Chapter 18

_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.

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_Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston._ (p. 090)

To the Honourable Robert R. LIVINGSTON, Passy, March 4, 1782. 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.

[Footnote 55: The surrender of Lord Cornwallis, at Yorktown, which took place October 19, 1781.]

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_Benjamin Franklin to Sir William Jones._

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

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.

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_Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston._

To the Honourable Robert R. LIVINGSTON, Passy, April 15, 1783. 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, (p. 091) 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.

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_Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston._

To the Honourable Robert R. LIVINGSTON, Passy, July 22, 1783. 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.

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_Benjamin Franklin to the Grand Master of Malta._

To His Eminent Highness THE GRAND MASTER OF MALTA. Passy, 6 April, 1783.

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.

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_The Grand Master of Malta to Benjamin Franklin._ (p. 092)

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

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.

No. 15. (p. 093) PLATE XV.

_1784._

Benj. Franklin natus Boston. XVII Jan. MDCCVI. [Rx]. Eripuit coelo fulmen sceptrum que tyrannis.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.

BENJ. FRANKLIN NATUS BOSTON. XVII JAN. MDCCVI. (_Benjamin Franklin natus Boston, 17 Januarii, 1706: Benjamin Franklin, born in Boston, January 17, 1706._) Bust of Franklin, facing the left. On edge of bust, DUPRÉ F. (_fecit_).

ERIPUIT COELO FULMEN SCEPTRUM QUE TYRANNIS. (_He drew fire from heaven and wrenched the sceptre from tyrants._) A genius pointing with his right hand to a lightning-rod attracting the electric spark, and with his left to a broken crown and sceptre at his feet. Exergue: SCULPSIT ET DICAVIT AUG. DUPRÉ ANNO MDCCLXXXIV. (_Sculpsit et dicavit Augustinus Dupré, anno 1784: Engraved and dedicated by Augustin Dupré, in the year 1784_).[56],[57]

[Footnote 56: See INTRODUCTION, pages x and xxiii.]

[Footnote 57: For original documents, see No. 16, page 95.]

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN was born in Boston, January 17, 1706. He began life as an apprentice to his brother, a printer; went to England to follow his trade, but ultimately settled in Philadelphia in 1726, where he edited the "Pennsylvania Gazette," and in 1732 began the publication of "Poor Richard's Almanac." He founded the first fire company in 1737, and soon afterward the first fire insurance company. In 1752 he discovered the identity of lightning and the electric fluid, and invented the lightning-rod. In consideration of his brilliant services to science, the degree of LL. D. was conferred upon him by the university of Oxford in 1762. Benjamin Franklin was a member of the Continental Congress, 1775-1776; a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and one of the commissioners to France, 1776-1785. He signed the offensive and defensive treaty with France, in Paris, (p. 094) February 6, 1778; and the definitive treaty of peace with England, September 3, 1783. He was governor of Pennsylvania, 1786-1788; and died in Philadelphia, April 17, 1790. Congress ordered a mourning of four months, and the National Assembly of France, on the proposal of Mirabeau, seconded by Monsieur de la Rochefoucauld and General de la Fayette, went into mourning for three days. Turgot composed in his honor the celebrated latin verse: _Eripuit coelo fulmen sceptrum que tyrannis_.

No. 16. (p. 095) PLATE XVI.

_1786._

Benj. Franklin natus Boston. XVII Jan. MDCCVI. [Rx]. Eripuit coelo fulmen sceptrum que tyrannis.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.

BENJ. FRANKLIN NATUS BOSTON. XVII JAN. MDCCVI. (_Benjamin Franklin, natus Boston, 17 Januarii, 1706: Benjamin Franklin, born in Boston, January 17, 1706._) Bust of Franklin, facing the left. On edge of bust, DUPRÉ F. (_fecit_).

Within a crown of oak: ERIPUIT COELO FULMEN SCEPTRUM QUE TYRANNIS. (_He drew fire from Heaven and wrenched the sceptre from tyrants_). Exergue: SCULPSIT ET DICAVIT AUG. DUPRÉ ANNO MDCCLXXXVI. (_Sculpsit et dicavit Augustinus Dupré, anno 1786: Engraved and dedicated by Augustin Dupré, in the year 1786_).[58]

[Footnote 58: See INTRODUCTION, pages x and xxiii.]

