This flag belonged to the 84th Infantry Regiment, United States Colored Troops. The red stripes bear the regiment's name and number. Inscribed on the flag are Port Hudson, where the Louisiana Native Guards and the Corps d'Afrique fought before the 84th formed, as well as four battles in which the regiment took part during the Red River Campaign and an engagement in Texas at war's end.
General History
In June 1863 the Louisiana Native Guards became part of the Corps d’Afrique, and in 1864 soldiers from that corps formed the 84th Infantry Regiment, U.S. Colored Troops. The unit was organized April 4, 1864 and mustered out of service on March 14, 1866. The unit fought primarily in Louisiana with three other regiments of colored troops and a larger force of Union volunteers.
This camp chair was used by Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War. After the war, Grant gave the camp chair to his former aid-de-camp George Goodsell of the 17th Michigan Infantry Regiment.
Star-shaped brass medal suspended from red-and-white striped silk ribbon.
Specific History
1896 Pattern Medal of Honor awarded to Daniel Butterfield, “for distinguished gallantry in action at Gaines Mills, Va. June 27, 1862”
General History
Perhaps best known as the composer of the bugle call "Taps," Daniel Butterfield began his Civil War service as a sergeant in the Washington, D.C., militia. Two weeks later he transferred to the 12th New York Militia as a colonel. He was commissioned brigadier and major general of the Volunteers and he commanded a division of the 5th Corps. He fought at the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861. Butterfield was wounded at the Battle of Gaines' Mill, during the Peninsular Campaign; it was also at Gaines' Mill where he seized the flag of the 3rd Pennsylvania and rallied the troops, an act which eventually earned him a Medal of Honor. Butterfield later commanded successfully at Second Bull Run and Antietam, and also saw action at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. During those campaigns he served as chief of staff, Army of the Potomac.
Butterfield is also credited with designing the system of corps badges, an idea which began with Major General Philip Kearney's order to his troops to sew a two-inch patch of red fabric to their hats in order to identify each other during the confusion of battle.