The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-27
LITERATURE.
oun MEpALL1c HISTORY.

OUR MEpALLIC HISTORY.
s'rhe Medallic History OF the United States OF
America" by J. y. Loubat. LIZ D., member OF the
New York Historical Society. 30. unique and In
seresting work In two large and handsome volumes,
one OF which devoted plates illustrating the sew
eral medals struck order OF Congress In honor OF
the heroic who have contributed much to make
American history glorious record. The period en-
Draced covors IRON 1870 1876 and that
during which occurred the Revolutionary War, the
war against Trpol and Of 1912 against England, the
Mexican and civil wars and the celebration OF the
National Centennial Tho medals othor than those
voted special political military naval services
are presidential medals and those given rewards
for the saving Of life. As.we stated the work ~ In
two volumes. and the first, or letter press volume,
contains all the important State papers bearing the
events IN commemo alton OF which the medals have
been granted. Tho skill displayed by the compiler-Dr
Loubai-in arranging these documents for historical
purposes is OF tho highest ordor and he manages 10
invest even the drest OF records with an interest
which IL would not awaken unless associated With
oth&s to form Ink in tho thrilling story oil the great
days OF tho past We cannot fail to appreciate tho
merit OF the 40 beautiful etohngs ny Jules Jaeque-
mart, which faithfully reproduce the peculiar ole
gance or the medals. In turning over tho pages
and plates OF these volumes cannot fail to
the stirring OF The history Of the Republic
succeeded each other especially during the first and
last quarters OF the century. Here find within
the limits OF volume the tales that thrilled the
souls OF the men OF l776 ana fred with enthusiasm
those OF the defenders OF the endangered Union In
1858. George Washngton's victory at Boston,
sMad Anthony" Wayne's dash At Stony Point, the
surrender OF the Brush at Saratoga the sterling
patriotism OF tho captors OF Major Andre, the spy
BENJAMIN Franklin and Captain Paul Jonos-two
men so opposite In nature but united pur-
pose Then tue gallant deeds OF Problc against
the Tripol pirates, Of Hall, jones' Decatur,
Bainbridgo, Mccall, Burrows, Perry, Elliott Law
renee Macdonough aud other famous capturors OF
tho encmy's ships and winners Of great victories
the naval warfare OF 1919. and Of Brown. Porter,
Ripley, Miller Scott, Gaines. AcComb ana Andrew
jackson with the American army during the progress
Of The Same Again, In tho later struggle with
Mexico, the victories OF Taylor and Scott Al
Monterey, Vera Cruz. Cerro Gordo, Contreras,
Buena Vista and other fields The bravo conduct
OF Commander Ingraham in rescung Martin
Coszta from the Austrians, and finally Grants
victories and vanderbllt's generosity during the
rebellion, bringing the story down TO our own days
All this historical record which Is OF the most au.
thent,c character, Dr. Loubat contrves with CON-
meudable skill 10 weave into charming narrative by
the iudicious arrangement Of his documents. 1t Is
interesting notice that the designers and engravors
OF tho earlier medals Eoropean artists except
that voted TO Major Henry Leo for tho surprise Of
Pauus Hook, the site OF tho present Jersey City
The designer OF the Lee medal was J. Wright Du-
pre-, Duvivier, Holtzhey, Reich ana F1rst were the
designers OF ty-sx out Of fy-soven medals, and Of
these Moritz FGrst, ungaran artist designed and
engraved thirty commencing with that commemora-
n.sst. r.
Captain jacob Jones'. October 10, 1912 Tho Mexi-
can and Ingraham medals were designed and engraved
by combinations OF artists, among which Hnd the
names of Ellis, HUMPHREYS and Wright, OF Ellis,
Wright and Smith, Of Kills and Wilson. and Of Eastman,
Cross and Longacre coworkors. Il cannot be said
that the recently struck medals are in any degree
artistic In design and execution than those Of
the earlier days. but all combine TO form glorious
and indeble OF the events that have conrrib-
utcd to tho greatness and prosperity Of the United
States