Revolutionary war battle flags soon to wave goodbye

Three battle flags fluttered above the troops amid the confusion, smoke and musket fire in a South Carolina field on May 29, 1780.

Col. Abraham Buford and his 3rd Virginia Detachment were heading back north after trying to reinforce Charleston, under siege by Lord Cornwallis. The British had taken the city before they had arrived. In one of the more controversial battles of the Revolutionary War, the Seventeenth Light Dragoons, led by Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton, caught up with the patriots near the North Carolina line.

Since December 2007, the three flags, along with a Connecticut cavalry flag, have been on view in the "Captured Colors: Four Battleflags of the American Revolution" exhibit at Colonial Williamsburg's DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. In a little more than two weeks, these historic treasures will be returned to the owner. They may never again be on public view.

Those flags were spirited away to Britain as trophies. They adorned the walls of Tarleton descendants' homes for 225 years before returning to American soil. During a Flag Day bidding battle at Sotheby's in New York City in 2006, they sold to an anonymous bidder for nearly $17.4 million.

All four are made of silk and are in good condition. They're among about only 25 flags to survive the fight for independence.

"Here you are able to see four," said Trish Balderson, manager of museum education at Colonial Williamsburg. "They are important for learning how the American flag developed to what we know today. These flags, several of them actually, include components of that American flag pattern."

Of the Virginia flags, the main battle flag is thought to be the earliest surviving documented American flag bearing 13 stars. It has a painted emblem of a beaver chewing a palmetto tree and the motto "Perseverando." The two smaller flags, one blue and one gold, display the word "Regiment." The Connecticut flag is believed to be the earliest surviving American flag with a field of 13 red and white stripes. It was captured by Tarleton after an attack in 1779 on the Continental Army's 2nd Light Dragoons at Pound Ridge, N.Y.

The Virginia flags are the only intact set of Continental Army battle flags surviving the Revolutionary War.

Accounts vary about the Battle of the Waxhaws, also referred to as "Buford's Massacre." One version says Buford ordered the flag of truce raised. As the British came forward, Tarleton's horse was shot from under him, which enraged his men and resulted in a furious assault. Another version says the Americans were tricked by Tarleton. When the flags of truce were passing and the Colonials were laying down their arms, Tarleton ordered an attack.

The battle left more than 100 Americans and five British dead.

Those who gathered at a church to help care for the estimated 150 wounded patriots included a president-to-be, 13-year-old Andrew Jackson.

Balderson, who gives tours of the museum's exhibits, said the flags have been a good attraction. She said they help teach about the history of our flag, two separate battles, souvenirs of war and the leaders of the day. A nearby exhibit includes portraits of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

She remembers specifically the tours she has given to high school teachers and their intense interest in the flags.

"They really think that their students will understand and feel a connection to these flags. So they've really soaked up everything they could learn about them."

The exhibit includes story labels, graphic images, photographs and period weapons including muskets, a sword and a calvary pistol.

Balderson hopes these national treasures will be shared with the public again.

"I'd like to think the owner has come to the museum and seen how much people have enjoyed them and will factor that into their decision to display them in the future."

Roy Bahls, (757) 446-2351, roy.bahls@pilotonline.com