"BATTLE FLAG OF THE 145TH
GRAPHIC STORY OF HOW IT WAS SAVED FROM CAPTURE BY THE REBELS
Color Bearer J. C. Veit, of Summit, Secreted It When Captured – Was Nine Months a Prisoner of War and Wore It Constantly Around His Body – On His Release It Was Divided Among His Comrades, Piece that He Still Has Is a Priceless Relic.
Editor Daily Times:
In reading the obituary of Gen. McCreary, I see a mistake that I would like to correct. It is in regard to the One Hundred and Forty-fifth regiment flag. It said that Gen. McCreary left that flag to the library. If it is a whole flag he left it is one made for the One Hundred and Forty-fifth at the close of the war, when they thought the old flag was lost or taken.
Now, I will tell all about the original One Hundred and Forty-fifth flag. I was a volunteer in company B, One Hundred and Forty-fifth regiment Pennsylvania volunteers, was under Col. McCreary, served three years; was in every battle; was wounded twice at the battle of Gettysburg; was color bearer. When taken prisoner at Petersburg, where we were surrounded, and I knew I was going to be taken prisoner, I stripped the old flag from the staff, what there was left of it, as it was badly riddled by bullets, and wound it around my body under my blouse until I could hide it for safe keeping, for I made up my mind the rebs should never have that flag as long as I had life in me. When we were taken into prison I was sent to the brook for water. It was nearly dark. They had searched my comrades, and when I returned, it being late, I was overlooked. When alone I took the flag and wound it around my body, put on my clothes and wore it for the nine months without anyone knowing it. I was in Andersonville and Libby prisons, three months in one and six months in the other. My brother and a great many of my comrades died in prison. They seemed to just give up. I told them I wouldn’t die down there to please the; that I was going to live and go home to my mother and sisters, and I did so, although I weighed but 80 pounds and had to crawl on the ground to take the cattle train that brought us home.
Just a short time before we set free Col. McCreary was transferred to the prison I was in. One day while we were washing our blouses he caught a glimpse of the flag that was around me. He said, “Why, John, what is this?” taking hold of the little piece he saw. I then told him all about it. He said “Did you know the risk you ran by putting that flag around you?” I said I did, and told him I had made up my mind that if I had to die I would die saving the flag. He said he had often wondered what I did with the flag when taken prisoner. He was very happy to think we had fooled the rebs.
“Now,” he said, “John, you will have to divide.” So I did. I gave the comrades each a piece; gave Col. McCreary the last start and the largest piece, which will no doubt be found among his treasures, and only have a small piece of the stripes and a small piece of the fringe left. My wife and children claim these. They have been offered a good sum for them, but money is no inducement. They say the piece was too dearly gained to sell for money.
Col. McCreary was always a very warm friend of mine, and many a good talk we have had since that terrible time. All the good things that can be said about the general will never be good enough for him.
Any comrade or friend wishing to hear or know more about what I have just said I will be pleased to see at any time. I live on the farm I bought on my return from the war. I have lived here for 40 years and intend to live in the same home till I am called to go and meet the friends and my comrades that have gone before me.
J. C. Veit
Summit, Erie Co. Pa.
Address: R. F. D, Waterford, No. 4"