Birney, David Bell (1825-1864) to Mr. Gross
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02608.01 Author/Creator: Birney, David Bell (1825-1864) Place Written: Belle Air, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 February 1863 Pagination: 1 p. ; 24.6 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
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."
William Buel Franklin commanded the Left Grand Division in the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.