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EXTRORDINARY CONFEDERATE OFFICER'S FLAG IN THE 1ST NATIONAL DESIGN (STARS & BARS), WITH 11 EMBROIDERD STARS IN A "GREAT STAR" PATTERN ON ONE SIDE AND "CSA" ON THE OTHER, TAKEN ON SHERMAN'S MARCH BY A SOLDIER FROM THE 20TH CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS |
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| Available: |
Sold |
| Frame Size (H x L): |
33.75" x 45.5" |
| Flag Size (H x L): |
22" x 33" |
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| Description....: |
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EXTRORDINARY CONFEDERATE OFFICER'S FLAG IN THE 1ST NATIONAL DESIGN (STARS & BARS), WITH 11 EMBROIDERD STARS IN A "GREAT STAR" PATTERN ON ONE SIDE AND "CSA" ON THE OTHER, TAKEN ON SHERMAN'S MARCH BY A SOLDIER FROM THE 20TH CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS:
Handed down directly through the family of Private James Dwight Slate of Company E of the 20th Connecticut Infantry, this First National pattern flag is the most elaborate and unusual Confederate example of its kind that I have ever encountered. Undoubtedly made for an officer, to be displayed as his personal colors, the canton, bars, hoist and fringe are made entirely of fine silk. The stars, which are expertly hand-embroidered, whimsical and three-dimensional, are arranged in what is known as the "Great Star" pattern (a star made out of stars). Sometimes encountered on scarce and desirable examples of Stars & Stripes, this is, however, the only Confederate flag that I can recall having seen with what I have termed the Rolls Royce of configurations among flag collectors.
Great Star patterns come in many styles, partly based up star count, but moreover on artists' liberty. In this case the arrangement is truly exceptional, even among its best Stars & Stripes counterparts. Note in particular the huge center star, which is punctuated by a metallic bullion star, made from sequins and twisted wire, that was probably imported from Paris. The French had long been the master-producers of this type of decorative trim. The sequins and fancifully twisted wire were typically made of precious metal, traditionally with a content of approximately 98% silver and 2% gold (to add a yellow tone and deter tarnishing). The 10 smaller stars that line the perimeter, one in each valley and one at each point, are placed so close that they intersect with and sometimes even overlap the large star. Each was decorated with a bullion sequin in the center and at each tip (a few of them now absent).
The silk canton, bars and hoist are constructed as two separate sides, laid over a pieced cotton center with the colors chosen to match the silk. This adds ample support to what would otherwise be a more fragile textile, in order that it may support the flag's utilitarian purpose in the field. It also allows the reverse side of the canton to have completely different imagery than the obverse. On the other side of the flag, the stars are instead replaced with the letters "CSA," embroidered in fanciful script, to denote the Confederate States of America. This is not an unusual acronym to encounter on a Confederate belt buckle or weapon, but it is a remarkable thing to see on a war-period Confederate flag.
Despite the extraordinary characteristics heretofore mentioned, the flag's most unusual visual feature is not among them. To both the expert and casual observer alike, this award goes to the six-inch, silk fringe applied all the way about the perimeter.
Battle flags and other embellished military colors are often fringed, but on three sides, not four. From a structural standpoint, the most thoughtfully planned examples of the 19th century had hoist bindings that were crafted into open sleeves so that wooden staff could slip neatly through, then tacked in place, which provided more even distribution of contact and support. This was especially helpful if the flag was made of delicate silk, as the best military colors carried on land usually were. This flag was curiously well-designed in that aspect, and also with regard to the cotton underlay, which made for a stronger sleeve. From this perspective it appears that the maker was well-advised on flag construction. The fringe going up the hoist, however, and all of it at a length between two and three times that expected, was neither average or customary. What it was, instead, was as fancy and extravagant as its maker could put forth with money, access to the very best materials, and excellent skills as a seamstress. All of this was done with an eye toward the lavish late empire/early Victorian style that exemplified the surroundings of the wealthy at that time. There is no doubt it was made by the wife or loved one of the officer to whom it was presented, in honor of his rank and social status as he left home for the toils of war. Although his name is lost to history, as the story didn't transcend in the family of Private Slate, what remains is an almost spooky undertone that resonates from this 150-year-old textile, to the tune of its marvelous white fringe, lightly soiled by golden oxidation.
