According to the April 20, 1861 edition of the New York Times, the departure of the 7th Regiment, New York State Militia for Washington, D.C. on April 19, 1861, ". . . was one of the most exciting ever known, and cannot fail to be remembered during the lifetime of all who witnessed it." Citizens lined Broadway to support the regiment and reportedly this 33-star, silk United States flag was waved by a patriotic citizen during the ocassion. (2009.0055)