Contrary to a recent Urban Legend, the tune of taps was written (or rather, adapted) by Union General Dan Butterfield of Utica NY in 1862 during the Civil War. The story varies as to the original source of the song (Texts of songs ). One source says that Taps is actually adapted from the French "Tatoo" ("Extinguish Lights") that was played at the close of business. Family history, however, says the song (Texts of songs ) was actually written by confederate Milton Butterfield, a relative of General Dan who gave the song (Texts of songs ) to the General written on the back of an envelope during a truce. This is confirmed in a letter brigade bugler Oliver Wilcox Norton wrote to a newspaper in 1898, indicating that he had been given the tune written on a back on an envelope.
Taps: Version 2
By Major General Daniel Butterfield
Army of the Potomac, Civil War
Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh -- Falls the night.
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky.
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.
Then good night, peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear -- Friend, good night.
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