Let’s talk (eagle v) turkey

In a letter to his daughter Sally on January 26 1784, Benjamin Franklin (one of the founding fathers of the US and at the time US Minister to France) expresses misgivings about using the American bald eagle (adopted as the Great Seal on June 20 1782) to symbolise the “brave and honest Cincinnati of America”, a newly formed society of revolutionary war officers. He describes the eagle as a bird of “bad moral Character”. Too lazy to fish for himself, “he watches the Labour of the Fishing Hawk; and when that diligent Bird has at length taken a Fish, and is bearing it to his Nest for the Support of his Mate and young Ones, the Bald Eagle pursues him and takes it from him.” Besides, he is a “rank coward: The little King Bird not bigger than a Sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the District. He is therefore by no means a proper Emblem for the brave and honest Cincinnati of America who have driven all the

King birds from our Country...” Franklin writes he is not displeased that the “figure” on the badge of the Society of Cincinnati Medal (pictured left) looks more like a turkey, “a much more respectable Bird and withal a true original Native of America ... He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on.” – greatseal.com