Catalog Reference

A.J.N., II, 64; XXVI, 18
V.L. Sup. 572

Frisia was the first of the Dutch states to recognize American independence from Britain. Quite symbolic, this medal illustrates a Frisian in ancient armor holding the hand of a young Indian Maiden representing America while holding back Britain who, while holding out an olive branch, stands with her lion at her side and a snake in the grass at her feet.

John Adams, the main mover and shaker on America's behalf in the Netherlands in 1782, received two specimens of this medal for his collection in April 1783. His thank you note is worth reprinting in full.

Gentlemen, -- I have received the letter which you did me the honor to write me on the 29th day of last month, and the friendly sentiments it contains towards the United States of America deserve my warmest acknowledgments.

The resolutions of the States of Friesland, taken in the assemblies of February and April, 1782, do honor to that Province. The acknowledgment of the sovereignty of the United States of America, and the refusal of a separate peace by their High Mightinesses, the states-general, was one of those critical decisions which sometimes turn the tide of the affairs of men, and produce the unraveling of great scenes among nations. It seemed to open the eyes of the British nation, and to determine the fluctuating opinions of the whole world, and, consequently, contributed very much to accelerate the peace.

The medals you did me the honor to present me with this letter, are struck in great perfection, and express with a beautiful simplicity the two great events they were intended to commemorate. You will please to accept of my thanks for them. The first favorable opportunity shall be taken to present one of them to congress, as you desire.

Your republic, I am persuaded, will have no cause to repent of the part she has taken in favor of America; and may the friendship, correspondence, and alliance between the two nations be perpetual.

Permit me to add my best wishes for the prosperity of your society, and the felicity of your persons and families.

With great esteem and respect, &c.

JOHN ADAMS.

John Adams became the American ambassador to Holland -- one of the few republics in the world at the time. Adams secured recognition of America as an independant government from the Dutch, and negotiated a much needed loan of 5 million guilders from Dutch financiers Nicholaas van Straphorst and Wilhelm Willink. In October of 1782 Adams negotiated with the Dutch for a treaty of amity and commerce, the first such treaty with a foreign power since the treaty with France in 1778. The house that Adams purchased became the first American owned embassy on foreign soil anywhere in the world.