THE PUBLIC SEALS, OR COATS OF ARMS, OF THE SEVERAL UNITED STATES. As the engraved copies of the Public Seals, or Coats of Arms of the several United States, would possess little interest without the appropriate Descriptions or Explanations accompany. ing them, and as the latter cannot be fully understood without a knowledge of the Heraldric terms, in which those descriptions are often worded, we deem it important to give a brief account of the origin, nature, and design, of these and similar emblematical devices. In the early ages of the world, and even among the rudest people, various devices, signs, and marks of honor, were used to distinguish the great and noble from the ignoble vulgar. Thus we find in the writings of Homer, Virgil, and Ovid, that their heroes had divers figures on their shields, whereby their persons were distinctly known. Nations also adopted symbolical signs of distinction, which they displayed on their banners and arms. Thus the national emblem of the Egyptians was an Oz, of the Athenians an Owl, of the Goths a Bear, of the Romans an Eagle, of the Franks a Lion, and of the Saxons a Horse. Even the North American savages had their distinctive emblems. Thus the Otter was the emblem of the Ottawas; and the Wolf, the Bear, and the Turtle, of the divisions of the Iroquois tribes ;—and these devices were often painted on the bodies of their warriors. It is supposed that, in Europe, the Crusades and Tournaments were the cause of methodizing and perfecting into a science the various national, family, and individual emblems, to which was given the name of Heraldry; a term which embraced, originally, not only all that pertains to Coats of Arms, but also to the marshalling of armies, solemn processions, and all ceremonies of a public nature. The term "Coats of Arms" probably originated from the circumstance that the ancients embroidered various colored devices on the coats they wore over their armor. Also, those who joined the Crusades, and those who enlisted in the tournaments, had their devices depicted on their arms, or armor-as on their shields, banners, &c.; and as the colors could not here be retained, particular marks were used to represent them. All coats of arms, formed according to the rules of Heraldry, are delineated on Shields or Escutcheons, which are of various forms, oval, triangular, heptagonal, &c. The parts composing the escutcheon, or represented on it, are Tinctures, Furs, Lines, Borders, and Charges. The description of the first and last only, is essential to our purpose. By TINCTURES is meant the various colors used, the names and marks of which are as follow Or, (golden or yellow,) is represented by dots or points. (See No. 1.) Argent, (silver or white,) is plain. "No. 2.) Azure, (or blue,) is represented by horizontal lines. Gules, (or red,) by perpendicular lines. "No. 3.) "No. 4.) Vert, (or green,) by diagonal lines from the upper right corner to the lower left.("No. 5.) Purpure, (or purple,) from upper left to lower right. ("No. 6.) "No. 7.) Sable, (or black,) by horizontal and perpendicular lines crossing each other. For the use of these, and other heraldric terms, see the copies of the recorded descriptions of the seals of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Missouri. Sometimes, although seldom, the names of the precious stones are used to represent colors See the recorded description of the seal of Massachusetts. CHARGES are whatever are represented on the field of the escutcheon; the principal of which, in addition to natural and celestial figures, are the Chief, the Pale, the Bend, the Fess, the Bar, the Cheveron, the Cross, and the Saltier; each of which, although occupying its ap propriate space and position in the escutcheon, and governed by definite rules, admits of a great variety of representations The external ornaments of the escutcheon are Crowns, Coronets, Mitres, Helmets, Mantlings, * In all heraldric descriptions, that which is called the right side, is opposite the spectator's left hand; and vice versa. Caps, Wreaths, Crests, Scrolls, and Supporters. Some escutcheons have none of these orna. ments, and others nearly all of them. The last mentioned are placed on the side of the escutcheon, standing on a scroll, and are thus named because they appear to support or hold up the shield. (See the seals of Maine, New York, New Jersey, Arkansas, Missouri, and Michigan.) It will be seen that the Coats of Arms of many of the States do not strictly follow the rules of Heraldry, inasmuch as they are not represented on shields, or escutcheons, unless the entire circular seals be deemed the escutcheons, of which there would be no impropriety, except that some would then contain the figures of shields within shields. The design and the effect however are the same in both cases, whether the shield be or be not used. Where the heraldric terms are used in the recorded descriptions of the seals, we have written the descriptions anew, giving their purport in our own language, with the exception of the descriptions of the seals