We’ll just have to disagree on the date of the Georgia State Seal. The Georgia Constitution written between October 1776 and February 5, 1777 includes the design for a great seal of the state “On one side a scroll whereon shall be engraved “The Constitution of the State of Georgia” , and the motto “Pro Bono Publico” ; on the other side an elegant house and other buildings, fields of corn, and meadows covered with sheep and cattle; a river running through the same, with a ship under full sail; and the motto “Deus Nobis Hacc Otia Fecit”.

Admiral Preble mentions other flag but the only description is that of “Liberty Boys” and “American Liberty” flag. etc.. There is a interesting description of Major Habersham’s 1st Georgia Battalion / Regiment, camp colors of the Battalion, blue field with yellow inscriptions. Another is the assumption that the battalion’s standard, blue field with a yellow rattlesnake and motto in the center. “1st Bat” in the upper inside canton. The Standard was captured by the British, if it survives, I have no idea.

The Southern States / Colonies were to cary flags with blue fields, matching the facing on their uniforms.

In the time period I’m talking about, Tennessee was the frontier, a place to go if you didn’t want to deal with the unpleasantness with the British Army.

I think I sent you a copy of a picture from the US Navy Museum of the Georgia ship with the State flag with a white field, this is CW period.

For terminology purposes, Military State flags carry the State Arms, Political State flags are those flown over State buildings or used by the residents of that State, may or may not use the State Arms as a device. Most States did not have a political State flag prior to the CW, except, New Jersey & Virginia.

Happy Trails!
Tom Martin
Confederate-flag.org