1902- Historic Battleflag

The following story is from a Texas newspaper:

An Historic Battleflag

Made by the Women of the Mecklenburg District  

Greenville, Texas, April 26- There was on exhibition yesterday an old and faded Confederate flag that was carried through-out the war between the States by the Forty-eighth North Carolina volunteers. It was made by ladies of Charlotte, N.C., and presented to the regiment on May 20, 1861, which is a memorable date in the history of Mecklenburg district, where the people met on May 20, 1775, and declared their independence of Great Britain. There are blood stains on the flag and a number of holes where it was pierced by minie balls, and a large rent made by a bomb shell. This priceless relic of dark and bloody days was carried by the regiment through the battles of Harper’s Ferry, Fraser’s Farm, Sharpsburg, Richmond, Bristow Station and Fredericksburg. At the latter place two color bearers were shot down with the flag, and it was then picked up by Captain J.R. Winchester, who also received a wound. He managed to roll over the breastworks and saved the flag to the regiment.  

The flag was on exhibition at the Dallas reunion and was then turned over to Captain Winchester, the only surviving said officer of the Forty eighth regiment. Captain Winchester, with his wife, is here on a visit to their son, Mr. H. Winchester.