What is known about the flag is that it was probably obtained while Slate participated in the activities undertaken by the 20th Connecticut during General William Tecumseh Sherman's famous March to the Sea. Although the specific day or events by which it was acquired are unknown, the 20th Connecticut was a hard-fighting unit that was directly and intensely involved in all of Sherman's marches. A resident of Southington, CT, James Slate appears to have remained at the rank of Private for all 4 years of service. He mustered in with the 20th at New Haven when they formed on September 8th, 1862, as a group of men with virtually no military experience, and mustered out with them on June 13th, 1865, following the war's end, as one of the most veteran combat regiments. Losses within the 20th were remarkably limited compared to most that I have examined with respect to their list of engagements. They were at Chancellorsville and were among the first to arrive on the scene at Gettysburg. The list also includes Tracy City and Boyd's Trail, TN, Resaca, Cassville, and Peach Tree Creek, GA, the Seiges of Atlanta, Savannah and Charleston, plus Silver Run, Averysboro, Bentonville, and Raleigh, NC. Across their total term of service, only 4 officers and 76 enlisted men were reported killed, while 3 officers and 85 enlisted were lost to disease and accidents.
The flag's 11 stars represent the 11 states that officially seceded from the Union, by way of popular votes in each state that were ratified by the respective state governments. These included South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. This denotes that the flag was probably made after North Carolina ratified secession on May 20th, 1861, but before Jefferson Davis welcomed the Border States of Missouri and Kentucky to the Confederate States of America, on October 31st and November 2nd of that same year. Circumstances in these two states were different, but they did not officially vote on and ratify secession in the manner of the first 11 states. Each ended up with split governments and loyalties, but was accepted due to the level of commitment of certain political and military leaders. This is why 13 stars are included in the counts found on most Southern Cross battle flags and Second National pattern Confederate flags, which came later, but do not appear on most flags in the First National / Stars & Bars pattern, such as this one.
The flag was acquired from Slate's great-granddaughter. Also included with the flag is a host of Civil War Veteran's and Sons-of-Veteran's ribbons that were carefully saved by the family and handed down. While not of extraordinary value in-and-of themselves, the additional artifacts strengthen the family tie, and are wonderfully colorful and interesting.
All-in-all, a masterpiece of Confederate Civil War history and flag-making.
Mounting: The solid walnut frame dates to the same period as the flag and retains its original gilded liner. The frame was modified to perform the necessary mount. This is a pressure-mount between U.V. protective acrylic and 100% cotton twill, black in color. The black fabric has been washed to reduce excess dye. An acid-free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose.
Brief History of the 20th CT
"When President Lincoln issued his call for 300,000 three year volunteers, in June, 1862, eight regiments responded from Connecticut, among them the Twentieth, who were mustered into service Sep. 8, 1862. They were from New Haven County, with the exception of three companies from Hartford County.
On the 11th of September Colonel Ross received orders to move with his regiment to Washington, where they received arms and accouterments, and a week later removed to Arlington Heights, where they camped until the 29th, when they were ordered to proceed to Frederick, Md. Oct. 2d the Twentieth were again under marching orders for Harper's Ferry, to report to General Williams, who placed them in the Twelfth Corps in the Army of the Potomac. The corps soon crossed the river and occupied Loudon and Bolivar Heights, from which place they were sent to guard Key Gap, where a sharp skirmish with the enemy resulted in the first victory for the Twentieth. After this the Twelfth Corps passed some time in camp at Fairfax Station. From there they marched to Stafford Court House, and received the commendation of General Williams for the manner in which they endured the hardships of the march.
On the 27th of January, 1863,the Army of the Potomac being then under the command of General Hooker, the Twelfth Corps crossed the river at Germania Ford, marching towards Chancellorsville, which they reached the 30th. May 1st the battle of Chancellorsville, which lasted three days, was begun by a furious attack of the enemy. Although the result of the battle was disastrous to the Union army, the Twentieth were among the last to retreat, and did some good work, losing eighty-five men in killed and wounded; as many more were taken prisoners. After General Meade succeeded to the command and began to concentrate the scattered forces, the Twelfth Corps, which had been stationed at Frederick City, took the road for Gettysburg. They were among the first to arrive, and acted on the defensive until the commanding general should reach the place. The Twelfth Corps were then placed on the extreme right of the line at Culp's Hill, General Williams commanding, where they held Ewell's (formerly Stonewall Jackson's) Corps at bay for seven hours, finally driving them back with heavy loss. No higher praise can be given the Twentieth than to say that they stood at the front of the line during the entire seven hours. After this battle Meade continued to follow Lee, but without giving battle, until, on July 16th, the Twentieth found themselves in camp at Pleasant Valley, where they had camped the October before. September 25th they left Brandy Station, still with the Twelfth Corps, to join the Army of the Cumberland at Chattanooga. Soon after Rosecrans was removed and General Grant became Commander-in-Chief, and "the battle among the clouds" was fought at Lookout Mountain. At this time the Twentieth were guarding supplies from Stevenson, Ala., to Cowan, Tenn., where they remained during the winter, frequently engaging in skirmishes with guerrillas. In an attack upon Tracy City Captain Upson was killed.
