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  EXCEPTIONAL STARS & BARS OF JOHN B. G. "KENNEDY'S BATTALION OF ORLEANS" PARRISH

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 35.5" x 44.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 24.25" x 34"
Description....:
EXCEPTIONAL STARS & BARS FLAG,
OF JOHN B. G. "KENNEDY'S BATTALION OF ORLEANS" PARRISH, LOUISIANA,
WITH GILT-PAINTED LETTERING IN THE CANTON, BULLION STRIPES AND FRINGE

Extraordinary, Stars & Bars format, flank-scale, confederate regimental battle flag with one of the most desired traits in flag collecting. This is the rare presence of gilded lettering in the canton that reads:

Kennedy's
Battalion
Of Orleans!

First National pattern Confederate flags that share this highly sought-after feature, are practically non-existent outside museums and state collections. For this reason, the sale of this flag at public auction presents an opportunity so rare, that even the most avid collector cannot expect to encounter it more than once or twice in a lifetime.

The overall construction of the flag is of commensurate quality. The metallic bullion fringe and 11 stars (separately sewn to each side) were probably obtained in 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 stars are created by the layering of spiral wire and sequins, and their three-dimensional form adds even more visual impact to the bold, circular text.

The canton and stripes are made of fine silk. The lettering is hand painted in the metallic gold often seen on the highest quality American battle flags of the 19th century. The canton is pieced in two vertical sections, which represents careful conservation of available fabrics. This is typical of most 19th century flags, both those made during and outside times of war, but it can be more readily expected in a wartime example.

The Kennedy Battalion

In August of 1861, the 5th Louisiana Infantry Battalion, a.k.a. "Kennedy's Battalion of Orleans", was sworn into Confederate Service at Columbus, Kentucky. Commanded by Lt. Colonel John B. G. Kennedy, the group had formerly been part of the Louisiana Militia, which was formed in 1860, and its men were from the Orleans Parrish.

The battalion was sent to Columbus by Governor Moore, to protect the "Columbus Line" along the Mississippi River. This included the town, itself, plus the Madrid Bend of the Mississippi and Island #10. Governor Moore was responding to Secretary of War Leroy P. Walker's March 9th, 1861 appeal to Louisiana for 1,700 troops, which were requested to protect the Mississippi defenses. The Louisiana Legislature approved the request on March 15th, 1861 and authorized the equipping of state troops. On November 7th of that year, the Kennedy Battalion fought against General Grant at The Battle of Belmont. Neither side fought well, but Grant believed his attack against Columbus prevented the Confederates from invading Missouri.

On February 9th, 1862, the Kennedy Battalion of Orleans was reorganized into the 21st Louisiana Infantry, again commanded by John B. G. Kennedy. The newly formed regiment was again ordered to strengthen Island #10, which controlled primary access to the Mississippi.

On February 23rd, 1862, a portion of the regiment began to construct batteries for heavy artillery pieces. Then, on March 17th, 1862, the regiment left for Fort Pillow, serving the garrison there until the fort was evacuated in May. The regiment went on to Corinth, where they fought a skirmish at Bridge Creek. It then joined a larger portion of the Confederate Army, traveling to Tupelo, where, on July 28th, General Bragg ordered the regiment disbanded by Special Order #222. So Kennedy's Battalion (5th LA), then Regiment (21st LA), served from August 1861 to July 28th, 1862.

Very little is known about John B.G. Kennedy. He enlisted at the rank of Lt. Colonel and was later promoted to Colonel, though the date of his enlistment and former residence are unknown. After the regiment disbanded, Kennedy spent the remainder of the war trying to get reinstated. In fact, it appears that went so far as to falsify orders, having been branded a "Thief and Impostor" by the Inspector General's Office on November 13th, 1862. He afterwards traveled to Augusta, Georgia and attempted, without success, to become a purchasing agent.

Since Kennedy's Battalion became Kennedy's Regiment in 1862, one can be sure that the flag was made around the time that Kennedy's Battalion was mustered into active service. It may have been brought out again, to be carried by Kennedy's Regiment, though it would not have been made specifically for that unit, with the name "Battalion" on the flag. The flag's known specific history of use, when combined with such extraordinary graphics and a small, though impressive, easily displayable size, result in the most interesting Stars & Bars that we have ever offered for sale.

Mounting: The flag has been pressure mounted in an archival manner between 100% cotton velvet and u.v. protective acrylic. The frame is a black painted and gilded example of the highest quality.

Condition: Most of the white silk in the central bar is absent, along with some of the white silk in the sleeve area. This was masked by placing silk fabric of similar coloration behind the areas with loss. Silk of this period has almost always experienced breakdown over time, due to addition of weighting agents that were caustic to the fabric. These weighting agents increased the amount of money that a merchant could obtain for the silk, sold by the pound instead of by length. Over time, the gilded lettering experienced some fabric and paint loss. This was masked by professional restorative painting of a piece of blue fabric, placed behind the canton. The painting was done in such a way that it blends with the original.

Special thanks to Bill Floyd for information on the Kennedy Battalion.

Sources:

Guide to Louisiana Confederate Military Units by Arthur Bergeron
Military Record of Louisiana by Napier Bartlett
Microfilm Publication 320, Roll#316
Compendium of the Confederate Armies: Louisiana by Stewart Sifakis
Collector Level: Flags for the truest Patriots. My best offerings
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 11
Earliest Date of Origin: 1861
Latest Date of Origin: 1862
State/Affiliation: Maine
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: Sold
 

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