the die was broken in the coining press, has been for a long time promised to distinguished persons, you will no doubt not be surprised at the interest which I take that neither the delicacy of the donors nor the desire of the legatees should be compromised.

Now, Sir, I see only one means of avoiding this, that is to give to the donors, for the time being, the only proof which the die has permitted and which is in your hands; this, while removing all suspicion of negligence on my part, prevents also the United States from occupying the disagreeable position of appearing to have forgotten its promises.

Be good enough therefore, Sir, to lend yourself to this arrangement, which the interested persons will most certainly not fail to acknowledge; your rights upon the making being besides only retarded, since a new die must be made.

I beg you therefore, Sir, to hand the medal to the bearer, so that I may present it to remedy, in some degree, the accident; and in case you think you ought to retain it, be kind enough to inform me thereof in writing, so that I may justify myself in every way to the interested parties.

I am, very truly, Sir, etc.

M. de Moustier to M. Dupré.

À
Monsieur Dupré,
Graveur, place Dauphine, 10.

J'ai eû d'autant plus de regret, Monsieur, du retard qu'a éprouvé l'exécution de la médaille qui m'a été destinée par le gouvernement des États-Unis, que j'ai appris qu'il était dû à des causes qui ont dû vous contrarier. J'espère qu'une troisième opération aura un succès complet. Je le désire plus vivement depuis que j'ai vu par l'empreinte en métal qui est chez Mr. Short, combien cette médaille est agréable à produire par un François en pays étranger qui aime à y faire valoir ses compatriotes. Lorsqu'elle sera achevée, je vous serai fort obligé de vouloir bien me la remettre, puisque Mr. Short doit s'absenter.

J'ai l'honneur d'être très-parfaitement, Monsieur, votre très-humble et très-obéissant serviteur,

F. de Moustier.

[Translation.]

To
M. Dupré,
Engraver, Place Dauphine, 10.

I have had the more regret, Sir, at the delay which has happened to the execution of the medal destined for me by the Government of the United States, since I have learned that it was due to causes which have been annoying to you. I hope that a third trial will prove a complete success. I desire it the more ardently since I have seen by the impression in metal at Mr. Short's how gratifying its exhibition will be for a Frenchman abroad who loves to do honor to his compatriots. When it shall be finished I will be much obliged to you if you will please have it sent to me, since Mr. Short is about to leave.

I have the honor to be very truly, Sir, your most humble and very obedient servant,

F. de Moustier.

William Short to Thomas Jefferson.

Paris, February 8th, 1792.
To the Honourable
Thomas Jefferson,
Secretary of State.

Dear Sir: The diplomatic medals ordered so long ago and delayed so unexpectedly for the reasons already given to you have been at length completed and delivered with their chains, that for Mr. de la Luzerne to Mr. de Montmorin, and that for Mr. de Moustier to himself.

I inclose you copies of their prices—the originals with the receipts remain in my hands for your directions—they were paid for, together with 2,400 livres, to the engraver Dupré, by a draft on the bankers at Amsterdam, the whole amounting, as you will see, to 14,570 livres, the exchange, 32-1/2, made 3,946.1. The nominal price of the chains was more than 6 livres and 13 livres 10—gold having risen on account of the assignats, but the exchange having lowered in a greater proportion, the price is less in florins than it would otherwise have been. The gold employed in the chains was of 20 karats, the usual alloy, and weighed the first 4m. 5o. 4-1/2gr. 31d., and the second 1m. 6o. 4gr. The gold of the medals was finer, according to usage. I had only two golden medals struck. The six of bronze will await your orders.

Your obedient servant,
Wm. Short.

M. Lagrange to William Short.

Paris ce 31 Janvier 1792.
À Monsieur Short:

J'ai l'honneur de vous prévenir que les deux médailles et les étuis sont prêts. Je vous serais obligé de les faire retirer à la monnoye des médailles ainsi que les six médailles de bronze.

J'ai l'honneur d'être Monsieur votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur,

Lagrange,
Caissier de la Monnoye des Médailles.

Mémoire de deux grandes chaines d'or fournies à Monsieur Short par Auguste, orfèvre du Roi.

Petite Chaine. A l'époque où l'or était à 110l. l'once, chaque maillon de cette chaine devait coûter 6l., maintenant que l'or vaut 133l. 6-8. Ce qui est plus du 6ème en sus de son ancien prix, celui de chaque chainon revient à 7l., ce qui élève le total des

Grande Chaine. Chaque maillon de la grande chaine qui par la même raison ne devait coûter que 13l. 10 revient au prix de 16l., ce qui fait pour le total des

[Translation.]

M. Lagrange to William Short.

Paris, January 31, 1792.
To Mr. Short.

I have the honor to advise you that the two medals and the cases are ready. I would be obliged to you to have them taken from the Mint of Medals, as also the six medals in bronze.

I have the honor to be, Sir, your very humble and very obedient servant,

Lagrange,
Cashier of the Mint of Medals.

Account of the two large gold chains furnished to Mr. Short by Auguste, goldsmith to the king.

Small Chain. At the time when gold was worth 110 livres the ounce, each link of this chain was to cost 6 livres; now that gold is worth 133 livres, 6 sous, 8 deniers, which is more than one-sixth above its former price, that of each link comes to 7 livres, which increases the total of the

Large Chain. Each link of the large chain, which for the same reason was to cost only 13 livres, 10 sous, comes to 16 livres, which makes for the total of

Resolutions of Congress Voting a Medal to Captain Truxtun, etc.

Resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled: That the President of the United States be requested to present to Captain Thomas Truxtun a golden medal, emblematical of the late action between the United States frigate Constellation, of thirty-eight guns, and the French ship of war La Vengeance, of fifty-four, in testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress of his gallantry and good conduct in the above engagement, wherein an example was exhibited by the Captain, officers, sailors, and marines, honourable to the American name, and instructive to its rising navy.

Resolved: That the conduct of James Jarvis, a midshipman in said frigate, who gloriously preferred certain death to an abandonment of his post, is deserving of the highest praise, and that the loss of so promising an officer is a subject of national regret.

Approved March 29, 1800.

Captain Thomas Truxtun to the Secretary of the Navy.