On the 11th of April an order was issued forming the Twelfth and Eleventh Corps into the Twentieth Corps, with which the Twentieth Regiment remained until the end of the war. On the 27th of April, 1864, the Twentieth moved on to Lookout Valley to join the division to which it had been attached, which on May 2d moved out of the valley and concentrated at Ringold. The objective point of all the forces was now Atlanta. The 7th of May the army was put in motion, and the Twentieth Corps proceeded through Taylor's Ridge at Gardner's Gap to a fortified hill, called Boyd's Trail, which was taken after a sharp contest. On the night of the 10th they were moved down to the support of McPherson at Snake Creek Gap, where the enemy were rapidly concentrating, and were set to work making a double track through the gap to facilitate the passage of the Union troops and arms. In the four days' engagement at Resaca the Twentieth acquitted themselves with bravery, and captured four new brass guns by the rather novel method of digging through the top of the mountain for them. On the 19th of May the Twentieth, with the Nineteenth Michigan, captured Cassville, where they camped for three days. After the crossing of the Etowah River was effected between Allatoona and Rome, a two hours' battle at Pumpkinvine Creek was engaged in exclusively by the Twentieth Corps, with the usual successful results.
After this time the regiment took an active part in all the marches and skirmishes and battles for two months. They did garrison duty at Marietta, Ga., and about the 10th of July drove the enemy from their entrenchment at Chattahoochee River, and the siege of Atlanta was begun on the morning of the 20th. The regiment distinguished itself at Peach-Tree Creek by a gallant charge which drove the enemy from the field, capturing prisoners and arms. The siege of Atlanta lasted until the 2d of September, when the city surrendered, and the Twentieth were with the first to enter.
The regiment remained at Atlanta, doing fatigue duty and building fortifications about the city, until November 15th, when under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Buckingham (Colonel Ross commanding brigade), it moved with Sherman's army on its "March to the Sea," arriving in front of Savannah, December 10th. Here it remained engaged in siege operations, subsisting, both men and animals, upon rice gathered from the islands in the Savannah River, until the 20th of the same month, when with the Twentieth Army Corps it entered the city, capturing a large amount of artillery and ordnance stores, together with 30,000 bales of cotton.
On the 4th of January, 1865, the regiment crossed the Savannah, and encamped on Hardee's plantation, six miles north of the river. Here it remained until the 16th. Breaking camp on the 16th, on the 17th it marched to Hardeesville, ten miles distant, and there remained until the 20th. Continuing its march through South Carolina and into North Carolina, it met the enemy, March 15th, at Silver Run, and after a sharp engagement drove them from their line of works, losing nineteen officers and men. On the 19th of the same month the regiment took part in the battle of Bentonville, sustaining a loss of thirty-six enlisted men killed, wounded, and missing. After the battle of Bentonville it continued its march towards the Army of the Potomac, arriving at Raleigh, N. C., April 16th. On the 30th of April it started northward by land, passing through Richmond May 11th, and reaching Washington on the 20th. After participating in the great review by the President and his cabinet, the regiment encamped near Fort Lincoln on the Bladensburg Road, and there remained until its muster-out, June 13, 1865.
From its first encampment at Arlington Heights, Washington, D. C., in September, 1863, to the day of its muster-out, June 13, 1865, the Twentieth was continually in the field, marching and fighting; and whether in camp, on the march, or upon the field of battle, the regiment was ever a credit to itself and an honor to its State, being everywhere marked for the valor, good discipline, and soldierly bearing of its men. Whatever praise is due for the part the Connecticut soldier took in the late great struggle for liberty, the members of the Twentieth Connecticut most assuredly merit their share."
Written By Lieutenant Cecil A. Burleigh, Late Second Lieutenant, C0. C, Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers |
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| Collector Level: |
Flags for the truest Patriots. My best offerings |
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| Flag Type: |
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| Star Count: |
11 |
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| Earliest Date of Origin: |
1861 |
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| Latest Date of Origin: |
1861 |
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| State/Affiliation: |
The Confederacy |
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| War Association: |
1861-1865 Civil War |
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| Price: |
Please call (717) 676-0545 or (717) 502-1281 |
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