Alan.

Unfortunately, there were more errors than I cared to see, and I will reference some of them here. First off, this flag did not fly at all the battles referenced - these are the battle honors - and as mentioned later in the article, this flag wasn't issued until February 1864, well after the five 1862 and 1863 battles that were listed in the first part of the article. Secondly, this flag wasn't one of 22 carried by the 32nd and 45th Mississippi regiments - they were issued to Cleburne's Division. Thirdly, there is a conflict stated as to the selling price - one place it says $160,000 and another place in the article states well above $160,000 - this latter one being correct.

Lastly, and most important to me, my mother was NOT buried in McGavock Cemetery where the flag's color bearer, First Corporal Joseph T. McBride, is buried!!!

From all reports I have received, this flag has set three new world record prices for a Confederate flag: (1) Western Theater; (2) Army of Tennessee; and (3) Hardee pattern flags. It's about time the Western Theater gets credit and recognition for their participation during the Civil War. According to some accounts, you'd think Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia were the only ones fighting!

I have a lot of good evidence as to the information that was originally applied to the rectilinear moon in the center of this flag. My inital anlysis that was illustrated in a drawing in the abstract I recently released that pertained to this flag's provenance and history was very near to being correct based on additional evidence. I hope to have a concensus of opinion reached soon, and a revised drawing with minor corrections available in the near future.

Alan, from which brigade was the ordnance sergeant whose letters you have that span the war years? The Army of Tennessee inspection reports for the end of August and mid-September 1864 would definantly be of interest.

Thank you for the posting and offer of information.

Rob Swinson
RESwinson@aol.com