July 1st. 1863

Iverson's Men (The 23rd. 20th. 12th. and the 5th. N.C.T.) were marching toward the Federals on the first day of a three day battle in a town called Gettysburg. The Federals under Gen. Abner Doubleday were well hidden from sight behind a stone wall.

Iverson's Brigade moving in a southeastern direction left their flank open. The 5th. N.C. was closest to the Federals followed by the 20th. 23rd. and the 12th. The were not aware of the Federals behind the wall. The Confederates were in perfect marching order when the Federals cut loose with their first volley.This killed and wounded most of the Brigade. With the fire so fierce the Confederates had to fall back, picking up the wounded along the way.

Union Brigadeer Gen. Baxter ordered his men to fix bayonets and charge the Confederates. They followed orders and went after the Confederates. The Federals were trying to get the Confederate colors. The colorbearer for the 23rd. was in hand to hand combat with a captain of the 88th. Pa. The 23rd. colorbearer was trying to keep the colors out of enemy hands when a Sgt. fro the 88th. Pa. clubbed him in the head with his musket. The Sgt. grabbed the 23rds. colors and took them to the rear. The Confederates badly out numbered was unable to keep up with the fight and had to reteat. Many had to surrender.

  The 23rd. lost 84% of their men and officers in this first days battle. The were put on guard detail for the rest of the battle.

The flag is now back in North Carolina in the Museum of History.