USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > The original institution of the general Society of the Cincinnati, as formed by the officers of the army of the United States, at the conclusion of the revolutionary war > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8
" On pourrait faire frapper ,ici des medailles d'argent aux frais communs de la societé, et en distribuer une à chacun de ses membres comme une titre adapté à la patente de parchemin, sur laquelle il sera aussi à propos de graver la figure de la medaille, la forme de l'aigle ou de l'étoile, avec sa plus grande dimension, détaillant les couleurs, en soignant de s'y conformer, laissant la liberté aux chevaliers que s'en pourvoyeront à leurs depens, de la faire de tel métal, et aussi petite que possible, sans altération d'aucun des emblèmes. Il ne me paroit pas non plus à propos que les chevaliers honoraires portassent l'ordre pareil aux chevaliers de droit .: Il fraudroit q'on signifat qu'ils portassent la medaille, ou l'etoile, ou l'aigle en sautoir, et les chevaliers à la 3me. . boutoniere.
" Mon général, ces sont les remarques que je vous prie de faire traduire, et de les soummetre à l'opinion générale. Je vous serais obligé de me faire savoir quelle issue lettre aura & quelle sera la decision q'on en donnera.
" J'ai, &c. &c. &c.
L'ENFANT.
" N. B. La tête et la queue de l'aigle seroient d'argent ou émaillées en blanc, le corps et les ailes d'or, la médaille sur sa poitrine et sur son dos, émaillée en couleur de même que la lègénde. On pourroit y ajouter des branches de laurier et de chêne daus les ailes, pour lors qu'on emailleroit en vert ; l'etoile du medaillon seroit pointèe en or, ou emaillée bleu et
15
blanc, ceux qui voudroient faire le dépense pourraient avoir en diamant tout ce qui est blanc. Le ruban seroit moiré comme celui de tout les autres ordres."
PHILADELPHIA, IOth June, 1783.
" My General :
" Immediately on receiving your letter of the 20th May, which I met by accident at the Post Office on the 7th inst., I set myself about the plan of the medal. I send you both faces of the design, which I have made large, so that you may better judge of them. In the execution they can be reduced to a convenient size, which, on account of the precision required in the design, ought not to be less than a dollar, the subject being too complex to admit of its being properly de- tailed in a smaller compass.
" I have not made it oval, agreeably to your desire, as such a form is not proper for a medal; besides, it can be done in the execution, if the idea should be persisted in of having the order in that form, to which, however, I think any other pre- ferable. I also believe and hope that you will be persuaded of this, and endeavor to convince the gentlemen of it who compose the committee for forming the institution, and to whom I beg you to communicate the following observations :
" A medal, whether round or oval, is considered, in the different States of Europe, only as the reward of the laborer and the artist, or as the sign of a manufacturing community or religious society ; besides, the abusive custom, prevailing particularly in Germany and Italy, of sending to France mountebanks, dancers and musicians ornamented in this manner, renders it necessary to distinguish this Order by a form which shall be peculiar to itself, and which will answer the two-fold purpose of honoring those invested with it, and making itself respected for its simplicity by such as may be in a situation minutely to examine its different parts
" Not that I suppose that one form or another will change the opinion of a Republican people accustomed to think. I only say that, in an institution of this sort, the main design should be to render it respectable to everybody, and that it is only in appealing to the senses that you can engage the attention of the common people, who have certain habitual prejudices which cannot be destroyed. A gentleman already invested with any European order, would be unwilling to carry a medal, but, if flattered by receiving a mark of distinction from a respectable society he should do it, the manner of it would
16
by no means increase the value of the order. On the con- trary, giving a new and particular form will be adding a recommendation to its real value, and engage those invested with it to wear it in the same manner as their other military orders, which is the surest means of putting it at once upon a footing with them.
" The bald eagle, which is peculiar to this continent, and is distinguished from those of other climates by its white head and tail, appears to me to deserve attention.
