The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-04-03
THE ORIGINAL WASHINGTON MEDAL.
ITS PURCHASE By WEALTHY BosroNrANs AND
FERMENTATION TO THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION or TEE ANCIENT
RELIC.

PRESENTATION TO THE PUBLIC LIBRARy-
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION or TEE ANCIENT
RELIC.
BosroH April I, 1875
The original gold modal which presented u
George Washington by the American Congress In 1776
commemorative OF the evacuation OF Boston BY the
British troops has recently been purchased from tho
Washington family and presented TO the Public
Library OF the city Of Boston. The valuable relic,
peculiarly interesting TO Boston a. commemorating
the important event In her history. vas pur-
chased for $1,000 by various wealthy ctzsns and
through His Honor the Mayor IL was last evening
committed to the library trustees In accordance viii
the wishes Of the donora
or THs MEDAL
Whom the Continental Congress received intelligence
OF tho evacuation OF Boston thcy resolved thAt the
thanks OF the body, In their own namo, and In the
name OF the thirteen United Colonies whom they rop-
resent be presented TO General Washington and the
officers aud soldiers under his command for their wise
and spirited conduct at the
ACQUISITION BOSTON,
and that medal DO struck In commemoration OF this
great and presented to His Excclency, and
. committee Of three Be appointed TO prepare isttoi
OF thanks and proper device for the medal" The
committee appointed consisted Of John Adams, John
Jay aud stephen Hancock
JOHN HANCOCK oEHERAL WASHINGTON.
Mr.. Hancock, In letter TO General Warrington IRON
Philadelphia, April 2 l77e. said:-
1T gives me she most sensible pleasure 10 convey u
you, by order OF Congress- the only tribute which
thanks and gratitude to their benefacors The disin.
crcsled and patriotic principles which led you TO the
compensation 10 your countrymen 10 reject that, Is
peculiar greatness OF mind induced 70 decline any
remuneration Tor serving them except the pleasure Of
promoting their happiness they may, without your
permisson bsstow on you the largest share OF their
affection and esteem Those pages In the annals Of
America will record your title 20 conspicuous place
IN Tho temple of fame, which shall inform postcrity
that under your direction, an unoisciplined band u
husbandmen the OF . few months became sol
dsrs and that tho dssoiaton meditated against the
country by y brave army Of veterans, commanded By
the worst causes, Was. BY tho fortude OF youI
troops and tho address Of their 0cers, next 70 ths
kind inserposition of Providenee, confined for near
year within such narrow limits - scarcely to admt
more than necessary for tho encampmsnu
and fortincations they totally abandoned. Accept
monsly declared by their delegates DO due 10 you
and the brave officers and troops under your command
su,sSsd marx or the appreciation OF their country.
Tho Congress have ordered golden medal, adapted u
tho occasion, and when finished 70 BE- presented y
you"
JOHN ADAMS cosoRAruLArsoxa
A private letter from John Adams, written 1t the
time, vii show tho lively Interest and the agency
which he took In the affair. al congratulate you"
SAID Mr.. Adams, 'sAs we'll all the friends Of man
psarsd 10 me Of 80 great .nd decisive Importance that
the morning after the arrival Of the news DID
myself the honor 10 move Tor the thanks Of Congres
TO Your Excellency, and that medal OF gold should
be struck Ia Of IT, Congress has bees
pleased 10 appoint me- with two other gentlemen, u
prepare device. should DO happy 10 have \ our NJ
csllency's sentiments concerning proper one"
LEse8IPTfoN TAX RELIC.
The medal, which s Of mammoth sixo and SOLID
gold. struck Paris and contains on the diverse
head Of Washington In prohle, exhibiting On excel
lcnt likeness, and around u u the following inserip
ti0u:-
GEORGE WASHINGTON,
ovPRxxO DvCf KxERcrrvvn
ApSxRroxi IfBKRrAffs
AMERICANA.
ON the reverse 10 the Of Boston In tho distance,
with 4 uect IN view under SAIL Washington and hm
officers horseback IN the foreground and ne
pointing ships they depart from the harboe.
The inscription this side u ~ ioliows:-
PRIMO yCoATns -
T0xIvm REcvPKRArvM Avn,
MATT n, nDCcxxvL
The medal which has been frequently repeated q
-x4~.A