A pair of original silk flag fragments from the colors of the 29th Massachusetts “Regimental Association,” a veteran’s group consisting of former members of the 29th Massachusetts Infantry that met regularly after the war. These fragments were kept by John M. Deane, who penned the accompanying note that reads “Piece of the flag of the 29th Regimental Association. The flag was presented to the association by Captain Thomas of Boston.”

John Milton Deane (1840-1914) saw early service in the 3rd Mass Volunteer Militia and then went immediately into the 29th Mass, rising from 1st Lieutenant to Adjutant, Captain to Major. The 29th is perhaps best known for its service in the Irish Brigade, but also had very active service after its transfer to the 9th Corps in late 1862. Deane served throughout the war and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at Fort Stedman, which thwarted Lee’s last attempt to break the siege of Petersburg. His service is also notable in that he assisted in escorting the 54th Massachusetts to Morris Island in January of 1864.




[Civil War, Union, Confederate, Flag]