Found this in a google on-line book: "Message to the Common Council, transmitting Trophy of Victory at Fort Donelson. Mayor's Office New York, February 27, 1862....." "It affords me great pleasure to transmit to you an interesting trophy of the recent glorious victory at Fort Donelson, presented through Mr. Bennett, of the 'Herald' by Col. Morgan L. Smith, Acting Brigadier-General, to his native city of New York, being a large and handsomely made silk flag of the Rebellion, bearing the inscription, "Ladies' Gift to the Blackland Gideonites: May Heaven crown you with victory." This was in a book called "Official Documents, Addresses, Etc. of George Opdyke, Mayor of New York" published 1866. He was urged to accept it and to find a suitable repository. Did he? Where is it now?

Does anyone know how to begin the search for this flag's whereabouts? I have searched many sites in New York via this internet.

Our ancestor was Col. Joe Wells, the organizer of the Blackland Gideonites. Thanks for any help.

There was a mention here on the chat board of the "Plenitude" flag of the 23rd.....so close! I hope the Blackland Gideonites' flag shows up !