Major Raney served throughout the Mexican War as a member of the 10th US Infantry, and enlisted as a Captain in Co. B of the 36th NY on July 15, 1861, while apparently remaining active in local Newburgh, N. Y. militia units between the wars. Raney was promoted to Major November 12, 1861, and served with the regiment through Yorktown, The Seven Days, Malvern Hill, Bottom's Bridge, White Oak Swamp, Fair Oaks, Savage Station, and was wounded near Harrison's Landing July 1862, resulting in his discharge for disability on October 15. Rainey claimed he was wounded by "friendly fire" from either the 7th or 10th Mass.; interestingly, however, there were apparently consistent rumors that Raney's wound was actually self-inflicted. Whatever the truth, Raney is repeatedly lauded in the reports from the colonel of the 36th New York in the ORs for his gallantry and leadership skill. Accompanying purchase of this item is a nineteenth century ink script note written on one of Raney's personalized envelopes which provides a concise history of some of the pieces, as well as mentioning other pieces that, according to family tradition were donated to a local museum/ historical society.

This is a 34.5" x 57" 33 star U.S. flag, entirely hand crafted, of wool bunting with 3.5" white cotton stars. The flag is now professionally affixed to a white cotton backing, showing some tattering on the fly from obvious use, and a few other minor holes, but excellent sound condition. Although not specifically mentioned in the note, Raney's initials are neatly inked on the 0.75" ticking hoist, which has four hand whipped holes for attachment to a pole.