Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 May 1895 — As to the Confederate Battle Flag. [ARTICLE]

As to the Confederate Battle Flag.

Speaking of General Johnston, I am reminded, says a writer in Kate Field’s Washington, of the explanation he once gave me of the origin of the confederate battle flag: “At the. battle of Bull Run,” said be, “the ‘stars and bars’ proved a failure because they were so much like the Upion colors. Indeed, both armies mistook their enemies for friends, and vice versa. After the battle I resolved to discard this flag and called for each regiment to procure its State colors. This they were not able to do, and 1 asked the army for new designs. Among those presented, one by Gen, Beauregard was chosen, and I altered this only in making it square instead of ob long. This flag was afterward adopted by the confederate armies generally. It was a Greek cross of blue on a red field, with white stars on the blue bars.” This flag, by the way, was designed by a Col. Walton, of Louisiana, and by him presentee to general Beauregard.