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I'm gathering information for a possible book with the working title of "Civil War Mascots and War Horses." I'm finding some excellent material in regimental histories, memoirs, and other sources. Of course "Old Abe" is well known but the 43rd Mississippi had a camel "Douglas", the 3rd Louisiana a donkey "Jason," the 2nd Rhode Island a sheep "Dick" (until it was sold to a butcher for $5), and there were others. But I've found almost nothing related to US or CSA navy mascots. I'd welcome suggestions as to any sources of information on both army and navy mascots. Thanks in advance.
Old Abe - pet bald eagle of the 8th Wisconsin Infantry. They became known as the eagle regiment and the eagle bearer had a special staff that Abe would perch himself upon and screech from. He'd circle a battlefield and find his unit (and attendant) without fail.
I'm gathering information for a possible book with the working title of "Civil War Mascots and War Horses." I'm finding some excellent material in regimental histories, memoirs, and other sources. Of course "Old Abe" is well known but the 43rd Mississippi had a camel "Douglas", the 3rd Louisiana a donkey "Jason," the 2nd Rhode Island a sheep "Dick" (until it was sold to a butcher for $5), and there were others. But I've found almost nothing related to US or CSA navy mascots. I'd welcome suggestions as to any sources of information on both army and navy mascots. Thanks in advance.
Charles Worman
I'd hate to burst your bubble, but I have at hand a book titled Dogs of War: And Stories of Other Beasts of Battle in the Civil War by Marilyn Seguin, which covers Dick, Jason, Douglas,and Old Abe, among many others (and lots of horses).
It's a slight book, however, and perhaps your project might give the subject a different slant, or more insight.
I believe that there must be nothing more difficult than to create something "new" about the Civil War.
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"It was a very peculiar time." - Franklin D. Cossitt
Ancestors in USA Army: 6th IA Inf, 11th IL Cav, 1st AL Cav; 122nd NY Inf; 6th MI Cav; 35th MA Inf; 100th IL Inf; 1st CO Inf/Cav; 22nd IN Inf
Thanks--and I'm familiar with the book "Dogs of War." The author relied heavily on secondary sources while I'm returning wherever possible to primary source materials using extensive quotes from those, such as regimental histories. Hopefully mine will be a more historically accurate product.
Several Regiments also adopted children as their mascots.
__________________ Few take the trouble to understand or to view the American scene with perspective. And we Americans love to find ourselves guilty of something. However, it is never I who am guilty, but those other Americans, the past or present government or the other political party. Americans almost never find other countries guilty. It is always ourselves or our fancied influence in other countries. Louis L'amour
Thanks--and I'm familiar with the book "Dogs of War." The author relied heavily on secondary sources while I'm returning wherever possible to primary source materials using extensive quotes from those, such as regimental histories. Hopefully mine will be a more historically accurate product.
Charles Worman
Am wishing for you a best possible return on your investment. Keep us informed, I will buy your book if for no other reason than to blubber and appreciate.
ole
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
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