Having given one version of the origin of the Granby copper, we must not omit to state that the "learned professions" have a claim that its honor lies with them. This plain Mr. Highley, blacksmith, as we have denominated him, being, by another authority, transformed into an M. D., who, if he were the originator and manufacturer of these coins, evidenced a much greater proclivity for edge-tools than for Materia Medica. FLORIDA PIECE. Device.-The bust of Charles III. of Spain, facing to the right, the hair flowing in ringlets over the neck, and clothed in regal costume. Legend.-CARLOS. III. D. G. HISPAN REX. Reverse.-A large full-blown rose with leaf and bud, on a stem. (Size 9. See Plate VIII., Figure 1.) 1760. This very curious, as well as interesting piece, is in silver, and is now in the cabinet of Joseph J. Mickley, Esq., of Philadelphia, who received it in the way of business as a half dollar; that being intrinsically about its value. It has naturally attracted much attention from those numismatologists who have become cognizant of its existence, and they have taken a deep interest in the origin of, and authority for, its emission; but the archives of Spain throw no light upon it. It may have been designed as a currency for Florida, though the most natural construction we can put upon it is, that it was struck off as a medium between the colonial Governor and the Indians, it being known that titles were conferred, or commissions granted to their chiefs. We have been informed that one of these commissions is now preserved in Florida, which was found carefully located in the pouch of an Indian chief who was shot. This commission denominated him the chief of the medal; and it indicates pretty clearly that if this piece was not designed as the emblem of an order of distinction among the aborigines, the Spaniards so applied it, after they became acquainted with their natural vanity. We think a similar piece cannot be found in any other cabinet in our country. PITT PIECE. Device. A bust intended for Pitt, in citizen's plain dress, and facing to the left; the hair in a cue. Legend.-THE RESTORER OF COMMERCE. Exergue.-NO STAMPS. 1766. Reverse.-A ship under full sail, on the stern of which appears AMERICA. 1766. The country was indebted to the ubiquitous patriotism of Colonel Paul Revere, of Boston, Massachusetts, for this medalet, who originated and designed it, the artist being, it is said, a Mr. Smithers, of Philadelphia. The "stamp act" was passed March 22d, 1765, and repealed March 18th, 1766, through the instrumentality of Mr. Pitt, who maintained, with all his great ability and eloquence, that taxation was no part of the governing or legislative power which Parliament had a right to exert over the colonies; and concluded with a motion, "that the stamp act be repealed totally, absolutely, and immediately." The bill received the sanction of the king on the 18th day of March, the stamp act being upon the statute book a few days less than a year. The admiration felt for Mr. Pitt, for the noble stand he had taken in behalf of the just rights of the colonists, led to the emission of this medalet, which was about the size of a quarter of a dollar, evidently gotten up with much haste, and composed of an inferior quality of brass. As an emblem of gratitude to Mr. Pitt, and a manifestation of popular feeling in the colonies, it possessed all the value that the purest gold could have conferred upon it. The night after the passage of the "stamp act," Doctor Franklin, then in London, wrote to Charles Thompson: "The sun of liberty is set; you must light up the candles of industry and economy." Mr. Thompson replied: "Be assured we shall light up torches of quite another sort." Nothing occurred in the history of the colonies that excited such a deep feeling of dissatisfaction, and united and determined opposition to the mother country, as the stamp act; and which continued not only unabatedly, but progressively, till its repeal. Everything was undertaken that genius could devise, or human will accomplish against it, except a resort to arms. Virginia first, and, afterwards, all the rest of the colonies, declared against the right of Great Britain to tax America. It was this act that imbued Patrick Henry with the patriotic fire which gave rise to that memorable episode in the House of Burgesses of Virginia, in which he asserted that the king, in assenting to the act for taxing the colonies, had acted the part of a tyrant; and alluding to the fate of other tyrants, he exclaimed: "Cæsar had his Brutus, Charles I. his Cromwell, and George III."-he was interrupted by the cry of "treason" -pausing for a moment, he deliberately concluded-"may profit by their example; if this be treason, make the most of it." Non-importation agreements were entered into; combinations formed against eating lamb, in order to increase the growth of wool, and among the ladies, renouncing every kind of luxury imported from Great Britain. This practical patriotism soon brought the mother country to its senses; and we venture to suggest, though by some it may |