The Bloody 5th Texas Brigade

The 5th Texas Infantry was part of the famed "Texas Brigade" formed in Richmond in 1861 mainly from three Texas Regiments; the 1st, 4th, and 5th Texas Regiments. Later this famed unit was known as "Hood's Texas Brigade" commanded by General John B. Hood.

The 5th gained its nickname "the Bloody 5th" at 2nd Manasses where it destroyed two New York Regiments and continued to drive fresh Federal troops in retreat. This heroic action made the unit a favorite of General John B. Hood. As part of the Texas Brigade, the 5th Texas fought in both theaters of War; the campaign of the Army of Northern Virginia in the East and in the Army of the Tennessee in the West. It fought with distinction at Antietam, 2nd Manassas, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Chckamauga, and at the Wilderness. The unit surrendered at Appomattox. During the 2nd day at Gettysburg the 5th fought bravely during the fight at Devil's Den.

In the wilderness the 5th, as part of Hoods Texas Brigade, was instrumental in saving Lee's army by holding a position against overwhelming forces loosing 565 men killed or wounded out of 800 men engaged at the Orange Plank Road. For this the unit won Lee's everlasting thanks.
This flag remnant comes from a battle flag of the 5th Texas Infantry.

The copy of the carte de viste of the Texas battle flag shows the flag intact during the War. Both the flag remnant and the carte de viste belonged to Ensign W.C.Clarke the flag bearer of the 5th Texas Infantry. The term "Ensign" in the Confederate Army was a term assigned to a flag or color bearer in 1864. A copy of his "Ensign" appointment in the 5th Texas Infantry is included with the statement of provenance provided. The flag remnant, carte de viste, and appointment came from Clarke's effects.

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