Our Troops Have Gone But the Cockade Survived!
Labor Day is a day set aside to pay tribute to working men and women. On this Labor Day, I thought I'd look back in history at some working heroes - men who went off to war, and women who sent them.
During the Civil War, both those on the battle front and those on the home front made great sacrifices for their cause. Their courage and selflessness is still an example to us all.
And the cockade that survived? Well, this is a water rescue story with a bit of humor!
This is the story exactly as it appeared in The Weekly Hawk Eye of Burlington, Iowa, on 11 May 1861.
Our Troops Have Gone.
Yesterday morning a little after 9 o’clock, the whistle of the Kate Cassel was heard as she neared our levee, and at the tap of the drum the Rifles were ready, and issued from their armory to give a last parade of our streets before they left. The throng was greater than at the presentations the day before, and as the company passed along they were lustily cheered.
When they turned to the levee the people hurried on before them, and some thousands must have occupied the spacious landing. A passage was opened, and amidst deafening hurras they marched to the water’s edge and along the plank, every foot in time, every face sober, as if each was engaged in a struggle with his emotions and wished to “play the man.”
By order of the Captain they drew up in double file on the hurricane deck, and as he led, gave cheer after cheer, which taken up and answered by the thousands on shore. The feeling was intense and still repressed, but when silence was restored, and the band poured forth the chilling notes of “Home Sweet Home,” played pianissimo, emotions strong and hardly controlled before, could be restrained no longer. Sobs broke from men as well as women, and tears flowed freely as the thought presented itself to each, that perhaps these brave fellows would never again enjoy the endearments of “home Sweet Home.” May the arm of the Highest protect them, and in His shadow may they rest! and if they return may it be as victors, to receive the laurels which respect and affection will weave!
Some time after, the Zouaves appeared, escorted by a company of the Blues and now all order was at an end. So many of the men are young, and closely related to our citizens that it was impossible to keep the ranks. The band extended to one, was seized by a dozen, and as last soldiers and citizens mingled in that brief, sad parting. We saw many a mother attempt to say “good bye,” but the result was a bursting cry of anguish, and a bowed head upon the brave boy’s shoulder. The scene was only terminated by the imperative signal to cast off. The men hurried on board, pressed by their enthusiastic friends, some of whom waded to the side of the boat to shake the hand that love might clasp no more.
The feeling was for a moment relieved by a simple incident. As one of the Zouaves crossed from the shore, a gust of wind took his hat and carried it out into the stream, boys and men tried to wade to it, it was too far off.
Sticks and stones were thrown outside of it, but the wind was stronger than the ripple they caused. At last a dog was found and sent after it, and happened to seize it so that as he swam to shore the cockade was kept above the waves.
The hint was enough to a crowd whose sympathies were all awake, and cheer after cheer burst forth for the national emblem, which is destined to float in safety over every wave that may threaten it.
Does Your Hat Need A Cockade?
I can't provide a dog to rescue your hat but I can provide the cockade! Union and Confederate, Revolutionary War and War of 1812 - I have something for everyone! And as always, let me know if you need a custom order and I'll be glad to work with you.
Today starts my week-long Labor Day Sale! Use coupon code LABORDAY for 10% off your order!
Historical Fun
We had a great time this weekend at the Olde South Timeline Ball we host every year! We had our highest attendance ever. Our family represented the Civil War era, Regency era and Revolutionary War era. It was a lovely evening! Now I’m busy catching up on orders that have come over the weekend. :)
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Regards,
~Heather Sheen
Owner, Creative Cockades