The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him one musician. The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform. This wish was granted.
Taps has words.
I don't know who wrote them or when they were written. Gone the sun From the Lakes From the hills From the sky. All is well, safely rest. God is nigh. As we go, This we know, God is nigh.