STATES) of the different colonies,— aside from the flags of the various mother countries to which they acknowledged allegiance,— Spain, Holland, England and France.
The first attempt to create flags came when banners were needed for the colonial military companies which were raised in 1747. Ben jamin Franklin in his 'Autobiography' relates that in 1747, when England was at war with Spain and attacked also by France, threatening a general intercolonial disturbance in America, he was among the first to note the unprepared ness of the English colonies to resist invasion or attack. He assisted in organizing military companies in Pennsylvania and awakened colo nial interest in military preparations by his famous article entitled "Plain Truth° which was published throughout the colonies.
Besides organizing these military companies he further relates that he saw to it that "they furnished themselves as soon as they could with arms, formed themselves into companies and regiments, chose their own exercises and other parts of military discipline. The women, by subscription among themselves, provided 20 silk colors (banners or flags), which they presented to the companies, painted with different devices and mottoes, which I supplied." While in England representing the colonies he had devoted considerable time and effort in following the study of heraldry, and this art and science appealed to him throughout his en tire life. To his many accomplishments he added that of being a skilful pen-artist, and the Philadelphians, evidently acquainted with Frank lin's heraldic skill and artistic abilities, chose him to design the colonial banners. This is cor roborated by Halley who conveys the following further interesting information: The women furnished the respective corps with the requisite banners, which were handsomely emblazoned with bearings devised by Franklin, who was elected colonel of the Philadelphia regiment.* Curiously enough, no description of these flags was known, until a French transcription was discovered in Paris among literary material that had been omitted from the 'Autobiog raphy.' The following translation from the
French gives us in Franklin's own words the description of these flags and was deciphered and reproduced after years of research by the writer : 1. Lion erect, a bared scimitar in one paw, the other holding the escutcheon of Pennsylvania. Motto: Pablo (" Our Homeland ").
While the impression is likely that the lion is repre sentative of England. such is not the case. The area are those of the Penn family and the lion refers to the same people, as the crest of William Penn was a demi. lion.
2. Three arms, dressed in various stuffs or cloth, gathered. smooth and striped, the hands grarping at the wrist. signifying the union of all classes. Motto: Unite Virtues Valet (" United in Virtue We Conquer ").
3. An eagle — emblematic of victory — descending from the sky. Motto: A Deo Victoria ("From God the Victory ").
4. The figure of Liberty seated upon a cube, holding a lance. upon the point the bonnet of Liberty. Motto: inestiorabilis (" The Incomparable ").
5. A man in armor with naked sword in hand. Motto: Deus Adjuvat Fortes (" God Aids the Brave ").
6. An elephant emblematic of the warrior always on the alert. This beast is said never to stretch out upon the earth, being always on his legs and ready for defense. Motto: Semper Parahu (" Ever Ready "). This motto is found on the arms of the family of Francis Hopkinson. The earliest instance of the elephant appearing in this idea as associated with America. occurs in the early coinage of the Carolinas. The elephant to-day is employed to symbolize the Republican party.
7. A city surrounded by ramparts. Motto: Sens Patrice Summa Lex (" The Safety of the Country the Highest Law ").
8. A soldier with his piece covered. Motto: Sic Paces Queaerimus (" Thus We Seek Peace ").
9. A crown with plumes (or tufts). Motto: In God We Trust, the first use in America of this subsequently much discussed motto. Franklin changed the Black Prince's German motto " Ich Dien " I serve " to " In God We Trust "— motto in English.