The Flag of the Iowa Second

“The Flag of the Second Iowa Regiment which was the first to float over the rebel works at Ft. Donelson, has been taken to Des Moines, and will be hung over the Speaker’s Desk during the session of the Legislature, and afterwards placed in the archives of the State Historical Society.  It has nineteen bullet holes, received in the fight at Donelson, and in its defence three color bearers were killed and wounded.”

Oh! the flag – the flag of Donelson – that the Iowa Second bore,

With swelling hearts – and steady hands – to the sounding cannon’s roar.

Up-lift it high – that glorious flag – that the patriot eye may see,

What a fearful conflict it passed through, on its march to Victory.

See, its blood-stained folds – and torn stars – the work of treason’s hand,

Let us plead with God – that this monster, may be driven from the land.

Oh, pray a mighty prayer to Him, that the Slave, crushed down, may see,

In the crimson flag of Donelson – his emblem of the free.

Preserve this flag – with tender care – its blood – its stripes – its scars,

In memory of the noble band – who died beneath its stars;

May the living ones, whose lives were spared – when that gallant charge was hurled,

Return, to see the honored flag, in majesty unfurled.

D. A.

FAIRFIELD, Iowa, March 9th, 1862.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 2