Faithfully yours,
Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
[Hand-written postscript.]
I think something between the high relief of the Greek coins and the extreme low relief of the modern work is possible, and as you suggest, I will make a model with that in view.
Windsor, Vermont,
Nov. 22, 1905.
Hon. L. M. Shaw,
Secretary of the Treasury,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I am now engaged on the models for the coinage. The law calls for, viz., “On one side there shall be an impression emblematic of liberty, with an inscription of the word 'liberty' and the year of the coinage.” It occurs to me that the addition on this side of the coins of the word “Justice” (or “Law,” preferably the former) would add force as well as elevation to the meaning of the composition. At one time the words “In God we trust” were placed on the coins. I am not aware that there was authorization for that, but I may be mistaken.
Will you kindly inform me whether what I suggest is possible.
Yours very truly,
Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
The White House
Washington