Hi Ben,

Pertaining to your statement:

>>>>>Certain vexologists point out, and quit correctly, that by the late summer of 1864 a "depot issue" 12 star bunting flag was in service with all Forrest's regiments. As an aside, General Chalmer's Division flag, however, which was captured in the retreat from Nashville, was a FIRST NATIONAL (In conversation with Mr. J.S. who handled the sale of the same some time back.).>>>>

You are indeed correct that Forrest's Cavalry Corps received the 12 star Mobile Depot flags made by Sarah Belknap in July 1864. His regiments used them at Nashville in December 1864 where one was taken from Bell's TN Brigade (WD 201 - MOC) and I think one other. I also think, based on a source I found, that the 12th Tennessee Cavalry lost their Mobile Depot flag there.

With regards to the Chalmers FN flag, I emailed "JS" and he does not recall any such flag. He did sell a Chalmers sword however. He did inform me over a year ago of a First National flag in private hands in Virginia today that had an alleged Forrest ID. I did extensive research on the flag and it was taken by the 6th Illinois Cavalry at Collierville, TN in November 1863 from a unit of Chalmers' Cavalry Division. The banner was taken home by an officer of the 6th Illinois and it was later sent to Nathan Bedford Forrest III and remained in the family until sold whenever it was sold. I found that in the three fights that Chalmers had at Collierville (Oct. 1863, Nov. 1863 and Dec, 1863), the 6th Illinois was only at the November 1863 raid by Chalmers. Also, Chalmers was an independent cavalry commander at the time and was not subservient to Forrest until January 1864 (and Forrest and Chalmers initially did not get along). The flag lost in November 1863 came from either an Mississippi, Missouri or Arkansas cavalry regiment.

Over time, the flag, which was marked with a tag stating that it was taken at White's Station (between Collierville and Memphis) was also identified as a Forrest flag. My research showed that there was not fight at White's Station in November 1863 and, as stated already, Chalmers was not part of Forrest's command at the time.

So is this the flag of which you speak that "JS" told you about?

Greg Biggs