The Confederate forces had crossed the Potomac and entered Maryland on September 5. The main body encamped at Frederick Junction, three miles south of Frederick, but a large portion of the army marched through the city on September 6 and went into camp.
The next morning (Sunday), while his troops lay resting General “Stonewall” Jackson took advantage of the opportunity to attend divine worship.
Early on the morning of the 10th the army broke camp and moved westward, going out West Patrick street, passing the home of Barbara Frietchie. It was at this time the flag incident occurred.
The venerable patriot hearing the troops were approaching, took her silk flag from between the leaves of the old family Bible, and stepped out on her front porch, thinking they were Union soldiers. Immediately an officer rode up, saying: “Granny, give me your flag.” “You can’t have it,” she said, and then she noticed the gray uniforms, but she continued to wave the flag.
The officer spoke to his men, and they turned facing her. She thought they intended to fire on her, but, instead, the officer rode off a short distance to Mill Alley, and returned in a moment with another officer and some soldiers.
This officer said to her: “Give me your flag, Granny, and I'll stick it in my horse’s head.” “No, you can’t have it,” she said. One of the men then called out, “Shoot her damned head off.”
The officer turned angrily upon him, saying: “If you harm a hair of her head, I'll shoot you down like a dog.” Then turning to the trembling old lady, he said: “Go on, Granny, wave your flag as much as you please.”
This version of the affair was related by Barbara Frietchie to her niece who was visiting her, some time after the incident. It is also said that this account has been certified by Confederate soldiers, who also stated that the episode was talked about by the troops all through the lines.
McClellan’s army followed closely and none gave them a more joyous welcome than dame Barbara, who, with her silk flag in hand, stood at her front window. She attracted much attention, many soldiers going from the ranks to speak to her.
Mrs. Frietchie did not live to see the victorious end of the Civil War. Shortly after the celebration of her ninety-sixth birthday, on December 3, 1862, she was stricken with pneumonia and died December 18, 1862. Her body was tenderly carried to the churchyard and placed by the side of her husband.