<<

Kittanning given by the Corporation of tlie City of Philadelphia.

Washington Peace Medal presented to Historical Society of Pennsylvania March 18, 188i> by Charles C. CresBon. He bought two (this a'nd the Greeneville Treaty medal) for $30.00 from Samuel Worthington on Sept 2!>. 1877. Medal belonged to Tarhee (meaning The Crane), a Wyandot Chief. Greeneville Treaty Medal. The of Merit or Decoration of the . Pounded Try General .

Gorget, made by Joseph Richardson, Jr., the Philadelphia silversmith.

THE PENNSYLVANIA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY.

VOL. LI. 1927. No. 2.

INDIAN AND MILITARY FROM COLONIAL TIMES TO DATE

BY HARROLD E. GILLINGHAM.*

"What is a worth to a soldier? Everything! Glory is priceless!" Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. The nature of man is to demand preferences and distinction. It is uncertain who first instituted the custom of granting medals to individuals for acts of bravery or for military services. Scipio Aemilius is said to have bestowed wreaths of roses upon his men of the eleventh Legion at Carthage in 146 B. C., and the Chinese are reported to have issued during the Han Dynasty in the year 10 A. D., though no de- scription thereof is given. Tancred says there used to be in the National Coin Collection of , a gold medal of the Roman Emperor Tetricus, with loops at- tached, which made it appear as if it was an ornament to wear. Perhaps the Donum Militare, and bestowed for distinguished services. We do know that Queen Elizabeth granted a jewelled star and badge to Sir Francis Drake after his famous globe encircling voy- age (1577-1579), and Tancred says these precious relics were at the Drake family homestead, "Nutwell

* Address delivered before the Society, January 10, 1927 and at the meeting of The Numismatic and Antiquarian Society February 15, 1926. VOL. LI—7 97 98 Indian and Military Medals to Date. Court" thirty years ago. The same Queen also granted a gold medal and chain to each of the superior Officers of her navy who took part in the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. One of these was in a pawnshop four years ago, and rests at present in a famous English collection. Since the time of Queen Elizabeth medals were given to Commanders of the British army and navy, for famous victories, though few were awarded for services during our War for Independence, and none to the rank and file. It was not until after the battle of Waterloo that England gave to all men who took part in that famous event— officers and soldiers alike—silver medals to wear, as evidence of their participation in the defeat of Na- poleon I. The practice was discontinued until 1848, when instituted service medals for all living soldiers and sailors who had taken part in the various wars from 1793 to 1814; and to an amateur col- lector it seems odd to find this service medal for, say, the battle of FORT DETROIT (August 1812) with the effigy of the Queen thereon, when the event oc- curred seven years before her birth. Let us consider the effect of a medal. It is told of one of 's soldiers, who when the Emperor had conferred upon the valorous man the Knighthood of France, with a yearly allowance of 1200 francs, the soldier remarked, "But I would rather have the Cross;" meaning the Legion of Honour. Though he received both when decorated. When Napoleon was being taken on board H. M. S. " Better ophon" on his way to St. Helena, he remarked that he saw no sailors or soldiers wearing medals, and when told it was not customary with the English service, he remarked, "Such is not the way to excite and cherish military virtue." It is reported that Lord Roberts ("Bobs of Kandahar" as Kipling calls him) made the remark that he valued his more than his title. Indian and Military Medals to Date. 99 The soldiers or sailors of all nations wear their medals or with great pride, as evidence of their ser- vices to their country. There is something so personal in collecting articles given to an individual for a deed performed, or in commemoration of some service ren- dered ; especially when it is known the article was worn by the recipient with much pride. It is this angle of the collecting of these pieces which has so interested the writer. The purpose of this paper is to treat of the Medals and Decorations of the Colonies and of the ; those which were made to be worn on the per- son. The earliest Colonial medals were given to the Eed-men as evidences of friendship. After the Eevo- lution they were bestowed upon the Indian chiefs who made a visit to the "Great White Father." A medal was frequently given to each head Chief after the sign- ing of a treaty. Hence such pieces are often called Indian Peace Medals, and it is rather curious that there is no Official Governmental record of the number of these early medals made, to whom awarded, nor by whom they were executed. It is supposed such records—if any—were destroyed when the English burnt the National Capital August 24th, 1814, and for which they were severely criticised at home. The earliest Indian medal of the thirteen original Colonies, of which we have any record, was given by Virginia. By an Act of 1661 there were caused to be made, possibly in that colony, " Silver and plated placques to be worn by the indians when visiting the settlements." One of these, called the Patomeck Medal, is now in the Virginia Historical Society at Eichmond. It is of silver, about 4x6 inches in size and rather of unskilled workmanship. On the obverse is a crude representation of a tobacco plant and scrolls; above which is YE KING OF. On the reverse is a similarly engraved plant and the word PATOMECK, with the 100 Indian and Military Medals to Date. "e" overlined. The surface edges are engraved to represent scrolls and foldings, while the medal is holed for suspension. The same museum has the Queen of Pamunkey medal—so called—though it is thought to have been intended as a frontlet or cap decoration, as it has metal loops on the back for attachment. It was on a cap when presented to the Society. This is evidently hand made of beaten silver, consisting of three, convex sections surrounded by scrolls and wreaths. In the centre are the Arms of Great Britain, encircled by a Garter inscribed HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE. Around this is engraved CHARLES THE SECOND, KING OF ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, FRANCE, IRELAND AND VIRGINIA. Note the "Virginia." Above on the shield is the Royal Crown and at the bottom is engraved THE QUEEN OF PAMUNKEY. While Queen Anne was on the throne (1702-1714) Robert Hunter, the Colonial Governor of New York is said to have proposed that medals be given to the Chiefs of the Five Nations (The Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas and Senecas). While these medals bore the effigy of the queen, they are believed to have originally been made to commemorate the vic- tories of the Duke of Marlborough in 1709; the result of which brought about the Treaty of Utrecht and the retirement of the French from the Netherlands. During the reign of George I (1714-1727) brass, bronze and copper medals were presented to the Chiefs of the Six Nations (The Tuscaroras having joined the Five Nations). Several of these medals have been found within the confines of this Commonwealth, in- dicating that the original recipients had been in Penn- sylvania. In 1814 one was dug up from an old Indian burying ground near Wilkes-Barre; another was found at Tunkhannock in 1837 and later one found at Point Pleasant, West Virginia. There are several variants Indian and Military Medals to Date. 101 of this medal, both in size and detail of design. The one shown is from the collection of the American Nu- mismatic Society of New York. On the obverse is the laurated bust of the king with his title, and on the re- verse is depicted an Indian shooting an arrow at a deer, standing under a tree. In 1721 the Governor of the Colony of Pennsylvania —Sir. William Keith—presented to the Seneca chief, Goshont, a gold coronation medal of George I. charg- ing him to "deliver this piece into the hands of the first man or greatest chief of the Five Nations, whom you call Kannygoodt, to be laid up and kept as a token of friendship between them."* But no other record of the medal is known. "In 1753 Sir Danvers Osborne, Governor of the Colony of New York, brought from England thirty silver medals for presents to the Chiefs of the Six Na- tions." These were of silver and showed on the ob- verse the laurated bust of king George II (1727-1760) with his title in Latin and on the reverse the Eoyal Arms. Small brass medalets of this design have been found, which indicate a more liberal distribution among the indians. During the French and Indian Wars (1753-1760) John Armstrong of Carlisle, led a party of 300 colonists against those treacherous Delaware in- dians who had been waging warfare against Fort Duquesne and vicinity. On September 8 1756 he sur- prised them in their village of Kittanning, destroyed houses, released captives and routed the red men. Six- teen of the colonists lost their lives; Colonel Arm- strong and Captain Hugh Mercer (of Franklin County) were badly wounded. For this deed, the colony of Pennsylvania honoured the leader of the expedition by naming a county for him. It remained for Phila- delphia to bestow a medal on him and his men. This

