Existing comment:
Society of the Cincinnati eagle insignia
1800
An honorary membership in the New York State Society of the Cincinnati was awarded to Rev. Dr. William Adolphus Linn for his eulogy to George Washington, delivered before the society on February 22, 1800. Hamilton -- who sat through more than one funeral oration for Washington -- found "an originality of thought, an energy of expression, and a genius displayed in" Linn's speech.
Created by New York goldsmith John Cook, Linn's eagle is a rare early example of an American-made society insignia. Hamilton was almost certainly in attendance when it was presented to Linn on July 4, 1800. |