The national medals of the United States, and essays, and addresses

Front matter

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ChapA^B Copyright No..

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Preface

A preface is an apology ; something like the special pleas in justification, or confession and avoidance.

The paper on " The National Medals of the United States " was published and distributed by the Maryland Historical Society in 1887. The edition was soon exhausted, but correspondents still continue to ask where a copy can be obtained.

Many requests have also been made for the lecture on the Ober Aramergau Passion Play, which has been frequently delivered for various charities, but never printed. The " Talks on Taxation," in the opinion of some partial friends, were worth preserving in a form, more substantial than a pamphlet.

In deciding to publish these papers, and add some addresses and essays on subjects of special interest to the writer, this little book has been evolved.

These are the special pleas in justification, " as to the speaking and publishing of the said words, as in the counts above mentioned. And of this he, the said defendant, puts himself upon the country, &c."

Richard M. McSherry.

courtmacsherry,

Baltimore County, Maryland,

October 15th, 1897.

Contents

PAGE.

1. THE NATIONAL MEDALS OF THE UNITED STATES;

A paper read before the Maryland Historical Society, 14th of March, 1887 5