* Hand booh of American Indians Vol. 1. page 831. 102 Indian and Military Medals to Date. is believed to have been the first medal awarded by any of the colonies or cities to their soldiers for war ser- vices. "We are prouder still to know it was executed in the Quaker City. Edward Duffield a Philadelphian cut the dies; Joseph Richardson the early Quaker sil- versmith struck the medals. Richardson worked in this city from 1733 to 1771; he died in 1784 and was succeeded by his son of the same name. This and the following were the first medals from dies to be struck in the Colonies and it is pleasing to note they were conceived and executed in our city. The obverse shows the Arms of the city with the inscription THE GIFT OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA and the reverse depicts the attack and burning of the indian village of Kittanning. Sil- ver medals were presented to Col. Armstrong and his commissioned officers. As the authorities tell us that copper and pewter medals were struck, it is presumed these were given to the rank and file of soldiers. John Armstrong (1720-1795) was an Irishman by birth, came to this country in 1745 and settled in Western Pennsylvania. He laid out the town of Carlisle, fought under Braddock, was made a Lieutenant Col- onel in 1756 and in 1776 commanded the South Carolina troops. The next year he became a Major General of the Penna. forces and was in the October 4th. 1777. Was twice a member of Congress from this state and died in Carlisle in 1795. Captain Hugh Mercer (1721-1777) was a Scotchman and came here in 1747. He took part in the indian wars in the Western part of the state, raised three regiments of minute men for the Revolution, advanc- ing to the rank of Brigadier General by June 1776. He led the attack at Trenton December 25 1776, afterwards commanding the forces at Princeton where he was mortally wounded on January 3—1777; his death occurring nine days after at Princeton. Soon after the war with France began, the Penn- sylvania Quakers did what they could to aid the mother country; evidently then believing in preparedness! Vide a letter from James Read of Philadelphia, dated July 1 1744. "But my countrymen are doing all they can to make them (the French) repent their war, having this week sent out four very fine Indian and Military Medals to Date. 103 Privateers, one of them in all respects fitted out as well as one of his majesty's twenty-gun ships, and I believe better manned. We have also now building, four very fine ships for the same purpose, two of them to be manned by Philadelphia men born; and some other vessels talked of, so that (considering our padfick spirit as Quakers) we make some noise on the continent." While the Philadelphia Quakers took little active part in the fighting they were strong for peace with the red-men. In 1757 the Friendly Association for Preserving Peace with the Indians had a medal struck to aid them in their cause. Edward Duffield cut the dies and Joseph Eichardson—a member of their body —struck the medals. These were of silver, copper and pewter and are believed to be the first Indian Peace Medals made in the Colonies. On the obverse is the bust of George II. with his title; on the reverse is a Quaker (some say William Penn) seated beneath a tree handing a pipe of peace to an indian. By them is a fire and the sun is in the upper field. Around this is the legend LET US LOOK TO THE MOST HIGH WHO BLESSED OUR FATHERS WITH PEACE. In the exerge is 1757. It is probable the figure of the Quaker is symbolic of the Governor of the Colony; the indians called William Penn ONAS, and so styled the succeeding Governors. The tree is likely to be the Tree of Peace, as the indians spoke of their friendship for other nations as being like a great tree, firmly rooted in the ground, under which they gathered together. In one of their Councils they spoke thus,—"Brethren! We make fast the Roots of the Tree of Peace and Tran- quility which is planted in this place. Its roots extend as far as the utmost of your Colonies; if the French should come to shake this tree, we would feel it by the Motion of its Roots, which extend to our Country."* New Jersey too, had its troubles with the indians, as an Act passed in 1738 bears evidence. Section 23 thereof, reads partly as follows,—

