and underneath these words
Novus ordo seclorum.
N. B. the Head & tail of the American bald Eagle are white the body &
wings of a lead or dove colour.
This design of Thomson’s was returned to Barton, who changed it by
inserting pales for the chevrons, the colors alternating white and red,
with a blue chief. He restored the displayed eagle as in his own design
and specified that the bundle of arrows should contain thirteen. He also
recommended that in the exergue should be the date of American
independence and in the margin a Latin legend, “Sigul. Mag. Reipub.
Confœd.,” but in the final design this was left out. The report was
written by Barton and is endorsed by Thomson, “M^r. Barton’s improvement
on the Secretary’s device.”
Device for an Armorial Atchievement for the United States of North
America, blazoned agreeably to the Laws of Heraldry—proposed by Wm.
Barton, A. M.
Arms.
Paleways of [25]thirteen pieces, Argent & Gules; a Chief Azure:—The
Escutcheon placed on the Breast of an American (the bald-headed)
Eagle, displayed, proper; holding in his Beak a Scroll, inscribed with
this Motto, viz.
“E pluribus Unum”—
And in his dexter Talon a Palm or an Olive Branch—in the other a
Bundle of 13 Arrows; all proper.
For the Crest.
Over the Head of the Eagle, which appears above the Escutcheon, a
Glory, Or; breaking through a Cloud, proper, and surrounding thirteen
Stars forming a Constellation, Argent, on an Azure Field.