Loudon free press. (Loudon, Tenn.) 1852-1855, 1853-07-29

History Of the american Fag.-The Alba
ny Elk press gives the following interesting alb
sract of the history of our national colors, from
an exceedingly interesting work by Capt. Schuy.
ler Hamilton, U. S. A., recently published in
Philadelphia, and entitled History of the A
merican Flag"
The first colors spoke Of IN connection with
the American Revolution were, significantly e.
nough, called "Union Flags" No account is
given of the devices upon them. They are fire.
quently spoken of in newspapers of l774.
The Connecticut troops fixed upon their stand.
ards and their drums in u.s. the motto. '"Qui
HanstulH !Sustinet" in letters of gold; literally
"God who transplanted us hither, will support
u.s." This was the motto. Each regiment was
distinguished by its color-blue, orange, &C. &c.
July Is, l775, Gen. Israel Putnam-glorious
"OlG Put''-unfurled' at Cambrige, Mass. on the
joyful occasion of the reception in that town of
the Declaration Of Independence, standard
bearing this motto on one side, An appeal to
Heaven" and on the other, son Transtrlit
SuStiRet." This flag was flung to the breeze
amid the roar of cannon and the shouts of the
people. 1t was said at that time that ''the PHI
HstiRes on Bunker Hill heard the cheers of the
LsJdetiteS (ISrael Putnam) and being fearful, pa
raded themselves in battle array" This flag
was a red one-the signal of defiance or battle
since the days of the Romans.
In September, l775, Col. Moultrie unfurled a
large blue flag, with crescent in one corner
This was the first American flag displayed in
South Carolina, and was used at the taking of
Fort johnson, on James Island. The crescent
is the emblem of sovereignty.
A standard with white ground, pine tree
in the middle, and the motto, ''appeal to Heav-
en-" was adopted in 1775 as the flag of the
floating batteries.
On January I'd, l776-the day gave birth to
the new American army--the flag designated
as the Great Union Standard was hoisted.-
This was The basis Of the national flag of the
present day.
In III was adopted the standard to be used
by the Commander-in- Chief of the American
navy, 'being yellow field, with a lively repre-
sentation of a ratlesnake in the middle, in the
attitude of striking" Underneath were the
words. "Don't tread on me-
The same year the cruisers of the colony of
Massachusetts hoiSted white flag with a green
pine tree, and the motto, appeal to Heaven
June 18th, 1777, Congress passed the follow
ing resolution:
"Resolred, That the flag of the thirteen Uni
ted States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and
white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white, in
a blue field, representing new constellation"
This was the origin Of the National Flag of
the United States-glorious "Stars and Stripes"
which has proudly waved since that day over
many of the greatest victories Of modern times;
that stirs the blood Of every rue-hearted citizen
whenever and wherever he beholds it floating
in the breeze; that waves in every part of the
world, and that is everywhere respected, on sea
and on shore.
The above resolution was made public Sep
tember Sd, III. Accordidg to Col. Trumbell
the flag made in pursuance of it was first used
at the surrender of Burgoyne, October 18th, Of
the same year. This was glorious beginning,
truly, for that was one of the most important
of the American arms during the Rev
olution.
The first change in the national colors was di-
rected in the following enactment of Congress,
adopted January 18th, 1894.
"Be it enacted, &C., That from and after the 4
first day of May, 1895, the flag of the United
States be fifteen stripes alternate red and white.
That the Union be fifteen stars, white in blue
field"
This was the flag of the United Stales during
the war of l8l2-l4.
In 1918 the flag of the United States was a
gain altered. On the suggestion of the Hon. Mr.
Wendover, of the State of New York, return.
was made TO thirteen stripes: as it was anticipa