"Searching for Union PA German rgt flag" Topic

Years ago I read about a German regiment, probably from PA who carried a flag depicting an arm that destroys chains, basically showing their attitude towards slavery. Not sure what background color but maybe black or red. Anyone have an idea about which regiment I'm thinking of?

Given the number of German-Americans that served in PA Regiments, I'm drawing a blank on this one.

I don't recall ever hearing about or reading about a flag like that.

Do you happen to recall where you read this?

Eric

I think it was one of those old email subscription discussions whatever they were called, James McPherson was discussing his book "For Cause and Comrades" about the motives and ideologies of the enlisted soldiers on both sides. One participant in the discussion mentioned an Union regiment with a very obvious anti-slavery sentiment among its members and this very radical flag, which they supposedly carried into action. Don't remember much else but I just have to know more, and paint up that regiment with that flag..

A flag that best matches your description was carried by the 3rd Regiment Infantry Missouri Volunteers (3 Month Service). They served in Sigel's Brigade at Wilson's Creek in 1861.

The regiment is said to have had a red flag with a depiction of a hammer smashing some chains. This is according to Wolfgang Hochbruck, Professor of American Studies at the University of Stuttgart who is cited in Tony Horwitz, Confederates in the Attic, (1998) p. 186. (One can come across flag references in the strangest places)

The Missouri State Museum collection includes the regiment's National flag. It can be seen here:

link

The 3rd Missouri also was presented with a flag by the German-American community of St. Louis on 8 May 1861. The flag was embroidered with the inscription III. REGIMENT / MISSOURI VOLUNTEERS / LYON'S FAHNENWACHT (David Hinze, Karen Farnham, The Battle of Carthage: Border War in Southeast Missouri, July 5, 1861, (1997), pp. 66, 255 n. 18). A reproduction of this flag can be viewed at:

link

The 3rd Missouri Regiment wore slouch hats, a grey blouse with red collar or neckerchief, dark trousers, and white cross-belts. The painting by Andy Thomas is a good depiction of the regiment in the streets of Carthage.

Thank you for the time you put into this research and post, this is probably the rgt I read about. Sad that the flag itself seems to have been lost, and no definitive description seem to exist.