Highlights
Pine Tree Flag
Flag Names: An Appeal To Heaven Flag, Liberty Tree Flag, Pine Tree Flag, Washington's Cruisers Flag, An Appeal To God Flag
Adopted: October 21, 1775
Design: A pine tree with the words "AN APPEAL TO HEAVEN" written in all capital letters above the tree, and a white field behind it.
Designed by: Joseph Reed and Christopher Gadsden
History of the Pine Tree Flag "aka" An Appeal To Heaven Flag
The Pine Tree Flag or the "An Appeal to Heaven Flag" also known as Washington's Cruisers Flag and An Appeal to God Flag was one of the first flags which were used in 1775 during the American Revolution.
The Pine Tree Flag, which featured a pine tree placed in the center of the flag with the motto "An Appeal to Heaven," written in all capital letters above the tree, or less frequently "An Appeal to God", was originally used by a squadron of six cruisers which were commissioned under George Washington's authority as commander in chief of the Continental Army in October 1775. It was also used by Massachusetts state navy vessels in addition to privateers sailing from Massachusetts.
George Washington arrived in Cambridge, Sunday, July 2, accompanied by Major-General Charles Luce, and the 'New England Chronicle' says:
None of the men who have been raised by this and several other colonies are in future to be distinguished as the troops of any particular colony, but as the forces of "The United Colonies of North America," into whose joint service they have been taken by the Continental Congress, and are to be paid and supported accordingly."
On the 18th of July, a month after the battle of Bunker's Hill, Major-General Putnam assembled his division on the height of Prospect Hill, to have read to it the manifesto of Congress, signed by John Hancock, its president, and countersigned by Charles Thomson, secretary. The reading was followed by a prayer suited to the occasion, and at the close of the prayer, at a signal from the general, the troops cried 'Amen' and at the same instant the artillery of the fort thundered a general salute, and the scarlet standard of the Third Connecticut Regiment recently sent to General Putnam, bearing on the one side the Connecticut motto, "Qui transtulit sustained," and on the other, the recognized motto of Massachusetts, "An Appeal to Heaven," were unfurled. The same ceremony was observed in the other divisions.
Lieutenant Paul Lunt, in his Diary, which has been printed, says:
May 10, 1775, marched from Newburyport with sixty men, Captain Ezra Lunt, commander, and May 12, at 11 o'clock, arrived at Cambridge.... June 16, our men went to Charlestown and entrenched on a hill beyond Bunker's Hill.... June 17, the regulars landed a number of troops, and we engaged them. They drove us off the hill and burned Charlestown. July 2, General Washington came into the camp.... July 18th. This morning a manifesto from the grand Continental Congress was read by the Rev. Mr. Leonard, chaplain of the Connecticut forces upon Prospect Hill in Charlestown. Our standard was presented in the midst of the regiments, with this inscription upon it, "Appeal to Heaven," after which Mr. Leonard made a short prayer, and then we were dismissed, by the discharge of a cannon, three cheers, and a war-whoop by the Indians."
The 'New England Chronicle' for July 21, 1775, says:
On June 19, 1775, two days after the battle of Bunker Hill, and before the news had reached Georgia, there was a meeting of a committee of the leading men of Savannah to enforce the requirements of the American Association. After the meeting, a dinner was had at Tondee's tavern, where a 'union flag' was hoisted upon a liberty pole, and two pieces of artillery were placed under it.Cambridge, July 21. On Tuesday morning the standard lately sent to General Putnam was exhibited flourishing in the air, bearing on one side this motto, 'An appeal to Heaven,' and on the other, 'QUI TRANSTULIT SUSTINET.' The whole was conducted with the utmost decency, good order, and regularity, and to the universal acceptance of all present. And the Philistines on Bunker's Hill heard the shout of the Israelites, and, being very fearful, paraded themselves in battle array."
Aug. 1, 1775, there was raised at Prospect Hill, Charlestown, for a flag-staff, a mast seventy-six feet high, which came out of a schooner that was burnt at Chelsea.
In September 1775, Arnold made his famous expedition through Maine to Canada, and, when drifting down the gentle current of the Dead River, came suddenly in sight of a lofty mountain covered with snow, at the foot of which he encamped three days, raising the Continental flag over his tent. What its color was, or the devices upon it, we have no means of ascertaining. The mountain is now known as 'Mount Bigelow,'-tradition asserting that Major Bigelow, of Arnold's little army, ascended to its summit, hoping to see the spires of Quebec.
In September 1775, two strong floating batteries were, launched on the Charles River, and opened fire, in October, on Boston, which caused great alarm and damaged several houses. They appear to have been scows made of strong planks, pierced near the water line for oars, and along the sides higher up for light, and musketry. Their ensign was a pine tree flag. The six schooners first commissioned by the United Colonies sailed under the pine tree flag.
