Although many of you probably already know, I have just learned today that the battle flag of the 2nd Louisiana Cavalry (CSA), that was captured on March 21, 1864 at Henderson Hill (Cotile, LA) is to be auctioned off by the Southern Oregon Historical Society using the services of Pook and Pook, Inc. (www.pookandpook.com) of Downsville, PA. The flag was captured and kept by Sgt William Ayers of the 35th Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Sgt Ayers' son (Arthur Wakefield Ayers) or a later descendent loaned and then donated the flag to the Southern Oregon Historical Society at some point. They are apparently selling it to obtain funds to support other collections.

It is sad that no one with sufficient financial resources or backing can be found in Louisiana to bid on and obtain the flag for a Louisiana Museum or collection. With the auction being Friday (April 23), there is little to no time to initiate any effort to obtain the flag for Louisiana. Sad indeed!

Don Parker