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The E-Sylum: Volume 6, Number 8, February 23, 2003, Article 9 KITTANNING MEDAL DOCUMENTS While looking up other things I came across some original documents relating to the Kittanning medal, in web pages on the history of Armstrong County, PA. It is thought to be the earliest American medal. The following background information comes from the Harry Bass collection web site: "Kittanning was an Indian village on the banks of the Allegheny River, located 45 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which was burned during the French and Indian War. According to Betts, each of the commissioned British officers involved in the affair was awarded one of these medals struck in silver. Edward Duffield, a Philadelphia watchmaker, is credited with having prepared these dies.., which have survived and are housed at the Philadelphia Mint, according to Betts." The following text is excerpted from the "Historical Sketch of Armstrong County." See the web page for more information. http://www.pa-roots.com/~armstrong/smithproject/history/chap1b.html "Description of the medal sent to Col. Armstrong: Occasion. In honor of the late Col. Armstrong, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, for destroying Kittanning Indian towns. Device. An officer followed by two soldiers; the officer pointing to a soldier shooting from behind a tree and an Indian prostrate before him. In the background Indian houses are seen in flames. Legend. Kittanning destroyed by Col. Armstrong, September, 1756. Reverse Device. The arms of the corporation of Philadelphia, consisting of four devices: On the right a ship under full sail; on the left a pair of scales equally balanced; in the right, above the ship, a wheat sheaf; on the left, two hands locked. Legend. The gift of the corporation of the city of Philadelphia." To Col. John Armstrong: Sir: The corporation of the city of Philadelphia greatly approve your conduct and public spirit in the late expedition against the town of Kittanning, and are highly pleased with the signal proofs of courage and personal bravery given by you and the officers under your command in demolishing that place. I am, therefore, ordered to return you and them the thanks of the Board for the eminent service you have thereby done your country. I am also ordered by the corporation to present you, out of their small public stock, with a piece of plate and silver medal, and each of your officers with a medal and a small sum of money, to be disposed of in a manner most agreeable to them; which the Board desire you will accept as a testimony of the regard they have for your merit. Signed by order, January 5, 1757. ATWOOD SHUTE, Mayor." A 1963 presentation by Dr. R. J. Hudson to the Western Pennsylvania Numismatic Society is also available on the web at: http://www.coinlibrary.com/wpns/club_wpns_pr_kittanning.htm Wayne Homren, Editor The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization promoting numismatic literature. See our web site at coinbooks.org. To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor at this address: whomren@coinlibrary.com To subscribe go to: https://my.binhost.com/lists/listinfo/esylum | |
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