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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 "_epreuves_".
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.

_____

_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 ma