Very rare Palmetto Volunteers flag November 12th, 1860 intricate cotton-embroidered garland of cotton plants with ripe cotton bolls and stalks of rice, encircling stitched lettering PALME[TTO] VOLUNTEERS, NOVEMBER 12TH 1860, in golden tones on navy blue ground. (Good original condition) H41 1/4" W40 1/2" *Provenance: Originally in the possession of Maximilian La Borde (1804-1873), physician, author of 'History of the South Carolina College', educator and acting Chancellor of South Carolina College during the Civil War. Descended within the La Borde family to Anna La Borde Fellers (1882-1943), granddaughter of Maximilian La Borde. Descended to Dr. Rufus G. Fellers (1920-2000), great-grandson of Maximilian La Borde and son of Anna La Borde Fellers; University of South Carolina graduate, 1941. PhD from Yale University. Dean, College of Engineering, University of South Carolina, 1960-1969. Chair, Faculty Senate, USC until 1986. The history of this flag, though sketchy, is believed to reflect much of the romance, chivalry, and even confusion of November, 1860, that engulfed the antebellum South. The date of November 12, 1860, and the three unfinished letters in the word 'PALMETTO', has evoked much speculation as to what could have happened that would have left this flag in its unfinished state. History tells us that in November, 1860, many things were occurring that caused great concern to the South. Lincoln was elected President, the South Carolina General Assembly was already meeting in Columbia to consider secession from the Union. Then, because of a possible outbreak of smallpox or typhoid, the Assembly was convened in Charleston on December 18, 1860. Many people of South Carolina were already considering in what way they could be of service to the newly forming Confederacy. It was under these circumstances that this flag came into being. It is family legend that a group of students at South Carolina College were already forming to serve as soldiers, if needed, and this flag was being made for them. It is believed that this group of students eventually became part of the Second Regiment, and their untimely departure from South Carolina College left the flag unfinished and in the hands of then acting Chancellor Maximilian La Borde.