Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 35.djvu/249

Rh The following is taken from the Confederate Column of the Portsmouth Star, conducted by Colonel William H. Stewart, published in serial issues of March 13, April 3, 1907:

We are pleased to announce that the marvelous story of the Confederate States ship Shenandoah, from the pen of her executive officer, commences with this issue of The Star and will be continued until finished.

On May 1, 1863, the Confederate Congress adopted the design of the second national flag with the battle flag for the union and a pure white field. The first flag made was sent by President Davis to enfold the body of Stonewall Jackson, and from this fact it was sometimes called Jackson's flag. Its other name was "Stainless Banner."

This was the only Confederate flag that circumnavigated the globe and waved on every ocean except the Antarctic. It was carried at the peak of the Shenandoah in the most wonderful cruise that the world has ever known and was hauled down in Liverpool on the morning of November 6, 1865, six months after the war was over.

That gallant naval officer, William Conway Whittle, who has made this most valuable contribution to Southern history, was born in Norfolk, Va., in 1840. In 1854 he entered the United States Naval Academy, from which he was graduated in 1858 and was ordered to the flagship of the Gulf squadron, at Key West. In part of 1858, 1859 and 1860 he served on the frigate Roanoke and sloop-of-war Preble in the Carribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.

In December, 1860, he was ordered to Annapolis for examination, and upon passing was promoted to passed midshipman and