“_Perennis_”
Remarks.
The Imperial Eagle of Germany (which is sable, and with two Heads) is
represented with a Sword in one Talon, and a Sceptre in the other.
The Phœnix is emblematical of the expiring Liberty of Britain, revived
by her Descendants in America.
The Dove (perched on the right Hand of the Genius of America) is
Emblematical of Innocence and Virtue.
The Sword (held by the Eagle) is the Symbol of Courage, Authority &
Power. The Flag or Ensign denotes the United States of America, of the
sovereignty of which the Eagle is expressive.
The Pillar is the Hieroglyphic of Constancy & Fortitude; and is
likewise emblematical of Beauty, Strength & Order.
The Pyramid signifies Strength & Duration.
The other parts have been explained.
The Armorial Atchievements of Sovereign Princes & States are usually
blazoned by the planets, to represent the Colours; but that mode is
purposely deviated from, being condemned by the best Heralds.
The committee adopted this complicated design and reported it to
Congress May 9, 1782, but Congress was not satisfied with it, and on
June 13 it was referred to the Secretary of Congress.
The endorsement on Barton’s design is in Thomson’s hand, except the last
sentence, “Passed,” etc.:
N^o. 26—Report of M^r. Middleton M^r. Boudinot M^r. Rutledge. Device
of a Seal Ent^d. May 9, 1782 June 13–1782 Referred to the Sec^y of the
United States in Congress Assembled to take order. Passed June 20
1782.
The number on the report had reference to the arrangement of papers in
the Secretary’s office. The words “Passed June 20 1782,” had reference
to the later design.
It should be noticed that Barton termed the description of his device a
“blazon”—that is, a verbal description so precise that a person
understanding heraldry would be able to draw and color the arms
correctly. All of the other reports on the seal were blazons also, thus
showing the purpose of making an illuminated arms.
Barton’s design for the obverse, as he drew it for the committee, was 9½
inches by 8 inches large, and the reverse 2½ inches in diameter, and
both were in colors, the coloring following the description correctly,
and the lettering and scroll work being in black and white. The
circumstances under which Barton was called upon to submit his final
design were noted by him in a memorandum which he left among his papers:
In June, 1782 [he says] when Congress was about to form an armorial
device for a Great Seal for the United States, Charles Thomson, Esq.,
then Secretary of Congress, with Hon. Arthur Lee and Elias Boudinot,
member of Congress, called on me and consulted me on the occasion. The
Great Seal, for which I furnished these gentlemen with devices (as
certified by Charles Thomson, Esq.), was adopted by Congress on the
20th of June, 1782. Mr. Thomson informed me, four days after, that
they met with general approbation.