Confederate Battle & State Flags

[Sanssouci]

Gents,
Was there a specific "method to the madness" behind some Confederate units only carrying their regimental battle flag, while others carried the regimental in conjunction with a state flag.

Are there specific references or data to illustrate which states were more apt to carry both?

Thanks for the help and assistance.

Respectfully,
John Turner

[justthemiller]

Re: Confederate Battle & State Flags

Hello,

Just amongst Virginia troops alone there seems to be a bewildering variety of flags that were carried amongst the troops at one time or another, whether they be state or goverment issue. Such events as; loss of a flag during a battle, receiving a presentation color to carry around, replacement of a flag that is just shredded because of use & whim of the commanding officer were all factors to consider. Unless you are researching a specific unit or units there is no absolute ryhme or reason to what they carried other than to say that "generally" they tried to carry the depot issued flag at all times and yet that is not an absolute at all times. May I suggest this website: www.confederateflags.org , it is a great site with a good discussion forum.

[TheColorBearer]

Re: Confederate Battle & State Flags

Gen.Lee in one of his general orders( the one in particular has eluded me) decreed that no state flags shall be unfurled, as only the battle colors were and the national flag. This had to do with the enemy not being able to identify which state the body of troops were from.