"I send you two essays which I have made, and desire one of them may be adopted instead of the medal. In one I make the eagle supporting a star with thirteen points, in the centre of which is the figure of the medal with its inscription, as well in front as on the reverse. A legend might be added in the claws, and go round the neck of the eagle, with a par- ticular inscription or the contour of the medal transferred there. In the other, I have made simply the eagle, support- ing on its breast the figure of the medal, with a legend in his claws, and about the neck, which passed behind and sustains the reverse. I would prefer the latter, as it does not resemble any other order, and bears a distinct character; nor will it be expensive in its execution. The first device, although more complex, would not be so dear as people might imagine, especially if the execution of it should be committed to skill- ful persons, which would not be the case any more than with the medal ; but by sending it to Europe, where it would not take up a great deal of time, nor be so expensive as to trust the execution of it here to workmen not well acquainted with the business.
"A medal is a monument to be transmitted to posterity, and, consequently, it is necessary that it be executed to the highest degree of perfection in the age in which it is struck. Now, to strike a medal well, is a matter that requires practice and a good die; and as there is not here, either a press proper for this work, nor people who can make a good die, I would willingly undertake to recommend the execution of the medal, the eagle, or the order, to such persons in Paris, as are capable of executing it to perfection.
So far from proposing to change the oval medal into an eagle, on which should be impressed the medal, I do not pre- tend to say medals cannot be made; on the contrary, my idea of the subject is, that silver medals should be struck at the common expense of the Society, and distributed, one to each member, as an appendage to a diploma of parchment, whereon it would be proper to stamp the figure of the medal, the
.
17
eagle or the star, in its full dimensions, and properly colored, enjoining on the members to conform to it, though leaving them the liberty, provided it to be at their expense, of having it made of such metal and as small as they please, without altering any of the emblems.
" It seems to me by no means proper, that the honorary members should wear the order in the same manner as the original members; it would be necessary that they should wear the medal, the star, or the eagle, round their necks, and the original members at the third button-hole.
" These remarks, I beg you my General, to have translated and submitted to the gentlemen concerned. I shall be obliged to you to let me know the issue of this letter and their decision upon it
I have, &c., &c., &c., L'ENFANT.
" N. B .- The head and tail of the eagle should be silver, or enamelled, in white, the body and wings gold, the medal on its breast and back enamelled in the same color as the legend ; sprigs of laurel and oak might be added in the wings and en- amelled in green; the star should be pointed in gold, or enamelled in blue and white; those who would be at the ex- pense, might, instead of white, have diamonds. The ribband, as is customary in all other orders, should be wav'd."
Resolved, That the thanks of this convention be transmitted by the President, to Major L'Enfant, for his care and ingenuity in preparing the aforementioned designs, and that he be ac- quainted that they cheerfully embrace his offer of assistance, and request a continuance of his attention in carrying the de- signs into execution, for which purpose the President is de- sired to correspond with him.
Resolved, That his Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief, be requested to officiate as President-General until the first general meeting, to be held in May next.
That a Treasurer-General and a Secretary-General be bal- lotted for, to officiate in like manner.
The ballots being taken, Major-General M'Dougall was elected Treasurer-General, and Major-General Knox, Secreta- ry-General, who are hereby requested to accept said ap- pointments.
Resolved, That all the proceedings of this Convention, in- cluding the institution of the Society, be recorded (from the original papers in his possession) by Captain Shaw, who, at
2
.
18
the first meeting, was requested to act as Secretary, and that the same signed by the President and Secretary, together with the original papers, be given into the hands of Major- General Knox, Secretary-General to the Society; and that Captain North, Aid de-Camp to the Baron de Steuben, and acting Secretary to him as President, sign the said records.
The dissolution of a very considerable part of the army, since the last meeting of this Convention, having rendered the attendance for some of its members impracticable, and the necessity of some temporary arrangement, previous to the first meeting of the General Society, being so strikingly obvious, the Convention found itself constrained to make those before mentioned, which they have done with the utmost diffidence of themselves, and relying entirely on the candor of their con- stituents to make allowance for the measure. The principal objects of this appointment being thus accomplished, the members of this Convention think fit to dissolve the same, and it is hereby dissolved accordingly.
EXTRACTS FROM THE PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
General Society of the Cincinnati
HELD IN THE
CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, IN MAY, 1800.
TUESDAY, May 6, 1800.
It was moved by Mr. Bingham, and seconded by General Bloomfield,
That a respectful testimonial to the memory of General Washington, be entered on the records of the General Society of the Cincinnati, which was unanimously agreed to,
And Mr. Bingham, Major Pinckney, and General Dayton, were appointed a committee to prepare and report the same.
WEDNESDAY, May 7, 1800.
