lelliott19
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Lion: A Newfoundland Dog, 1824. Edwin Henry (Sir, RA) Landseer, Wikimedia commons.
INCIDENT ON THE LINES --- An amusing incident occurred on the lines in front of Battery No 22, on the afternoon of July 4th [1864]. A large Newfoundland dog was seen to come out from the enemy's line of battle in front of that point, and run up and down in a playful manner between the two hostile lines. Picket firing having ceased by mutual consent, the men on both sides flocked out to witness the spectacle, and as the dog would approach near our lines or return towards the Yankees, he was greeted with loud cheering.
In this manner, the spirits of the Confederates and Yankees were exhilarated to a high degree, and eventually the bands began to perform. The band of our battery struck up "Dixie," and was responded to with "Yankee Doodle" from the Yankee lines. All this time the dog was hunting up and down the lines in full sight. He was whistled to at last by some of our troops, and a large tin canteen appended to his tail. He was then turned loose, amid loud hurrahs and laughter, and sent on his way at 2:40 speed back to the companionship of his Yankee friends, who celebrated his arrival with equal gusto. The incident is said to have afforded a very amusing diversion. ~Petersburg Express
The Daily Sun. (Columbus, Ga.), July 13, 1864, page 1.
@JPK Huson 1863 here's a picket story for you - Petersburg July 4, 1864. This picket story includes a dog!