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. W. BARTON.[23] IV THE SECRETARY’S DEVICE Barton’s elaborate design fixed the reverse, but that part of the seal does not appear to have caused much discussion. For the obverse it produced the displayed eagle, but Barton’s eagle was crested and not the American or bald-headed eagle.