Hounded by a dog of war: 

The Tenth Legion adopts a mascot

 

 

      

Tintype of an unidentified member of the 56th with Jack. 

 

The dog's silver collar is inscribed: "Jack, the hero of many battles. The members of Company A, 56th Regiment New York State Volunteers present this as a lasting memento, feeling confident that could his language be interpreted he would say victory or death."

All photographs courtesy Norm Flayderman collection.

 

 

 

The regimental history describes how Jack "joined" the 56th upon its arrival in New York City on Nov. 7, 1861:

"While marching through Broadway one of the members of Company A picked up a small spotted puppy, which had strayed into the street, and carried it along to Washington, named it Jack, and it remained with the regiment during its entire service, became a special favorite with every member, was in every skirmish and battle, was wounded in the hip at the battle of Fair Oaks, while sitting on the battle line howling, which was the only time he was touched by balls or shot, and survived all the vicissitudes of camp, bivouac and battle field and returned with the regiment and died of old age."

Original Unidentified Members Original members, Co.'s C & D Original members, Co. "K"
Original members, musicians, cavalry & artillery Original members, Co. "F" page 1 Photographs and personal effects of Lt. Vanderburgh, Co. B
Original members, Co. "A" Original members, Co. "F" page 2 The 56th N.Y.'s mascot, Jack
Original members, Co. "B" Original members, Co.'s G & H Original members, Co. "L" The Sharpshooter Company
Original members, Co. "C" Original members, Co. "I" Regimental Staff Photos 

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