http://cdm.sos.mo.gov/cdm/ref/collection/cwflag/id/47
The 1864 battle flag of the 2nd & 6th Missouri Infantry consolidated. This flag was carried throughout the Atlanta Campaign, Allatoona Pass, and was captured in the battle of Franklin. It is of the pattern manufactured by civilian contractors in Mobile and issued to the Department of Alabama, Mississippi and East Louisiana in late 1863.
Both the 2nd and 6th Missouri were in Francis M. Cockrell's Missouri Brigade. Both consisting of Confederate volunteers from the Missouri State Guard, the 2nd Missouri was organized on January 16, 1862, and 6th Missouri later that year in August. The Missouri Brigade was arguably one of the finest Confederate brigades in the Western theater - exceptionally well commanded, drilled, and known for fightin'. Its ranks were largely made up of Missouri State Guard veterans, and it was praised for its conduct at Elkhorn Tavern, Corinth, Champion Hill, and Vicksburg.
After the fall of Vicksburg the brigade was exchanged in Sept. 1863 at Demopolis, AL, where it was reorganized and its regiments were consolidated, the 2nd being consolidated with the 6th. It was then sent with Polk's Army of Mississippi to join the Army of Tennessee in May 1864. From then on it served throughout the Atlanta Campaign, fought at Allatoona Pass, and was decimated at Franklin. The remnants went on to garrison Fort Blakely in the Mobile Campaign, where they were later captured with the fall of the fort on April 9, 1865.
The flag of the 2nd & 6th Missouri was captured in the battle of Franklin by Sgt. Alfred Ransbottom of the 97th Ohio Infantry. The color bearer managed to reach the Federal entrenchments at the Carter Cotton Gin and plant the colors on the parapet, where he was shot down and flag pulled over the works. The colors of the 1st & 4th Missouri Infantry were also captured in the same manner by the 88th Illinois Infantry. The 1st & 4th's flag was sent to Chicago where it was unfortunately lost in the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. The Missouri Brigade suffered the the loss of over 60% of its strength at Franklin, more than any other brigade in the battle.
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