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From: "Ernest Everett Blevins" <>
Subject: [SUVCW] Origins of "Taps" Inquiry
Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2007 01:51:25 -0400


My dad got this note (I cleaned it up to just the facts instead of the
senders pleas to keep it going) on the origins of "Taps." I too have heard
this version but never checked the authenticity of it. I would like to know
more details (who the men are (one last name is mentioned), where was the
son in school, what regiments, what battle, etc). If this is wrong then I
would like to be able to rectify the error. If it is right I'd like to say
it in confidnece.



The original content of this is:

** start original note **


We in the North America have all heard the haunting song, "Taps". It's the
song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.



But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will
be interested
to find out about its humble beginnings.



Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union
Army Captain
Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The
Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.



During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay
severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate
soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man
back for medical attention.



Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the
stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.



When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was
actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead



The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with
shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own
son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out.
Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.



The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his
superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status.
His request was only partially granted.



The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a
funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down
since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father,
they did say they could give him only one musician.



The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical
notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's
uniform. This wish was granted.



The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" used at military funerals was
born.



The words are:



Day is done ... Gone the sun

From the lakes ... From the hills ...

From the sky . All is well.

Safely rest .. God is nigh.

Fading light .. Dims the sight ..

And a star ... Gems the sky

Gleaming bright From afar ..

Drawing nigh . Falls the night.

Thanks and praise ... For our days .

Neath the sun ... Neath the stars...

Neath the sky . As we go

This we know .. God is nigh





** end original note **



Ernie

List Administrator

Patriotic Instructor, Elias Moon #2

Commander, Elias Moon #3


--
Ernest Everett Blevins, MFA
Blevins Historical Research
110 Evergreen Way
Villa Rica, Georgia 30180
770-456-1876

Save the Old Villa Rica Library! Write the mayor at
and City officials listed on
http://villarica.org/council_members.php. Tell them the benefits of keeping
National Register Eligible Properties.

Historic Preservation Consultant -- Historical and Architectural Research --
Genealogical (Family) Research -- Preservation Planning and Documentation --
House History

Member: American Planning Association, Ambassador of the New England
Historic Genealogical Society, Historian: Casimir Pulaski SAR, Registrar:
Georgia Society of Founders & Patriots, and member of numerous other
lineage and heritage societies.

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