|
|
The Morris collection seal matrix.
The design of this seal contains the Latin "Tandem Vincitur",
the Morris crest of the flaming tower and the intertwined initials "CLM".
Approximate overall dimensions:
Positive (top picture): 2 inches x 1.45 inches x .3 inches.
Negative (lower picture): 1.2 inches x 1.45 inches x .3 inches.
|
|
| According to the Phillipps Manuscript of
around 1774 (as transcribed by Dr. C. Taylor in 1973) Lewis Morris was
engaged in the Civil War sieges of Chepstow Castle in south Wales.
"... and by cutting of the water which supplied the Castle and
which runs through the Estate of Piercefield ... and also by setting
fire to the castle he at length took it, and thence forth he and his
family gave as their crest, this castle, on a rock in flames with this
motto Tandem vincitur 'at length he is overcome', alluding to the
obstinate resistance of Sir Nicholas Hemeys*"
*This is Sir Nicholas Kemeys of the old
Monmouthshire family. J.W. |
|
|
Illustration from an American
publication, courtesy of Mr. John R. Morris. (Click to enlarge.) |
| The coat of arms of
Morris County, New Jersey, features the Morris crest together with a
shield. I presume that the coins on
the shield commemorate the fact that Morris County was an early site
for the minting of American coinage. Lewis Morris (1671-1746) was the
first governor of New Jersey and Morris county was named in his honour
since he had been instrumental in bringing about the separation of New
Jersey from her sister colony of New York. |
|
|
