II.
THE FORREST MEDALS.
The duplicate of the first medal in gold was presented by Mr. Forrest to the New York Historical Society, at a meeting held June 22d, 1868, through the hands of James Lawson. It was accepted, with a vote of thanks to the donor, and placed in the archives of the Society.
The legend or motto on the second medal is from a sonnet by James Lawson “To Andrew Jackson,” which may be found in Duyckinck’s Cyclopædia of American Literature, vol. ii. p. 280, New York edition, 1855.
The tokens were issued by tradesmen as a mode of advertisement. They are an interesting proof of the great popularity of the tragedian.
I.
Ob.—A profile head of Forrest, facing to the left. Below the head engraver’s initials, “C. C. W., Sc.”
Leg.—“Histrioni optimo Eduino Forrest, viro præstanti, MDCCC. XXXIV.”
Rev.—The muse of Tragedy seated, holding in one hand a wreath, the other holding a dagger, and resting on her lap. A mask resting beside her.
Leg.—“Great in mouths of wisest censure.”
Ex.—“C. INGHAM, Del.”