It was just very rare, the Union regimental commanders admitted to losing a color. Take Gettysburg for an example, the largest battle during the whole war. Going down every single Union regiment's after battle report, only two admitted to losing a color. That being the 3rd Maine (National) and 11th US Regulars (Regimental).

I believe the 21st Mississippi, picked up the 3rd Maine's National Flag, the 21st Mississippi admitted they found a National Flag. They were in that area as well. But, just a possibility.

This is new, I believe the 6th Iowa, at Shiloh threw one of their flags in their campfire. The Crescent Regiment reported finding a flag in the campfire. On page, 173 in Larry J. Daniel's Book, "Shiloh" "The battle that changed the Civil War", lists the Crescent Regiment going up the Purdy Road and into the 6th Iowa's camp. Now the 6th Iowa was on the extreme left on the Union line (If on the Confederate side).

"A Corporal salvage a Union Flag that had been tossed into a campfire." (Page 173). That can only by the 6th Iowa's camp site. But the question is which flag? "Union Flag" as in "National Flag?" Gotta love the details they leave, lol

I have judged that I will probably be around 158 years old, when I figure this all out, lol

I have stopped looking for Union flags and putting together everything I have. I would give an estimate of between 600-800, Captured Union flags so far. My goal is 1,000, I might even have located that many so far, but I have months and months and possibly a year to organize everything.

Have a good morning,

Shawn Prouty