Just sitting here reading about Antietam, doing some research, and then something catches my eye: the 10th Maine, in the XII Corps attack in the East Woods, was led into action by their dog, "Major"

Well

I couldn't just let that slide. To the Google Machine I went.

Major, says an unnamed author, was "one of these unrecorded heroes, soulless to the theologians, but immortal to the philosopher"

He was a St Bernard who hopped on board the train in Portsmouth, NH - dogs hopping on trains was apparently a thing? - & got adopted at once

He was adopted by Company H who gave him a collar with his company designation on it. "At Cedar Mountain, Antietam, and Winchester he particularly distinguished himself. He always kept in front before the men and howling at the top of his voice"

"It was great to see Major in battle and he was worth more to inspire the men than any officer in the regiment" recorded his company commander. The regiment was mustered out in 1863 but reorganized in 1864 was the 29th Maine, and so "Old Mage" left home to go to war again

He never missed a single battle and "in every march and skirmish, he was always in his post at the front." He even marched in the front of the company during dress parades and would get very angry if the company was ever posted to the rear

Major had a sensitive side though

His commander spoke sharply to him once, so he left in a huff and moved into with the orderly sergeant, where he stayed for a month. Then he got upset with the sergeant & moved in with the corporal. Finally, he forgave the captain and returned to his tent: "it taught me a lesson"

Major seemed to understand rank. In front of the colonel he was "all dignity" but his heart was with the soldiers. He would sometimes spend all night on the picket line, especially if the weather was bad. "He seemed to realize that the soldier would be lonely & want company"

In 1864, the 29th was at the Battle of Sabine Crossroads, in Louisiana. Major was leading the regiment in attack, and howling. The members of the regiment mentioned that he would snap at the rounds that passed by him. Well. He caught one.

"It took a good deal to make me cry in those days, but I must confess that I did then," wrote his captain. "The whole regiment felt that they had lost their noblest friend"

No, YOU'RE crying, I'm not crying

Here's to Major. May his pets be many & his bowl never be empty