David from my research it all depends upon the time frame involved. Perhaps as early as 1864 the Confederacy established the rank of Ensign. An Ensign had the rank of 1st Lieutenant insofar as pay but had no authority. The Ensign would carry the regimental flag and from my understanding was surrounded by a color guard usually made up of corporals. The colonel of the regiment appointed the Ensign and was usually followed by an approval of the Sec. of War. Greg Biggs is probably one of the better authorities about color guards in general.