The National tribune., 1896-10-22
" OLD ACES STORY
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BIZ Anna A. HosOeu
IT was in the Spring of 1861 that Chief Sky,
Chippewa Indian, living in the wllds OF WIS
consin, found an eagles nest. To make sure OF
his prize be cut the tree down and caught the
eagiets as they were sliding from the nest to
run and hide in the grass.
One died. He carried the other home, and
built a nest in tree close by his wigwam.
The eaglet was as large as q hen, and covered
with soft down.
The red children were delighted with their
new pet. and AS soon as ne became acquainted.
he would sit down in the grass and watch them
play with the dogs.
But Chief Sky was poor and he was obliged
TO sell the noble bird to a white man for q
bushel OF corn. The white man brought him
to Eau Claire. small village, where the en-
listed soldiers were busy in preparing to go to
war.
Here's a recruit" said the man.
An eagle. an eagle," shouted the soldiers.
Let bin enlist" And, sure enough, he was
sworn into the service. with ribbon around
his neck-red, white and blue.
On a perch surmounred by the Stars and
Stripes the company took him 10 Madison, the
Capital OF the State. AS they marched into
Camp Randall. with colors flying. drums beat
ing and people cheering. the Eagle seized the
flag in his beak and spread his wings, his bright
eye kiudling with the spirit OF the scene.
Shouts rem. the air: The bird of Columbia ,
The eagle Of freedom forever"
The State made him a new perch, and the
boys named him "Oid Abe" and the Sth Wis
was henceforth called The Eagle Regiment"
On the march he was carried at the head of the
company, and everywhere was greeted with
delight.
At ST. Louis gentleman offered $500 for him.
and another his farm. No. no; the boys had
no notion of parting with their bird. lie was
above all price, emblem of battle and of
victory. Besides, he interested their minds
and made them think less OF hardships and of
home.
IL was really amusing TO witness the strange
freaks ard droil adventures of this bird during
his three years seryice-his fight ia the air.
his fights with the guinea hens and his race
with the boys.
When the regiment was in Summer quarters
at Clear Creek the eagle was allowed to run at
large, and every morning went 10 the river.
half mile of where lie splashed and play ed
"a the water to has hearts content, faithfully
returning 10 camp when he was satisfied.
Old Abe's fsvorite place of resort was the
Sutler's tent, where live chicken found "no
quarters" in his presence. But rations be
came scarce, aud for two DAYS Abe had nothing
to eat. Hardtack he objected 10, fasting was
disagreeabe, and Thomas. his bearer. could no,
get beyond the pickets to farmyard
At last. pushing his way TO the Colonel's tent
him pass, and Thomas procured for him an
excellent diRner.
One day farmer asked Thomas to come and
show the eagle 10 his children. Satisfying tn,
curiosity OF the family, Thomas set him down
in the barnyard.
Oh, what screeching and scattering anon,
the fowls, for Abe bounced upon one and COB
bied up another, TO the great amazement of tn,
farmer, who declared such wanton hehayjo
was not ia the bargain. Abe. however though
there WAS 10 harm in coniiscatng in time @
war.
Old Abe was in 90 battles besides 30 SIX
pisbcs. He was at the siege of Vicksburp tn
storming Of Corinth. aud marched with Sber
man up lie Bed River
The whiz of bullets and the scream of shell
were his delight. As the battle grew hottie
aud hotter. he would flap his wings and minrl
his widest notes With the laundering di,
around him.
lie was very fond OF music, especially Yam
kee Doodle" and John Brown"
Upon parade he always gave heed to tn
word Attention." With his eye on the com
Snder. he would listen and obey orders moi
time accurately. After parade he woui
of his soidierly air, Zap his wings. an
IKE himself at home, and during THIS time b
fcely lost a feather-ony ape iro.. his RICH
ing.
AT last the war was c.or, ana inc brave Wi,
cousin eth, with their live eagle and torn N
riddied flag, were welcomed back TO Madiso,
They weni out q thousand strong aud returne
little band, SCARED and toll worn, hayi;,
Sought and Won.