New York, April 15, 1776.
To
John Adams, Esq.,
In Congress.
Sir: I am impressed with the deepest gratitude for the high honour intended me by Congress. Whatever devices may be determined upon by the respectable committee they have chosen for that purpose will be highly agreeable to me.
I have the honour to be, most respectfully, Sir, your most obedient and affectionate humble servant,
Geo. Washington.
Colonel Humphreys to General Washington.
Paris, May, 1785.
To
General Washington.
My dear General: Upon leaving America Mr. Morris invested me with the power of procuring the several honourary presents which have been voted by Congress to different officers in their service during the late war. The Royal Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres, to whom I addressed a letter on the subject, have furnished me with the following device and inscriptions for the gold medal which is to be executed for Your Excellency:
"On one side, the head of the general. Legend: 'georgio washington supremo duci exercituum adsertori libertatis comitia americana.' On the reverse: Taking possession of Boston. The American army advances in good order toward the town, which is seen at a distance, while the British army flies with precipitation toward the shore, to embark on board the vessels, with which the harbour is covered. In the front of the American army appears the general on horseback, in a group of officers, whom he seems to make observe the flight of the enemy. Legend: 'hostibus primo fugatis.' Exergue: 'bostonium recuperatum die xvii martii, mdcclxxvi.'"
I think it has the character of simplicity and dignity which is to be aimed at in a memorial of this kind, which is designed to transmit the remembrance of a great event to posterity. You really do not know how much your name is venerated on this side of the Atlantic.
I have the honour to be, my dear General, your sincere friend and humble servant,
D. Humphreys.