From flag to flag

From Flag to Flag begins with Ripley's fond memories of pastoral plantation life in the early years of the Civil War and her role in the efforts to create the first Confederate flag. When the Union army finally threatens to take their home and free their slaves, the family and two servants who choose not to stay behind join a caravan bound for Texas. During the journey, the McHattons lose an infant son and are forced to deal with the rapid devaluation of Confederate currency. Due to this inflation as well as the scarcity of resources in Mexico, the caravan is forced to be both thrifty and innovative. Ripley recalls making handkerchiefs from a dress, a coat from a sheet, and a dress from a blanket. While the family is in Mexico, the war ends, but Ripley sees hope in the defeat. She comments, "Thus faded the Confederacy. We prayed for victory—no people ever uttered more earnest prayers—and the God of hosts gave us victory in defeat. We prayed for only that little strip, that Dixie-land, and the Lord gave us the whole country from the lakes to the Gulf, from ocean to ocean—all dissensions settled, all dividing lines wiped out—a united country forever and ever!"