"What were the Gostelowe flags ?" Topic
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WillBGoode | 19 Aug 2020 7:28 a.m. PST |
Among the papers in the National Archives in Wash D.C. is a report entitled, "A Return of ye New Standards & Division Colours for ye Army of ye United States of America In Possession of Major Jonathan Gostelowe, Comy. Mily. Stores. " This return was part of a series done in the of July and August 1778. The report describes in great detail a series of 13 new Standards and Division Colours to be issued to regiments of the Continental Army. They describe the colors and devices on the flags and how many division colors and their colors. Because of this they are a valuable resource for anyone studying regimental colors of the Continental Army. It is not known which regiments were issued these flags although some writers have expressed suggestions.
Here is a illustration of each of the thirteen Standards as well as the information provided about them in the actual "return.". Please note that all color illustrations of these flags are from Richardson's "Standards and Colors of the American Revolution." I hope this may provide the American Revolution gamer with more information to add historically correct and colorful flags for their table top regiments. There is actually a lot of flags out there other then the same old same old.
There is a question were any of these Standard and Colours ever issued. There is no definitive documentation either way. But there is possibly other hints of confirmation. Thomas Hughs of the British 53rd Regiment of Foot while a prisoner in Lancaster Pennsylvania made this observation. "Jan: 19 (1780) A Regiment of 400 men with 6 pieces of brass cannon marched in a great parade into town – The cannon are some of those taken from Burgoyne. The troops were well clothed and are part of the southern reinforcement. They have three Standards, one in the center of the Regiment, and one in the middle of each wing. The colours were blue, red and white, with the 13 stripes in the corner of each. " The captured Waxhaw colours are also very similar to the Standard and Colours #7. The exception is one of the Grand Divison colours which is yellow and not red. But with that exception very similar. So it is possible that that colours of these patterns were issued and carried in the field. The description by But he also makes a interest possibly way to organize and display your late war Continental regiments and Colours. link
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John the OFM | 19 Aug 2020 8:01 a.m. PST |
Richardson is an invaluable source. |
John the OFM | 19 Aug 2020 9:13 a.m. PST |
I think an interesting study could be made in heraldry and symbolism in the American Revolution. A lot of things that would have been obvious "back then" are not so clear cut today. |
doc mcb | 19 Aug 2020 11:54 a.m. PST |
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