From The Regimental Flag: The Confusion of the Regiments (an Additional Word)
part of a series from the regimental newspaper of the 2nd Delaware Infantry
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From The Regimental Flag (Vol. 3), January 30, 1862, pg. 2
The Confusion of the Regiments.
Since the last issue of the Flag, numbers have conversed with us in regard to the editorial article in that paper on the above named subject, and all concur in the sentiment expressed in that article. The subject is a very important one. Important to those, especially, who were connected with the original First Regiment, and important, also, to all those who have the good name and fame of the gallant little State of Delaware at heart.
There cannot of course be two First Regiments, and therefore as there are or have been two First regiments in Delaware, one of the other must be improperly designated. Which one is it?
One First Delaware Regiment was raised, organized and went into service in the month of May last. Another First Regiment was subsequently raised, organized, and went into service in the month of October following. Which is entitled to be known as the First Delaware Regiment? In July a Second Delaware Regiment was organized and is at present in the service of the United State.
Then we have, as we view it, Three Regiments furnished by Delaware, which ought properly to be known as the First, Second, and Third Delaware Regiment, but, which are erroneously—as regards one of them, at least—designated the First Second and First. This is manifestly absurd.
Another regiment is in process of construction in Delaware and will be the fourth that Delaware has furnished for the war, but, owing to the confusion that the designations of the regiments have been suffered to fall into is now called and will be known as the Third Delaware Regiment. We say again that this thing is all wrong and is calculated to do manifest injustice to the officers who composed the true First Delaware Regiment and to the glorious little State of which we have the honor to be a son.
