Songs of the 128th 79
Songs of the 128th by Dean Thomas In The Civil War and Dutchess County, New York: Part I (2015), this author, Dean Thomas, introduced us to the letters of Private Evert Traver of the 128th Regiment. In this year’s book, he takes up the theme of the 128th again with a narrative based on the songs men were singing during the campaigning. The regiment was formed in the summer of 1862 with six companies from Dutchess County and four from Columbia County. They fought until the end of the war in the spring of 1865. ....C. Lewis, editor It was once well stated that “America at the time of the Civil War was a land where songs were sung. Songs of bravado and songs of comradeship; songs of longing and songs of hope….” 1 These themes run through the music of that bygone era. During the Civil War singing was one of the soldiers’ favorite ways to pass the time. Dozens of songs were composed during the war and sung throughout by the armies as well as the folks back home. Many were inspirational marching tunes meant to keep soldiers’ morale high, while others were sentimental songs that were sung when thinking of home or loved ones. Figure 1. Colonel David S. Cowles. Enrolled at 45 years old to serve three years with the 128th Regiment on July 22, 1862 at Hudson, New York. Mustered in as Colonel, on September 4, 1862. Killed in action leading the regiment on the first assault of Port Hudson, Louisiana.