"And we do, therefore, most straightly command that no soldier at any time do sell, nor any of our subjects presume to buy, or wear, any of these said Badges, other than they to whom we shall give the same, and that under such pain and punishment as the Council of War shall think fit to inflict if any shall presume to offend against this our Royal command. And we further require the said Commanders and Wardens of our Mint to keep several registers of the names of those, and of their country, for whom they shall give their certificate. Given at our Court, at Oxford, the 18th day of May, 1643." It is unfortunate that what records were presumably kept, under these orders, were destroyed by a disastrous fire which took place at Oxford in 1644. Thus we neither know how many specimens of the Forlorn Hope medal were distributed, nor do we even know for certain the exact design it bore. A number of identical copies exist of a medallion bearing the profile of King Charles on the obverse, and that of Prince Charles on the reverse, and this is usually considered to be the award in question. The Dunbar medal, the next to call for attention, is of special interest, as it was the first British award to be given to every member of the fighting forces, whether man or officer. This attractive decoration was struck in 1650 in two sizes, a small gold piece for officers and a large copper one for distribution among the ranks. Both bore the same design, namely, Cromwell's profile and the inscription "Word.at.Dunbar. The Lord of Hosts. Septem. Y. 3. 1650.," on the obverse, and a view, in exaggerated perspective, of Parliament in full assembly on the reverse. A curious letter, referring to the design of this medal, and written by the Protector, is still extant. It explains that Cromwell while in Scotland received a visit from the artist chosen by Parliament to execute the design. The artist went to beg a few sittings of the great leader with a view to producing a faithful portrait-likeness. But Cromwell was extremely loath to allow his features to be displayed upon the medal, and advanced all manner of excuses, probably owing to feelings of over-sensitiveness. In the end he was prevailed upon, and the medal bore his profile as stated above. This incident is of special interest, as historians have seldom, if ever, mentioned in discussing the character of this able soldier that one of his qualities was modesty. * * * * * After Dunbar came a lengthy period during which many medals were struck; they were all, however, of an individual character, being awarded to leaders for personal services.