If you believe the Ellicombe story and that the Butterfield/Norton Story is not true, here is a challenge.
If you can prove the Captain Robert Ellicombe/Confederate Son Story I will give you a Gold Plated, Vincent Bach Stradivarius Field Trumpet (bugle) valued at $2000.00. This is rare instrument-one of the kind made for the US Army Band used at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington-like the one pictured below.
HERE IS WHAT YOU WILL NEED
Proof of the existence of Captain Robert Ellicombe.
1. You’ll need his unit and pension records. Remember he has to be in the US Army at camp at Harrison’s Landing during the summer of 1862.
2. The name of the son and where he is buried.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PROOF
DEADLINE JULY 1, 2012
GOOD LUCK!!
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Tags: myth, ripley's believe it or not, taps
That story was circulated for many years and taken by many people as true. However, If such a person existed, military records do not show it. According to Military records from the Civil War, there was NO Captain Robert Ellicombe in the Union Army. Yet this story has been widely told all around the world and has been believed by many to be the true story of taps.
The story does have a few truths in it. “Taps” was first played in 1862 at a funeral near Harrison’s landing. Further, we know that many fathers wept over the death of their sons in this war. Brother fought against brother and father against sun during this time when our country was divided.
Credit for the music is given by many people to Brigadear General Daniel Butterfield, who had the music played to extinguish lights at bedtime.
The story about the actual playing of Taps at a funeral is “said to be the following:
Tidball’s Battery A of the Second Artillery was in an advanced position. They were a close distance to the enemy and fighting from a concealed position. A young man from the unit had been killed in action, and his friends were trying to bury him with military honors.
This is from The Story of Taps
As Retold by Dr. Mike Lockett, The Normal Storyteller
Wow!! I found you quite by accident, and am I ever glad that I did. I have now for quite a few years heard the FALSE story of how TAPS came to be, and I as so many others believed it! Thank God that I found you! I have bookmarked your site so that I may tell others where they too can learn the truth of this great Bugle Call. I am military veteran of both the US Air Force and the US Army. I am the news editor of my local VFW Post’s newsletter and I want so much to quote you and reference your web site in my Memorial Day edition. Thank you.
Robert
The piece the young girl is playing is Il Silenzio, originally composed in 1965 by Nino Rosso
Recently on PBS TV, a young 12-13 year old girl, played what was introduced as the original TAPS accompanied by the Dutch or Holland Philharmonic. It was an absolutely stunning performance by the young lady, by admitedly was not the 24 note version of TAPS and I have tried to obtain a copy of the music, ever since, to no avail A person could discern the notes of TAPS in the backgroung if you listened real hard, it was not the 24 note TAPS. If I could find this music I would be very happy- thank you for the opportunity to inquire about it.
Sincerely, Robert Royce
Lights out! Life is a light so its such an appropriate Military Service sound for the calling of a member passing over! Its a piece of genius music that sounds respectful and fitting.
I’ve heard this story many times and because of this,I thought it was true.Now I just don’t know.While it does make for a good Taps story,I have not found one good document for or against it.Now if only I had more proof,proof,proof.
There’s nothing a Civil War afficionado loves more than a good myth. That’s why poignant, heart warming stories like Sgt. Kirkland et. al. find such credence, even to the point of having memorial statuary built in their honor. Like you said, they’re nice campfire tales – too bad the reality is so much more mundane, or even unpleasant.
I have the mystical version and shed a tear or two with it’s emotional appeal, however the truth should be told. If it did not originate with the General and his 24 notes, than who and where did it orignate from?
Question? Is taps for use with military deceased only? If so, then it would not be appropriate for ceremonies of non-military government employees, politicians or Merchant Mariners.
I received an email from one of my clients about Capt Ellicombe (TAPS). I have worked with disabled veterans for the past 24 years and was moved by the story and the presentation with all of the words. My first reaction was to pass it along to the clients I have email contact with…but thought I would check it out first and found your site. I don’t know what the truth is…but I found your version, though not as “moving”, to be more plausible. I grew up on military bases, lost my husband during the Vietnam War and these simple notes are a significant part of the fabric of my life. Who ever wrote them lives on in the lives of millions of people not just in this country but around the world. I would like to know if the words that were sent to me are accurate and did the same person who wrote the music write the words. If I can figure out how, I will forward the words I received to you. Appreciate the research you have done.
L. Mark
It’s interesting that you might be a doubting Thomas. One of the things I plan to announce for the 150th anniversary is a substantial prize to anyone who can prove the myth. All that one needs to do is provide unit, hometown and brief bio of Captain Ellicombe and the name of the son.
Still not convinced. My son has been playng the taps for about 20 yrs —so will make my own judgement. Thanks. L.
I am so glad that I found this website. I traditionally speak at our school’s Remembrance Day Service – 500 students. I was planning to use the “Mythical” version of the origin of Taps. Thank you for setting me straight and giving me the proper info. I will put out the message to my friend who sent me the myth.