The E-Sylum:  Volume 10, Number 51, December 16, 2007, Article 12

BRONGNIART LIBERTAS AMERICANA LETTERS TRANSLATED TO ENGLISH

Last week I asked if one of our readers could offer assistance
in translating from the original French letters referenced by
Karl Moulton in recent book.  Karl noted that "The Brongniart
letters definitely need to be properly translated to English."

Reader François Velde of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Research Department came through with the following translations:

Sunday Sep 22, 1782

Sir,
I have finally received two sketches of rather large medals
from the sculptor I had the honor of mentioning to you.  I
have also asked a friend of mine who is a painter to draw
the same subject and I think he has done rather well.  On
which day do you wish us to go to Passy to have the honor
of presenting the works to you?  Or if your business calls
you to Paris and you took pains to come to my home, you would
find everything assembled for you by giving me a day's notice.
The only favor I ask is that you embarrass yourself in no way,
too happy that I am if I have helped your ideas in any way.

Full Story

Thursday Jan 23, 1783

I have the honor of sending to Mr Franklin two new proofs
of the medal, noting that the head is not quite as perfect
as it should be, that the serpents held by the child will
be larger and better drawn; moreover the engraver put "intans"
instead of "infans" and this spelling mistake shall be
corrected.  I have the honor of reminding Mr Franklin that
he had promised what he shall have inscribed on both sides
at the bottom of the medal, and this matter alone prevents
its completion.

Full Story

Friday Jan 31, 1783

M Brongniart has the honor of sending his respects to Mr
Franklin and begs him to let him know if he was given Friday
of last week [=Jan 24] two new proofs of the medal, and among
others that of the head of Liberty.

Mr Franklin has seemingly forgotten to send to Mr Brongniart
what he wishes to have put at the bottom of the medal on each
side, and this holds back the engraver who wishes to complete
this work."

Full Story

Karl Moulton asked me to relate his thanks to François.
He adds: "I think these will be useful and repeated rather
often by future researchers."

 KARL MOULTON ON HIS 'HENRY VOIGHT AND OTHERS' BOOK
 esylum_v10n50a11.html

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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