The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-09-10
OLD FLAG IS RETURNED
  FOREMOST SCHOOLS AND OF Tilt COUNTRY N 
STATE RECEIVES BANNER OF zsTH
 ALABAMA.
lt Was Sent to Director owen of De- pertinent of Archives by Direc- ton of Mrs. George
 newey.


 Thanks to the good will of Mrs. George Dewey. wife of Admiral Dewey, the honored flag of the old 2sth Ala oama Regiment. was yesterday re- ceived by Dr. Thomas M. Owen. Di- rector of the State Department of Archives and History.
 It was by the consent of Mrs. Dewey that the banner was shipped from the Smithsonian Institution where 1t had been on exhibition for several years. 1t was loaned to the Institution by General W. B. Hazen, of whom Mrs [. Dewey was the widow before her mar riage to the American naval hero.
 The men who bore the standard of the 2sth Alabama were among the bravest of the braves in the Confed- crate Army. They had the honor and heroic opportunity of opening the bat ties around Chattanooga. That they displayed great galiantry is attested by the following letter from Lieuten- ant General c. Irvine Walker. com manding the United Confederate Vet erans of the Army of Northern vir- ginia:
 Charleston, s. C., Sept 5. 1905.
 Hon. Thomas M. Owen. State Histo-
 rian. Montgomery, Ala:
 Dear Sir--I notice, through the press. that the battlefag of the 28th Alabama Regiment, captured at Orch ard Knob. in the battle of Missionary Ridge. was about to be returned to the State of Alabama. I would be remiss in my duty to my old comrades of the 2eth Alabama' regiment did not ad- vise you, the State Historian, and through you all the good people of Alabama of the magnificent bearing of that regiment on the occasion of the capture so the record could be pre- served. It is high privilege to bear A f..aI. Ak.s. splendid gallantry and devotion in that light.
 The 2Sth Alabama regiment was in Manigauits Brigade, of which I was, then, Adjutant General, and as such, in position to know whereof speak. capnct say that I remember that their nag was ever captured, but do know that the conduct of the regiment was such that its capture reflects not the slightest discredit on the brave men who fought under its folds.
 This regiment was on the picket line of the brigade, on Orchard Knob, in front of the brigade's position at Missionary Ridge. Orchard Knob was held only by picket line. The whole plain around Chattanooga was open and the Federal advance could be at once seen, and when made every Con- federate sprang promptly to arms. Colonel John c. Reid, commanding the 2Sth Alabama Regiment, always said that he had received orders to hold his position 'at all hazards as the brigade would move out and the fight be made on that line. This was a misunder- standing, most unfortunately. How 1t came about have never been able to ascertain. But Colonel Reid certainly believed that the 2Sth Alabama Regi- mert was ordered to hold the position at all hazards and did so. with the most distinguished gallantry. The po- sition was attacked by overpowering numbers but our men firmly held the position.
 There happened what rarely came under my knowledge, the Confederates and Yankees actually fought at the bayonet point across the breastworks The regiment held It's position until the troops on either flank had been driven off and until it was almost com pletely surrounded. It was then with drawn, very properly. only after most heroic resistance and as 1t became evil dent to Colonel Reid that the brigade was not coming up to make the fight on that line.
 T have never known men to act with more distinguished bravery. II have not the figures before me- but my recollection Is that they did not with draw until over half their men had been killed, wounded or captured The attack on Orchard Knob, it will | be remembered, was the opening of the | battles around Chattanooga. '1t gives me great pleasure to bear | witness to the gallantry of my com 1 rades of the 2Sth Alabama Regiment. l trust that you will place this testi-. monial with the returned battle flag | SO that all succeeding generations may l know of the grand heroism displayed l by the regiment whose ensign 1t was not only on that occasion but on every | from Murfreesboro, 1882, un- l til Nashville, 1864. Yours very truly,
 "C. Irvine Walker" The pennant of the 2Sth Alabama was captured in 1863 by tho command of General W. B. Hazen at Orchard Knob and there are 9 few survivors of the famous unit who will enjoy the op- portunity of looking upon the tattered | bunting which Is now safely stored away in the collection of flags at the Capitol here.
 ETgHTNG ANn SHO0TUNG