Rebekah Colburn
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Grace, the Canine Mascot of the First Maryland Infantry, CSA

12/9/2015

3 Comments

 
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In the course of my research, I stumbled across an interesting story dog lovers might be interested to learn. As the Second Maryland Infantry marched to join the battle of Gettysburg, they encountered a stray dog, whom they adopted and named Grace. She took quickly to them, probably due to both the food and affection she received, and in her way she gave them comfort and companionship. She was even listed on the roster as the Unit Mascot.

When they reached the battlefield, Grace led the charge up Culp's Hill. Somehow she seemed to understand that she was with the men in gray, and ran around barking at the Union soldiers. When she returned to her boys of the Second Maryland Infantry, she was met with a sad display of dead and wounded. Confused and upset by the injury to her masters, Grace nudged at them in sorrow to get back up on their feet.

Sadly, Grace was killed in the battle, a loss which cut deeply into the hearts of the hardened soldiers who wept openly at the dog's loyalty and courage. Even the Union General Kane saw fit to order her a proper burial, referring to her as "the only Christian-minded being on either side." It is reported that before she died, Grace licked the hand of the Yankee soldier who tried to rescue her.

When painting the battle of Culp's Hill, Gettysburg P.A., the painter Rothermel included Grace in the scene, charging bravely up the hill.
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3 Comments
Richard Wills
2/7/2019 07:43:41 am

My GG grandfather, James and his brother John as well as their cousin Augustine were in Co B 2nd Maryland and all 3 severely wounded on Culps Hill. The story of Grace was passed down in the family and still brings a tear to our eyes. We visit Culps Hill often, Grace was buried there. Never forget these were real people, fighting for their homes, caring compassionate people who loved their dog.
Thanks for sharing this story and picture. Don Troiani also depicts Grace in The Band of Brothers print.

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Terry McCready
4/28/2019 05:18:05 am

My GG grandfather and his brother Thomas were in Co. D of the 2nd Maryland and in the fighting at Culps's Hill . Both survived the war....but were captured at Petersburg,Va on April 2....just before the war ended. When I go to Culp's Hill....I find it bewildering that I am in the same stop my GG grndfather was so long ago.

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Rebekah Colburn
4/29/2019 06:05:41 am

Terry, It is interesting how we can feel such a connection to a person and time by visiting a location we know was meaningful to them. When I went to Culp's Hill, I had chills running up and down my spine as I envisioned all the scenes I had read about taking place where I was standing! I think it's important to maintain our connection with history so that we may learn from the past. Thanks for commenting!

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    Rebekah Colburn

                   Novelist
    Historical Fiction/ Romance 

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