Sergeant Bates' March, Carrying the Stars and Stripes Unfurled, From Vicksburg to Washington : Being a Truthful Narrative of the Incidents Which Transpired During His Journey on Foot, Without a Cent, Through the Late Rebellious States, and Showing How the

A firsthand account of one man’s extraordinary 1868 march with the American flag, from Vicksburg to Washington.

In this vivid, true narrative, Sergeant Bates undertakes a perilous trek on foot, traveling through the postwar South with no money and no weapon. His goal: prove that the Union flag still inspires loyalty and peace, even in former Confederate states. Along the way, he encounters a spectrum of towns, crowds, and personal stories that illuminate a nation rebuilding itself.

The journey unfolds across Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia, highlighting moments of hospitality, courage, and reverence for the flag. Bates records the reactions of both Black and white communities, former soldiers, local dignitaries, and everyday citizens who welcome him as a symbol of unity and hope.

• A traveler’s log of marching routes, checkpoints, and warm receptions from cities large and small.
• Personal reflections on reconciliation, loyalty, and the enduring meaning of the flag.
• Portraits of ordinary people whose kindness shapes an extraordinary voyage.
• A clockwork sequence of ceremonies, serenades, and public welcome that captures a nation’s mood.

Ideal for readers of historical narratives, Civil War memory, and stories of perseverance that cross social divides.