The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1900-06-14
WONDER AT THE NICKNAME.
why Natives Of Delaware Are PoDa"
larly Called Blue Hen's
Chickens.

Inc SODrlQuct, Dluc HCH SAiSAeHs
bestowed upon the natives OF the lit
tie state of Delaware, meaningless and
absurd IS it may seem, possesses no
slight significance. 1t is of military
origin, and is as old as the state itself;
older, in fact, than the United States,
for it originated before the revolution
and in the following manner: A regi'
ment of 500 men was formed in Will
mington, which was called the "Dela-
ware blues" from the blue uniforms
worn by its members. Old chronicles
describe this body of soldiers as being
perfectly drilled and disciplined, par
ticularly in their marching. 1t was
said that their step was so perfect that
when advancing in line bullet might
have passed from one end of the regi-
ment to the other between the ankles
of the soldiers without touching man.
During the war of the revolution this
regiment participated, in every action
from Long Island to Charleston, and
as fast as they fell in battle their ranks
were recruited from Delaware alone.
One of their officers used to say that
he could march all day with them from
sunrise to sunset, and when the enemy
was retreating, and everyone else was
tired and sleeping after the days ex-
ertions, his Sussex soldiers would dance
around their campfires to the music
Of a fiddle. They were engaged IN 80
pitched battles and were always the
In Init roI
therefore. that they became the pride
and the boast of Delaware state
which, small as it was in area, is said
to have furnished 5000 men to the
patriot cause, and in which scarcely a
man was left who had not friend or
relation in the regiment.
Capt. Caldwell had company in
| this regiment which was recruited
from Kent and Sussex counties and was
called by the rest "Caldwell's game
cocks" and the regiment itself after
time was in Carolina nicknamed
''the blue hens chickens" or 1.-THE blue
chickens" as the fun and fancy of their
comrades dictated. Capt. Caldwell's
men distinguished themselves in the
south as well as in the north, and their
renown became so great that the name
of 'the blue hen" was applied to the
state that sent so many brave men to
uphold the country's honor. It became
a popular saying whenever the recruit
ing officers visited Delaware that they
had gone to get more chickens of her
raising, and those who came from
Kent were chiefly taken from her for
Delaware soldiers died in the battles
that marked that long struggle for
liberty, and those who at length re-
turned to their homes received but
small compensation for their devotion
to the flag, beyond the satisfaction OF
having performed their duty to their
country. They were paid off in con.
tinental money. which was about as
valuable as the confederate money was
in the south at the close of the civil
war. Their services were appreciated
however, by their countrymen, and
dictionary period were untiring in
their praises of the blue hen and hel
chickens. Their descendants, too, in
Kent for many years after were accus
toned to boast that they were cocks
of that brood that had been taken from
the STOPPING white oak.
A century and quarter has passed
since the revolutionary patriots met
and conquered the hosts of King
George, and from the scattered col
onies that received their baptism Of
blood and fire in that memorable con
fiict has arisen great and powerful
nation. Wars have left their impress.
upon the country since then, and tn.
liberty won by blood has cost many
thousand lives to maintain. Bu-
whether contending against England
for American rights on land and sea
fighting the savage foes that were :
continual menace during the infanc,
of the nation; whether at Buena Visit,
or Monterey, Antietam or Gettysburg
Manila bay. San Juan hill or Ell Caney
or in the Philippine jungles, anon,
the gallant defenders of the flag hav,
been found men from Delaware who's,
valiant deeds have amply vindicate'
the patriotism and prowess of TIL
blue hens chickens
Il