Appreciate that, Keith. I don't want to draw us too much off topic, but thought I should clarify that the McCarthy I mentioned was Carlton, a private in the Second Company, who survived to write the 1882 classic, "Detailed Minutiae of Soldier Life in the Army of Northern Virginia, 1861-1865." You're referring to Ed -- Captain Edward Stevens McCarthy, his First Company brother, to whom he dedicated the book, and who "fell at Cold Harbor," 4 June 64. (My room mate in college was a member of the "modern" Richmond Howitzers, then part of the 29th Division, VA ARNG, and quite proud of their heritage. Treat 'em nicely -- ties between the old and the new strengthen both organizations of Red Legs.)

To return to our topic of flags, Carlton ended his little book pleading for special status for the (ANV) Confederate battle-flag, noting that it was the soldier's flag, not the emblem of the Confederate government, and should be honored, separate and apart from any political significance attached to "the Confederate" (that is, the National) flag. How sad he would have been with what happened instead.