The debate on the “Palmetto” flag in Iowa is on going and far from being concluded. The comparison of the “Palmetto” flag in Iowa to the one that flew over Morris Island is unsatisfactory, there are many known deferences. Lt.Col. Andrew D. Kullberg USAF (retired) paper is from old research, (nicely done by the way), and should not be taken as a finial word on the subject. As a member of the Company of Military Historians and member of Confederateflags.org (FFF’s) I’m very familiar with the research on the “Palmetto” flag, this one and many others that go by that name. The Iowa “Palmetto” flag has a South Carolina connection, I would hope that it could be returned to the “Palmetto State” one day but its connection to Morris Island is very questionable. If it was captured at Fort Blakeley why would a light artillery battery carry such a large flag around for four years? Besides it is in very good shape to have see four years of war. If this flag was so loved by the Citadel one would think it would have been keep safe as their other flag was that was presented to them by the Washington Light Artillery years before. Towards the end of the war this flag was sent to the Charlotte Military Academy for safe keeping. The only flag that I know of that was captured at the Citadel towards the end was a Confederate National. Another question that comes to mind, is why would former members of the Citadel be carrying this flag when active members of the Citadel also maned artillery in several battles in South Carolina, you think they would be the ones to use this flag if anyone would. There are several flags credited with being captured at Fort Blakely but known data suggest otherwise, a more accurate capture data would be the battles around Mobile Bay. Considering the fine shape the flag is in and the size, the Iowa “Palmetto” flag was more likely picked up by Union souvenir hunters off of a merchant ship in Mobile Bay. The Florida Steamship Line (aka. Confedrate Merchant Ships) had connections with the Port of Charleston and most likly carried a South Carolina flag, Port of Call flag, in its company of flags.

Happy Trails!
Tom Martin