Ryan,
Where does the evidence of the Van Dorn type flag come from?
In a 1887 newspaper article (Jefferson City Daily Tribune) the
flag is described as having a "blue field with a red border, and
has in the center of the field a white cross".
This flag is often referred to as a "Bowen" or "Missouri"/"Price"
type flag. A flag fitting this description belonging to the 1st
Missouri Cavalry is housed at the Missouri State Museum.
The evidence seems to lean toward the first flag of the 2nd
Mo. Cav. being of this "Bowen" type.

Ken Legendre