glenn
Reopening the 19th's flag
Fri Apr 13 09:18:50 2001


I found this letter in my files. I evidently ran a copy while in Montgomery at the ADAH. I don't know the writer. It is titled "Flag of the 19th Ala. Regt." It may be a note from Dr. Owen, ADAH director, to himself.
"Mr. C. Bailey, of Co. H, 22nd Ala. Regt., says that on July 28, 1864, he picked up and gave to one of the Regimental officers the flag of the 19th Ala. Regt. while the Confederates were charging the Federals in front of Atlanta. Later going over the same ground, after Sherman's flank movement, he saw a small (rail pen?) in which was buried the color bearer of the 19th, and over him was a board with the words: 'To the memory of a brave boy, color bearer of the 19th Ala. Regt., who is buried here.'
Mr. Bailey says that when he picked up the flag the line was moving forward rapidly, and the color bearer then with the flag must have been disabled or shot. The boy who was shot as stated above, was not the regular color bearer.
He does not know what became of..."
My photocopy goes no further, but the information in it could explain how the flag was "captured" possible far from the regiment.
If anyone is close to ADAH, this letter can be found in File box SG-11140, or SG-11141.