Explanation

Of a medal dedicated to their noble powers the States of Friesland by the Société Bourgeoise founded at Leeuwarden with the motto “With Liberty and Zeal.”

One sees on this medal a Frisian dressed in the traditional and characteristic costume of Frisians between the Flie and the Lauwers, which indicates that this free nation has always remained the same, by virtue of its original character and love of liberty. This Frisian is giving his right hand to the Republic of the United States of America, in recognition of the freedom and independence of this republic, designated by the scepter she is trampling underfoot and by the broken chains seen to one side. Since she is not yet fully in calm and peaceful possession of this freedom, despite having sure and certain omens of it, she is gazing at an angel, who is descending from above and offering her a liberty cap as a special gift from heaven.

This Frisian, having noticed the snake hidden in the grass, rejects with his left hand the separate peace offered by England. The leopard is the symbol of that kingdom.

Reverse side

The Frisian arms, borne aloft by a hand emerging from a cloud, above all draws our grateful attention to the special providence of heaven, through which the form of government, the basis of liberty, has been hitherto preserved.

Beneath one reads:

Aan de Staaten van Vriesland Ter dankbaare Nagedagtenisse van de Landsdagen in Febr: en Apr: 1782 Toegewyd dourde Burger Societeit door Vryheiden Yver. te Leeuwarden.

That is to say:

Dedicated To the States of Friesland In grateful memory Of the diets held in February and April 1782

By the Société Bourgeoise With Liberty and Zeal At Leeuwarden

This inscription indicates that although the freedom and independence of the United States of America are explicitly recognized in the medal, as is the rejection of a separate peace with England, these being the two objects of the most importance, of which Friesland has set an example to the States of the other provinces, we have nonetheless accepted all the resolutions passed in the said diets with the most perfect approbation and acclaim.3