Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/575

 SAXONY.

ORDER OF THE RUE CROWN.

Napoleon having raised Saxony to a kingdom, the new King, Frederick Augustus, yielded to the general wish and founded a separate Order for his monarchy. The suggestion, in fact, emanated from Napoleon himself, whose portrait adorned the original decoration. In the warrant, dated 20th July, 1807, the King says: "that it was his intention to bequeath to his successors a remembrance of the time when Providence showed itself so favourable to Saxony, and his own house; and to furnish them, moreover, with the means of rewarding in a brilliant manner those of their subjects who might distinguish themselves in devotion to fatherland."

The King is Grand Master, and his sons and nephews are born Knights of the Order.

To the King, is reserved the exclusive right to admit into it other Princes of his house, as well as foreign Princes and grandees.

The obverse of the decoration (Plate 78. Tab. I. No. 2) shows the initials F. A. surmounted by the royal crown, and the reverse, the motto: ' Providentie memor,' (Mindful of Providence). It is worn across the right shoulder, towards the left hip by a broad green watered ribbon.

In the octagonal radiant star which the Knights wear on the left side of the breast, is a medal surrounded by the