The Story of Taps
It all began in 1862 during the War Between The States 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 from Ellicombe's unit.
During the night Captain Ellicombe heard the moan of a soldier who
lay mortally wounded on the field of battle. Not knowing if it was a Union or
Confederate soldier Captain Ellicombe decided to risk his life and bring
the stricken man back for medical attention.
Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire Captain Ellicombe
reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.
When the Captain finally reached his own lines and in the dark he looked
at the young soldier and discovered he had rescued a Confederate soldier but the
soldier had stopped breathing.
The Captain lit a lantern. Suddenly....he caught his breath and went numb
with shock! In the dim lantern's light he now could see the soldier's
face.
It was his own son who had been studying music in the South when the
war broke out. Without telling his father.....he had enlisted in the
Confederate Army.
The following morning....heartbroken, the Captain asked
permission of his
Union superiors to give his son a full military burial despite his enemy status.
His request was partially granted.
The Captain had asked if a group of Army band members could play a funeral dirge for
his son's funeral. That request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate!
Out of respect for the Captain his superiors did say they could give him
a lone 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 his dead son's uniform. This wish was granted!
This music was the haunting melody we now know as "TAPS"
that is used at all military funerals. Although I have heard "Taps" played
many times, and have heard the lyrics more than a few times, I never learned
them. Thanks to a friend who forwarded them to me the following lyrics are
the words to "TAPS" which I am sure each of you have heard from time to time.
Day is done.
Gone the sun.
From the lakes,
From the hills,
From the sky,
All is well.
Safely rest.
God is nigh.