FOWLER GUARD FLAG OF THE 42ND GEORGIA INFANTRY, COMPANY D

Together with related objects belonging to the flag's captor, Captain John P. Megrew, consisting of a foot officer's sword with belt and sash inscribed with his name, a memorial service oil painting, a GAR memorial book from Burnside Post No. 8 along with other service documents.

JRB Antiques, Mansfield, Pennsylvania

Except for minor fraying in the "fly" corners, the condition of the cloth bunting is generally excellent. There is breakdown in the oil painted medallion, due to the fact that it is most certainly made of weighted silk. The hoist exhibits moderate soiling. Overall, the flag exhibits vivid color and is in superb condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The 'Fowler Guard' flag was researched and authenticated by Howard Michael Madaus, who wrote the quintessential text on Confederate flags and is the leading authority on them in the museum world.

This particularly beautiful example is constructed of hand-sewn wool bunting, with 15 hand-sewn, double-appliquéd, white cotton stars. The St. Andrew’s Cross is navy blue against a red field, and the applied hoist has hand-sewn-hip-stitched grommets. A hand-painted, silk panel is applied to the flag as a center medallion. This depicts the Georgia state seal and significantly raises the visual interest of this small-size, easily displayed flag (938” x 50”). Also adding to its graphic quality is the 2”, lightweight bullion fringe, which has tarnished to a coppery color.

The following is an excerpt from Madaus’ letter of authentication:

“The ‘Fowler Guard’ was the nickname for Company ‘D’, 42^nd Georgia Infantry, but its flag had evidently graduated to use as the regimental battle flag of the 42^nd when it was captured. It was indeed captured by the 11^th Indiana Infantry (Wallace’s Zouaves) and presumably by Lieutenant, later Captain John P. Megrew, Company ‘B’, based on his escutcheon; however, it was not taken at the Battle of Fort Donelson (there were no Georgia units at Fort Donelson) but rather in May of 1863 at the battle of Baker’s Creek/Champion Hill during the Confederate movements to oppose Grant outside Vicksburg. Unfortunately, the Union captors referred to the flag erroneously as the ‘Fowler Battery’ (an Alabama unit that was not in the action at Baker’s Creek) because four guns were captured at the same time and place as the battle flag of the 42^nd Georgia.

The flag was captured at Baker’s Creek/Champion Hill, and the unit was the Fowler Guard (the 42^nd Georgia), further evidenced by the four artillery pieces captured from the 42^nd during the same confrontation.

The 42^nd Georgia was assembled at Camp McDonald, Georgia, in March 1862, and consisted of men from Calhoun, De Kalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Newton, and Walton counties. The regiment moved to Tennessee, then Mississippi where it was attached to General Barton’s brigade (Dept. of Mississippi and East Louisiana). The 42^nd fought at Chickasaw Bayou & Champion Hill, and on July 4, 1863 was captured at Vicksburg. Exchanged and brigaded under General Stovall, the 42^nd continued to fight in various battles from Missionary Ridge to Bentonville. In December 1863, it contained 444 men and 394 arms, and in November 1864, there were 345 present for duty. The unit surrendered with the Army of Tennessee. At the time there were only 5 officers and 126 men remaining.”