While looking through some city documents for Lowell MA in 1862, I just came across 2 flag references. These are listed as being donated to the city library as part of some form of circular exhibit they were doing at the time, and being sent from soldiers at the front (presumably men mostly from Lowell). I'll just add the quick references and page number here, though I'll have to add more later when I figure out the proper source name and information that belongs with the information.

Received
Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler
Rebel Flag from Fort Livingston La. ...

James Ivors, Co. A 2nd Mass
Pieces of the Merrimac's Flag

Page 6 (Library Report)
248 (of entire volume)

Josh Bucchioni