Part 47 (1/2)

(_Anno Domini: The year of our Lord_) 1801. Bust of President Jefferson, facing the left.

PEACE AND FRIENDs.h.i.+P. Two hands clasped in token of amity: on the cuff of the left wrist three stripes and as many b.u.t.tons; on the other, the American eagle; above the hands, a calumet and a tomahawk crossed--Indian emblems of peace and war.[72]

[Footnote 72: See INTRODUCTION, pages xxiv and xxvi.]

This medal bears no signature, but as the smaller size of the same is marked R. (_Reich_), it is presumable that both are the work of that engraver.

JOHN REICH, a native of Germany, came to America by the advice of Henry Voigt, chief coiner of the United States Mint, who on his arrival took him into his employ to make scales and other fine work.

Mr. Scott took him afterward as an a.s.sistant to make dies, but tried in vain to have him appointed by the government. Reich made the Preble and Hull medals and the Indian medals of Presidents Jefferson and Madison. He died in Albany, State of New York, in 1833.

THOMAS JEFFERSON was born at Shadwell, Albemarle County, Virginia, April 2, 1743. He studied at William and Mary College, Virginia, and was admitted to the bar in 1767. He was a member of the House of (p. 134) Burgesses, of Virginia, from 1769 till the Revolution; was delegate to the Continental Congress in 1775; wrote the Declaration of Independence, 1776; was governor of Virginia, 1779-1781; member of Congress, 1782; minister to France, 1785-1789; secretary of State to President Was.h.i.+ngton, 1790-1793; vice-president of the United States, 1797-1801; President (first term), 1801-1805; (second term), 1805-1809. He then retired to his estate of Monticello, in Albemarle County, Virginia, and died there, July 4, 1826, on the fiftieth anniversary of the Independence of the United States, and on the same day with John Adams.

No. 23. (p. 135) PLATE XXIV.

_1804._

Edwardo Preble duci strenuo Comitia Americana. [Rx]. Vindici commercii Americani.

COMMODORE EDWARD PREBLE.

[_Naval operations against Tripoli._]

EDWARDO PREBLE DUCI STRENUO COMITIA AMERICANA. (_The American Congress to Edward Preble, a valiant officer._) Bust of Commodore Preble, in uniform, facing the left. On edge of bust, R. (_Reich_).

VINDICI COMMERCII AMERICANI. (_To the vindicator of American commerce._) The United States fleet, commanded by Commodore Preble, is bombarding Tripoli. Exergue: ANTE TRIPOLI MDCCCIV. (_Off Tripoli, 1804_).[73]

[Footnote 73: See INTRODUCTION, pages xxiv and x.x.x.]

EDWARD PREBLE was born at Falmouth Neck, now Portland, Maine, August 15, 1761. He served as mids.h.i.+pman and lieutenant during the War of Independence, was appointed lieutenant in the navy in 1798, and commanded the brig Pickering. In 1799 he became captain, and was appointed to the Ess.e.x. Owing to ill health he was unemployed till 1803, when he was given the command of the squadron sent against Tripoli. For his skill and bravery on this expedition Congress gave him a vote of thanks and a gold medal. In 1806, President Jefferson offered him the Navy Department, which he declined on account of ill health. He died in Portland, August 25, 1807.

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ORIGINAL DOc.u.mENTS. (p. 136)

_Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to Commodore Preble._

_Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress a.s.sembled_: That the thanks of Congress be, and the same are hereby, presented to Commodore Edward Preble, and through him to the officers, seamen, and marines attached to the squadron under his command, for their gallantry and good conduct displayed in the several attacks on the town, batteries and naval force of Tripoli, in the year one thousand eight hundred and four.

_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be requested to cause a gold medal to be struck, emblematical of the attacks on the town, batteries, and naval force of Tripoli, by the squadron under Commodore Preble's command, and to present it to Commodore Preble in such a manner as, in his opinion, will be most honourable to him; and that the President be further requested to cause a sword to be presented to each of the commissioned officers and mids.h.i.+pmen who have distinguished themselves in the several attacks.

_Resolved_, That one month's pay be allowed, exclusively of the common allowance, to all the petty officers, seamen, and marines, of the squadron, who so gloriously supported the honour of the American flag, under the orders of their gallant commander, in the several attacks.

_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be also requested to communicate to the parents, or other near relatives, of Captain Richard Somers, Lieutenants Henry Wadsworth, James Decatur, James R. Caldwell, Joseph Israel, and Mids.h.i.+pman John Sword Dorsey, the deep regret which Congress feel for the loss of those gallant men, whose names ought to live in the recollections and affections of a grateful country, and whose conduct ought to be regarded as an example to future generations.

Approved March 3, 1805.

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_President Thomas Jefferson to Congress._

Was.h.i.+ngton, D. C., February 20th, 1805.