Maine Memory Network

Capt. Enoch Knight's letter to Col. George F. Shepley about the 12th Maine Infantry, which was being formed in the fall of 1861, is decorated with an American flag and a liberty cap.

The liberty or Phrygian cap was used as a symbol of liberty in the American and French revolutions.

It was especially meaningful as a Union symbol during the Civil War as it originated as a cap given to Roman slaves when they were freed. Added to the top of the pole of the American flag, it served as a double message of liberty and union.

Enoch Knight of Bridgton was captain of Co. D of the 12th Maine. A lawyer, he enlisted in November 1861 at age 27 and served until August 1863.