EXTREMELY RARE CONFEDERATE INDIAN TREATY FLAG OR BATTLE FLAG.

EXTREMELY RARE CONFEDERATE INDIAN TREATY FLAG OR BATTLE FLAG. This flag is one of three surviving specimens and the only one in private hands. During the early part of the Civil War the Confederate states formed an alliance with certain southern Indian nations; the Choctaw, the Chickasaw, the Seminole, the Creek and later the Cherokee nation, to fight on the side of the confederacy. Originally the flag was designed with four red stars to form a passion cross and to represent the four Indian nations that belonged to the confederacy. Later, when the Cherokee joined, a fifth red star was added. The other two flags in existence relating to this Indian alliance are both in museums. They are slightly different in composition, but all three maintain a unique construction aspect in that they are all made of cotton. None of the other Indian associated flags has five red stars in the center, but one of the horizontal bars has the text, “CHEROKEE BRAVES”. This was captured at Locust Grove in the Cherokee nation on the third day of July in 1862 and was carried by General Stand Watie’s Confederate Indians. Another related Indian flag has 15 total stars; 11 for the Confederate states and four for the four Indian nations that at that time had aligned, each of those stars, rather than being red, have the name of Indian nation it represents in the horizontal bar with the text, “STRIKE FOR YOUR ALTAR AND YOUR HOMES”. It is known that this flag was sewn by Mrs. Victoria Redwine, wife of Captain (and later Major) Hulum D. C. Redwine, commanding officer of Company E. This was donated to the Texas military Museum and was carried by the 10th Regiment Texas Volunteer Calvary. This flag being offered is similar to a flag described in the September 6, 1861 Alton Illinois “Telegraph”, which copied an article from the Fort Smith Arkansas “Times” of August 1861. In this article it describes a flag very similar to the example being offered except that at the time of this article the fifth star representing the Cherokee nation had not been added. “The Confederate Flag Floats Over Our Camp… Inside the circle the commissioner has placed four small red stars forming the four extremities of a passion cross – for the four nations, the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, Seminole in token that these Christian tribes of ‘Redmen’ are encircled by our protection and are with and of us. When, if ever we deem fit to treat with the Cherokees, a fifth star will form the center of the cross…” This flag possibly a treaty flag, used at the time that the 5th Indian nation joined and/or very likely used as a battle flag in one of the Texas units. It was purchased a few years ago at an estate auction in San Antonio, Texas. It is an extremely rare flag and the only privately owned flag associated with these treaties. The five Indian nations fought on behalf of the confederacy and in fact the Cherokees distinguished themselves being led by one of their own General Stand Watie. Watie was the only Indian to attain the rank of General; his 1st Cherokee Mounted Rifles were instrumental in disrupting Federal operations and cutting Union supply lines in the region. Watie was the last confederate General to cease hostilities and he never formally surrendered. The flag’s format is a standard Confederate 1st National with the blue field, white stars and alternating red/white/red horizontal bars the only difference here being the five red stars formed as the symbol of the passion cross within the circle of white stars. It is unquestionably a period flag and is accompanied by a letter of authentication from noted flag historian; Howard Michael Madaus dated August 20, 2003. Additionally, the flag is accompanied by a textile report by the nation’s foremost textile authority, Fonda Thompson whose findings also affirm that the flag is of the Civil war era. The flag’s history makes it extremely intriguing Confederate memorabilia. It’s size, bright colors and condition, make this a wonderful decorative specimen. A unique opportunity to own an extraordinarily rare Confederate/Indian associated item. SIZE: Flag is 97″‘ on the fly and 58″ at the hoist. CONDITION: Flag maintains strong color. It has scattered small holes from use although not of great detraction. There is a vertical repaired cut, which runs through the flag. Fonda Thompson’s textile analysis found that the repair was apparently done during the Civil War era, as the thread fibers are the same as the type produced in that period. (if we only knew why this was done – what an intriguing story this might also tell!). The flag loses no aesthetics in this repair and only a minute loss to the overall size of the flag. The original attachment is still here and Mr. Madaus’ details offer substantial details to its structure and history. The sale of this flag represents a singular opportunity to own what is, without a doubt, one of the more unique and extremely collectible artifacts of the little known portion of the Confederate/Indian alliance during the Civil War. Also offered with this flag is a copy of, “GENERAL STAND WATIE’S CONFEDERATE INDIANS”, by Frank Cunningham. 4-51301 (60,000-80,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2004

