The E-Sylum:  Volume 10, Number 52, December 23, 2007, Article 10

ON "CUTTING" A COIN FOR MAJOR JOHN STEWARD/STEWART

Last week I was puzzled by a term used in an article about 
Revolutionary War hero "John Steward". It said "General 
Washington had a silver coin cut by order of the Continental 
Congress". The word "cut" is what had me stumped, although 
if I had recalled what I'd read just a few weeks before in 
the 'Comitia Americana' book the meaning would have been 
obvious. The writer wasn't talking about cutting a coin, 
but cutting the dies for a medal.

Gar Travis helped straighten me out, sending the following 
online description of the Major John Stewart Comitia Americana 
medal. (The article I'd seen spelled the name as Steward 
with a "d").

On the front is an Indian Princess (representing America) 
presenting a palm branch to Major Stewart. Her left hand 
is resting on the American Shield. The legend reads: 
"Joanni Stewart Cohortis Praefecto, Comitia Americana 
The American Congress to Major John Stewart".

On the reverse side is a fortress. In the foreground an 
American Officer cheering on his men who are following 
him over the enemy's abatis. The inscription reads: 
"Stony Point Oppugnatu, XV Jul. MDCCLXXIX Stony Point 
attacked 15th of July 1779". Major Stewart was one of 
the key officers in the attack on Stony Point and was 
awarded this medal for said gallantry.

To read the complete reference, see: 
Full Story

Anne E. Bentley of the Massachusetts Historical Society 
(co-author of the 'Comitia Americana book) agrees. She 
writes: "I'm betting that the Annapolis reporter means 
the Comitia Americana medal to John Stewart for his part 
in the assault on Stony-Point, July 15, 1779...furthermore, 
I'd bet the letter he refers to is the one on page 96 of 
Comitia Americana and Related American Medals (not to add 
a shameless plug for the book...).

"I'll take this opportunity to wish you and your readers 
Seasonal greetings and a happy, healthy new year to one 
and all."

QUERY: GEORGE WASHINGTON'S AWARD FOR JOHN STEWARD
esylum_v10n51a15.html

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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