Ben
.. Good point.. this helps narrow down the possible issue dates a bit... both the 12th Va (Mahones) and the 26th (Wises) by that time ironicly were within sight of each other in the Petersburg lines at the time of the Crater battle.. So the issues for these probably occured Aug 1864 or later... Interesting....

I dont have access to all my files and books at the moment.. but if memory serves correctly the flag of the 12th displayed in Echos of Glory.. 12 star attached to a patched staff reportedly severed in the Crater battle.. but beside that image was a pic of the ensign of the 12th Va holding their flag... again if memory serves correctly it doesnt appear to be the same flag.. the one held by the color bearer has a center star visible.. but will have to recheck the books when able..
Frederick