Credited with having been designed in 1777 by Declaration of Independence Signatory and New Jersey Statesman Francis Hopkinson - The so-called "Hopkinson Flag", was no doubt inspired by both The Ross and Bennington Flags (that would eventually be used for The National Colors), Hopkinson submitted his version to Congress. Typical in design with 7 Red Stripes and 6 White Stripes (symbolizing The 13 Colonies), it included the Blue Left Canton. Inside of which, was placed a series of White 6-Pointed Round Stars (in a departure from the contemporary Star designs of The Era). Congress did not accept his version, although Hopkinson still nonetheless sent them a Bill for it's design! The positioning of the Stars were somewhat haphazard (no doubt influencing it's approval).