* Colden, History of the Five Nations, Vol. 1. page 123, N. Y. 1902. 104 Indian and Military Medals to Date. "WHEREAS it's not only strictly just, but highly prudent, to reward and encourage such Acts of martial Bravery, as have a Tendency to distress the Enemy and defend ourselves; And whareas it's credibly reported, that one John Vantile a Serjeant in the Pay of this Colony, with a party of Nine more under his Command, have lately exerted themselves against the common Enemy upon the Frontiers of this Colony, in a signal Manner; and that a Lad, aged about Seventeen Years, sir- named Titforty when pursued by the Enemy, shot one of them, and secured his Retreat from the imminent Danger with which he was threatened, losing his Gun. Therefore, as a just Reward to the above Persons, and to excite others to imitate their heroick Example, BE IT FURTHER ENACTED by the Authority aforesaid, That it shall and may be lawful for the Pay-Master ... to pay unto the said John Vantile the Sum of Twenty Spanish Dollars, and to each of the Party under his Command, the Sum of Ten Dollars a Piece; and to the said lad, sirnamed Titfort . . . the Sum of Thirty Dollars: And shall procure for, and present the said John Vantile and the said Lad, sirnamed Titfort, with a silver medal each, the size of a Dollar, whereon shall be inscribed the Bust or Figure of an Indian, prostrate at the feet of the said Vantile and Lad aforesaid, importing their Victory over them, and to commemorate their Bravery, and their Country's Gratitude upon the Occassion. Which Medals, the said Vantile and Lad aforsesaid, shall or may wear on View, at all publick occassions which they happen to attend, to excite the Emulation, and kindle a martial Fire in the Breasts of the Spectators, so truly essential in this Time of general War." As "it was considered both politic and prudent for England to be on terms of friendship with the North American Indians, who, as allies, were capricious and troublesome, and as enemies extremely dangerous, "* large silver medals were ordered for presentation to the chiefs who rendered faithful service to king George III (1760-1820). Some of these were the product of Colonial silversmiths. One is called the HAPPY WHILE UNITED medal, and has on the obverse the youthful bust of the king with his title in Latin. On the reverse, at the top, is HAPPY WHILE UNITED; below this is an indian and an officer seated on a bench, clasping hands to show good faith. At the right field is a supposed view of Manhattan Island and the Hud- son Eiver with two vessels at anchor. In the sky are

* Tancred, Historical Record of Medals, p. 49. Indian and Military Medals to Date, 105 stamped the maker's initials, D. C. F. and N. YORK.* The loop for suspension is formed by a calumet and an eagle's wing crossed. In the exerge is 1764. An- other "Happy while united" medal bears the date of 1766 and is of larger size. Some authorities say these were awarded after the Pontiac Conspiracy of 1763- 1766; when Pontiac, the organizer and chief of the confederacy of the Western tribes invested Detroit, and gradually the forts along the lakes fell into his hands. He expected to swoop down upon the scattered colonists and drive the white man from the continent. In 1764 a large concourse of indians met at Niagara, and although no treaty was signed, with Pontiac, sev- eral were signed with separate tribes. It may be that these medals were then distributed to the indians who ceased troubling the white men of Western New York. About this period the French authorities also dis- tributed medals to the friendly indians of Canada and our Western territory. Authorities give no date for their issuance nor the manner of their distribution. On the obverse is the head of the king facing right with his title, LTJDOVICUS XV EEX CHRISTIANISSI- MUS. On the reverse are two figures, an indian and a warrior, clasping hands with HONOS ET VIRTUS. After the French had been driven from Canada, the English authorities altered some of these medals for the indians by erasing the name of the French king and substituting the English king's name. One of these medals was incorrectly punched GORGE III. with the remaining French title, REX CHRISTIAN- ISSIMUS in relief, and others have been found prop- erly engraved GEORGIUS III REX DEI GRATIA, with the date 1775 in the exerge.f The fact that one is

* Daniel Christian Feuter, a silversmith working in New York as early as 1754. f Specimens of these are in the'museum of the American Numismatic Society, New York. 106 Indian and Military Medals to Date. dated 1775 indicates about the period when the Eng- lish authorities made the alteration. This closes the medals for the Colonial period, and we will now take up those issued after the Declaration of Independence. What are called the Washington Indian Peace Medals, were not the product of the die-maker and the medal-press, but were oval sheets of silver, edged with a silver rim with a loop for suspension. These were engraved on the obverse and reverse with the desired design, one side showing General Washing- ton handing a peace pipe to an indian chief who is standing under a tree (again the symbol of the Tree of Peace), with his tomahawk on the ground. In the distance is a farmer ploughing the field with his oxen and the home beyond. Below this is GEORGE WASH- INGTON PRESIDENT and the date when medal was given. The other side has the Arms of the United States. It is interesting to note that the indian is de- picted wearing an oval medal on his chest, similar in design to this medal. The variations to be found in these Washington oval medals would only interest a numismatic expert, such as the number of feathers in the eagle's tail, the exact location of the thirteen stars, the arrows in the eagle's claw etc. They also varied in size from 31 by 4J inches to 5 by 6} inches. The earliest dated medal is 1789 while the latest is 1795, both of which are in the posses- sion of the American Numismatic Society. The largest sized medal, dated 1792, which is in the Buffalo His- torical Society, was given to chief of the Seneca tribe, Red-Jacket (1756-1830) when he visited the Great- White-Father in Philadelphia that year. Red-Jacket or Sa-go-ye-watha, meaning He keeps them awake, de- rived his* name from the scarlet coat given him by an English officer; he being employed by the British dur- ing our war for Independence. After that war, Red- Indian and Military Medals to Date. 107 Jacket became friendly with the Americans, and dur- ing a conference of fifty chiefs of the Six Nations in the Spring of 1792, President Washington presented him with the above medal, as a token of friendship, which the indian chief wore and displayed with great pride. Many portrait illustrations of various indian chiefs show them wearing an oval medal, but no records exist to indicate the chiefs so depicted were entitled thereto; it may have been merely a fancy of the artist. In the collection of the Historical Society of Pennsyl- vania there is one of these Washington medals dated 1793, which is interesting from the standpoint of the maker. It shows the impressed mark J R of Joseph Eichardson the younger, who worked as a ^silversmith in Philadelphia from 1777 to 1805 and who was As- sayer of the U. S. Mint in 1806 and again in 1829. In the same collection is the Treaty of Greenville medal, both rare and unusual, as it is the only one known. It bears the Arms of our country as then used, below which in a scroll is TREATY OF GKEENEVILLE 3red. AUGUST 1795, (the date of treaty). Both sides are alike. At this treaty of Greenville in , General Anthony Wayne of Pennsylvania the Commissioner from Congress, and twelve chiefs of various tribes signed the treaty. This Greenville medal and the above Washington medal of 1793 were both given to chief Tarhe (meaning the Crane) a Wyandot chief of the Porcupine clan, who was born at Detroit in 1742 and died at Cranetown Ohio in 1818. He was friendly to the whites and in 1790 rescued Peggy Fleming, a white woman, from the Cherokees. Both of these medals were bought in 1889 by Caleb C. Cresson (of 1132 Girard Street) from Tarhe's grand-daughter, Jane Sarahas, who was then living in Philadelphia, and were presented to the Historical Society. It is rather unusual that no records are obtainable 108 Indian and Military Medals to Date. as to how many of these Washington medals were made, to whom they were given or by whom produced. Few of them have the maker's mark; those which are so stamped bear the J. R. of Eichardson the younger, and one is impressed I. L., which is believed to have been one of the marks used by John Leacock, also a Philadelphia silversmith who worked as early as 1751 and advertised in that year as well as 1767 and 1799. The Historical Society of Pennsylvania possess an- other interesting indian token, which while not a medal is worth mentioning here. It is a silver gorget with an engraved scene quite similar to the medal of the Friendly Society. As this was also made by Richard- son and bears his impressed mark, it is easy to see he has taken the same design as on that medal. As it was the custom of the English officers to wear gorgets on their uniform, we may imagine the red-man's joy when he was given this ornament, and what a token of friendship it must have been to him. The original owner of this piece is unknown to the Society. This is probably one of forty similar gorgets issued by the Governor of Pennsylvania, together with wampum belts and calumets, to the Delaware and Iro- quois Indians at a Peace conference probably held in Philadelphia at the end of the year 1757 or beginning of 1758.* A silver gorget will be seen on the portrait of Wash- ington, as a soldier in the Virginian army, prior to the Revolution; also on the portrait of General Horatio Gates (1728-1806) who was with Braddock during his defeat at Fort Duquesne in 1755. Likewise a portrait of General Israel Putnam, of Bunker Hill fame, (from the painting by J. Wilkinson, engraving published in England 9 September 1775) shows a gorget as does the portrait by Sartain of

