seventy-two.

Approved January 24, 1873.

No. 82. (p. 438)
PLATE LXXXII.

_1876._

These United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and
independent States. [Rx]. In commemoration of the hundredth
anniversary, etc.

CENTENNIAL MEDAL.

[_Hundredth Anniversary of American Independence._]

THESE UNITED COLONIES ARE, AND OF RIGHT OUGHT TO BE, FREE AND
INDEPENDENT STATES.[127] A female figure, personifying the United
Colonies, is kneeling, with a sword in her right hand, while she
points with her left to a constellation of thirteen stars,
emblematical of the thirteen original United States. Exergue: 1776.

[Footnote 127: These words occur in the following
resolution of the Continental Congress:

IN CONGRESS.

_Resolved_: That the consideration of the first
resolution be postponed to Monday, the first day of
July next, and in the meanwhile, that no time be
lost in case the Congress agree thereto, that a
committee be appointed to prepare a declaration to
the effect of the said first resolution, which is
in these words: "That these United Colonies are,
and of right ought to be, Free and Independent
States, that they are absolved from all allegiance
to the British Crown; and that all political
connection between them and the State of Great
Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."

Monday, June 10th, 1776.]

IN COMMEMORATION OF THE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN
INDEPENDENCE. ACT OF CONGRESS JUNE 1874. America personified as a
maiden, coiffed with the Phrygian cap of liberty, girt with a sword,
and with the shield of the United States of America by her side, is
crowning with laurels two female figures representing Manufactures and
Arts. On the platform, 1876.

This medal, though not signed, is by William Barber.

_____

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS. (p. 439)

_Act of Congress Authorizing Centennial Medals._

_Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States in Congress assembled_: That medals with