_____

_R. M. Patterson to John C. Spencer._ (p. 279)

To the Honorable
John C. SPENCER, Mint, U.S.
Secretary of War. September 17, 1842.

Sir: Permit me to ask whether an appropriation was made at the
late session of Congress for defraying the expense of making a
set of medals bearing the head of the President, to be given to
Indian chiefs, as has been the custom heretofore. In consequence
of our former correspondence on this subject, you are aware that
some steps have already been taken for accomplishing this object.
Let me inquire of you whether the work is to go forward.

R. M. PATTERSON, _Director_.

_____

_D. Parker to R. M. Patterson._

R. M. PATTERSON, Esq., War Department.
Director of the Mint, Washington, D. C., Sep. 21, 1842.
Philadelphia.

Sir: In answer to your letter of the 17th instant, in the absence
of the Secretary of War, I have to state that $2,500 was
appropriated during the last session of Congress for making
medals bearing the head of the President, to be given to Indian
chiefs. Of this $50 was paid to Mr. Pettrich, and a requisition
has this day been made in your favor for $1,500, which the
Treasury Department is requested to remit to you as early as
practicable.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. PARKER, _Chief Clerk_.

No. 58. (p. 280)
PLATE LIX.

_March 4, 1845--March 4, 1849._

James K. Polk, President of the United States, 1845. [Rx]. Peace
and friendship.

PRESIDENT JAMES KNOX POLK.

[_Eleventh President of the United States of America._]

JAMES K (_Knox_) POLK PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. 1845. Bust of
President Polk, facing the left.

PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP. Two hands clasped in token of amity; on the cuff
of the left wrist three stripes, and buttons with the American eagle
on them; the other wrist bare; above the hands, a calumet and tomahawk
crossed--Indian emblems of peace and war.

The obverse of this medal, though not signed, was made by Franklin
Peale, as may be seen by the following extract from a despatch of R.
M. Patterson, director of the Mint, to William Medil