Arms.
On a field Chevrons composed of seven pieces on one side & six on the other, joined together at the top in such wise that each of the six bears against or is supported by & supports two of the opposite side the pieces of the chevrons on each side alternate red & white. The shield born on the breast of an American Eagle on the Wing & rising proper. In the dexter talon of the Eagle an Olive branch & in the sinister a bundle of arrows. Over the head of the Eagle a constellation of Stars surrounded with bright rays and at a little distance clouds.
CHARLES THOMSON’S DESIGN
[Traced from the original]
Face p. [34]
In the bill of the Eagle a scroll with the words E pluribus unum.—
Reverse
A pyramid unfinished
In the Zenith an Eye in a triangle surrounded with a glory, proper.
Over the eye these words
Annuit cœptis
On the base of the pyramid the numerical letters
MDCCLXXVI
and underneath these words
Novus ordo seclorum.
N. B. the Head & tail of the American bald Eagle are white the body & wings of a lead or dove colour.
This design of Thomson’s was returned to Barton, who changed it by inserting pales for the chevrons, the colors alternating white and red, with a blue chief. He restored the displayed eagle as in his own design and specified that the bundle of arrows should contain thirteen. He also recommended that in the exergue should be the date of American independence and in the margin a Latin legend, “Sigul. Mag. Reipub. Confœd.,” but in the final design this was left out. The report was written by Barton and is endorsed by Thomson, “Mr. Barton’s improvement on the Secretary’s device.”
Device for an Armorial Atchievement for the United States of North America, blazoned agreeably to the Laws of Heraldry—proposed by Wm. Barton, A. M.