"A small bit of the old flag"

Back in 2003, I corresponded with a descendant of Joseph H. L. Reid of Company A. He informed me that his family history had the transcript of a letter written by J. H. L. Reid from Richmond in October 1864. He sent me the transcript of the warm letter written to family back home and the contents contained the names of other members of Company A that gave the correspondence much credence.

The descendant also said there supposedly still exists a torn page with a note along with a fragment of cloth. The undated note said:

"Mr. George Reid Dear little
Brother here is a small bit
of the old Flag of my Regt
it has saw sights and those
that fought under it being one
of them my self I have saw sights
under it and marching after it."

Before reporting this find, I wanted to see evidence. That evidence didn't come until almost 4 years later. Another descendant recently sent me a picture of a collection of items he has in his possession that were passed down from J. H. L. Reid. The collection includes 1) the original letter mentioned above, 2) the original oath of allegience signed by Reid at Point Lookout in 1865, and 3) the note along with the flag fragment. And here's the picture of the "bit of the old Flag."

I immediately forwarded this picture to two Confederate flag authorities. From what they could see, both of them confirmed the flag fragment appeared authentic. Naturally, I was elated and couldn't wait to share the news with you. Of course, I requested permission to post the picture and the descendant graciously consented. Thank you!

So what does this say for the flag of the 26th? As one flag authority mentioned to me, most regiments had from 2-5 flags through the duration of the war. In an earlier article posted on this site, we learn of an existing 4th Bunting that is quite possibly the last flag issued to the 26th. This flag fragment is apparently one of the earlier flags that flew over the 26th. It's certainly one filled with much history as it "saw sights."

I am currently trying to obtain a better picture of the fragment. When I receive it, you'll be the first to know!