More below:

>>>I completely agree with the term "hyperbole" to describe statements like this. My first thought, when I read this, was my wife's ancestors, who were members of the 5th Alabama Battalion of Archer's/Frye's Brigade, the "guide battalion" of the Pickett/Pettigrew Charge at Gettysburg. I'm sure you're aware that their flag was lost just north of "the Angle" on Cemetery Ridge. Their flag and the others lost in this famous charge showed signs of damage, but nothing approaching "shot to shreds" or pieces.>>>>

I have seen that flag up close and while it does sow combat damage it is indeed very much intact!

>>>I do know that the 5th Georgia, specifically, had a hard day on the September 19th especially, and then again, but less so on the 20th at Chickamauga. What it does suggest is that "something" happened to the unit's flag on the 19th other than capture that required a replacement in October.>>>>

Well one thing to consider is this - did they move through a wooded area with their colors unfurled? That also tears up flags even if they are furled. Then add on the battle damage.

>>>>I presume, you or our other flag experts have done this, but I was thinking of posting a request for our Georgia in the CWMB participants to look to local period newspapers and archived documents, to see if any "flag presentation" or flag information appears during the period of Jan. 1863 to Sept. 1863 for the 5th Georgia and/or Jackson's brigade. What do you think of this attempt to find something?>>>>

I have been through about 50 -60 per cent of all GA CW period newspapers so there may be something out there for this flag that has not been found yet. Other newspapers in other states also carry such stories. I would make the post.

>>>During this period, the "5th" was stationed in the Bridgeport/Stevenson, AL area. Unfortunately, I'm not aware of any local newspapers in this Northeast Alabama area that provided news during this period.>>>>

Huntsville had a newspaper as did Chattanooga, the latter paper "migrated" as did the Memphis Appeal. I have been through all of the Chattanooga Daily Rebel and did not find anything for this. The Huntsville paper would be good - even those in Mobile, Montgomery would be helpful.

Greg Biggs