* Documents relative to the Colonial History of New York, Albany 1858. pp. 838-839. Indian and Military Medals to Date. 109 Major John Habersham of the 1st. Georgia Regiment, who served during the Revolution and died 17th. De- cember 1799. This Habersham gorget is the most in- teresting of all those depicted on the Colonial officers, as it bears the coiled rattlesnake below which is "Don't tread on me." All this goes to show the strong influ- ence of the former English customs upon the early patriots who helped us gain our Independence. In the Museum of the American Indian, New York City is an official gorget, evidently issued at the request of Law Taliaferro, Indian Agent at St. Peters in 1832, whose letter as follows is on file in the War Depart- ment at Washington. Washington, March 3rd. 1832. "I am anxious to obtain the following marks for Indians of "my agency, viz; two large medals, six 2nd. and ten 3rd. sizes do., "also thirty six Gordgets and ten common flags. "The Gordgets would be more acceptable were they to be "fashioned after those introduced formerly by the British "Government with the difference only of the eagle engraved "on each. The President directed a portion of the "above articles to be furnished two years since, but there "were none at that time in the office of Indian Affairs. "I have the honor to be, with highest respect, Sir, Your Obt. Servt. Law Taliaferro Indian Agent at St. Peters." During President Washington's second administra- tion, another style of medal was used, called the Season Medals, which were made in England from dies cut by C. H. K. (C. H. Kuckler). The reverse of each medal was the same; SECOND PRESIDENCY OF , within a wreath of oak and olive branches, and MDCCXCVI. The reverse of one medal has a farm scene of two men tilling the soil and a woman and child by a cottage door; another shows a cow, calf and sheep with a shepherd, a woman and child. The third shows the interior of a frontiers- man ?s home, one woman spinning, one weaving and a child by a cradle, in which is an infant. These medals were struck in silver and bronze. 110 Indian and Military Medals to Date. During the term of office of the other Presidents, from Jefferson to and including Garfield, other Indian Peace medals were issued. These were struck medals from dies and made at the U. S. Mint. These bore on one side the head of the President and his name, and on the reverse clasped hands of an officer and indian, crossed tomahawk and pipe, with the words PEACE AND FEIENDSHIP. Later the reverse was changed to a farm scene, with a farmer and indian in the fore- ground. Space will not permit of these all being shown or described. They were not made to be worn; no suspender ring was attached, but the indians invari- ably holed them and suspended the medal from their neck by a strip of leather. We will now take up those Decorations and Medals which were issued to our own soldiers and sailors. What is believed to have been the first insignia of valour awarded by any country, to the rank and file of soldiers, and surely the first given in this Democratic Republic, was the DECORATION OF THE PURPLE HEART. Also called the ORDER OF MILITARY MERIT. General Washington issued from his head- quarters at Newburgh, on August 7-1782 an Order, as follows— "The General, ever desirous to cherish a virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as well as to foster and encour- age every species of military merit, directs that, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings, over his left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding. Not only instances of unusual gallantry, but also of extraor- dinary fidelity, and essential service in any way, shall meet with due reward. Before this favour can be conferred on any man, the particular fact, or facts, on which it is to be grounded, must be set forth to the -in-Chief, accompanied with certifi- cates from the Commanding Officers of the Regiment Indian and Military Medals to Date. Ill and Brigade to which the candidate for reward be- longed, or other incontestible proof; and, upon grant- ing it, the name and regiment of the person, with the action so certified, are to be enrolled in the Book of Merit, which will be kept at the Orderly Office. Men who have merited this distinction to be suffered to pass all guards and sentinels which officers are permitted to do. The road to glory in a patriot army and a free country, is thus opened to all. This order is also to have retrospect to the earliest stages of the war, and to be considered as a permanent one." The Booh of Merit above referred to has yet to be discovered. A draft of the Certificate to accompany the Purple Heart is in the Washington papers in the .* A specimen of the Order of Military Merit, or Purple Heart was found a few years ago, on a Continental uniform, which hung in a barn at the time of discovery, and is now owned by the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Hampshire, whose brochure above noted gives much valuable information on the subject. At the same time General Washington authorized The Badge of Merit for the non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the army who had served more than three years "with bravery, fidelity and good conduct." The insignia was a narrow piece of white cloth to be affixed to the left sleeve of the uniform coat. For serv- ing a second period of three years, another stripe was to be added to the sleeve. Three certificates of of the Badge of Merit are known to be in the following Libraries, Rhode Island Historical Society, The Shep- ley Library of Providence and the Library of Con- gress.f