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	582	$51,750.00	EXTREMELY RARE CONFEDERATE INDIAN TREATY FLAG OR BATTLE FLAG. This flag is one of three surviving specimens and the only one in private hands. During the early part of the Civil War the Confederate states formed an alliance with certain southern Indian nations; the Choctaw, the Chickasaw, the Seminole, the Creek and later the Cherokee nation, to fight on the side of the confederacy. Originally the flag was designed with four red stars to form a passion cross and to represent the four Indian nations that belonged to the confederacy. Later, when the Cherokee joined, a fifth red star was added. The other two flags in existence relating to this Indian alliance are both in museums. They are slightly different in composition, but all three maintain a unique construction aspect in that they are all made of cotton. None of the other Indian associated flags has five red stars in the center, but one of the horizontal bars has the text, “CHEROKEE BRAVES”. This was captured at Locust Grove in the Cherokee nation on the third day of July in 1862 and was carried by General Stand Watie’s Confederate Indians. Another related Indian flag has 15 total stars; 11 for the Confederate states and four for the four Indian nations that at that time had aligned, each of those stars, rather than being red, have the name of Indian nation it represents in the horizontal bar with the text, “STRIKE FOR YOUR ALTAR AND YOUR HOMES”. It is known that this flag was sewn by Mrs. Victoria Redwine, wife of Captain (and later Major) Hulum D. C. Redwine, commanding officer of Company E. This was donated to the Texas military Museum and was carried by the 10th Regiment Texas Volunteer Calvary. This flag being offered is similar to a flag described in the September 6, 1861 Alton Illinois “Telegraph”, which copied an article from the Fort Smith Arkansas “Times” of August 1861. In this article it describes a flag very similar to the example being offered except that at the time of this article the fifth star representing the Cherokee nation had not been added. “The Confederate Flag Floats Over Our Camp… Inside the circle the commissioner has placed four small red stars forming the four extremities of a passion cross – for the four nations, the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, Seminole in token that these Christian tribes of ‘Redmen’ are encircled by our protection and are with and of us. When, if ever we deem fit to treat with the Cherokees, a fifth star will form the center of the cross…” This flag possibly a treaty flag, used at the time that the 5th Indian nation joined and/or very likely used as a battle flag in one of the Texas units. It was purchased a few years ago at an estate auction in San Antonio, Texas. It is an extremely rare flag and the only privately owned flag associated with these treaties. The five Indian nations fought on behalf of the confederacy and in fact the Cherokees distinguished themselves being led by one of their own General Stand Watie. Watie was the only Indian to attain the rank of General; his 1st Cherokee Mounted Rifles were instrumental in disrupting Federal operations and cutting Union supply lines in the region. Watie was the last confederate General to cease hostilities and he never formally surrendered. The flag’s format is a standard Confederate 1st National with the blue field, white stars and alternating red/white/red horizontal bars the only difference here being the five red stars formed as the symbol of the passion cross within the circle of white stars. It is unquestionably a period flag and is accompanied by a letter of authentication from noted flag historian; Howard Michael Madaus dated August 20, 2003. Additionally, the flag is accompanied by a textile report by the nation’s foremost textile authority, Fonda Thompson whose findings also affirm that the flag is of the Civil war era. The flag’s history makes it extremely intriguing Confederate memorabilia. It’s size, bright colors and condition, make this a wonderful decorative specimen. A unique opportunity to own an extraordinarily rare Confederate/Indian associated item. SIZE: Flag is 97″‘ on the fly and 58″ at the hoist. CONDITION: Flag maintains strong color. It has scattered small holes from use although not of great detraction. There is a vertical repaired cut, which runs through the flag. Fonda Thompson’s textile analysis found that the repair was apparently done during the Civil War era, as the thread fibers are the same as the type produced in that period. (if we only knew why this was done – what an intriguing story this might also tell!). The flag loses no aesthetics in this repair and only a minute loss to the overall size of the flag. The original attachment is still here and Mr. Madaus’ details offer substantial details to its structure and history. The sale of this flag represents a singular opportunity to own what is, without a doubt, one of the more unique and extremely collectible artifacts of the little known portion of the Confederate/Indian alliance during the Civil War. Also offered with this flag is a copy of, “GENERAL STAND WATIE’S CONFEDERATE INDIANS”, by Frank Cunningham. 4-51301 (60,000-80,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2004 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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