Military History Index
The History of Taps - one version...
A Piece of History
We have all heard the haunting melody of "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 pleased 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, Virginia. The Confederate Army was on
the other side of the narrow strip of land.
During the night, Captain Ellisombe heard the moans of a soldier who was 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 the 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 breathe 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 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 denied
since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say they
could give him 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, which we now know as "Taps" used at military funerals, was born.
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,
Gleaning 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.
Author Unknown
Some day this will play at every veteran's funeral, faithful service.
There are several versions of Taps, so if you are a scholar of history, read on and you decide, which is "truth"?
24 Notes That TAP deep emotions
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