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. In the Exergue of the Great Seal— “Jul. iv. MDCCLXXVI”— In the Margin of the same— “Sigil. Mag. Reipub. “Confœd. Americ.” Remarks. The Escutcheon is composed of the Chief & Pale, the two most honorable ordinaries: the latter represent the several States; all joined in one solid, compact Entire, supporting a Chief, which unites the whole & represents Congress—The Motto alludes to this Union.—The Colours or Tinctures of the Pales are those used in the Flag of the United States—White signifies Purity & Innocence; Red, Hardiness & Valour. The Chief denotes Congress—Blue is the Ground of the American uniform, and this Colour signifies Vigilance, Perseverance & Justice. The Meaning of the Crest is obvious, as is likewise that of the Olive Branch & Arrows. The Escutcheon being placed on the Breast of the Eagle displayed is a very antient Mode of bearing, & is truly imperial. The Eagle _displayed_ is an Heraldical Figure; and, being borne in the Manner here described, supplies the Place of Supporters & Crest. The American States need no Supporters but their own Virtue, and the Preservation of their Union through Congress.—The Pales in the Arms are kept closely united by the Chief, which last likewise depends on that Union & the Strength resulting from it, for its own Support—the Inference is plain. W. B. June 19^{th}. 1782