National Flag Design Proposal by a Georgian.
Richard

DAILY CONSTITUTIONALIST [AUGUSTA, GA], February 12, 1861, p. 2, c. 1

The National Flag.

Among the many and beautiful devices proposed for the banner of “the Confederate States of America,” we doubt if any will be presented for the consideration of Congress, more beautiful than the one just completed by our esteemed friend, Jacob B. Platt, of the firm of C. A. Platt & Co., of this city.

The general desire seems to be, to preserve, as nearly as may be, the features of the old banner; and our readers can judge of the fidelity of Mr. Platt to this ideal, by the description of his flag:

It is, of course, only a model on a small scale. The material is silk, six feet in length and three in width. The upper—staff corner—is occupied by a union, or field of azure, eighteen inches square. In the centre of this blue union, is a large six pointed star, formed of equilateral triangles, the one reversed upon the other, but forming simply a perfect six pointed white star. This represents the nationality, with its power derived from, as well as radiating through, its six points, each point a State. Around this great central star, are six smaller stars, each, also, six pointed and white. Thus is symbolised the power of the new Government, with a distinct reference to its source; and the fullest ideal of State rights and sovereignty is maintained by the six lesser lights which will light up the new constellation of the South. But each of the lesser stars is also six pointed, and the children of other days will be reminded of the brotherhood which brought the seceding sovereignties again into unity. The stars can be increased with new accessions of States, but the points and the central star will stand as historic mementoes of the second American revolution.

The rest of the flag is taken up in equal stripes, six inches wide, of alternate crimson and white. Thus, here are three broad red, and three white stripes.

The distinguished characteristics are presented of the old banner, and yet the difference can be readily discerned at any distance; as the white central star will show to a much greater distance than the thirty-three stars did, and the six stripes will show plainer than the old thirteen.

We have embodied, in substance, what Mr. Platt seeks to express by his flag, and it has this advantage over the one we recommended a few days since, it can be made of bunting and stand wear, much better than a painted one.

He forwards it to-day to Vice-President Stephens, for the inspection of the committee.