Crest The Eye of Providence in a radiant Triangle whose Glory extends over the Shield and beyond the Figures.
Motto E Pluribus Unum.
Legend, round the whole atchievement. Seal of the United States of America MDCCLXXVI.
On the other side of the said Great Seal should be the following Device. Pharaoh sitting in an open Chariot, a Crown on his head and a Sword in his hand passing through the divided Waters of the Red Sea in pursuit of the Israelites; Rays from a pillar of Fire in the Cloud, expressive of the divine Presence and Command, beaming on Moses who stands on the Shore and extending his hand over the Sea causes it to overwhelm Pharaoh.
Motto Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God.[[11]]
This is endorsed, “Copy of a Report made Aug. 10, 1776,” and is in the handwriting of no member of the committee, but of James Lovell.
The description of the arms by Du Simitière is among the Jefferson Papers in the Library of Congress, and shows a design identical with that approved by the committee, except as to the supporters, Du Simitière’s description being:
Supporters, dexter, the Goddess Liberty, in a corslet of armour, (alluding to the present times) holding in her right hand the Spear and Cap, resting with her left on an anchor, emblem of Hope. Senester, an american Soldier, compleatly accoutred in his hunting shirt and trousers, with his tomahawk, powder horn, pouch &c. holding with his left hand his rifle gun rested, and the Shield of the States with his right.
Reverse
[Drawing by Benson J. Lossing from the description]