On March 25, 1779, it was ordered that the report of the committee on the device of a great seal for the United States, in Congress assembled, be referred to another committee. On May 10 this committee reported as follows:
The seal to be four inches in diameter, on one side the arms of the United States, as follows: the shield charged in the field with thirteen diagonal stripes alternately red and white.
Supporters, dexter, a warrior holding a sword: sinister, a figure representing Peace bearing an olive branch.
The Crest, a radiant constellation of thirteen stars.
The motto, Bello vel Pace.
The legend round the achievement, "Seal of the United States."
On the Reverse the figure of Liberty, seated in a chair, holding the staff and cap.
The Motto, "Semper," underneath MDCCLXXVI.
This report was taken into consideration on May 17, and after debate ordered to be recommitted. The result was another report:
The seal to be three inches in diameter, on one side the arms of the United States, as follows: the shield charged in the field azure, with thirteen diagonal stripes, alternate rouge and argent.