When Union General Sherman arrived in the Savannah area after his March to the Sea he sent 4,000 troops to take Fort McAllister Dec. 13, 1864.
Of the 230 Confederate defenders in the fort, one unit was 2nd Co. B of the 1st Georgia Regulars, a Savannah-based unit called the Emmet Rifles, commanded by Major George Anderson. At the surrender, he turned the company's ceremonial flag to the victorious Union forces.
Four other unit flags are also known to have been taken at that time as well.
Robert Clayton delivered the flag to the fort himself, fearing for its safety in the mail. (I wonder how he found out where to return it and hope he also included his great grandfather's handwritten note. That makes the flag even more of interest.)
The flag has been determined to be authentic as the dates match actions at the fort and it is known that a Union major by the name of Clayton took it.
It is hand-sewn from pieces of silk.
More to Come. --Old Secesh
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