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Medal Name: Taking of Stony Point
Struck for: Major John Stewart
Approval: Act of Congress July 26, 1779
OBVERSE
JOANNI STEWART COHORTIS PRÆFECTO COMITIA AMERICANA. (The American Congress to Major John Stewart.)
America, personified as an Indian queen, leaning on the American shield, and having at her feet an alligator, presents a palm branch to Major Stewart.
REVERSE
STONEY-POINT OPPUGNATUM. (Stony Point assaulted.)
Major Stewart, at the head of his men, is crossing an abatis of trees, in pursuit of the defeated enemy;
in the background the American troops are mounting to the assault of Stony Point
Six ships are on the Hudson River.
Exergue: XV JUL. MDCCLXXIX.(15 Julii, 1779: July 15, 1779.)
BACKGROUND
John Stewart was a major of infantry, served under General Wayne, and for his gallantry at the storming of Stony Point, on the Hudson River, July 15, 1779, Congress voted him a silver medal. No trustworthy information can befound concerning him. He is reported to have died near Charleston, South Carolina, from injuries caused by a fall from his horse.
Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to to General Wayne, to Lieutenant Colonel de Fleury, and to Major Stewart, etc.
In Congress Assembled
Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of Congress be presented to Brigadier-General Wayne for his brave, prudent, and soldierly conduct in the spirited and well-conducted attack of Stony Point.
Resolved unanimously, That Congress entertain a proper sense of the good conduct of the officers and soldiers under the command of Brigadier-General Wayne, in the assault of the enemy's works at Stony Point, and highly commend the coolness, discipline, and firm intrepidity exhibited on that occasion.
Resolved unanimously, That Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury and Major Stewart, who by their situation in leading the two attacks had a more immediate opportunity of distinguishing themselves, have, by their personal achievements, exhibited a bright example to their brother soldiers, and merit in a particular manner the approbation and acknowledgment of the United States.
Resolved unanimously, That Congress warmly approve and applaud the cool determined spirit with which Lieutenant Gibbons and Lieutenant Knox led on the forlorn hope, braving danger and death in the cause oftheir country.
Resolved unanimously, That a medal, emblematical of this action, be struck: That one of gold be presented to Brigadier-General Wayne, and a silver one to Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury and Major Stewart respectively.
Resolved unanimously, That brevets of captain be given to Lieutenant Gibbons and Lieutenant Knox.
That the brevet of captain be given to Mr. Archer, the bearer of the general's letter, and volunteer aid to Brigadier-General Wayne.
That
Congress approve the promises of reward made by General Wayne, with the concurrence of the commander-in-chief, to the troops under his command.
That the value of the military stores taken at Stony Point be ascertained, and divided among the gallant troops by whom it was reduced, in such manner and proportion as the commander-in-chief shall prescribe.
Monday, July 26, 1779.
Source: The Medallic History of the United States of America 1776-1876 by J. F. Loubat, LL.D. (1878)