Mr. Bingham, from the committee appointed for that pur- pose, reported the following testimonial of respect to the memory of General Washington, which was twice read, unani- mously agreed to, and ordered to be entered on the records of the Society, as the first act of the present general meeting after its organization.
Under the most profound impression of veneration and affection, the Society of the Cincinnati at a general meeting, are called upon to express the mournful tribute of their sor- row at that awful dispensation of Providence, which has recently removed from their councils, the much revered and lamented President-General.
The arduous though successful struggle which terminated in establishing the liberties of our country, and in which they
20
fought under his banner, and shared with him the dangers and toils of the field, attached him to this Society by ties of the most intimate and endearing nature. His valor and prudence seemed to control the events of war, led the American Armies to victory, and achieved the independence of their country. Whilst mingling their tears with those of their fellow-citizens, they are naturally impelled to pour out the effusions of a deep regret, for the irreparable loss which they have sustained.
But it is not only in their relationship to this illustrious character, as soldiers, that the Society of the Cincinnati have cause to deplore his loss.
When the storm of war had ceased to rage, and the bless- ings of peace had been restored, their country was suffering under the weakness of a confederation which threatened the existence of that union which their joint efforts in arms had so essentially contributed to establish.
With his auspicious co operation a constitution was formed, calculated, by its wisdom and energy, to redeem us from that prostrate state to which we had been reduced, and to restore that reputation which our country had lost from the imbecility of the old system. The administration of the government was committed to his care, and his country will ever hold in grateful remembrance the inflexible virtue and fortitude with which he conducted its affairs, and saved it from the effects of domestic faction and foreign intrigue.
After a second retirement from the active scenes of public life, in which his merits as a statesman rivalled his fame as a soldier, his country, at the approach of danger, again required his services. The crisis was important, and the situation delicate. A nation which had mingled its blood with ours in the defence of our liberties, had now assumed a hostile appearance. A war from this unexpected quarter threatened the peace of our country.
Washington, who never hesitated when urged by a sense of duty, obeyed the call of the Government. He again aban- doned his beloved retirement, hazarded a reputation, consum- mate in every point of view, and received the command of the armies. His military companions, who frequently wit- nessed the magnanimity of his conduct in seasons of ad- versity, as well as of triumph, felt the full force of their country's appeal to arms, whilst Washington was their leader.
In this momentuous crisis of our affairs, by the inscrutable decrees of Heaven, he was snatched from America and the world.
21
Under this pressure of calamity, which more peculiarly operates upon the sensibilities of this Society, their only con- solation is derived from the animating reflection that, although he is summoned to the enjoyment of the happy destinies of a future state, the bright example of his virtues and talents will still survive, and the inheritance of his name prove a future incentive to heroes and legislators who will strive to emulate his fame, and merit the glory he has acquired.
22
OFFICERS
OF THE GENERAL SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI, ELECTED AT THE FIRST MEETING OF DELEGATES FROM THE SEVERAL STATE SOCIETIES, HELD AT PHILADELPHIA, IN MAY, 1784 :
HIS Exc'Y GEN. G. WASHINGTON . , Pres .- Gen.
MAJ .- GEN. HORATIO GATES . Vice-Pres .- Gen.
MAJ .- GEN. HENRY KNOX . Sec'y-Gen.
BRIG .- GEN. O. H. WILLIAMS. Asst. Sec'y-Gen.
OFFICERS
ELECTED AT AN ADJOURNED MEETING HELD AT PHILADELPHIA, IN MAY, 1800, AFTER THE DEMISE OF HIS EXCELLENCY GEN. GEO. WASHINGTON :
MAJ .- GEN. ALEXANDER HAMILTON . Pres-Gen. MAJ-GEN. C. C. PINCKNEY . Vice-Pres .- Gen.
MAJ. WILLIAM JACKSON , Sec'y-Gen.
DOCTOR NATHAN DORSEY Asst. Sec'y-Gen.
BRIG-GEN. W. M'PHERSON
Treas .- Gen.
OFFICERS
ELECTED AT THE LAST TRIENNIAL MEETING HELD AT PHILA- DELPHIA, IN MAY, 1805, AFTER THE DEMISE OF MAJ-GEN. ALEXANDER HAMILTON :
MAJ .- GEN. C. C. PINCKNEY Pres .- Gen.
MAJ .- GEN. HENRY KNOX Vice-Pres .- Gen.
