28 February 1863
Birney, David Bell, 1825-1864
Autograph letter signed
Title: to Mr. Gross
General Birney transmits his division's battle flag (not included) via Lieutenant Briscoe (possibly J.C. Briscoe). Referring to General Philip Kearny, states "Kearny always had it with him as he dashed along the front & at his Head Quarters." Requests that Gross present the flag to the Union League of Philadelphia. Of the flag, writes "It is a very plain, unsightly piece of bunting, but when Franklin's G. Division saw it advancing up the hill at Fredericksburg and recognized it as my battle flag, a shout of joy went up, and nine hearty cheers welcomed it to the front."
GLC02608.01