The Eighth Wisconsin Infantry had some time before sent home their mascot “Old Abe,” the hero of twenty battles and many skirmishes. This eagle was taken from its nest by an Indian and presented to Company C., where it became the pet of the regiment. During attacks he was carried at the front on a standard, near the flag,—sometimes held by a long cord or chain,—he would rise up flapping his great wings, and screeching defiance at the enemy loudly enough to be heard along the line. His reputation made thousands of dollars at fairs and elsewhere. His portrait was painted, and hangs in the Old South Church, Boston. The State pensioned Old Abe and supported an attendant to care for him. He died at last of old age, and his skin is stuffed and safely preserved in the state archives at Madison, Wisconsin.
As these men tramped to the music of the shrill fife and drum, that knew no rest that day, they sometimes joined in a great chorus, meanwhile cheering themselves hoarse, to the tunes of “Johnny Came Marching Home,” “Yankee Doodle,” and many an army song.
When some former patients recognized us, surgeons and nurses who had cared for them, they broke all bounds, and, with uncovered heads, dipped their tattered flags and fairly roared their thanks in grateful cheers, while we waved our caps and handkerchiefs in return and also cheered. The magnetism of a home-going victorious army spread like a prairie fire, not only from regiment to regiment, but extended to every individual in their presence, while a roar as if of ocean waves spread over the sea of happy men and women.
This was a day of great rejoicing and enthusiasm among soldiers and Northerners, never to be forgotten. Taking leave of our polite escort, and thanking General Wilcox for his kindness, the mounted party took a spirited gallop back to hospital camp.
Strict hospital discipline was relaxed and the men were singing “Home, Sweet Home,” “Yankee Doodle,” “John Brown’s Body,” “Marching Through Georgia,” and many other patriotic songs, enjoying them equally, until taps ordered “Lights out,” when the whole camp soon fell into peaceful dreams of home.
TAPS
“Night draws her sable mantle on
And pins it with a star.”
Darkness has come, and rest is won
By those who thro’ the dusty way,