Headquarters
July 19, 1864
Lieutenant-Colonel Taylor,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
Colonel: Your order of the 16th instant deciding that “the captured flags are the property of the Confederate States and should be turned in to be forwarded to the Department,” has just been received. In accordance with that order I have the honor to turn in the two accompanying flags.
Very respectfully, yours,
Wade Hampton,
Major-General
[Indorsement]
Headquarters,
July 20, 1864
I consider Colonel Beale had no authority to present to General Hampton the colors in question, nor have I authority to confirm his gift. They are therefore forwarded to the honorable Secretary of War. I should be gratified, if it is not deemed improper, that the honorable Secretary of War would present them to General Hampton. It would be a worthy compliment to a gallant officer and meritorious patriot.
R E Lee
General
P.S.—I would recommend that an order be issued by the Department prohibiting officers and soldiers into whose hands captured colors fall from presenting them to individuals.
R E Lee
General
Source: The War of the Rebellion, Series 1, Volume 40, Part 3, p. 785
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2017 July 28
