WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
_Washington, April 30, 1887_.
HON. WILLIAM C. ENDICOTT,
_Secretary of War_.
SIR: I have the honor to state that there are now in this office, stored
in one of the attic rooms of the building, a number of Union flags
captured in action, but recovered on the fall of the Confederacy and
forwarded to the War Department for safe-keeping, together with a number
of Confederate flags which the fortunes of war placed in our hands
during the late Civil War.
While in the past favorable action has been taken on applications
properly supported for the return of Union flags to organizations
representing survivors of the military regiments in the service of the
Government, I beg to submit that it would be a graceful act to
anticipate future requests of this nature, and venture to suggest the
propriety of returning all the flags (Union and Confederate) to the
authorities of the respective States in which the regiments which bore
these colors were organized, for such final disposition as they may
determine.
While in all the civilized nations of the world trophies taken in war
against foreign enemies have been carefully preserved and exhibited as
proud mementos of the nation's military glories, wise and obvious
reasons have always excepted from the rule evidences of past internecine
troubles which by appeals to the arbitrament of the sword have disturbed
the peaceful march of a people to its destiny.
Over twenty years have elapsed since the termination of the late Civil
War. Many of the prominent leaders, civil and military, of the late
Confederate States are now honored representatives of the people in the
national councils, or in other eminent positions lend the aid of their
talents to the wise administration of affairs of the whole country; and
the people of the several States composing the Union are now united,
treading the broader road to a glorious future.
Impressed with these views, I have the honor to submit the suggestion
made in this letter for the careful consideration it will receive at
your hands.
Very truly, yours,
R.C. DRUM,
_Adjutant-General_.
[Indorsement.]
WAR DEPARTMENT, _May 26, 1887_.
The within recommendation approved by the President, and the
Adjutant-General will prepare letters to governors of those States whose
troops carried the colors and flags now in this Department, with the
offer to return them as herein proposed. The history of each flag and
the circumstances of its capture or recapture should be given.
HON. WILLIAM C. ENDICOTT,
_Secretary of War_.
WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
_Washington, June 7, 1887_.
Honorable GOVERNOR OF ----.
SIR: The President of the United States having approved the
recommendation that all the flags in the custody of the War Department
be returned to the authorities of the respective States in which the
regiments which bore them were organized, for such final disposition as
they may determine, I am instructed by the honorable Secretary of War to
make you, in the name of the War Department, a tender of the flags now
in this office belonging to the late volunteer organizations of the
State of ----.
In discharging this pleasant duty I beg you will please advise me of
your wishes in this matter. It is the intention in returning each flag
to give its history as far as it is possible to do so, stating the
circumstances of its capture and recovery.