Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Flag |
Catalog Number |
0985.13.01153 |
Description |
Pattern: Miniature First National; silk. Stars: Eleven gold embroidered 5-pointed. Border: None. Attachment: Sleeve. Unit Designation: None. Battle Honors: None. |
Material |
Silk |
Dimensions |
H-6 W-9 inches |
Owned |
Robert E. Lee (tentative); William H. Johnson ; Mr. Johnson |
Event |
Battle of the Crater |
Provenance |
Miniature flag. Taken from Arlington, the confiscated plantation home of Robert E. Lee, during the war by William H. Johnson, 143rd New York Infantry and sent to his father in New Jersey. Johnson was killed before Petersburg, Virginia, July 1864. "This flag was taken from Arlington during the war, and was returned to the Governor of Virginia by Judge John L. Johnson of Verona, NJ. It was taken at a date unknown by William P. Johnson, an officer of the 142nd New York Volunteers, and sent by that officer to his father in New Jersey. Johnson, who became chief of staff under Maj. Gen. Martin M. Curtis, was killed in the explosion of a mine before Petersburg on July 30, 1864. His father dying some years later, turned the flag over to a younger son, John L. Johnson, who afterwards became judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Essex County, NJ. The father's injunction to his son was to turn the flag into the possession of the State of Virginia or the Lee family when he thought the proper time had come.... In sending this flag Judge Johnson says, 'The price was great in the loss of our brothers, fathers, and relatives, but the reward we received a united union is ample compensation.' Whatever one's opinions may be there can be but one feeling with regard to tokens of friendship like the return of this flag, and that is one of thankfulness that such actions are not only possible but frequent." |
People |
Lee, Robert E. Johnson, William H. Johnson, Mr. |
Search Terms |
Battle of the Crater items captured by Union soldiers items captured from Confederate soldiers items taken by Union soldiers items taken from Confederate soldiers Items taken North by Union soldiers and later returned South Petersburg Campaign / Siege of Petersburg United States Army |