Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 37.djvu/263

 From Richmond, Va., News Leader, November 12, 1909.

'''GEN. W. L. CABELL TELLS HOW CONFEDERATE FLAG WAS DEVISED.'''

'''Editorial in Atlanta Journal Quotes Commander of Trans-Mississippi Giving Honor to Beauregard, Johnston and Certain Ladies.''' General William L. Cabell, of Dallas, Texas, the commander of the Trans-Mississippi department of the United Confederate Veterans, makes an exceedingly interesting contribution to the literature of the Conquered Banner by telling of the circumstances under which the historic emblem was adopted. The account is best rendered in the exact language of General Cabell himself.

Says he:

"When the Confederate army, commanded by General Beauregard, and the Federal army confronted each other at Manassas, it was seen that the Confederate flag and the Stars and Stripes looked at a distance so much alike that it was hard to distinguish one from the other. General Beauregard, after the battle of July 18th, at Blackburn Ford, ordered that a small red badge should be worn on the left shoulder of our troops, and, as I was chief quartermaster, ordered me to purchase a large quantity of red flannel and to distribute it to each regiment.

"During the battle of Bull Run it was plain to be seen that a large number of Federal soldiers wore a similar red badge. General Johnston and General Beauregard met at Fairfax Courthouse in the latter part of August or early September and determined to have a battle flag for every regiment or detached command.

"General Johnston's flag was in the shape of an eclipse—red flag with blue St. Andrew's cross and stars on the cross (white) to represent the different Southern States. (No white border