Hello,

I did the write up for this flag for that auction firm. It was once thought to have been one of the flags of the CSS Nansemond of the James River Squadron but I have high doubts that ID is correct as it is not a naval flag at all. This is an ANV Seventh Bunting and was either for the CS Marines Battalion at Drewry's Bluff or the flag of Tucker's Naval Brigade (which contained the Marines), which was also manning the big guns at Drewry's Bluff. The James River Squadron crews mostly left Richmond with Admiral Semmes heading for Danville, VA of which the Nansemond crew should have been part of. Some of them ended up with Tucker however who also left the Richmond area but headed west to link up with Lee's retreating army. They became part of Gen GW Custis Lee's Division which was an ad hoc command made up of heavy artillerists turned infantry (from Chaffin's Bluff) and a smattering or VA Reserves and a few regular units including the 18th Georgia Battalion. This flag was saved from capture at Sailor's Creek on April 6, 1865 by a crewman of the CSS Nansemond.

One of that ship's ensigns was captured the day before and another ensign was also saved by a crewman. Still another was sold a few years ago that cane from a lieutenant of the ship.

Hope this helps.

Greg Biggs