The history of the seal of the United States

by Gaillard Hunt

“The members chosen, Mr. Lovell, Mr. Scott and Mr. Houston.”

The MS. journal for May 17, 1780, says:

“The report of the committee on the device of a seal was taken into consideration; and after debate,

“Ordered, That it be recommitted.”

[21]. Pennsylvania Magazine, X, 414.

[22]. Note by Barton: “In the Arms of Scotland, as marshalled in the Royal Atchievement, the double Tressure which surrounds the Lion is borne flory and counter flory (with Fleurs-de-lis); which is in Consequence of a Treaty that was entered into, between Charlemagne, then Emperor & King of France, and Achaius King of Scotland; to denote that the French Lillies should guard & defend the Scottish Lion.”

[23]. Totten, I, 104, 108; Mass. Hist. Soc. Proceedings, 1866–1867, p. 351.

[24]. Note by Henry Livingston Thomas, late Translator, Department of State.

[25]. Note by Barton: “As the Pales or Pallets consist of an uneven Number, they ought, in strictness, to be blazoned—Arg^t. 6 Pallets gules: but as the 13 pieces allude to the thirteen States, they are blazoned according to the Number of pieces paleways.”

[26]. Vol. II, p. 656.