Faces of the 12th Virginia Infantry ("Petersburg Regiment"): The 12th's Last Color Bearer

The Petersburg Regiment's Last Color Bearer

Caption:  Sergeant William Crawford Smith

Credit:  U. S. Army Historical Education Center

Born in Virginia in 1837, William Crawford Smith had moved to Nashville, Tennessee and set up as a contractor by the outbreak of the Civil War.  With his friend John Mingea, Smith returned to Virginia and on May 17, 1861 enlisted in the 12th Virginia's Company B, the Petersburg Old or 'A' Grays.  At Crampton's Gap on September 14, 1862, he was wounded and captured.  After his exchange, he was promoted to corporal on March 1, 1863.  Smith was on the bridging detail at Germanna Ford at the end of April 1863 when it was overrun by Federals.  He escaped to provide valuable intelligence to Brig. Gen. William Mahone.  Smith was promoted to sergeant on August 1, 1863.

By May 6, 1864, Smith was serving as the 12th Virginia's color bearer.  In the Wilderness that day he was slightly wounded in the ankle by the same volley from the 41st Virginia that severely injured Lt. Gen. James Longstreet and killed Smith's friend Pvt. Mingea.  The Petersburg Regiment's colors passed to another soldier.

Smith had returned to the color guard by May 12.  After three color bearers were wounded, one mortally, the colors were given back to Smith.  He carried them in the charge at the Crater on July 30, when they suffered about 75 bullet holes and had their staff shattered.  On August 19 at Globe Tavern, when the Federals threatened to surround and capture the 12th and its battle flag, he tore the colors from the staff and hid them under his shirt.  When the Petersburg Regiment surrendered at Appomattox, Smith and another soldier tore up the colors and distributed their fragments.

Caption:  Phillips Flag Fragment.  Phillips’ inscription reads:  “This portion of a star is the center of star from the Battle Flag of the 12th Va Infantry, which I with my own hands tore it up at Appomattox when we surrendered on the 9th of April 1865.  I divided it out to those who wished a portion of it.  I have cut off four of the points from time to time one piece to D. M. Dunlop, one to Leroy S. Edwards & others.  I also have my sword which I had on and the dirt has never been wiped off since I returned.

“J. E. Phillips, Capt Richmond Grays”

Credit:  Elise Phillips Atkins, Arlington Heights, Ill.

Caption:  Stainback Flag Fragment.  The inscription reads:  “This Remnant of 12^th Va Infantry flag, was brought from Appomattox by a Corporal of the colorguard in his shoe.  The colorbearer divided the flag to keep the enemy from getting it.  The 12^th never lost a flag, but lost 4 colorbearers that carried it.

                                                                                    “(Requiescat in pace)”

Credit:  Francis Charles Stainback Collection, Virginia Military Institute Museum, Virginia Military Institute.

After the war, Smith returned to Nashville and resumed his work as a contractor.  In 1897 he designed and built the Parthenon as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exhibition.  He died in the Philippines in 1899 as colonel of the 1st Tennessee Infantry, United States Volunteers.

Caption:  Colonel William Crawford Smith

Credit:  Tennessee State Library and Archives

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