MAJ. WILLIAM JACKSON Sec .- Gen.
MAJ. D. BELL Asst. Sec'y-Gen.
BRIG .- GEN. W. M'PHERSON Treas .- Gen
EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNALS
OF THE
South Carolina Society of the Cincinnati
AT A QUARTERLY MEETING, HELD ON MONDAY, THE 14TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 1805.
Resolved, unanimously, That this Society do highly approve of the Eulogy on the character of the late Major-General Moultrie, voluntarily presented by a member, through the Secretary, and read before them, and that the same be entered on the Journals as a mark of respect due from this Society, to their late venerable President.
EULOGY.
" The twenty-seventh of September, one thousand eight hundred and five, will long be remembered with interest by every virtuous citizen of South Carolina. On that day, deeply regretted by every individual who had sense to appreciate, and gratitude to acknowledge the pre-eminence of his patriot virtues, died in the seventy-fifth year of his age, the venerable Major-General William Moultrie, who by uniform suffrage, had presided over this Society from its first institution. As a Revolutionary character, his steadiness in principle, his valor in the field, were particularly conspicuous. As a soldier, it was his fortune to check with an effect that paralyzed every subsequent exertion, the first efforts of a powerful and invete- rate foe, for the subjugation of his country. Bold as Leonidas he defended the strait committed to his charge, against a su- periority of force, that had been deemed irresistable, and more fortunate than the Spartan hero, lived in honorable old age under the shades of his laurels, to share with a grateful nation the liberty his successful exertion had so happily contributed to establish. As a patriot, it was equally his glory, disdain- fully to reject the bribes of a nation, who repeatedly foiled by his valor, hoped with better success to corrupt his integrity, and like another Fabricius, to show to the admiring
24
world, how insignificant the power of gold, to shake the prin- ciples of a heart, warmed with the genuine glow of heaven- born liberty. In private life, his disposition was frank, liberal, sincere; his manners simple and conciliating. Duplicity and disguise, were odious to a nature fixed on the firmest basis of candor and truth. As a husband, father, master, he was kind, gentle, most indulgent ; in short, as has been said of a great statesman and distinguished patriot, he was everything to his family, but what he gave up to his country.
" When in future ages, men shall seek examples of distin- guished worth and excellence, fame with delight shall tell the unshaken faith, and gallant deeds of MOULTRIE."
" While as brother soldiers we offer this sincere though in- adequate tribute of respect to his memory. it is with pleasure we reflect, that the artillery, cavalry, and several volunteer corps of the city, together with a considerable concourse of the most respectable and patriotic of our citizens, attended his body to the grave, testifying their high respect for his virtues, and unfeigned sorrow, for the event which deprived his coun- try of one of its most distinguished and estimable public char- acters."
25
OFFICERS
OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI, ELECT- ED AT THEIR FIRST MEETING AT CHARLESTON, ON THE 29TH AUGUST, 1783 :
MAJ .- GEN. WILLIAM MOULTRIE , President.
BRIG-GEN. ISAAC HUGER . Vice-President.
MAJOR THOMAS PINCKNEY Secretary.
CAPT. CHARLES LINING . Treasurer.
LIEUT. JAMES KENNEDY
Asst. Treas.
LIEUT. SAMUEL BEEKMAN .
JOHN SANFORD DART, EsQ., .
Stewards.
STANDING COMMITTEE APPOINTED ON 6TH. OCTOBER, 1783:
COLONEL CHARLES C. PINCKNEY,
Col. BERNARD BEEKMAN,
Capt. FELIX WARLEY,
Lieut-Col. W. WASHINGTON, Lieut. CHARLES BROWN,
Major ROBERT FORSYTH, Doctor DAVID OLIPHANT.
RULES AND BY-LAWS
OF THE
State Society
e Cincinnati
OF SOUTH CAROLINA,
APPOINTED ON THE 4TH JULY, 1848, UNDER ITS NEW ORGANI- ZATION, BEING NOW COMPOSED ENTIRELY OF DESCENDANTS OF THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES.
-
I.
