The E-Sylum:  Volume 6, Number 8, February 23, 2003, Article 9

KITTANNING MEDAL DOCUMENTS

  While looking up other things I came across some original
  documents relating to the Kittanning medal, in web pages
  on the history of Armstrong County, PA.  It is thought to
  be the earliest American medal.  The following background
  information comes from the Harry Bass collection web site:

  "Kittanning was an Indian village on the banks of the Allegheny
  River, located 45 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which
  was burned during the French and Indian War.  According to
  Betts, each of the commissioned British officers involved in
  the affair was awarded one of these medals struck in silver.
  Edward Duffield, a Philadelphia watchmaker, is credited with
  having prepared these dies.., which have survived and are
  housed at the Philadelphia Mint, according to Betts."

  The following text is excerpted from the "Historical Sketch of
  Armstrong County."   See the web page for more information.
  http://www.pa-roots.com/~armstrong/smithproject/history/chap1b.html

  "Description of the medal sent to Col. Armstrong:

  Occasion.  In honor of the late Col. Armstrong, of Carlisle,
  Pennsylvania, for destroying Kittanning Indian towns.

  Device. An officer followed by two soldiers; the officer
  pointing to a soldier shooting from behind a tree and an Indian
  prostrate before him. In the background Indian houses are seen
  in flames.

  Legend.  Kittanning destroyed by Col. Armstrong, September,
  1756.

  Reverse Device. The arms of the corporation of Philadelphia,
  consisting of four devices: On the right a ship under full sail; on
  the left a pair of scales equally balanced;  in the right, above the
  ship, a wheat sheaf; on the left, two hands locked.

  Legend.  The gift of the corporation of the city of Philadelphia."

  To Col. John Armstrong:

  Sir:  The corporation of the city of Philadelphia greatly approve
  your conduct and public spirit in the late expedition against the
  town of Kittanning, and are highly pleased with the signal proofs
  of courage and personal bravery given by you and the officers
  under your command in demolishing that place. I am, therefore,
  ordered to return you and them the thanks of the Board for the
  eminent service you have thereby done your country.  I am also
  ordered by the corporation to present you, out of their small
  public stock, with a piece of plate and silver medal, and each of
  your officers with a medal and a small sum of money, to be
  disposed of in a manner most agreeable to them; which the
  Board desire you will accept as a testimony of the regard they
  have for your merit. Signed by order,

  January 5, 1757. ATWOOD SHUTE, Mayor."

  A 1963 presentation by Dr. R. J. Hudson to the Western
  Pennsylvania Numismatic Society is also available on the web at:
  http://www.coinlibrary.com/wpns/club_wpns_pr_kittanning.htm

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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