The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

From the Morning Chronicle.

Honorary Medal—On March 24th, 1800, Congress voted to Commodore Truxtun a Gold Medal, as a mark of their sense of his gallantry, and the bravery of the American tars under his command, in supporting the honor of the American flag. The particular action that occasioned this honorable testimony of national respect, was his engagement in the Constellation of 38 guns, with the French directory man of war, La Vengeance, of 54 guns.

Calumny had whispered that this medal, which was voted under the old administration, would be very lamely put into execution under the present—if the vote was at all acted on. We are happy to find that, in contradiction of this report, every attention has been exerted to honor this vote of Congress, and the ablest artists in our country employed to carry it into effect. The work was some time since completed, and the medal presented by the President in a very handsome manner to Commodore Truxtun. Owing to an accident in the mint very few impressions were struck: of course those few will be objects of demand at a future day. We have seen an impression, and have heard the opinion expressed by a person on whose judgment we can place confidence. According to this information, we consider it superior to any thing of the kind previously executed in this country. We shall not be singular in considering it honorable to our nation thus to distinguish the brave exertions of its citizens.

On one side of the medal is an excellent likeness of the Commodore—the inscription,

PATRIÆ PATRIS FILIO DIGNO.

And beneath,

THOMAS TRUXTON.

On the reverse is a representation of the action, with an inscription, nearly in the words of Mr. Randolph, in the debate that preceded the vote of Congress.

United States Frigate Constellation, of 38 guns, pursues, attacks and Vanquishes the French ship La Vengeance, of 54 guns, 1st March, 1800.

And beneath,

BY VOTE OF CONGRESS TO THOMAS TRUXTON, March 24th, 1800.

The design for the medal and the likeness were by Mr. Archibald Robertson, of this city, and the die was engraved by Mr. R. Scott, of the mint, Philadelphia.