The Miller’s Undying Support
Save the Flags would like to once again thank Bruce and Terri Miller for their undying support of the project. The Millers have stepped forward to adopt another orphan flag (a flag not previously adopted).
SC-79-90 is a designating flag that was used by the First Division of the Ninth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac. Records are scarce as to the provenance of this particular flag, it is sadly unknown when the flag was accessioned into the Capitol Battle Flag collection or the connection it may have to Michigan troops. However, the Division was led by Brigadier General Orlando Willcox (a Michigander and Medal of Honor recipient) from October of 1862 to January of 1863.
Several Michigan regiments fought with this Division, including the 2nd, 8th, 17th, 20th Infantry Regiments. The First Michigan Sharpshooters also belonged to the 9th Corps (note the 9th Corps Shield on their Capitol monument photo below).
Our hope is that with further research we will eventually be able to more accurately document the provenance of the flag. The flag was produced by the Horstmann Company of Philadelphia (see maker mark on the hoist end of flag and the division and corps designation in the photograph below).
Our sincere thanks to Bruce and Terri for this adoption and their generous support.
(top left) The First Michigan Sharpshooters Regiment monument on the southeast corner of Capitol Square. (top right) The Horstmann Company of Philadelphia maker mark on flag SC-79-90. (bottom) Flag SC-79-90, the previously unadopted designating flag of the First Division of the Ninth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac.