The Mysterious John Hewson–Martha Washington Flag

A handkerchief made in the early days of the American Revolution features George Washington on horseback. Of vexillological interest, it contains four flags: a 25-striped rebel flag (13 red and 12 white), a rattlesnake flag, a pine tree flag, and a final mystery flag. The final flag has been repeatedly misidentified as a British Ensign, but evidence to the contrary shows that it is, rather, a completely different flag. Furthermore, this article retells the story and people associated with the genesis of this mysterious handkerchief. This includes the wife of George Washington—Martha Washington—and the printer responsible for it, John Hewson. A recent colonial immigrant from England, Hewson proudly carried republican views, had connections with Benjamin Franklin, fought for American Independence, and was a descendant of another John Hewson who signed the death warrant of King Charles I in 1649.

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