Photo Credit: Massachusetts State House Battle Flag Collection
First State Color. The first Regimental flag issued the 28th was presented by Massachusetts Governor John Albion Andrews on January 10, 1862, certainly in tandem with the issue of the First National. It too was made by Charles Eaton and was made of white silk, was painted, and measured 44.5 by 53 inches, significantly smaller than the 6 foot 6 inches (78 inches) by 6 feet (72 inches) prescribed in the Regulations.
Centered on the white field was a version of the Coat of Arms of Massachusetts, which includes a depiction of a native American with a bow and arrow. The upper scroll carries the State’s Latin motto “Ense Petit Placidum sub Libertate Quietem” (“By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.”) The Red ribbon at the bottom reads “28th Regiment Massachusetts.”
This flag is today found in the Massachusetts State Flag Collection. Importantly, there is no record that this flag was ever actually carried by the Regiment.