“Virtus sola invicta”—
which requires no comment.
The thirteen pieces, barways, which fill up the Field of the Arms, may
represent the several States; and the same Number of Stars upon a blue
Canton, disposed in a Circle, represent a new Constellation, which
alludes to the new Empire, formed in the World by the Confœderation of
those States—Their Disposition, in the form of a circle, denotes the
Perpetuity of its Continuance, the Ring being the Symbol of Eternity.
The Eagle displayed is the Symbol of Supreme Power & Authority, and
signifies the Congress; the Pillar, upon which it rests, is used as
the Hieroglyphic of Fortitude & Constancy; and, it’s being of the
Doric Order, (which is the best proportioned & most agreeable to
Nature,) & composed of several Members or parts, all, taken together,
forming a beautiful Composition of Strength, Congruity & Usefulness,
it may with great propriety signify a well planned Government. The
Eagle, being placed on the Summit of the Column, is emblematical of
the Sovereignty of the Government of the United States; and, as
further expressive of that Idea, those two Charges or Figures are
borne on a Pale, which extends across the thirteen pieces into which
the Escutcheon is divided. The Signification of the Eye has been
already explained.
The Helmet is such as appertains to Sovereignty; and the Cap is used
as the Token of Freedom & Excellency: It was formerly worn by Dukes
“because,” says Guillim, “_they Had a more worthy Government than
other Subjects_.”—The Cock is distinguished for two most excellent
Qualities, Necessary in a free Country, viz. _Vigilance & Fortitude_.
The Genius of the American confœderated Republic is denoted by her
blue Scarf & Fillet, glittering with Stars, and by the Flag of
Congress which she displays. Her Dress is white edged with green;
Colours emblematical of Innocence and Youth. Her _purple_ Girdle &
radiated _Crown_ indicate her Sovereignty: the Word “_Virtue_” on the
former is to show, that _that_ should be her principal Ornament; and
the _radiated_ Crown, that no _Earthly_ Crown shall rule her. The Dove
on the Top of the American Standard denotes the Mildness & Lenity of
her Government.
The Knight in Armour with his bloody Lance represents the Military
Genius of the American Empire, armed in Defence of its just Rights.
His _blue_ Belt & _blue_ Feathers indicate his Country, & the _white_
Plume is in Compliment to our gallant Ally. The Wreath of Laurel round
his Helmet is expressive of his Success. The _Green_ Field of the
Banner denotes Youth and Vigor; the Harp is emblematical of the
several States acting in Harmony & Concert; the Star, _in Chief_, has
reference to America, _as principal_ in the Contest; the two
Fleurs-de-lis are borne as a grateful[22] Testimonial of the _Support_
given to her by France; and the two Swords, crossing each other,
signify a State of War. This Tenant & his Flag relate, totally, to
America at the Time of her _Revolution_.