Daily State Journal, Little Rock, Arkansas, January 1, 1862

A Trophy. — We had the opportunity yesterday of examining a regimental stand of U. S. colors taken from the enemy at the battle of Oak Hills, Missouri. It was the banner of the 3d Missouri (Hessian) regiment commanded by Col. (now General) Seigel, and was presented to them by Mrs. Frank Blair, and other Lincolnite ladies of St. Louis. It is made of heavy silk, trimmed and lettered with gold and cost, as was represented at the time of its presentation, (over which there was a grand parade in St. Louis, and many vows to die sooner than surrender it) $700. The bullet holes through it bear testimony to the severity of the conflict over which it waved. It was captured by the gallant Captain (now Major) Staples, to whom it was entrusted to be brought to this city, to be deposited among the trophies of the war.—Richmond Whig.

Sedalia Weekly Bazoo, Sedalia, Missouri, August 16, 1881

Richmond, Dec. 13, 1861

Hon. J. P. Benjamin, Secretary of War:

Sir – At the request of Major Thomas E. Staples, of the Missouri State Guard, I beg leave to transmit herewith the flag captured by him from the enemy (Seigel’s regiment) at the battle of Springfield, Mo., on the 10th day of August, 1861.

The gallantry displayed by Major Staples in the capture of the flag, and throughout that memorable engagement, is fully recognized in the official report of Major Gen. Price. As there are many interesting associations connected with the flag herewith transmitted, I cheerfully second the request of Major Staples that it may be placed among the other trophies of the valor of the confederate army.

Respectfully,
Your ob’t servant,
Thomas A. Harris

Confederate States of America War Department
Richmond, Dec. 14, 1861

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of yesterday, accompanied by a very handsome flag captured from Seigel’s regiment at the battle of Springfield, Mo., on the 10th of August last, by Major Thomas E. Staples, of the Missouri Guard.

I shall be happy to place the flag as desired by it gallant donor, among the trophies of the valor of our army, which grace the walls of this department. It will be there remain a memorial, to those who come after us, of the glories of the great struggle, of their debt to the noble band of heroes who have imperiled all that man holds dear in defense of their liberties. In the roll of such men I feel sure there will not be found the name of a truer or more gallant soldier than that of Major Staples, whose name has already been rendered familiar to all of us by the report of his distinguished commander, General Price.

Please convey to Major Staples the expression of my admiration for his service, and my thanks for the welcome present made to this department.

Very respect’ly, your ob’t servant,
J. P. Benjamin
Secretary of War

Richmond, Dec. 15, 1861

Maj. Thos. E. Staples, Mo. State Guard:

Dear Sir: I enclose herewith a letter from the Hon. J. P. Benjamin, Sec. of War, dated 14th inst., in which you will find a graceful and appropriate acceptance of the flag captured by you from the Seigel Regiment, and presented to the War Department on the 13th inst., in compliance with your request.

It affords me pleasure to assure that after an examination of the trophies in the department won by gallantry of our soldiers, none have contributed more beautifully than yourself.

I have the honor to be,
Resp’ly, your ob’t servant,
Thomas A. Harris