The colours of the American Fleet to have a snake with thirteen rattles, the fourteenth budding, described in the attitude of going to strike, with this motto, "Don't Tread On Me!"

It is a rule in Heraldry, that the worthy properties of the animal in the crest borne shall be considered, and that the base ones cannot be intended. The ancients considered the snake, or serpent, as an emblem of wisdom, and (in certain attitudes) of endless duration. The rattle snake is properly a representative of America, as this animal is found in no other part of the world. The eye of this creature excels in brightness that of any other animal; she has no eyelids, and is therefore an emblem of vigilance; she never begins an attack, nor ever surrenders; she is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage. When injured, or in danger of being injured, she never wounds until she has given notice to her enemies of their danger; no other of her kind shews such generosity. When she is undisturbed, and in peace, she does not appear to be furnished with weapons of any kind; they are latent in the roof of her mouth, and even when extended for her defence, appear to those who are unacquainted with them, to be weak and contemptible; yet their wounds, however small, are decisive and fatal. She is solitary, and associates with her kind only when it is necessary for their preservation. Her poison is alone the necessary means of digesting her food, and certain destruction to her enemies. The power of fascination attributed to her (by a generous construction) resembles America. Those who look steadily on her are delighted, and involuntarily advance towards her; and having once approached her, never leave her She is frequently found with thirteen rattles, and they increase yearly. She is beautiful in youth, and her beauty increases with her age; her tongue is blue, and forked as the lightning.