The officers comprising the State Society of the Cincinnati of South Carolina, having assembled on the twenty-ninth day of August, and on the thirteenth day of September, in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three, and maturely considered the propositions and rules transmitted to Major- General Moultrie, by Majors-General Heath and Steuben, re- spectivelv, and dated on the twentieth day of May, and day of June, of the same year, acceded to them with this reservation, that if any of the said propositions or rules should, by any construction, be held obligatory on the Society to interfere in any manner whatsoever, with the civil polity of their own, or any other of the United States, or of the United States in General, the members thereof will not hold them- selves in any respect bound by them, prizing too highly the civil liberties of their country, and their Society as citizens, to consent that a military association should dictate to the civil authority.
II.
The Society are desirous to maintain the benevolent and charitable principles of the original institution, and for that purpose adopt this Rule :
That whenever a member, his widow or descendants, shall need the aid of the Society, application shall be made in the
27
first place, to the Standing Committee, who shall examine into the merits thereof, and report the facts to the Society, together wtth their opinion, and such relief may be granted as the So- ciety shall think fit.
III.
There shall be four general meetings of the Society in a year, viz : on the fourth day of July, which shall be considered as the anniversary of the Society, when the members shall dine together, gratefully commemorating it as the day of the Declaration of the Independence of the United States, and the commencement of the political existence of their citizens as a free people; on the 22d of February, memorably distin- guished as the birthday of Washington, the father of his country, when the members shall also dine together ; on the 19th of April, being the anniversary of the battle of Lexing- ton, so honorable to the first efforts of the American arms ; and on the 19th day of October, when the capture of Corn- wallis crowned them with the most brilliant success ; and should any of them fall on Sunday, then the meeting shall be celebrated on the day following. And there shall be one special meeting on the evening of the third day of July, to prepare for the celebration of the next day, and to transact ordinary business, but should the third fall on Sunday, then the meeting shall be held on the second.
IV.
At every Anniversary each member shall contribute six dollars towards the funds of the Society ; every member may bring or permit his own son or sons, or the son or sons of a deceased member, under the age of twenty-one years, to par- take of the Anniversary dinner ; Provided, that for each and every one of them over eighteen years, he shall pay the Treasurer the sum of two dollars; And, provided, also, that any member absent for a year or more at a time, in the service of the United States, or of South Carolina, shall not be charged for contribution during their absence. Members shall be no- tified annually by the Treasurer, of the amount of their arrears. Should any member owe two years arrears, he shall be spe- cially notified thereof, and should he be three years in arrears his name may be dropped from the list of members, a major- ity of at least three fourths of those present at a regular general meeting voting against him.
28
V.
At every Anniversary there shall be chosen a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, two Stewards, and two or more Delegates to represent the Society in the General Society ; and in case of the death, resignation or removal of any of the above officers, another person or persons shall, at the next ensuing general meeting, be chosen to supply his or their place for the remaining part of the year. If at any meeting, both the President and Vice-President should be ab- sent, the members present may choose a Chairman to preside and proceed to transact the business of the Society.
VI
All officers, delegates and committees of the Society, shall continue vested with their respective authorities until others are appointed in their places.
VII.
No business shall be transacted at any meeting of the Society, unless nine of the members are present, who shall constitute a quorum.
VIII.
All questions proposed in the Society, shall be determined by a majority of the members present, voting viva voce ; but the vote shall be taken by ballot should any three members demand it.
IX.
The Society shall be opened as soon as the President shall have taken the chair, and the minutes of the preceding meeting read, and considered in session till the President shall have declared the business closed.
X.
The President, or in his absence the Vice-President, or in the absence of both, the chairman of the Standing Committee shall have power to call an extra meeting whenever it is his opinion that the affairs of the Society require it, giving such public notice as he shall deem necessary.
29
XI.
The President at each Anniversary, shall appoint a Standing Committee, to consist of seven members, besides the officers of the Society ; and all members who choose to attend the meeting thereof, shall have a right to debate and vote on any question laid before them for discussion.
XII.
It shall be the business of the Standing Committee to pro- pose at the general meetings, any matter which they may consider as conducive to the benefit and advantage of the Society, to afford temporary relief to all such persons as by the rules of the Society are entitled to it, and transact all such business as cannot be postponed till the general meeting.
XIII.
The Secretary shall keep minutes of all the proceedings of the Society, and record all rules and by-laws in a book to be particularly kept for that purpose; he shall likewise keep all letters to and copies of letters from the Society; taking care that every transaction of the Society, and every occurrence relating to it, as far as comes to his knowledge, be faithfully registered and deposited in the archives.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.