Important Virginia Civil War Battle Flag to be Auctioned by Heritage!

Dallas, TX: The vibrantly blue Saint Andrew's Cross highlights the Confederate battle flag belonging to Captain G. Julian Pratt, who had an outstanding career with the Confederate Cavalry in Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. As a young student at the University of Virginia, Pratt left his studies to join one of the three student companies known as "The Sons of Liberty" to come from that esteemed Jeffersonian institution. Soon after that, Pratt reported to General Henry A. Wise and was given the task of organizing a company of marine artillery to defend the marshes of Roanoke Island. While in the process of recruiting his marines, he was captured by Union soldiers there. After his exchange, Pratt enlisted in General John D. Imboden's 1st Regiment of Partisan Rangers. From this time on, he was in command of the cavalry. Soon after this, he took it upon himself to enlist a company of cavalry inside the enemy's lines and equipped them from the enemy stores. This company became the Company H, 18th Virginia Cavalry and, in December of 1862, Julian Pratt was named its first Lieutenant. At the Battle of Piedmont Capt. Frank Imboden, General Imboden's brother, was captured, and Lt. Pratt was soon promoted to the rank of captain. It was from that point in 1862 that he was in command of the cavalry.

Julian Pratt led his men in many battles under this flag. He and his men met with great victory, and showed extraordinary courage in the Battle of Winchester in 1864. Pratt had three horses killed from under him during that battle and two others in other engagements. He was himself twice wounded participating in the Battles of Gettysburg, Front Royal, Fisher's Hill, and New Market, among many others. General Imboden constantly praised him for his gallant style that reminded many of General JEB Stuart. In July 1863, Captain Pratt's men were moved up the Chambersburg Pike to a point just west of the Confederate line on Seminary Ridge where they fought the engagement at Gettysburg. When the last of Pickett's men straggled back after their infamous charge, Captain Pratt, as a member of Imboden's Cavalry, was given the task of protecting the Confederate retreat south. The Federals also attacked this wagon train on several occasions only to meet with Captain Pratt's anger and call of duty to defend the valiant men who had been wounded in the Battle of Gettysburg. During that battle, the 18th Virginia Cavalry lost 87 men killed and wounded.

This was the battle flag that the 18th Virginia Cavalry fought under from Gettysburg to New Market. The cavalry flag measures 36" on its hoist by 32" on its fly. The field is made of a red wool cotton dress cloth with a dark blue St. Andrew's cross made of cotton. Applied to each side of the cross were eleven white polished cotton five-pointed stars with one in the center. This battle flag was homemade and is one of only five Confederate Army of Northern Virginia homemade cavalry size battle flags known to exist. It is truly an incredible example, as bullet holes are still very evident in its field. Pratt had an esteemed career in the Confederate Cavalry and this battle flag was his most prized possession.

The Confederate Battle Flag of the 18th Virginia Cavalry will be offered in Heritage Auction Galleries' upcoming Civil War Signature auction, to be held on June 24, 2007 in Gettysburg, PA.

The Confederate Battle Flag of the 18th Virginia Cavalry - Captain G. Julian Pratt - Battle of Gettysburg:
ESTIMATE: $140,000 - $160,000

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