Colonel Reed, in a letter from Cambridge to Colonels Glover and Moylan, under date Oct. 30, 1775, says:
Please fix upon some particular color for a flag, and a signal by which our vessels may know one another. What do you think of a flag with a white ground and a tree in the middle, the motto, 'An APPEAL TO Heaven,'-this is the flag of our floating batteries."
Colonels Moylan and Glover replied the next day, that, as Broughton and Selman, who had sailed that morning, had none but their old colors (probably the old English union ensign), they had appointed as the signal by which they could be known to their friends the ensign at the main topping lift. In January, Franklin was wearing the pine tree flag.
The suggestion of Colonel Reed seems to have been soon adopted. The 'London Chronicle,' for January 1776, describing the flag of a captured cruiser, says:
There is in the admiralty office the flag of a provincial privateer. The field is white bunting. On the middle is a green pine tree, and upon the opposite side is the motto, 'An Appeal to Heaven.'"
April 1776, the Massachusetts council passed a series of resolutions for the regulation of the sea service, among which was the following:
Resolved, That the uniform of the officers be green and white, and that they furnish themselves accordingly; and that the colors be a white flag, with a green pine tree, and the inscription, 'An appeal to Heaven.'"
NOT ALL PINE TREE FLAGS ARE THE SAME!
HERE'S WHY...
Extra care is taken in making these flags. Flag designs are researched to ensure that they are authentic and current. We use sturdy fabrics, allowing the flags to be flown outdoors, indoors, or carried in parades.
Constructed with 100% Heavy Duty Nylon (digital dyed) ★ Beautiful, brilliant colors ★ Resistant to wear and tear of sun & rain ★ Complete with heavy canvas heading & brass grommets to meet the most demanding commercial and residential uses.
- All outdoor flags are finished with heavy-duty thread, polyester heading, brass grommets, and four needle fly hem
- State flags constructed to precise specifications
- Flies in the slightest breeze
- Proudly Made In The USA
- Beautiful Presentation - This Pine Tree Flag makes an excellent gift for friends, parents, or to PROUDLY display on your HOME or OFFICE.
HEAVY DUTY NYLON OUTDOOR FLAGS WITH SOLAR SHIELD
Our most popular and versatile outdoor Pine Tree flag, USA Flag Co. flags offer the optimum combination of elegance and durability for every purpose. The 100% nylon material provides a rich, lustrous appearance. Our flags have superb wearing strength due to the material’s superior strength-to-weight ratio and will fly in the slightest breeze. Our historic flags are finished with strong, polyester canvas headings and spurred brass grommets, and four needle fly hem. The result is a flag that will be flown with pride year after year.
SOLAR SHIELD
- Rich, Vivid Colors
- Durable
- Fire-Resistant
- Mothproof
- Mildew Resistant
- Sheds Water
- Lightweight for Flyability
Add this Pine Tree Flag aka An Appeal To Heaven Flag to your cart for Immediate Delivery Now.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This is the most common question asked in the industry and the most difficult to answer. No two flags will wear the same due to weather conditions and how often the flag is flown. Our flags offer the best stitching and highest quality materials to get your flag off to a great start.
Do not hang a flag where the wind will whip it against rough surface, such as tree branches, wires or cables or the outside of your home or building. Inspect your flags regularly for signs of wear. Repair any minor rips or tears right away this can be mended easily with a sewing machine or sewing kit. Keep the surface of the pole free of dirt, rust or corrosion that could damage or stain your flag.
We recommend that you hand-wash your flag with mild soap, rinse thoroughly and air dry. You can also use a dry cleaning service.
Exposing your flag to rain, wind, snow or high winds will shorten the life of your flag considerably. If you leave your flag exposed to the elements, it will greatly reduce the life of your flag.
Yes, as long as your pole is large enough to support the weight of the flags. The USA Flag must always fly at the top. The flag underneath should be at least one foot lower and be one size smaller than the USA Flag. Flags of other countries are not to be flown beneath the USA Flag.
If your flag is significantly faded, torn or tattered it is time to retire your flag. Your flag should be retired privately in a dignified manner. In addition, many local community organizations have flag disposal centers that will dispose of your flag for you.
Customer Reviews
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A
great quality , also purchased the flag pole and holder. arrived quickly and easily installed.
A
Excellent product and service, fast shipping. Thank you!
M
The ink on the flag looks really nice and the ship time was great.
B
Good quality flag — flying high at my house
T
Ordered on a Saturday and received it the following Monday! Quality of this flag exceeded my expectations, my new flag source.
R
Very happy with the flag, looks great at night.
E
I love my "Appeal to Heaven" flag. It's made well, but most importantly it's American made!!!
T
Love it
D
Can't wait for the receiver of this flag to open it!
M
I am very happy with my purchases. I will buy here again when I need to replace my flags. Thank you USA Flag Co.!
