Who was it that planted the first U.S. flag on the capital in Columbia, South Carolina – that’s the question that this letter answers!  THIS LETTER ESTABLISHES THAT THE LT. COL. COMMANDING THE 13^TH IOWA RAISED THE FLAG ON THE STATE HOUSE IN COLUMBIA.  Obviously, this is a very important and historic letter. 

                                                                                                   Head Quarters 13^th Iowa Inf. Vet. Vol.

                      Near Raleigh, N.C. April 27, 1865

N. B. Baker

Adjt. Genl. of Iowa

Sir,

I have been shown the report of Col. Geo. A. Stone, 25^th Iowa Vol. Comdg. 3^rd Brig.
1^st Div. 15^th A. C. published in the Mt. Pleasant “Home Journal” of April 14, 1865.  Of the
part taken by them in the capture of them in Columbia, S. C. in which appears the following
sentence: “Preceding to the State House with Captain Pratt I planted the first United States
flag on that building.”  Begging Col. Stones pardon, I am obliged to say he did no such a thing. 
I planted the first United States flag on the capital building of South Carolina myself.  A
detachment of my regiment the 13^th Iowa Vet. Vol. Inf.  with Lieutenants Goodsell and
McArthur of Genl. Belknap’s Staff were the first to into Columbia, S.C on the morning of
February 17, 1865 and the colors of the 13^th Iowa were hoisted over the capital building from
half to three-fourths of an hour before Col. Stones Brigade reached the building and I defy
contradiction to that fact. 

            For further proof, I respectfully refer you to the report of Brigadier General Wm. W.
Belknap, commanding Iowa Brigade of the 17^th Army Corps. for the part they acted in the
memorable campaign of the Carolina’s.  Also, the congratulatory letter of Brvt. Maj. Genl.
Giles A. Smith to General Belknap for the capture of Columbia, which was published in the
Army and Navy Journal of April 8, 1865 – and his official note to Maj. Genl. Blair of Feb. 17,
1865 which said:

“The colors of the 13^th Iowa were suspended over the capital at eleven o’clock this
forenoon.  National salute is now being fired by Captain Clayton 1^st Minnesota Battery
to commemorate this event.”

I have these statements and particularly refer you to these official documents out of justice to
the brave men of my regiment.  They crossed Congaree River, a swift and turbulent stream
opposite the city, in flat boats not to get ahead of anyone for the detachment that first crossed
and entered Columbia, were entirely ignorant of the approach of the 15^th Corps.  The
hazardous undertaking was accomplished merely as an act of duty for we thought Columbia
could be captured in that way.  
 

I am, General, very respectfully your Obt. Servt.,

J. C. Kennedy

Lt. Col. Comdg. 13^th Iowa Infy.

Here is a wonderful letter for the Iowa collector or an important museum collection regarding the fall of Columbia.  The letter is in excellent condition.

#L25 – Price $650, now $535!