Quote from a Texas newspaper correspondent visiting Camp Wigfall in the winter of 1861-1862:
'It bears the emblem of the “Lone Star,” and this is of pure white silk, set in blue ground; the fold are purple and white. The hearts of all are riveted to it. It never will be given up. An old war-worn warrior approached it, and as his eyes gazed steadily upon the banner, he said: “That star was made of the bridal dress of the lady of our gallant colonel. She worked it with her fair hands, and gave it to us to carry through the battles of our country. How could we fall to protect. How could we fall to protect it with our lives? No, Sir! I never failed to meet the enemy when that star was our watchword, and now when our whole South is in danger, I feel that my poor life can be given up easily upon that flag as my shroud.” The old fellow with his grey heirs, still stands before my memory. Such is the feeling of every Texan.'
The flag was carried through the early war battles until a September morning in 1862 at a cornfield in Maryland. The 1st Texas was caught in a perfect hell of canister and the combined rifle fire of 3 Federal regiments. The 1st lost 82% of their total strength earning the moniker "The Ragged First".
Private Samuel Johnson of The 9th PA Res is credited with capturing the Wigfall Flag & was awarded the MOH.