* The Order of Military Merit, Exeter N. H. 1925. Published by the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Hampshire. f Notes on The Badge of Merit of 1782, 1925, by The Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation. 112 Indian and Military Medals to Date. The Congress was not slow to recognize the victories of the Eevolution, but these medallic awards could not be worn, and they were given only to the Officers of the Army and Navy. The rank and file of soldiers and sailors, receiving no award to indicate their efforts for the cause of Independence. The British evacuated the Town of Boston, March 17, 1776. Eight days afterwards, the Continental Con- gress voted that a gold medal be prepared and given to General Washington, for his successsful siege of that city. Six other gold medals were awarded for Rev- olutionary services. To General Horatio Gates, for the surrender of Burgoyne, 1777. To General Anthony Wayne, for the capture of Stony Point in 1779. To Major Henry Lee, for the attack on Paulus Hook, N. J., 1779. To Capt. John Paul Jones, for the capture of the "Serapis" in 1779. (The only gold medal given to a Naval Commander, during the War for Independence.) To General Daniel Morgan, for the victory at Cowpens, N. C, in 1781, and to General Nathaniel Greene, for the victory of Eutaw Springs, S. C, in 1781. Four silver medals were awarded. To Capt. J. Stewart and to Colonel Count de Fluery, for Stony Point; to Col. John Egar Howard and to Col. William Washington, for Cowpens. A silver medal of this class, to Count de Fluery, was found near Princeton, N. J., in 1856. It was supposed to have been the original medal, which had evidently been lost. For the war with England in 1812 there were eleven medals of this character, given to Officers of the Army and four were awarded for the Mexican War. Eighteen Officers of the Navy received medals for services ren- dered during the war with Tripoli and for the . In all, forty-four medals awarded to United States Officers, prior to 1861, and none of them to be worn on the person. And no recognition to the private or sailor, except a% follows: Indian and Military Medals to Date. 113 By a resolution of Congress, November 3,1780, three medals were awarded, which were intended to be worn. These were individual awards to John Paulding, David Williams and , for the capture of Major John Andre, after his interview with , the traitor, on September 26, 1780. These medals were of silver, about 2J inches long by If inches wide. They are believed to have been made by a Phila- delphia silversmith—possibly by the junior Joseph Richardson—but proof of this has not been found. The medals given to John Paulding and to David Williams are in a museum in New York. Nothing is known of the medal given to Isaac Van "Wart. These three were the only medals, which could be worn on the person, awarded by the United States to soldiers, prior to the Civil War. On the obverse, was the word FIDELITY, a heart- shaped shield, with ornamental scroll and branches. On the reverse in VINCIT AMOR PATRIAE (Love of country conquers), a wreath of two branches and space in centre for engraving the name. During the Rebellion, or Civil War, 1861-1865, sev- eral medals were issued, which were not authorized by Congress. The Officers who served under Major Gen- eral Philip Kearney, Commander of the First Division (who was killed at Chantilly, September 1, 1862), adopted a "Medal of Honour," known as the Kearney . This was to be given to all officers who had served honorably under General Kearney, and to the soldiers who were advanced to the grade of Commissioned Officers, prior to January 1, 1863. This was a gold cross, patte, on the centre of which was a medallion bearing the word KEARNEY. On a black enamelled band surrounding this was the motto DULCE ET DECORUM EST PRO PATRIA MORI (It is sweet to die for one's country) in gold letters. VOL. LL-—8 114 Indian and Military Medals to Date. On the reverse was engraved the number, name and rank of the recipient. Brigadier General Birney, who succeeded General Kearney in March 1863, issued in March of that year a , known as the "Kearney Cross/' This was a Divisional Decoration and bestowed on all non-commissioned officers and privates of the First Division, who had "Most distinguished themselves in battle.'' It was a cross patte of bronze, 42 mm. across, bearing the words KEAENEY CEOSS on a ribbon scroll. It was suspended by a red ribbon. with two oblong open fasces bars. The dies for this were cut by Peter Jacobus of Philadelphia. Major General Quincy A. Gillmore authorized on October 28, 1863, a "Medal of Honour" for services before Charleston. This was for '6 Gallant and merito- rious conduct." The medel was of bronze, 35 mm. in di- ameter. On the obverse was a representation of a fort, above this FORT SUMTER, and below AUGUST 23 1863. Around the edge were thirteen stars. On the reverse was FOE GALLANT AND MEEITOEIOUS CONDUCT, and in the centre PEESENTED BY Q. A. GILLMOEE MAJ. GENL. The name and title being a facsimile of General Gillmore's handwriting. This was suspended by a plain clasp and pin. The medals were made in New York. On October 11, 1864, Major General Benjamin F. Butler announced that a medal would be given to the colored soldiers under his command, who had exhibited individual bravery in the attack of New Market Heights, near Eichmond, Virginia, on September 28, 1864. This medal was the personal award of General Butler. It was of silver, 44 mm. in diameter, on the obverse is depicted two soldiers attacking a fort. Above, on a ribbon is FEEEO IIS LIBEETIS PEEVENIET (Liberty is obtained through the sword). In the exerge Indian and Military Medals to Date. 115 appear U. S. COLORED TROOPS. In small letters is BUTLER DEL. PAQUET F. On the reverse is DIS- TINGUISHED FOR COURAGE and an oak wreath, within which is CAMPAIGN BEFORE RICHMOND 1864. This was suspended from a loop and an eagle's claw clasping a sphere, the ribbon having at the top an oak leaf pin bar, on