This fine & rare early 13-star Confederate 1st national flag was captured April 1, 1862 by Capt. Edward Sylla, 10th Illinois Infantry. There is a 5-pg letter explaining the gift of this flag in 1960 from the great grandson of Capt. Sylla''s brother who was also a veteran but in the 36th Illinois who, like his brother, only served a few months in campaigns on the Mississippi River in southern Missouri. The flag has been archivally framed by Fonda Thompsen, Textile Conservation, Inc. in 1993 & is accompanied by her report. Thirteen star 1st nationals are quite rare as only 11 states seceded but early war sentiments also brought in Missouri & Kentucky which unfortunately for the Confederates were overrun early & occupied by Union troops. There is a detailed report on this flag by well-known flag expert & scholar Gregg Biggs along with orig letter transmitting flag, battlefield map & other framed items of provenance including an April 10, 1862 newspaper telling of Union victory with illustration. SIZE: CONDITION: Flag measures 49" on hoist, 104" on fly with canton of thirteen 3" stars forming a 23" diameter circle. Canton is constructed of a wool-cotton blend, stars, red & white bars are cotton, the fly end is hemmed & the leading edge is missing as it was no doubt cut from its staff when captured. The flag is hand sewn throughout & is intact as constructed. There are minor tears & 1 large repaired tear in bottom red bar which does not affect aesthetics. Color is good. 50151-1 JS (20,000-30,000)