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ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

_William Short to Thomas Jefferson._

To the Honourable Thomas JEFFERSON, Paris, June the 14th, 1790. 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.

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_Thomas Jefferson to the President of the National Assembly of (p. 096) France._

To Philadelphia, March 8th, 1791. 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.

No. 17. (p. 097) PLATE XVII.

_September 23, 1779._

Joanni Pavlo Jones classis præfecto. Comitia Americana. [Rx]. Hostivm navibvs captis avt fvgatis.

CAPTAIN JOHN PAUL JONES.

[_Capture of the Serapis._]

JOANNI PAVLO JONES CLASSIS PRÆFECTO. COMITIA AMERICANA. (_The American Congress to naval commander John Paul Jones_). Bust of Captain Jones, in uniform, facing the right. On edge of bust, DUPRÉ F. (_fecit_).

HOSTIVM NAVIBVS CAPTIS AVT FVGATIS. (_The enemy's vessels taken or put to flight._) Naval action between the United States frigate Bonhomme Richard, of forty guns, Captain John Paul Jones, and the British frigate Serapis, of forty-four guns, Captain Pearson. Both vessels are grappled, lying head and stern. The Bonhomme Richard is on fire, and her crew are boarding the Serapis. To the left, a third vessel.[59] Exergue: AD ORAM SCOTIÆ (_sic_) XXIII SEPT. (_Septembris_) M.DCCLXXVIIII. (_Off the coast of Scotland, September 23, 1779._) DUPRÉ. F. (_fecit_).[60]

[Footnote 59: See Admiral Jones's curious observations on the position of the accessories on the reverse, in his letter to Jefferson, dated August 29,/September 9, 1788, page 112.]

[Footnote 60: See INTRODUCTION, pages x, xix, xx, xxi, xxviii; D, xli; E, xliv; F, xlv; and H, xlvii.]

The legend on the reverse of the medal is the second of the two proposed by the French Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres. The first was, PRIMUS AMERICANORUM TRIUMPHUS NAVALIS.

The bust of John Paul Jones, on the obverse of this medal, is from a plaster cast by Houdon, the celebrated sculptor.

THE CHEVALIER JOHN PAUL JONES was born at Arbingland, in the (p. 098) parish of Kirkbean, in Scotland, July 6, 1747. He went to sea when young, and settled in Virginia in 1773. In 1775 he was appointed a lieutenant in the navy, through the recommendation of General Jones, of North Carolina, and in gratitude to him, he added the name of Jones to his family name of Paul. He joined the Alfred, of thirty guns and three hundred men, and on her deck, October 10, 1776, when off Chestnut street wharf, Philadelphia, under a salute of thirteen guns, hoisted with his own hands the first American naval flag. This had thirteen stripes, but without the blue union, and bore across the field a rattlesnake with the motto "Don't tread on me." Appointed captain in October, 1776, he was soon afterward sent by Congress to France, to arrange certain naval matters with the American commissioners. Subsequently he carried terror along the coast of England, and on September 23, 1779, fought his famous action off Flamborough Head, near Scarborough, in which he took the Serapis, Captain Richard Pearson. He was enthusiastically received in France, and King Louis XVI. presented him with a sword of honor and with the cross of Military Merit. Congress gave him a vote of thanks and a gold medal, in 1787, and sent him to France, Denmark, and Sweden, as agent for prize money. The same year he entered the Russian service with the rank of rear-admiral, and received from the Empress Catherine II. the cross of St. Anne. He had a command in the squadron stationed in the Black Sea, where he greatly distinguished himself, but embittered by slanderous calumnies, he left the Russian service and settled in Paris, where he died in poverty, July 18, 1792. The National Assembly of France, then in session, expressed their regret for him by wearing mourning, and sent a deputation to attend his funeral.

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ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

_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, (p. 099) 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.

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_Captain John Paul Jones to Benjamin Franklin._

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

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 (p. 100) 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.