LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 June Civil War Grand Format Auction #663  / 

72109

The Confederate Battle Flag of the 18th Virginia

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:35,000.00 USD Estimated At:140,000.00 - 160,000.00 USD
The Confederate Battle Flag of the 18th Virginia
<B>The Confederate Battle Flag of the 18th Virginia Cavalry - Captain G. Julian Pratt - Battle of Gettysburg</B></I> The vibrantly blue Saint Andrew's Cross highlights this Confederate battle flag belonging to Captain G. Julian Pratt who had an outstanding career with the Confederate Cavalry in Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. As a young student at the University of Virginia he left his studies to join one of the three student companies known as "The Sons of Liberty" to come from that esteemed Jeffersonian institution. Soon after that, Pratt reported to General Henry A. Wise and was given the task of organizing a company of marine artillery to defend the marshes of Roanoke Island. While in the process of recruiting his marines he was captured by Union soldiers there. After his exchange, Pratt enlisted in General John D. Imboden's 1st Regiment of Partisan Rangers. From this time on he was in command of the cavalry. Soon after this, he took it upon himself to enlist a company of cavalry inside the enemy's lines and equipped them from the enemy stores. This company became the Company H, 18th Virginia Cavalry and in December of 1862 Julian Pratt was its first Lieutenant. At the Battle of Piedmont Capt. Frank Imboden, General Imboden's brother, was captured and Lt. Pratt soon was promoted to the rank of captain. It was from that point in 1862 that he was in command of the cavalry.<BR><BR>Julian Pratt led his men in many battles under this battle flag as they met with great victory as well as showing extraordinary courage in the Battle of Winchester in 1864. He had three horses killed from under him and two others in other engagements. He was himself twice wounded participating in the Battles of Gettysburg, Front Royal, Fisher's Hill, and New Market among many others. General Imboden constantly praised him for his gallant style that reminded many of General JEB Stuart. In July of 1863 Captain Pratt's men were moved up the Chambersburg Pike to a point just west of the Confederate line on Seminary Ridge where they fought the engagement at Gettysburg. When the last of Pickett's men straggled back after their infamous charge, Captain Pratt as a member of Imboden's Cavalry was given the task of protecting the Confederate retreat south. The Federals also attacked this wagon train on several occasions only to meet with Captain Pratt's anger and call of duty to defend the valiant men who had been wounded in the Battle of Gettysburg. During the Battle of Gettysburg, the 18th Virginia Cavalry lost 87 men killed and wounded.<BR><BR>This battle flag of the 18th Virginia Cavalry was fought under from Gettysburg to New Market. The cavalry flag measures 36" on its hoist by 32" on its fly. The field is made of a red wool cotton dress cloth with a dark blue St. Andrew's cross made of cotton. Applied to each side of the cross were eleven white polished cotton five-pointed stars with one in the center. This battle flag was homemade and is one of only five Confederate Army of Northern Virginia homemade cavalry size battle flags known to exist. It is truly an incredible example as bullet holes are still very evident in its field. Pratt had an esteemed career in the Confederate Cavalry and this battle flag was his most prized possession.<BR><BR>Accompanied by Captain Pratt's battlefield letter as well as Captain Pratt's Southern Cross of Honor with his name engraved in period script.<BR><BR>Authentication: Howard Michael Madaus, distinguished flag expert and author, letter of authentication and lengthy research.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Requires 3rd Party Shipping (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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