which is ARMY OF THE JAMES. In some instances the name of the recipient was en- graved around the edge. An Act of Congress approved December 21, 1861, created the first decoration of the United States Gov- ernment to be given the enlisted men or non-commis- sioned officers of the Navy. This was known as the "Navy Medal of Honour" and was awarded for indi- vidual deeds of heroism or for extraordinary bravery. It is a bronze, five-pointed star about 53 mm. across, with trefoil points and an oak and laurel branch in each point angle. In the centre is a circle with 34 stars thereon, surrounding Minerva, representative of America. On her head an eagle, her right hand holding the U. S. shield and repulsing Discord, who holds two serpents. The reverse is plain, on which is engraved the name, rank, place, date and deed of the recipient. The star is hung by an anchor, looped to an open fasces bar, bearing a five-pointed star and connected by the ribbon, with a similar bar of open fasces, for clasp pin, but minus the star. The ribbon is one inch wide, red and white stripes, with a blue field at the top. The medal was made in Philadelphia, from dies cut by Anthony C. Paquet. In August 1913 a change was made in the ribbon, to correspond with the Army Medal of Honour, which is now a light blue watered silk, dotted with thirteen silver stars. General Orders No. 19, issued April 3, 1863, pro- vided that a bar should be issued, to be attached to the ribbon, for a subsequent act of heroism, and for each additional act, another bar should be added. While 116 Indian and Military Medals to Date. many additional acts of heroism have been recorded, but two additional bars have ever been issued; such is the poor spirit of our Governmental Departments. The Navy Medal of Honor is awarded to Petty Officers, enlisted men and to the Marines. The new Navy Medal of Honour was adopted in February 1919. It is of gold, in the form of a cross, resting on a laurel wreath. On each cross arm is an anchor. The centre has an octagonal shaped medallion, in which is the Arms of our country, surrounded by a band inscribed 1917-1918. The reverse is plain, with AWAEDED TO, and space for the recipient's name. The cross is suspended by a ring, with a light blue watered silk ribbon, on which are thirteen silver stars. This ribbon was adopted in 1913. The pin bar is also of gold and bears the word VALOUE. From the time of its adoption in 1861 to February 1922, 792 Medals of Honour have been awarded by the Navy Department; nine of these were for acts of hero- ism performed during the "World War. One of those shown was for services during the Spanish American War, it having been awarded to an ordinary seaman on the U. S. S. NASHVILLE for cut- ting cables in the face of the enemy fire. This was the vessel which fired the first shot in that war with Spain. The medal was found by the writer in an out-of-the- way second-hand shop in New York City, where it had hung in the window for several months, unnoticed by the passing throngs. In July 1862 an Act of Congress authorized Medals of Honour be given to the enlisted men of the Army and of the Volunteer forces, but to non-commissioned officers and privates only. By an Act of March 3,1863, it was provided that commissioned officers might also receive the award. At first the Army Medal of Honour was identical with that of the Navy, but was suspended Indian and Military Medals to Date. 117 from a clasp, consisting of an eagle with spreaded wings, standing on two crossed cannons, which rest on eight cannon-balls. The clasp pin has the United States shield, with laurel branch below and cornucopias on each side. A plain reverse, with engraving THE CON- GEE SS TO , the name of the recipient, Company, Regiment, act of heroism and date. By an Act of Con- gress of April 23, 1904, the Army Medal of Honour was changed to a silver star, gold-plated, in centre of which is the head of Minerva, surrounded by a band on which is UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The star is surrounded by a green enamelled wreath, the whole being suspended from a bar, inscribed with VALOR, surmounted by an eagle with spreading wings. The ribbon is of light blue watered silk on which are thir- teen silver stars. It is on account of the words "The Congress to" that this medal is called the Congressional Medal of Honour. Congress does not make the actual award, that being done on Orders from the Commander-in- Chief. In July 1918 the rules of award were changed, as fol- lows: "The President is authorized to present in the name of Congress, a Medal of Honour to each person who, while an officer or enlisted man of the Army, shall hereafter, in action involving actual conflict with an enemy, distinguish himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty.'' Eighty Medals of Honour were awarded to officers and enlisted men for services during the War with Germany; and four were bestowed on the unidentified dead of the American, British, French and Italian Armies. The next medal to be authorized was the "Naval Good Conduct Medal,'9 which was authorized by order of the Secretary of the Navy, Mr. A. E. Borie, April 118 Indian and Military Medals to Date. 26,1869. This was for " Any man holding a Continuous Service Certificate, who is distinguished for obedience, sobriety and cleanliness and is proficient in seaman- ship and gunnery." The present style of this medal was authorized by General Orders 327, dated Novem- ber 21, 1884. This was changed at the suggestion of Commodore—afterwards Admiral—Schley. On the obverse in a circle of ropes, is a full rigged sailing ship and the word CONSTITUTION, the whole resting on an anchor, around this UNITED STATES NAVY. On the reverse is FIDELITY ZEAL OBEDIENCE. On the plain surface is engraved CSC (Continuous Service Certificate), the number, name of recipient, ship and date of expiration of enlistment. Continuous enlistments and good conduct bring clasps or bars on the ribbon, with name of the vessel thereon. The rib- bon