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Dreams of Home by John Weiss

Based on the success of “The Mascot”, Lord Nelson’s Gallery commissioned John to paint “Dreams of Home”  

Dreams of Home continues the story of the life of the soldier during the American Civil War. Away from home and seeking comfort by holding this dog, the confederate soldier connects to memories and places he holds dear to his heart.

This canvas print is available exclusively through Lord Nelson’s Gallery. This painting is a testament to the power that common images have to connect us to the past.

http://www.lordnelsons.com/gallery/wildlife/weiss/31.htm

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General Rufus Ingalls’s Dog During the Civil War

The Dalmatian was a favorite and favored companion of the general, and accompanied him whether he traveled.

Rufus Ingalls, a classmate of Grant at West Point, worked his way efficiently up to rank of Brigadier General. At City Point, “Grant placed him in charge of supply with responsibility for all armies operating against Petersburg and Richmond.”

Date Created/Published: between 1861 and 1869. LOC original medium: 1 negative (2 plates) : glass, stereograph, wet collodion. Photo Library of Congress

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A card photograph showing Colonel John Edmond Yard with three officers. Two of the officers are seated with a dog in a horse drawn carriage. At this time, Yard was probably colonel of the 24th Infantry. Date: Between 1880 and 1885 

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Old Harvey was the mascot for the 104th Ohio Infantry. He was beloved for the companionship and humor he provided the troops. It is said that Harvey would show his great love for music by swaying from side to side while the soldiers sang campfire songs in the evening. He was wounded in two different battles but survived each time. Harvey’s tag read, “I am Lieutenant D.N. Stearns’ Dog. Who’s Dog Are You?” The 104th had a portrait of Harvey commissioned so that he could still be part of their reunions after his death.Today, Harvey is remembered by the Western Reserve Historical Society in Cleveland, where a portrait of the troop features a proud Harvey posing with his fellow soldiers.

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“Sallie” a brindle Staffordshire Bull Terrier, The only known photo of her -middle. Was regimental mascot for the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. Sallie, came to 1st Lt. William R. Terry when she was but four weeks old. Always by the side of Lt. Terry, Sallie grew up among the men of the regiment. She followed them on marches and into battle.

At the battle of Gettysburg, July 1st – July 3rd 1863, Sallie was separated from her unit. Unable to find her way, she returned to the Union battle line at Oak Ridge, where Sallie stood guard over the dead and wounded. Sallie continued her faithful service until February of 1865 when during the battle of Hatcher’s Run, Virginia, Sallie was struck in the head by a bullet and killed instantly. Sallie was buried on the battlefield while surrounded by enemy fire.

In appreciation of her loyal devotion, a monument of Sallie now stands in Gettysburg, directly in front of the monument that commemorates the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry.

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” THE MASCOT “
John Weiss - 2003

During the Civil War, dogs served as troop mascots, demonstrating
bravery and loyalty in camp and on the battlefield. These mascots were
an inspiration, bringing about unity while representing beloved pets at
home. For soldiers, the act of nurturing offset boredom in camp, and
the dogs would enjoy a charmed life lavished with affection. In Weiss’ powerful image, this mascot provides much needed sanctuary to a young soldier who has undoubtedly witnessed the many horrors of war.

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Cabinet card photo of dog that served as mascot for the 23rd Iowa Infantry during the Civil War.

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Tintype Amputee Civil War Soldier & His Dog

Found on ebay US $199.99 and colorized by me.

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Jack was the mascot for the 102nd Pennsylvania Infantry. His career spanned through nearly all the regiment’s battles in Virginia and Maryland. He was present at the Wilderness campaigns, Spotsylvania, and the siege of Petersburg. Jack’s job, was to find the dead and wounded of his regiment. Jack was wounded at the battle of Malvern Hill. He was able to escape capture by the confederate soldiers and survive the battle of Antietam in 1862. Jack was captured twice and became the only dog to be traded as a prisoner of war. On his second capture, he was exchanged for a Confederate soldier at Belle Isle. Jack disappeared after being presented a silver collar. It is believed that he was a victim of theft. 

It could be that Jack was stolen or murdered for his new collar,which was emblazed with silver and which cost (at the time) the astounding price of $75. Or perhaps Jack succumbed to a bullet, poison, trap, or some other wayward thing, and simply expired ignominiously on hallowed ground — his silver collar waiting to be dug up by a lucky groundhog hunter.

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Custer with his dog in 1862

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General Custer on a Buffalo hunt with staghounds.

Bloody Knife, Custer’s favorite scout, to the left. Whenever the 7th Cavalry left the fort, General Custer took some of his dogs along so that he could use them for hunting. Custer used his dogs to course antelope, jack rabbits, and even bison. 

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auntada:

“Stagecoach” Mary Fields (c. 1832-1914) was born a slave in Tennessee and following the Civil War, she moved to the pioneer community of Cascade, Montana. In 1895, when she was around 60 years old, Fields became the second woman and first African American carrier for the US Postal Service. Despite her age, she never missed a day of work in the ten years she carried the mail and earned the nickname “Stagecoach” for her reliability. Fields loved the job, despite the many dangers and difficulties such as wolves and thieves (she was an excellent marksman, defending her route with a revolver and a rifle).

The people of Cascade so loved and respected Fields, that each year on her birthday they closed the schools to celebrate the occasion. They even built her a new house when she lost her home in a fire in 1912.

Photo source: Examiner.com

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President Lincoln’s dog,  Fido, “a yellow mixed breed.” Fido’s fate is unknown. He parted ways with the Lincolns after Abraham won the presidency in 1860. According to the National Park Service, Fido was given to a neighbor when Lincoln and his wife and sons left for Washington.