Safeguarding the Declaration of Independence The United States of America laid down From the best Authorities
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The United States of America laid down From the best Authorities
The preliminary articles of peace were signed by American agents at Versailles on January 20, 1783. One of the first maps that labeled the boundaries of the new nation was John Wallis's The United States of America laid down From the best Authorities, Agreeable to the Peace of 1783. An important element is the decorative cartouche, which signifies peace in America. The scene portrays Benjamin Franklin, supported by Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and war, and Justitia, the Roman goddess of justice, and George Washington alongside Liberty, and, writing the Treaty of Paris. Lastly, this is the first British map to portray the American flag.