of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Missouri, which, for the purpose of illustration, we have given in both forms. The seals of the several States, on which are delineated the Coats of Arms which they have adopted, are used by the proper authorities to attest and give validity to public records and documents; and to many public writings the "Great Seal of State" is an essential requisite. In addition, these Coats of Arms of the States are interesting historical records, all having some peculiar significancy of meaning-being emblematical of what each State deemed appropriate to express the peculiar circumstances, character, and prospects of its people-and many of them enforcing, by significant mottoes, great moral and political truths, and shadowing forth, by their various representatives of agriculture, commerce, and the arts-liberty, justice, and patriotism, the future greatness and glory of the nation. Viewed in this light, these devices convey many useful lessons, and are interesting and appropriate embellishments for a History of our Country. Such is our apology for introducing them here. The engravings of most of the seals will be found different, in many respects, from those hitherto presented to the public. In this matter we have studied ACCURACY, disregarding those additions and changes which the fancy of artists has substituted in the place of the original designs. In order to obtain correct copies, we have been at the trouble of procuring impressions from the original seals; and also, where they have been preserved, the recorded descriptions, found in the offices of the secretaries of state. DIRIGO MAINE.-The Coat of Arms of the State of Maine, as delineated on the seal of the State, consists of a white or silver shield, on which is represented a Pine Tree; and at the foot of the same a Moose Deer, in a recumbent posture. The Shield is supported, on the right, by a Husbandman resting on a scythe, and on the left, by a Seaman resting on an anchor. The masts of a ship appear in the distance on the left. In the foreground are represented sea and land; and under the shield is the name of the State, in large Roman capitals. Above the shield, for a "Crest," is the North Star; and between the star and the shield is the motto, DIRIGO, "I direct." The Pine Tree, represented on the escutcheon, called the Mast Pine-an evergreen of towering height and enormous size-the largest and most useful of American pines, and the best timber for masts, is one of the staples of the commerce of Maine,as well as the pride of her forests. The Moose Deer, the largest of the native animals of the State, which retires before the approaching steps of human inhabitancy, and is thus an emblem of liberty, is here represented quietly reposing, to denote the extent of uncultivated lands which the State possesses MAINE As in the Arms of the United States a cluster of stars represents the States composing the Nation, so the North Star may be considered particularly applicable to the most northern member of the confederacy, and as it is a directing point in navigation, (Dirigo,) and is here used to represent the State, so the latter may be considered the citizen's guide, and the object to which the patriot's best exertions should be directed. The "Supporters" of the shield-a Husbandman on one side representing Agriculture, and a Seaman on the other representing Commerce and Fisheries-indicate that the State is supported by these primary vocations of its inhabitants. SIGILLUM NEW HAMPSHIRE.-The seal of the State of New Hampshire contains the following devic ard inscription. Around a circular field, encompassed by a wreath of laurels, are the words in Roman capitals, SIGILLUM REIPUBLICA NEO HANTONIENSIS, "The Seal of the State of New Hampshire," with the date "1754," indicating the period of the adoption of the State Constitution. On the held in the foreground, are represented land and wateron the verge of the distant horizon a rising sun. (the ri sing destiny of the State,) and a ship on the stocks, with the American banner displayed. REIPUBL VERMONT-We are informed by the Secretary of State of Vermont that there are no records in the secretary's office giving a description of the State Seal, or showing the time of establishing it. Ira Allen, however, the historian of Vermont, and her first secretary, states that the seal was established by the Governor and Council in 1778-that the tree on the seal was an evergreen with fourteen branches, thirteen of them representing the thirbeen original States, and the small branch at the top representing the State of Vermont supported by the others. In the distance is seen a range of hills representing the Green Mountains; and in the foreground a Cow and sheaves of wheat, indicating an agricultural and grazing country. Around the border of the seal, in Roman capitals, are the words, VERMONT. FREEDOM AND UNITY. FREEDOM MASSACHUSETTS.