is red moire silk. What is commonly called the " for Manila Bay" was authorized June 3, 1898, less than five weeks after the battle, which occurred May 1,1898, and this is the first instance when the same character of medal was awarded to the officers and the enlisted men of the Navy or Army. The medal was designed by Daniel Chester French. It is a heavy, clumsy bronze medal, over an eighth of an inch thick, and 46 mm. in diameter, attached by links to a conventional pin bar, with an eagle, waves, sword handles, olive branch and wheels thereon. The obverse of the medal bears a bust of Admiral Dewey in uniform, with this inscription in the field, THE GIFT OF THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES TO THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE ASIATIC SQUADRON UNDER COMMAND OF . The reverse has a half nude gun- ner sitting on a gun; at his feet a tablet, with the name of the ship stamped thereon. Around the border ap- pears this legend, IN MEMORY OF THE VICTORY Indian and Military Medals to Date. 119 OF MANILA BAY MAY 1 1898. The name and rank of the recipient is stamped on the edge; this being the first United States medal so marked, though it is the customary method with the British war medals. Although our Navy was soon actively engaged in and around Cuban waters after the battle of Manila Bay engagement of 1898, it was not until March 3, 1901, that Congress authorized the "West Indian Cam- paign Medal" for the Navy. This is usually called the Admiral , probably from the fact that his ef&gy is on the obverse. Irrespective of any other award, this medal was to be given to the officers and enlisted men of the Navy and Marine Corps who took part in the Spanish War in Atlantic Waters. While not quite as heavy as the Dewey Medal, still it lacks grace and artistic features, as do so many of the medals given our soldiers and sailors. The obverse has the bust of Admiral Sampson in uniform, with the legend U. S. NAVAL CAMPAIGN—WEST INDIES 1898 above. On the left of the field WILLIAM T. SAMP- SON and on the right COMMANDEK IN CHIEF. The reverse has an officer, gunner and Marine on a deck and on a tablet below is stamped the engagement and date. The name and rank of the recipient are stamped around the edge. The ribbon is red, with a centre stripe of blue, attached to an oblong clasp pin bar, with the name of the vessel thereon. Charles E. Barber designed the obverse and George T. Morgan the reverse. The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal was author- ized July 20, 1896, by Special Orders 49. This was for those men who upon re-enlistment had been distin- guished for obedience, sobriety, industry, courage, neatness and proficiency. The medal was designed by Major General Charles Heywood of the U. S. M. C, who died February 26, 1915. On the obverse, within a circle of rope, is a gunner, standing by a gun, below a 120 Indian and Military Medals to Date. scroll, on which is SEMPEE FIDELIS. The whole rests on an anchor. Around the border is UNITED STATES MAEINE CORPS. On the reverse are the words FIDELITY, ZEAL, OBEDIENCE around a plain centre, whereon is engraved the number, name and words FIRST ENLISTMENT and year. For additional enlistments and continued good conduct, bars are given, to be attached to the red and blue rib- bon, which are engraved SECOND ENLISTMENT, etc. The Meritorious Service Medal was authorized in 1901. It was given to those of the Navy who rendered meritorious or hazardous service, not sufficient to re- ceive the Medal of Honour. It was awarded to all who participated in certain hazardous operations and is for Spanish War services only. The decoration is a bronze cross patte, with SPECIALLY—MERITORI- OUS—SERVICE—1898 on the arms. In the centre is an anchor and an oak and laurel wreath. Around this on a band is U. S. NAVAL CAMPAIGN WEST INDIES. The name, rank, date and event are engraved on the plain reverse. The ribbon is red moire silk. The Navy as well as the Army have had medals authorized for all their campaigns, including the Civil, Mexican and Indian wars; but I regret to say that many of the living veterans have not yet been given their medals for the Civil War. The Philippine Congressional Medal was authorized June 29, 1906. This was for all officers, enlisted men and families of such as were dead, who had volunteered for the Spanish War and who had served beyond their enlistment, in the Philippine Insurrection, and who were honorably discharged. On the obverse are three soldiers marching, the centre one carrying our flag. Around this is PHILIPPINE INSURRECTION 1899. On the reverse, within a wreath of palms and oak branches, the legend FOR PATRIOTISM, FORTI- Indian and Military Medals to Date. 121 TUDE AND LOYALTY. This medal was designed by Frank D. Millet, who died in the wreck of the Titanic in 1912. The Certificate of Merit badge or medal was author- ized January 11, 1905. It was awarded for important and valuable services to the Government, not sufficient to warrant the Army Medal of Honour. On the obverse is an eagle with raised wings, around which is VIR- TUTI8 ET AUDACIAE MONTJMENTUM ET PEAEMIUM. On the reverse centre is FOR MERIT surrounded by an oak wreath, beyond which is and thirteen stars. The ribbon is red, white and blue stripes of unequal widths. While the U. S. Marine Corps conferred upon the officers thereof, Brevet Commissions for distinguished conduct and public service in the presence of the en- emy, during the Mexican, Civil and Spanish wars and for the Philippine insurrection, it was not until June 1921 that a medal was authorized for this award. This is to be worn immediately after the Medals of Honour, the Distinguished Service Medals and the Navy or Army Distinguished Cross. The medal was designed by Quartermaster Sergeant Joseph A. Burnett, U. S. M. C. It was not until January 11, 1905, that Congress saw fit to authorize medals to be given all the soldiers who took part in our several wars. For the Army the following have been established.

