Post by Robert Braun on Mar 4, 2003 14:39:05 GMT -5
I am interested in re-opening the discussion surrounding the use of red flags during the Black Hawk War.
1. I stipulate the use of the Birtish ensign among the members of Black Hawk's Band. One was certainly raised at Prophet's Town; and a new one was certainly found among the native possessions after the Battle of Bad Axe.
2. I am trying to square the fact that Ne-a-pope sent the three flag bearers to Stillman's/Bailey's camp... yet the contingent that Black Hawk sent "displayed a red flag" (if Ford's History... can be believed.) This raises two questions:
a. What did BH hope to gain by his observers carrying a flag that the militia (at least in retrospect) would regard as a symbol of "defiance and war" if the white flag was a serious parley attempt?
b. Why didn't militia observers, even in retrospect, not identify the "red flag" as a British ensign?
Regarding BH's knowledge of martial customs, etc. I submit that his time with the British was well-spent observing the British (and American) ways of warfare. He sure knew the meaning of white flags, and their importance on the field... knowledge he most probably absorbed from the experience at Frenchtown and elsewhere.
Cordially, Bob.
1. I stipulate the use of the Birtish ensign among the members of Black Hawk's Band. One was certainly raised at Prophet's Town; and a new one was certainly found among the native possessions after the Battle of Bad Axe.
2. I am trying to square the fact that Ne-a-pope sent the three flag bearers to Stillman's/Bailey's camp... yet the contingent that Black Hawk sent "displayed a red flag" (if Ford's History... can be believed.) This raises two questions:
a. What did BH hope to gain by his observers carrying a flag that the militia (at least in retrospect) would regard as a symbol of "defiance and war" if the white flag was a serious parley attempt?
b. Why didn't militia observers, even in retrospect, not identify the "red flag" as a British ensign?
Regarding BH's knowledge of martial customs, etc. I submit that his time with the British was well-spent observing the British (and American) ways of warfare. He sure knew the meaning of white flags, and their importance on the field... knowledge he most probably absorbed from the experience at Frenchtown and elsewhere.
Cordially, Bob.