Charles Thomson
Secretary of the Continental Congress, 1729 to 1824, who drew together the final device of the Great Seal from three rejected committee designs and wrote the Remarks and Explanation that Congress adopted with it on 20 June 1782.
Readings given
5 passages on 2 pictures in the archive, from Remarks and Explanation, the report adopted with the device.
-
The Great Seal of the United States, the obverse
Thomson's Remarks and Explanation, page 42 of the Department of State history, 1909
“The Escutcheon is born 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.”
“The Olive branch and arrows denote the power of peace & war which is exclusively vested in Congress.”
“The pieces, paly, 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 Constellation denotes a new State taking its place and rank among other sovereign powers.”
-
The Great Seal of the United States, the reverse
Thomson's Remarks and Explanation, page 42 of the Department of State history, 1909
“Reverse. The pyramid signifies Strength and Duration: The Eye over it & 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 Aera, which commences from that date.”