Enlisted Animals

[Sivart]

I was recently reading a book on animals that served during World War I, the most notable one being Sergeant Stubby who is considered the most decorated war dog in American History, and it got me wondering, were there any animals such as him during the Civil War, such as horses, or other types of animals like dogs. I'm pretty sure I remember hearing that the Confederates used horses during the Civil War, but correct me if I'm wrong. Thanks in advance for helping me out!
(I'm also not sure if this was the right forum to put this message, but I couldn't find another one that better suites it.)

 

[RaggedAssSecond]

Sallie Ann of the 11th Pennsylvania might be the closest equivalent to Sergeant Stubby of the 102nd Infantry. Keep in mind Sergeant Stubby was the first animal in the United States Armed Forces to receive rank.

Sallie Ann Jarrett - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Sallie, the faithful mascot of the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry | Four Footed Friends

The only known actual photo of Sallie - photo posted by Glorybound Sallie was a brindle Staffordshire Bull Terrier and served as the mascot of the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. When she was 4 weeks old she was given to a first lieutenant of the regiment when they were in training at the...

civilwartalk.com

For those who aren't familiar with Sergeant Stubby.

Sergeant Stubby - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[RaggedAssSecond]

While horses and mules played an important part in the Civil War, comparing horses to dogs is like comparing apples to oranges. With that said:

Famous Horses of the Civil War | Soldiers who fought on Horseback: Cavalry

Famous Horses of the Civil War Many a fighting man had one or more favorite mounts, entitled to bountiful corn and fodder, careful grooming, and a name of its own. One clause in the surrender terms at Appomattox in 1865 puzzled some people: every Confederate cavalryman was entitled to...

civilwartalk.com

 

[Stryker65]

(I'm also not sure if this was the right forum to put this message, but I couldn't find another one that better suites it.)

There's a forum on here, Four Footed Friends, that might interest you.

 

[Nathan Stuart]

Not strictly involving an animal military enlistment, but a canine enlistment of sorts worth noting.

Ship captain, Michael Usina, enlisted the help of a small terrier dog named 'Tinker' to accompany him whenever he sailed on his voyages in the blockade-runners, 'the Armstrong' and 'Rattlesnake', during '64 and '65. The dog served on board as the vessel's ratter, as well as good-luck charm.

(The animal was of so much value to him, that when Usina gave up command of 'the Armstrong', he refused an offer of $500 gold for Tinker, and kept the dog on deck for all of his future trips.)

 

[Stryker65]

From Battles and Leaders Volume 5, we have "Private Jim Kensill" of Company F, 150th Pennsylvania Infantry, as given in Chapter 46 (page 612; the book's not available, so an excerpt of the chapter is given here). He was a dog, and the property of Sergeant John C. Kensill of the same company. Both survived the war, and Little Jim, as we was called, was even given his own discharge papers:

To all whom it may concern: Know ye, that Jim Kensill, Private, Co. F, One Hundred Fiftieth Regiment, Penna. Vols., who was enrolled on the twenty-second day of August, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, to serve three years or during the war is hereby DISCHARGED from the service of the United States, this twenty-third day of June, 1865, at Elmira, New York, by direction of the Secretary of War.



Said Jim Kensill was born in Phladelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, is six years of age, six inches high, dark complexion, black eyes, black-and-tan hair, and by occupation when enrolled a terrier.



Given at Elmira, New York, this twenty-third day of June, 1865.

James R. Reid,

Capt. Tenth U.S. Inf'y, A.Q.M.

It's a short article, only three pages, so I can provide pictures if anyone would like to read.

 

[Library Lady]

For those of you interested in getting the really young ones interested in the Civil War, using their love of dogs and this book could help.

The Eternal Soldier: The True Story of How a Dog Became a Civil War Hero - little bee books

This is the untold story of Sallie, a dog whose life as a soldier began in a basket and ended as a Civil War hero. The pup barked and nearly tumbled out of the basket. We laughed, and immediately we knew–she was one of us read more

littlebeebooks.com

The illustrations are lovely, and the text is age appropriate. You bet I checked it out when I found it on the reshelf cart in the Kids Room!