While there is nothing of note in this short article about the flags themselves, perhaps some of you flag researchers have not found a mention of the flag presentations made by various ladies of Bossier Parish, LA. There are also a couple of the presentation speeches out there if anyone is interested. Hope this helps. This is the first mention I have seen in Louisiana of the number of servants accompanying a company.

“The Banner of the 19th April contains a local headed “Off for Charleston,” announcing the departure, on the 16th of Messrs. Ed A. Lowry, Morgan O. Taliaferro, J. E. Jackson and Wm. G. Aarons. They joined the Caddo Rifles at Shreveport and went to Virginia, whither the Shreveport Greys [Co. D, 1st (Dreux’s) Louisiana Battalion, Louisiana Infantry] had already gone. – John M. Scanland, of the Banner office, joining the Greys.”

“A Military Ball was given at the Court house in honor of the departure of Capt. Loudon Butler’s Company – the Bossier Boys – Wednesday, May 8th. Miss Maggie Moore presented the flag. This Company left Shreveport the next day on the Grand Duke, arriving in New Orleans on the 12th, where it was mustered into service by the State authorities, but, owing to a disagreement between Gov. Moore and the Confederate Secretary of War as the term of enlistments, Capt. Butler’s Company, together with many other companies, were disbanded at Camp Moore – all but a few members returning home and joining new commands as they were organized.”

“On June 13th, the Bossier Volunteers [Co. D, 9th Louisiana Infantry], Captain E. G. Randolph, left. At the Cane place, Miss Mattie Maples presented the flag. Mrs. Cane gave a reception dinner, and Messrs. Wesley P. Winans and Robert J. Looney delivered addresses. The Company, numbering 104 men, and 9 servants, left per steamer, via New Orleans, for Camp Moore, where it and other companies were organized into a regiment – the 9th Louisiana; Richard Taylor – Colonel; E. G. Randolph, Lieut. Colonel; and Wm. R. Peck, Major.”

“On September 22nd, the Robins Grays [Co. B, 19th Louisiana Infantry] left, Loudon Butler, Captain. A barbecue was given by the friends of the Company, at Fillmore, and Miss Emily Garrison presented the flag. This Company went direct to Camp Moore, via Monroe and Vicksburg.”

“On September 25th, the Vance Guards [Co. A, 19th Louisiana Infantry], Capt. R. W. Turner, left – Miss Lizzie Dickson presented the flag. A barbecue was given the Guards, at this place, the day before their departure, and on the day of their departure another barbecue was given on the Bellevue and Minden road, between the residences of Messrs. John W. Hudson and C. P. Thompson. The Rev. Baxter Clegg delivered a few friendly words of admonition, and offered a prayer for their safety.”

“On March 1, 1862, it was announced that the Bossier Volunteers [Co. D, 9th Louisiana Infantry], Capt. John J. Hodges, had all returned home on furlough; having reenlisted for the war. On the 1st of April, the last of the Bossier Volunteers, numbering 140, had left for Virginia.”

“On Wednesday, April 2nd [1862], the Bossier Cavalry [Co. B, Webb’s Louisiana Cavalry], Captain Thomas W. Fuller, numbering 102, left for Corinth, Miss. The editor being a member of the Company, Thos. M. Fort, Esq., was left in charge of the Banner.”

“On Wednesday, the 7th day of May [1862], the Marks Guards [Co. B, Gray’s 28th Louisiana Infantry], 125 men, Capt. John W. Rabb, left. Miss Clara Dalrymple presented the flag.”

“On September 27, 1862, the suspension of the Banner was announced by the editor, Mr. T. M. Fort, hoping that, in better times, the Banner would appear, and wishing for the safe return of the proprietor.”

“We have thus given a brief sketch of incidents found in the advertising and local columns of the Banner from its first publication to its suspension during the war. And in the events recorded are the sad ones of the departure of the gallant sons of Bossier for the battle-fields. And of the many who left – near 800- how many never returned? Let the tears of the orphan and widow answer.”
- Bossier Banner, June 30, 1881