The history of the seal of the United States

by Gaillard Hunt

For the Crest.

Over the Head of the Eagle, which appears above the Escutcheon, a Glory, Or; breaking through a Cloud, proper, and surrounding thirteen Stars forming a Constellation, Argent, on an Azure Field.

In the Exergue of the Great Seal—

“Jul. iv. MDCCLXXVI”—

In the Margin of the same—

“Sigil. Mag. Reipub.

“Confœd. Americ.”