-The following is a copy of the recorded description of the Coat of Arms of Massachusetts, as adopted December 13th, 1780. Sapphire: an Indian dressed in his shirt, moccasins, belted, proper: in his dexter hand a bow, topaz: in his sinister an arrow, its point towards the base. On the dexter side of the Indian's head a star, pearl, for one of the United States of America. Crest, on a wreath, a dexter arm, clothed and ruffled, proper, grasping a broadsword, the pommel and hilt topaz, with this motto, "Ense petit placidam, sub libertate quietem," and around the seal," Sigillum Reipublicæ Massachusettensis." We give the following as a free translation of the same, with a few additions. UNITY CONNECTICUT.-The Seal of Connecticut is of an oval form, plain, and without any ornamental devices, two inches and three eighths in length, and one inch and seven-eighths in breadth. On it are delineated three Grape Vines, each winding around and sustained by an upright support, the whole representing the three settlements, Hartford, Windsor, and Wethersfield, which formed the early Connecticut colony. In the lower part of the seal is the motto, QuI TRANSTULIT SUSTINET- He who transplanted still sustains." Around the border are the words SIGILLUM REIPUBLICA CONNECTICUTENSIS-" The Seal of the State of Connecticut." Formerly the seal had a hand on the left, pointing with the forefinger to the vines; but that seal has been broken, and the present Beal substituted in its place. STATE ATE-OFN NEW YORK-The following is a description of the present seal of the State of New York, constructed according to Act of March 27, 1809. A shield, or escutcheon, on which is represented a rising sun, with a range of hills, and water in the foreground. Above the shield for the Crest, is represented, on a wreath, a half globe, on which rests a startled eagle, with outstretched pinions. For the supporters of the shield, on the right is represented the figure of Justice, with the sword in one hand, and the scales in the other; and on the left the Goddess of Liberty, with the wand and cap in her left hand, and the olive branch of peace in the right. Below the shield is the motto, EXCELSIOR," More elevated," denoting that the course of the State is onward and higher. Around the border of the seal is the inscription, THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. NEW JERSEY.-The Arms of the State of New Jersey, as represented on the Seal of the State, consist of a white shield or escutcheon, bearing three ploughs-representing the agricultural interests of the State. The Crest is a horse's head, supported by a full faced, six barred helmet, resting on a vase-the latter resting on the top of the escutcheon. The Supporters are Liberty on the right, with her wand and cap, and Ceres, the goddess of corn and harvest, on the left, her right hand resting on the escutcheon, and her left supporting the Cornucopia, or horn of plenty, filled with fruits and flowers. Around the border of the seal are the words, THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, and at the base the date of its adoption in numeral letters, MDCCLXXVI. (1776.) DELAWARE.-The Arms of the State of Delaware consist of an azure shield or escutcheon, divided into two equal parts by a white band or girdle. On the base part of the escutcheon is represented a Cow, and in the upper part are two symbols, designed probably to represent the agricultural interests of the State-the one appearing to be a sheaf of wheat, and the other a stalk of tobacco. The Crest consists of a wreath, supporting a ship under full sail, having the American banner displayed. Surrounding the escutcheon, on a white field, are wreaths of flowers, branches of the Olive, and other symbols. At the bottom of the seal is the date of its adoption, MDCCXCII. (1793.) and around the border the words GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. (No description of the seal can be found in the Secretary's office, and we have been obliged to describe it from a wax impression.) PENNSYLVANIA.-The following is a copy of the recorded description of the Seal of Pennsylvania. The shield is parted per fess, Or: charged with a Plough, proper. In Chief, on a sea wavy, proper, a ship under full sail, surmounted with a sky, azure; and in base, on a field vert, three garbs, Or: on the dexter a stalk of maize, and on the sinister an olive branch; and for the Crest, on a wreath of the flowers of the same, a bald Eagle, proper, perched, with wings extended. Motto"Virtue, Liberty, and Independence." Around the mar gin, "Seal of the State of Pennsylvania." The reverse, Liberty, trampling on a Lion, gules, the emblem of Tyranny. Motto-" Both can't survive." 1 We give the following as a free translation of the same The shield is parted by a yellow or golden band or girdle, on which is represented a Plough in its natural color. In the upper part of the escutcheon, on the waves of the sea, is represented a ship under full sail, surmounted by an azure sky. The wand or rod, and cap, are symbols of independence; because, among the ancients, the for mer was used by the magistrates in the ceremony of manumitting slaves; and the latter was worn by slaves who were soon to be set at liberty. |