I can't remember for sure if I had the evidence or a friend. Most of my information is buried in stacks since I moved, but I will see if I can rediscover it. I can tell you though if it was done it was not at Appomattox since the 47th did not surrender there. The unit was separated from the rest of the army as it retired from Saylor's Creek, and did not surrender until something like 3-5 weeks later and at least 100 miles distant. For more details on that aspect you can look to the regimental history from the VA Regt. History series of books. I will look for what documents I have, but I can't promise I'll be able to locate them anytime in the near future.

Now there is one thing mentioned in drill manuals that does apply to this situation. I have never seen a written account that shows the 47th was merged with the 50th. The only time I have ever seen this listed is in APCWS maps of the Saylor's Creek battlefield...and if they are like other APCWS maps (like for 3rd Winchester, and Cedar Creek), then they have some issues with correct troop placement. I'll just assume the map is trying to say the 47th and 50th are next to each other in line and are small enough where the 2 battalions only have a battle front as long as one battalion. If that is the case then it is possible that one/both/or neither was carrying colors. With units becoming that small (and some consolidating companies at the last minute), they could still be following the manual and not carrying colors because each regiment may have been below 5 companies (the manuals say that battalions of less than 5 companies do not carry a standard). And seeing as you can show a manual to 100 different men and get 100 different interpretations, any number of reasons could exist where the unit decided not to take them on the field...or not. Would be great of something conclusive pops up.

Josh Bucchioni