1904. June. Meagher’s Irish Brigade Association loaned to the Irish-American collection for the World’s Fair at St. Louis, Mo., two battle-flags carried by the Sixty-ninth regiment, New York, in the Civil War. One of these was an American flag and the other an Irish flag. Regarding the two flags, the following letter is of interest: “Mr. Thomas Hamilton Murray, New York City. Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter regarding the Historic Loan Collection of Irish-American Memorials you are getting together for the St. Louis Exposition. I placed the matter before the Irish Brigade Association at last Sunday’s meeting, and they resolved to send you two of their best preserved battle flags. Also other relics which, I believe, will be of interest to visitors at the World’s Fair. These flags were presented to the Irish Brigade after the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and were carried with honor through the battles that followed in which the Army of the Potomac participated. The flags were presented by a body of public-spirited citizens of American birth from the city of New York who, on hearing that the battle flags of the Irish Brigade had become so torn and shattered by shot and shell of the many battles, resolved to present them a new stand of colors. The presentation took place in the old Catholic church at Fredericksburg. I believe it is needless to caution you as to the preservation of these battle-scarred relics. I know that you and the gentlemen who compose your organization realize what these flags mean to us; how many recollections they tend to stimulate amongst us, for they are part of our very life, and were anything to happen to them it would be an irreparable loss. Money could never compensate for the tender memories they inspire of our comrades who died beneath them and the noble lessons of patriotism and duty that they bring to our minds, and will teach to the generations of the future. It has always been our unswerving custom never to allow these flags out of our custody, but when we read the names of the gentlemen that make up your organization, and the worthiness of the project contemplated, we felt that we could safely trust these sacred relics in your hands. Respectfully yours, Capt. John O’Connell, president Irish Brigade Association, 440 East 14th St., New York City, June 7, 1904.” 1904. July 28. The Librarian of Congress writes, requesting publications of the Society for the Congressional Library.