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"On the 18th of December 1861 a stand of colors was presented to the regiment, in the State Capital grounds, by Governor Curtin. Unusual interest attended this ceremony because it was known that the regiment was to join the army in the west, and it was the first to leave Harrisburg for that destination."
Regimental Standard "Private Collection"
"Battle of Selma, Alabama" " Among those of the regiment who fell on this bloody field was Sergeant John Ennis, of Co. A, the color bearer of the regiment, who was shot down in the moment of victory with the flag, he so much loved, in his hand. The standard was seized by Sergeant Bickel, Co. I, and by him planted on the fort."
"The battle flag was returned to the State, through the Governor. "It was worn and tattered," Dornblaser says, "but not a single mark of disgrace sullied its folds."
Source: History of the 7th Penna. Cavalry 1861-1865, William B. Sipes 1905
State Standard 1
In the afternoon of December 18, we marched to the capital square, where we listened to a short address from Governor Curtin, who, in behalf of the ladies of Harrisburg, presented to the colonel a handsome regimental flag, and twelve captains each a company guidon.
The colonel replied briefly, pledging the Seventh to stand by their colors, and to return them to this city with honor.
Source: The Independent Dragoons, "Sabre Strokes of the Penna. Dragoons", 1884 T. F. Dornblaser
State Standard 2
On December 14th, 1913, there occurred one of the most solemn, patriotic and affecting ceremonies ever held anywhere. In the presence of 2000 people in Pottsville's largest theatre, twenty-two battle flags and guidons, carried during the Civil War by Schuylkill County troops, were transferred by the old soldiers to the custody of the Historical Society of Schuylkill County for proper care and preservation for all time to come.
"When handing the colors of the 7th Penna. Cavalry to Sergeant Samuel Winn, said: Color Sergeant John W. Ennis, one of our bravest and best soldiers, fell in the attack on Selma, Alabama. Sergeant Winn, who bears this flag before you, picked up the flag when Sergeant Ennis was shot and carried it triumphantly into the fort."
In the name and on behalf of the Historical Society of Schuylkill County, I, fully realizing the sacred trust you have reposed in us, accept the guardianship of these now sacred mementos of your bravery and devotion to your country, at the most critical time in its history.
What mean these flags? If two boards, one two-thirds the length of the other, be nailed together in a certain way, a cross is formed, and when this is raised on high, the material of which it is composed is lost sight of, because of the greater significance of the standard it forms. For it is the outward and visible sign of the Christian religion, of "of a creed which shedding its light over this world gathers its concentrated glory like a sunset o'er the next."
What mean these flags? They are but bits of red, white and blue silk, faded and stained by summer's rain and winter's snow, and perhaps with the blood of some gallant fellow, who gave for it "the last full measure of devotion."
Surely such sacrifices would be neither made nor asked for mere pieces of silk, but when these are in certain combinations, they take on a new significance, for they then form the emblem of a nation, a nation which, in the words of the immortal Lincoln, was "conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal," a "government of the people, by the people and for the people."
Before receiving these flags, I want to tell of something which was given to me the other day. On the 5th of May, 1863, the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, under the gallant George C. Wynkoop, charged on Lebanon, Tennessee. General Morgan's men had been in possession of the town. It had been a Union town, and Union flags were flying. Do you know, when I think of that old Seventh Cavalry, I think of the Moslem warrior of old who: "Terrible, he rode alone with his yeoman sword-for aid ornament it had none, save the notches on it's blade."
When that attack was made and they drove Morgan's men out, one fellow, bolder than the rest, had taken from the staff on a factory an American flag, which he trailed in contempt behind his horse. As they fled one of the men of the Seventh, Fred Schott of Co. F, rode out from the column, killed his man, and brought back this flag. (applause) He tied it around General Wynkoop's horse, and that old hero brought it back, and it has been in the possession of the Wynkoop family for over fifty years. (applause) But do you know what that meant? It cost that Johnny his life for insulting this old flag.
Now in the name and on behalf of the Historical Society of Schuylkill County, fully realizing the great responsibility, we accept these sacred emblems, and while the society last, while it has a dollar in its treasury, these flags shall be safely guarded for all time to come, and will be handed down from one generation to another. (applause) "song: Fallen Heroes." "Taps" - by the Brigade Band. Salute to the flag by the school Children.
Source: "Proceedings and Speeches at the Transfer of the Battle Flags" Pottsville Journal Print 1932.
Pottsville Guidon Company "I"
In the initial days of the Civil War, the Pennsylvania legislature convened in special session to provide for the defense of the Commonwealth. The unprecedented military buildup for the defense of the Union compelled the legislature to pass new laws to upgrade the state's lax militia system. Among the new acts passed was one authorizing Governor Andrew Curtin to procure battle flags for each regiment that Pennsylvania contributed to the Union Army. Most regiments carried several flags issued either by state or federal government.
Two Philadelphia firms, Horstman Brothers and Evans and Hassall, were contracted to supply Pennsylvania's battle flags. Following army regulations, most flags were made of silk and measured approximately six feet square. Several different types of flags were issued to the troops. National colors followed a stars and stripes pattern, while state colors featured the state coat of arms painted among the stars in the canton. Regimental colors either displayed the national eagle on a blue field for infantry units or crossed cannon on yellow field for artillery units. Cavalry standards, which were to be carried on horseback, were much smaller-approximately 30 inches square-with the state coat of arms on a blue background. Cavalry units also carried swallow tailed guidons with stars and stripes design.
When advancing in line of battle an infantry regiment deployed in two linear lines; the lieutenants and sergeants positioned themselves behind the men to ensure the privates and corporals stayed in battle. The color-guard was stationed in the middle of the regiment and stepped forward several paces while marching toward the enemy. Small flank markers or general guide markers were used at both flanks of the regiment.
In battle the color-guard was supposed to step back several feet from the firing line to avoid being shot by their own men, and in order not to put the flag in any unnecessary danger. The flags played a crucial role on the field. With the horrendous noise of battle and smoke from the black powder muskets, the large size of the colors helped the rank and file see the general area where the regiment was positioned. Essentially they used the flag as a reference point and as a morale booster.
The bright colors and large size of the flags, however, drew an enormous amount of enemy fire. Consequently, the color-guards in all the Civil War armies suffered a high rate of casualties. Although the mortality rate of the color-guards was very high, being chosen as the color-bearer was a great honor. The flags represented an integral part of the regiment's identity. As a symbol of the regiment's honor, they were to be defended with the lives of courageous soldiers.
The flags not only symbolized their courage, but they also represented their home town. Many citizen groups produced unique flags and presented them to their local regiments. The loss of the flag during battle represented the ultimate disgrace to a regiment. There are numerous accounts of proud soldiers laying down their arms to take up the flag from a fallen color-bearer, or risking their lives to rescue the flag from capture.
In the event that a regiment's flag was captured or severely damaged, many units requested and received replacement colors. Although damaged flags were retired, they were retained by officers in he camp or officials in Harrisburg or Washington. Upon the conclusion of the war, all state flags were to be returned to the Commonwealth for safekeeping.