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Civil War-era United States National 34-Star flag from circa 1861-1863, carried by Union soldier Private Thomas E. Silence of the 9th Missouri State Militia Cavalry Regiment. The printed cloth flag approximately measures 46˝ x 23˝, with the reverse of the hoist marked, “G. W. Silence,” ostensibly the name of Thomas’s father, George William Silence, whose son carried this flag in his honor throughout the Civil War.
The flag is mounted alongside an 1852 American citizenship certificate issued to George William Silence, an official 1865 United States Army discharge certificate for Thomas E. Silence, and an engraved plaque, which reads: “Thomas E Silence, a native of England, applied for and received his American citizenship on April 14th, 1852. He volunteered & enrolled as a private in the 9th Regiment, Missouri State Militia Cavalry on March 1862. There his unit engaged in several skirmishes & battles, including Compton's Ferry, Grand River, Yellow Creek, Chariton River, and Kirksville. His unit also saw action against Quantrell's Raiders, Anderson's, Todd's, Stevens' & other bands of guerrillas in North Missouri until April 1865. The regiment lost 2 Officers & 29 Enlisted men who were killed and mortally wounded. This Union flag was carried by Silence during his tour of duty in the Civil War. He mustered out on July 13, 1865, at the age of eighteen.” All items are framed together sans glass to an overall size of 56˝ x 45˝. In very good condition, with scattered tears, fraying, and wear from age and use.
The 34-star flag of the United States was officially adopted on July 4, 1861, following the admission of Kansas as the 34th state on January 29, 1861. This flag is notably significant as it represents a turbulent period in American history—the Civil War. It was under this flag that President Abraham Lincoln took office and led the nation through the profound challenges of the war, which began just three months after its adoption. The flag symbolized the Union's resolve to preserve the nation despite the secession of several Southern states.
During its time, the 34-star flag flew in many pivotal moments in American history. It was carried by Union soldiers in numerous battles and was present during the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which began the process of freedom for millions of enslaved people. The flag continued to fly until July 4, 1863, when it was replaced by the 35-star flag following the admission of West Virginia.
The Collection of Dr. Joseph Matheu.
