William Henry Harrison, ninth President

2 pages, (8 1/2 x 9 1/2 in; 216 x 241 mm) on a bifolium, Northbend, Ohio, 2 September 1822, to John C. Calhoun, Secretary of War, with with integral address leaf marked “Free.” [Accompanied by:] Manuscript Document. “Extract of a letter from Col Charles Todd to Genl Harrison,” in unknown hand, n.p., n.d.

Alvin and Marjorie Kantor (Christie's New York, 16 November 1996, lot 25) — Charles E. Sigety (Christie's New York, 12 June 2015, lot 41)

WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON RECALLS THE DEATH OF TECUMSEH AND MEDALS FOR THE BATTLE THAT ENDED BRITISH THREATS TO THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. In 1822, Congress proposed that the Philadelphia Mint coin commemorative medals to honor General Harrison and General Isaac Shelby, the two commanding officers at the historic Battle of the Thames (October 5, 1813). There, Harrison’s ragtag army resoundingly defeated a combined British and Indian force on Canadian soil, shattering Chief Tecumseh’s confederacy and securing U.S. possession of the Old Northwest territory. Shelby had asked that his medal show the death of Tecumseh, while Todd suggested that Harrison’s medal might depict the cavalry charge, the surrender of the British, or the defense of Fort Meigs. Harrison harks back to the battle and expresses characteristically strong opinions on the scene to be chosen for the medal. The victory catapulted Harrison to national fame and his short-lived presidency.

Harrison here expresses his preferences for the design of his medal: "I think indeed I should have been first consulted for a choice of incidents in an action where the plan was all my own without having had the slightest suggestion from any other officer. However the incident chosen by [Kentucky] Gov. [Isaac] Shelby is I think a very proper one for his medal as Tecumseh was killed directly in front of that part of the line of Infantry which the Governor commanded. I adopt the suggestion of Col. Todd in relation to the charge on the British line by the Mounted Corps. My immediate position at the time the charge was made 'was on the right of the charging column. Immediately in our rear were a Regiment of Militia Infantry in line & a Detachment of U.S. Infantry in Column of Sections. … If the suggestion of Colo. Todd as to the Defence of Fort Meiggs is admissible I would make but one alteration to his proposition & that is to make the Sortie on the Right flank the prominent part of the Scene & my own position Woods battery superintending that Sortie rather than on Cushings recalling Dudleys Command. Colo. Gratiot was an eye witness of all the incidents of this eventful Day & knows as well as any man how I was employed. If the other Medals should be presented before mine is ready I should be glad that the reason of the delay should be published. "

In the end, a simpler design was chosen, as shown in Benson Lossing’s Pictorial Field-Book of the War of 1812. Congress awarded approximately 30 gold medals relating to the War of 1812. Harrison and Andrew Jackson are the only Congressional Medal of Honor winners to be elected to the presidency.