The captain lit a lantern. Suddenly he 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, he 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 partially granted. The captain had asked if he could have a group of
Army band members play a funeral dirge for the son at the funeral. That
request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. 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 notes he
found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.
This wish was granted. This music was the haunting melody we now know as
"Taps" used at military funerals.
This information was provided by Lt. Colonel Lewis Kirkpatrict, AUS (Ret)
ROA Department of Europe editor; contained in the Reserve Officers Association
"The Officer" Magazine, May '98 issue.
This was called to my attention by one of our Chapter members, Cleo Clayton
Bailey. Thanks Cleo.