George,
I think you hit it!
In the July 5, 1861 edition of the
Cincinnati Times. John Packham is said
to have deserted the 10th Ga Inf. and brought
his "marker" flag with him. The flag was
described as a "Secession" marker flag.
Makes sense that he would go north with his family and join his father's unit.
Apparnetly they skedaddlered out of Georgia.

The last part of the Times article was cut off.

Ken Legendre