Report on the Seal of the United States

By the United States in Congress assembled June 20, 1782 On a report of the secretary of Congress to whom were referred the several reports on a device for a great Seal, to take order.

The device for an armorial Achievement, and Reverse of a Great Seal for the United States in Congress assembled is as follows.

Arms.
Paleways of thirteen pieces, Argent and Gules, A Chief azure. The Escutcheon on the breast of the America Bald Eagle displayed, proper, holding in his dextor talon an Olive branch and in his sinister a bundle of thirteen Arrows, all proper, and in his beak a scroll inscribed with this motto “E pluribus unum.”

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.

Reverse.
A Pyramid unfinished In the zenith an Eye in a triangle surrounded with a Glory, proper; over the Eye these words.
Annuit coeptis
On the base of the pyramid the numerical letters MDCCLXXVI. and under neath the following motto.
Novus Ordo Seclorum

Explanation of the Device

The escutcheon is compiled of the Chief and the Pale the two most honourable Ordinaries. The thirteen pieces paly represent the several States in the Union all joined in one solid compact entire. Supporting a Chief which unites the whole and represents Congress. The Motto alludes to this Union.

The pales are kept united by the Chief; and the Chief depends for its support on that union and the strength resulting from it to denote the Confederacy of the United States and the preservation of their union by Congress. The colours of the pales are those used in the flag of the United States of America. White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness and valour; and Blue, the colour of the Chief, signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice.

The Olive branch and Arrows denote the power of Peace & War exclusively vested in Congress.

The Constellation denotes a new State taking its place & rank among other sovereign powers.

The Escutcheon is borne on the breast of an American Eagle without any other supporters to denote that the United States of America ought to rely on their own virtue & not on foreign support.

The Pyramid on the reverse signifies Strength and Duration.

The Eye over it and the Motto allude to the many signal Interpositions of Providence in favour of the American cause.

The Date underneath is that of the Declaration of Independence; and the words under it signify the beginning of the new American era which commences from that Date. ____ __________________________

Cha Thomson Sc.y [Secretary] ______