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This flag was given to the
Williamson Grays during a barbeque at McGavock Grove by the Ladies of
Franklin. The flag was sent back to Franklin because the regiment chose
to carry Company A's flag (pictured below). It is currently on display
at the Carter House. |
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This
flag originally belonged to Company A of the Rock City Guards from Nashville.
It was captured in an ambush during the Cheat Mountain Campaign on September 21,
1861. The star
outside of the circle has several different theories behind it. One is representing Tennessee ascending into the Confederacy.
Another is perhaps three more stars were meant to go in the other
corners as other states seceded. The dimensions of the flag
measure 35.5" x 83". Currently held at the Tennessee State Museum. |
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Despite popular belief this flag
in all likelihood does not belong to the 1st Tennessee. While it
was captured by the 1st Wisconsin it is believed to have belonged to the
6th Tennessee and mistaken in identity after the battle by Federal
troops. After the war during a reunion of the 1st Tennessee a
member of the 1st Wisconsin sent a letter stating ownership of the flag
and his willingness to allow the regiment to borrow it for their
reunion. Members of the regiment responded that they never lost
their Polk Corps flag. There are no accounts from any soldiers in
the regiment saying their flag was lost in the battle. |
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The exact date of this flag's arrival to the
regiment is unknown. It is possible this was the original Polk
Corps flag they received upon becoming attached before Shiloh, and then
altered after the battle of Perryville later that year. However,
generally this flag is listed as first seeing action at Stones River at
the very end of 1862. The flag is made of wool bunting and the two
white "waves" carried the honors Shiloh and Perryville. On the red
cross in the bottom center contained a set of crossed cannons. It
is believed it was painted on a white block and sewn to the flag.
The white banner across the top containing the regimental name measures
3". It was attached to the pole using four tie strings. The
dimensions of the flag are 28" x 46". The bottom picture shows
what it most likely looked like during its use. This flag is
currently at the Tennessee State Museum. It was retired in early
1864 because of General Johnston's order to revert the army to the St.
Andrews Cross pattern.
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This flag was carried for the rest
of the war. Carrying the honors of Murfreesboro, Perryville, and
Shiloh. Still retaining the cross cannons at the bottom. The
only image of the flag available is from a sketch of the regiment
fighting at Kennesaw Mountain drawn by a participant. When the
regiment surrendered at Greensboro, NC it also surrendered this flag. It
was described as: "so bullet riddled and torn that it was but a few blue
and red shreds." Its whereabouts now are unknown.
Having been through the Atlanta Campaign, 1864 Tennessee Campaign, and
N.C. Campaign. There probably was not much to save.
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