Flag Fragment

Dateca. 1862

OriginAmerica, Virginia (used in); imported material

MediumPlain weave wool bunting. Identified by microscope 6/10/1998 LRB.

DimensionsRed piece is 3 1/2" X 2 1/2" White piece is 4 1/2 X 1"

Credit LineGift of Mr. Donald Murdoch

Object number1980-220,1

DescriptionFragments of flag woven in loose plain-woven red wool and white wool. The red fragment has been pieced by stitching with brown cotton thread forming a flat fell seam.
ProvenanceThe flag fragments accompanied a hand-written letter from a Union soldier to a female relative dated June 8, 1862. The letter states the pieces are from a flag taken at Williamsburg: "I enclose a piece of the rebel flag that was taken at Wmsburg I have carried it in my pocket ever since- take good care of it and dont sell it or give any away." C W Baldwin to Sarah P. Baldwin, 14 Walnut St. Newark, NJ.

Charles W. Baldwin enlisted on December 12, 1861 at New York City. He was mustered into G Company, New York 5th Infantry. He was killed on August 30, 1862 at 2nd Bull Run, Virginia.