These two cotton fragments, red and blue, are accompanied by a remarkable note.  The note lays out the significance of the fragments, explaining that they were taken from a U.S. flag found on the field of Gettysburg by a “hospital steward of a regiment from Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania” and found their way to Private William R. Miles of the 56^th New York Infantry, Company L.  William was promoted to Corporal in December of 1863 – just as his regiment was demonstrating against the Charleston and Savannah Railroad. The 56^th was transferred to several commands in the Carolinas in late 1862, eventually finding a consistent home in the 10^th Corps.  While it is difficult to determine how William Miles came into possession of the fragments, any number of chance meetings during or after the war could have facilitated the exchange of sentimental pieces like these among veterans.

The pieces came from the collection of John Duggan, a well-known collector and respected member of The Central Virginia Civil War Collectors’ Association.

The fragments are mounted to a gray card measuring 4.2” x 8.75”. The red fragment measures approximately 2.5” x 2.5” and shows just a bit of honest fading.  Some areas are lightly discolored and a few pieces of darker thread are noted.  The blue fragment measures approximately 2” x 2” at the widest points.  The blue color remains rich and dark, with a fine finish to the fabric. The card is currently mounted in a Riker display box measuring 8.5” x 12.25”.

An exciting pairing for the collector of Gettysburg artifacts.   [cm][ph:L]

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