To Benjamin Franklin from François-Louis Teissèdre de Fleury, [before 29 January 1780]
From François-Louis Teissèdre de Fleury
ALS: American Philosophical Society
[before January 29, 1780]2
Sir
The king has dezired me to send to him my medaille; I did answer, you had Received order to have it struck; & that as soon it would be done, I should present it to him.3
If it was possible it Could be struck next4 week, I would be much obliged to you. Or if you have too much business, give me that Care; tell me the price you intend to put to it, & I shall Carrefully follow your directions.
I Could wish in one side the fort of Stonypoint, with this motto.
aggeres, paludes, hostes victi.5
On the other side. A crown of Laurels, with a flag Struck. & this motto— Corona muralis.6
Round it, the united States to L. C. Fleury.
I beg you would answer to Me as soon as possible, & believe me very Respectfully your Most obedient humble servant
FLEURY
hotel de picardie Ruë de seine à paris.
Notation: Fleury.
2. Dated on the basis of BF’s reply, below.
3. On Sept. 29, 1779, the Board of War forwarded to BF two Congressional resolutions regarding commemorative medals to be struck in France, including a silver medal honoring Lt. Col. Fleury’s role in the capture of Stony Point. Copies of those documents were sent with Fleury, who was returning home on leave. The Board of War suggested that he might help design the devices. XXX, 416–17.
4. Replaces “this”.
5. Fortifications, marshes, and enemies overcome.
6. A mural crown, awarded to those who first scaled a wall. Fleury had been the first to reach the ramparts, and he struck down the British flag. Glenn Tucker, Mad Anthony Wayne and the New Nation (Harrisburg, 1973), pp. 158–9.