The Louisiana in the Civil War Message Board

St. Paul's Foot Rifles Flag

This came from the Richmond Daily Dispatch, June 13, 1862, concerning the Battle of Seven Pines:

An interesting incident occurred yesterday, which we feel great pleasure in recording. The noble conduct of St. Paul's Battalion in the late battle of the Chickahominy, ( Saturday, May 31st,) in conjunction with the 5th South Carolina, under Col. Grimes, is so well known that we have simply to revert to the fact to prompt the most tardy memory. In order to reward this heroic little Battalion for its achievements on that day, Gen. Longstreet ordered a beautiful battle flag to be presented to them. Yesterday, the ceremony of presentation took place, much to the gratification of all the brigade in which they serve Gen. Longstreet had written a very neat note to the commandant, which was read aloud by Brig-Gen. Anderson; but when asked by one of his Aids to make a few remarks himself on the occasion, Gen. Anderson smiled, and said, good humored and grimy, "Speech?--oh, the Louisianian require no speeches; they know what to do!" The battle flag is one of the Manassas pattern-- pink field, with a blue cross, and stars. Inscribed on one side is the name "Williamsburg" on the other, "Seven Pines"--the battalion having greatly distinguished itself in both engagements.