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Re: Ringgold Gap; Nov. 1863
In Response To: Ringgold Gap; Nov. 1863 ()

Ken,

Do you have a list of the flags that were captured or is that what you're looking for? I've just re-read Peter Cozzens, "Shipwreck of Their Hopes" and it was unclear as to how many Union flags were captured. I recall a story of a colorbearer, I believe it was an Ohio regiment, that was pinned down on the slope of the hill a short distance from the Confederate lines. The Confederate soldiers tried on more than one occasion to leave their breastworks and capture this flag. I don't recall the book ever saying what ultimately happened to this color bearer or the flag.

I believe there was also a flag from this battle that is heavily blood-stained due to the bearer being decapitated by a Confederate shot or shell.

Your posting may have me go back to that chapter and the same area in Wiley Sword's book and see if there are any more details.

Whenever I think of Ringgold Gap, I think of Cleburne and his defense of Tunnel Hill and the battle at Ringgold. Without ol' Pat and his division, I don't think the Confederate army would have survived to fight another day.

Jim Martin

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Ringgold Gap; Nov. 1863
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