Scots and the american civil war

[Joel]

I found the article posted very neat as I never knew anything about the Scottish-styled flag used by the Confederacy.

Gettysburg is very busy late June through July. It's the re-enactment and thus the tourist flock like flies to honey. I had a friend who lived there for a few months, but he said it was impossible to get around the town at that time. But, even though it can get busy, it sure is a beautiful place.

That's quite an impressive photo you use as an avatar-- you must post a full-size so we can see the details of your uniform.

I used to portray Lieutenant-Colonel St. Clair Mulholland of the 116th Pennsylvania Infantry (5th Reg't. Irish Brigade), but other projects forced me to shave the beard, so I just "be myself" now whenever I go to do presentations and such.

[sirdaniel1975]

David R. Ross has spent the better part of the last two years here in the states and can be seen and has been seen at several of the popular Highland Games. I saw him at the "Central Fl Highland Games" this past Jan '09. I went up and had a little chat and bought his book "On the Trail of Bonnie Prince Charlie." (I recommend the book) He also commented on my 'blue bonnet' and he said; "I can understand why you wear that!"

[CoreyMacLeod]

Had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Ross at the Greenville games. Didn't get to talk with him long, he was very busy that day, but he gave an excellent talk. I hope to see him again. Bought one of his books giving a historical tour of Scotland. "Desire Lines" it's called. I recommend it.

[macwilkin]

I found the article posted very neat as I never knew anything about the Scottish-styled flag used by the Confederacy.

If I remember correctly, the aforementioned flag of the 30th Arkansas was not based on the Scottish Saltire, but rather on the colours of the "Hardee Pattern" battle flag of General Patrick Cleburne's Division, which was usually a "silver moon" on a blue field.

It should be remembered that the saltire is a heraldic device, and I've never seen any evidence suggesting that it was chosen for its ties to Scotland via the St. Andrew's Cross. The designer, William Porcher Miles, wanted a distinctive flag to stand out on the field of battle, unlike the "Stars and Bars", the 1st National Confederate flag, which could be mistaken for the US flag on a smoky battlefield and no breeze.

Regards,

Todd

[Joel]

Exactly. But I meant "Scottish looking," not the idea that the Confederate flags were based on the Scottish flag. My error on that for not being more clear.

The Confederate armies in the Western theatre had a variety of different battle flags, far different than those that served in the Eastern theatre. In the East, it seems to me that the Confederacy predominantly used the 1st National and 2nd National flags for the headquarters of brigades, divisions, corps and armies...saving the battle flag for the regiments. (Not always the case, but rather my observations.) In the West though, it got a lot more interesting.

Last time I was in Gettysburg few years back, I passed up on buying a book on the different kinds of Confederate flags...but in recent times I'm wishing I hadn't.

[macwilkin]

Exactly. But I meant "Scottish looking," not the idea that the Confederate flags were based on the Scottish flag. My error on that for not being more clear.

The Confederate armies in the Western theatre had a variety of different battle flags, far different than those that served in the Eastern theatre. In the East, it seems to me that the Confederacy predominantly used the 1st National and 2nd National flags for the headquarters of brigades, divisions, corps and armies...saving the battle flag for the regiments. (Not always the case, but rather my observations.) In the West though, it got a lot more interesting.

Last time I was in Gettysburg few years back, I passed up on buying a book on the different kinds of Confederate flags...but in recent times I'm wishing I hadn't.

I was a USNPS Ranger at a Civil War Battlefield for 9 years. You're preaching to the choir. :mrgreen:

You're right about the variations, though, especially out west. Missouri's Confederate troops had some very unique flags.

However, being the proud descendant of Iowa Mudsills, I prefer:

www.iowaflags.org

Loyally,

Todd

[BoldHighlander]

Interesting article.
At least 9 of my Scobee ancestors rode as Confederate "raiders" under the banner of General John Hunt Morgan during the war. Another Scobee ancestor was a Union officer fighting guerrillas in Missouri.

The rest were Scots-Irish who served in the Stonewall Brigade.
I'm proud of them all.

[Joel]

I was a USNPS Ranger at a Civil War Battlefield for 9 years. You're preaching to the choir. :mrgreen:

You're right about the variations, though, especially out west. Missouri's Confederate troops had some very unique flags.

However, being the proud descendant of Iowa Mudsills, I prefer:

www.iowaflags.org

Loyally,

Todd

I make and reproduce Civil War flags as a hobby, so I'm always interested in seeing any new flags that perk my interest.

Cheers,
Joe

[Mael Coluim]

Great link thanks for sharing it with us. Sir David will return to the Williamsburg Scottish Festival. I got him to sign a couple of his books last and will do the same this year.

My g. g. grandfather, Samuel Taylor served Bobby Lee not as a soldier but a spy. With all the CW battles in my area, I have thought to re-enact him. Just don't have the time.

[CoreyMacLeod]

My GGGGrandfather fought for a time with the Irish Brigade out of the 29th Massachusetts Co. E. Vols. Samuel Cole Wright was his name. There's some information on him at Antietam On The Web's site if you want to read a bit and see a picture of the guy.