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I'm not sure if the link will work correctly. Anyhow, the guidon of the 2nd Louisiana Cavalry was recently auctioned. The story behind the colors is pretty interesting. The 2nd had seen fairly extensive service in the Trans-Mississippi from the onset of the war, but mostly in minor campaigns and against deserters and jayhawkers west of the Mississippi. They were chosen by General Richard Taylor to move up from Vermillionville (modern day Lafayette) and deploy to Alexandria to delay General Banks' push from that location at the beginning of the Red River campaign. They served as a rear guard of the main Confederate force as Taylor assembled his army near Shreveport. As the Federals began their advance, the 2nd engaged in several delaying actions, enough so to become pests to Banks' army and a major focus of concern.
Moving up the Red River from Alexandria, the 2nd camped at a small wooded area known as Henderson Hill. Henderson Hill was remote and surrounded by flooded woods and swamp. The unit hunkered down to ride out an unseasonably cold and rainy night. It was very late in the season for freezing rain and sleet, so the freak weather caught the unit unprepared. Pickets were posted, but most huddled in their place, more concerned with staying warm than with an unseen enemy.
Unbeknownst to the men of the 2nd, a large Federal force had deployed into the freezing swamp after midnight and surrounded the regiment. They surprised the pickets and captured most without firing a shot. When they attacked the freezing Confederates, it was with complete surprise. All but about 20 men were captured on the spot. The commander, Col. William Vincent, barely escaped.
The guidon was captured by one of the Federals and kept as a trophy of war. It eventually ended up in the northwest where it was offered up for sale early last year.
At least it brought a good price. Too bad it won't ever return here where it belongs.
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