The Civil War Medal, for services 1861-1865. The Indian Campaign Medal, for services 1865-1891. The , for services May 1 to Aug. 16, 1898. The Spanish War Service Medal, for those who served at least 90 days in the war, but not in Cuba or Porto Rico. The Cuban Occupation Medal for services 1898 to 1902. This was not authorized until 13 years after the Army left Cuba. The Porto Rico Occupation Medal, for services 1898. The Philippine Campaign Medal, for services 1899-1902. The Philippine Insurrection Medal, for services 1899. The China Relief Expedition, for services 1900-1902. 122 Indian and Military Medals to Date.

Cuban Pacification for services from 1906-1909. Mexican Service for Vera Cruz & Punitive Expeditions. Mexican Border Service, National Guard on the Border. The Naval and Marine Corps Medals for service are as follows: The Civil War 1861-1865. The Spanish Campaign 1898. The West Indian Campaign 1898. The Philippine Campaign 1899-1903. The Cuban Pacification 1906-1909. The China Relief Expedition 1901. The Nicaraguan Campaign 1912. The Haitian Campaign 1915. The Mexican Border Campaign 1911-1917. The Santo Domingo Campaign 1916. The Haitian Campaign 1919-1921. When awarded, these medals are numbered on the edge and a record kept thereof, in the respective De- partments. The Army Distinguished Service Cross was author- ized by Congress July 1918. It is to be awarded for "Extraordinary acts of heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy" not war- ranting the Medal of Honour. This is not limited to the fighting men. It is however limited to the time of war. It can be awarded to civilians in time of war, who serve in any capacity. It has already been awarded to an Army Nurse, Miss Beatrice MacDonald, for heroism displayed in caring for the sick and wounded, during a night air raid until she herself was wounded and lost an eye. The decoration is an ornamental bronze cross, ball tipped, on which is an eagle with spreading wings and a laurel wreath. Below this device is a ribbon in- scribed FOR VALOUR. On the reverse is a space for the engraving of the name. The ribbon is dark blue, with a narrow white and red stripe on each side. Bronze oak leaf clusters are awarded for subsequent acts of heroism, in place of a second cross. These are worn on the ribbon. Over 5200 crosses were awarded Indian and Military Medals to Date. 123 for services in the war with Germany, and over 90 oak leaf clusters. Ninety-four per cent of the awards for the D. S. C. went to privates, captains and lieutenants, and only six per cent to officers of higher rank. The Army Distinguished Service Medal was author- ized by Congress in July 1918. This is only awarded to "Any person, who while serving in any capacity with the Army of the United States, shall distinguish himself or herself, by specially meritorious services to the Government in a duty of great responsibility." This is not a decoration for bravery, although it might sometimes be given for such. It can be and has been given to civilians and to foreigners. King Albert of Belgium, Marechals Foch and Joffre, General Petain, Field Marshall Sir Douglas Haig, General Diaz of Italy, General Gillain of the Belgian Army and many others have been decorated with our D. S. M. General Pershing as well as Generals March, Goethals, Jarvey, Crowder, Hines, Black and Gorgas have all received it. Bronze oak leaf clusters, to be worn on the ribbon, are given as a second award. The decoration is a bronze medal of open work de- sign, the Arms of the United States in the centre, sur- rounded by a blue enamelled band on which is FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MCMXVIII. The rib- bon is a wide white stripe in centre edged with a nar- rower blue each side and red on the edges. The Naval Distinguished Service Cross was author- ized by Congress February 1919. This is awarded to any person for "distinguished heroism or service not sufficient to warrant the Medal of Honour." Its award is not confined to the time of war or the zone of hostili- ties. The cross, which was designed by Mr. J. E. Fraser of New York is of bronze, with spreading ends, within the angles are rays and in the centre a medal- lion. On the obverse is a sixteenth century sailing ves- sel, with high bow and stern. On the reverse are two 124 Indian and Military Medals to Date. crossed anchors and the letters U. S. N. The ribbon is the navy blue with a white stripe in the centre. The Navy Distinguished Service Medal was author- ized by Congress at the same time. It is awarded for similar services to the Army D. S. M. " Service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility." While the conditions of award are similar, they are not given alike. The D. S. M. of both the Army and Navy have been awarded to Admiral Benson, Chief of Naval oper- ations, for his services to both branches of the service. The insignia is a round bronze gilded medal. In the centre is the American eagle, with upraised and spreading wings. Around this is a blue enamelled band, inscribed UNITED STATES OF AMEEICA NAVY. On the reverse centre are two laurel branches and a trident. Around these a blue enamelled band inscribed in gilt lettering, FOE DISTINGUISHED SEEVICE. The medal is surmounted by a white en- amelled gold, five-pointed star, with gilt rays in the angles. On the star is a gold anchor. The ribbon dif- fers from that of the army, being dark blue with a gold stripe in the centre. This medal was designed by Mr. Paul Manship. The Allied was adopted soon after the Armistice, at an inter-allied conference held in . This is of bronze, 36 mm. in diameter, with ring for suspension and a double rainbow ribbon, as agreed upon by all. The obverse bears a figure of a winged Victory, full length and full faced. On the reverse is THE GEEAT WAE FOE CIVILIZATION and the names of all the nations allied against Germany. Also the shield of the country with a double-bladed battle axe. According to the terms of the agreement, this medal was to be awarded to combatants only. I be- lieve this country has given the Victory medal to all who were mustered into the service of the United States on November 11, 1918. This applies to those men who were in the training camps in this country Indian and Military Medals to Date. 125 and who never saw overseas service. According to my understanding of the agreement this should not have been done. A separate Service Medal should have been authorized, as was done by France, Italy and England. It seems hardly fair to the overseas combatants, that they be given the same insignia of service as the Army dock-workers at home, or the men in training camps who never went over. Conscientious objectors and men rejected on account of physical disabilities are the only ones to whom the medal is not awarded. Many of the States and cities authorized medals to be given their citizens for services in the Civil, Mexican and Spanish wars. Some States have already awarded medals for the War with Germany and more to follow. Owing to the great number of these, it is impossible to include them all in this paper. It is to be hoped that some enthusiastic collector of these interesting mementoes of heroism will attempt to describe these. One of the most artistic and attractive of all of these State medals was given by the National Guard of Penn- sylvania to the men of that organization who volun- teered into the service of the United States prior to or on August 5, 1917. This medal was of Philadelphia manufacture, and I believe the general design thereof was that of a Philadelphian. It does credit to our city and should be a reminder to the Government as well as to other States that medals of this character can be made attractive and artistic, if they will only employ the proper persons. In closing let us pause a moment to consider what the men did who received these tokens of bronze. For few of them were of a very precious metal. This coun- try of ours, its institutions and our liberties are only ours by reason of the sacrifices made by the men of our Army and our Navy, and it is a mere trifle the Govern- ment has given each one of them as a souvenir of their services.