Colonel Baron Philipe deTrobriand organized an infantry regiment in New York during the summer of 1861 with recruits drawn primarily from the 55th State Militia Regiment, a predominatly French unit nicknamed the “Lafayette Guard.” Regiment supporters presented this French tricolor with embroidered “GARDES N.Y.,” “55” within a circular wreath, and “LAFAYETTE S.M.” (from l to rt) to the regiment on January 8, 1862 at Camp Tenallytown with President and Mrs. Lincoln in attendance. (98.158)