Clay,
Evidence exists that dozens (if not more) of the
so-called "Bragg pattern" flags were issued just
prior to the Battle of Shiloh. However, which units
actually received them is a matter of conjecture.
I do not know where the Howard Madaus quote
comes from, but I do know that Madaus made a
lot of assumptions; this is one of them.
To this date I have found no documentation that
confirms either the 18th or the Crescent rec'd one
of these flags.
It appears to me that units who already had flags
did not receive this new issue or chose to use their
"older" flags instead of the "new" issues. Too many
first nationals and presentation flags are noted as
being carried at Shiloh to confirm a "Corp-wide"
flag issue. It should also be noted that the Invoices
covering these flag issues do not number enough
flags for a full scale Corp or Army wide issue.
So, to steal a phrase from our current "fearless"
leader...If you liked your old flag, you could keep it!
I'm sure Greg will have additional comments.
Ken