The New York Packet

UNITED STATES.

NEW-YORK, JANUARY 12.

In CONGRESS, April 15th, 1784.

"CONGRESS resumed the consideration of the report on the letter of the 24th of March, from Major-General Baron Steuben, and thereupon

"Resolved, That the resignation of Baron Steuben, late Inspector-General, and Major-General, be accepted.

"That the Thanks of the United States in Congress assembled, be given to Baron Steuben, for the great zeal and abilities he has discovered in the discharge of the several duties of his office; that a GOLD HILTED SWORD be presented to him, as a mark of the high sense Congress entertain of his character and services."

War-Office, 4th January, 1787.

SIR,

THE United States in Congress assembled, by their act of the 15th of April, 1784, expressed their high sense of your military talents, services, and character, and as an honorable evidence thereof, they directed that a gold hilted Sword should be presented to you.--It is with great satisfaction I embrace the occasion of presenting you the invaluable memorial of their sentiments, and your eminent merits.

Were it possible to enhance the honor conferred by the Sovereign Authority, it would be derived from the consideration that their applause was reciprocated by the late illustrious Commander in Chief, and the whole army.

I have the honor to be,

Sir,

with the most perfect consideration,

your obedient

and humble servant,

H. KNOX.

The Hon.. Major-General

Baron De Steuben,

late Inspector-General

of the Armies of the

United States.

New-York, January 5, 1787.

SIR,

I HAVE been honored with your letter, and Captain Stagg has delivered me the Sword which the United States were pleased to order me by their act of the 15th April, 1784.

Permit me, Sir, to request that you would express to Congress, the high sentiments of respect and acknowledgment with which I receive this distinguished mark of their regard.

To a Soldier, such testimonies are ever dear. and that this is accompanied with the approbation of our late Commander in Chief, of yourself, and the army in general, will always be my greatest glory.

Accept, Sir, my sincere thanks for the very flattering manner in which you have communicated this present, and believe me to be,

With perfect regard,

Sir,

your most obedient

humble servant,

STEUBEN.

The Honorable Major-General

Knox, Secretary at War.

DESCRIPTION of the SWORD presented by

the UNITED STATES, to Major-General BA-

RON STEUBEN.

The small medallions on each side of the top of the hilt, present an eagle perched on a bunch of arrows, with a wreath of laurel in his bill, and his wings extended, ready to rise :

The genius of America fills the front medallion on the hilt, dressed in a flowing robe, ornamented with the new constellation, holding an olive branch in her right arm, and a dagger in her left hand. On the opposite side is the figure of Minerva, in martial dress, robed, and ornamented with stars; the bird of wisdom seated near : Her left hand presents the olive branch, while the right is properly supported by the spear. This figure is martial and gay ; the other is mild, and modestly embraces the olive branch, but holds the dagger with firmness. On the two lower medallions, are the word and the regulations of the army. Under these, on the shield, is on each side, an eagle seated on a knot of colours, surrounded with stars, and holding a sprig of olive in the bill, the wings extended, emblematical of peace and protection. The opposite medallions contain trophies of war, and under the shield is the following inscription:"THE UNITED STATES To Major

General Baron STEUBEN, 15 Ap. 1784

For MILITARY Merit."