The War Between The States!

The War Between The States!

During the bleakest time in the history of the United States, the American Civil War, some casual use of dogs as messengers, sentries, and guards by both sides was recorded. Most though were family pets, whom their loving masters couldn't bear to leave behind, that became regimental mascots, one such dog, was Sallie!


Only Known Photo Of Sallie, Civil War 1865.
"Sallie" The Regimental Mascot11th Pennsylvania Vol. Infantry

Sallie, a brindel pit bull terrier, joined the regiment as a puppy in the early days of the war. Through it all, she provided a source of comfort, pride, and inspiration for her fighting comrades. Sallie would hold her position on the line and bark fiercely at the enemy. One thing was clear; a bond of unconditional love and loyalty existed between Sallie and the men.

At Gettysburg, the gallant little dog became separated from her unit in the confusion of the first day's battle. Refusing to pass through the Rebel lines, Sallie returned to her unit's former position atop Oak Ridge, staying among her fallen comrades, licking wounds of the injured and watching over lifeless bodies. Days later, after the Confederates retreated from the field, she was found weakened and malnourished, amidst the dead and debris. A compassionate soldier recognized her and returned Sallie to her unit. No doubt, the reunion was joyful!

Miraculously Sallie had avoided being shot at Gettysburg, but on May 8, 1864, the same day Captain Keenan was killed; she was shot in the neck by a minie ball. After being examined at the field hospital, a surgeon pronounced she would live but the bullet could not be removed. After a few days recuperation at the hospital, she returned to the unit with the painful and annoying wound, eventually becoming a battle scar. Upon reporting for "active duty" she felt it necessary to tear the seat out of the pants of a young soldier from another unit running away from the battle line as he crossed along the back of the "Old 11th."

Fatefully, Sallie was in her usual position on February 6, 1865, at Hatcher's Run, Virginia, when a bullet struck her in the head, killing her.

Heartbroken over the loss of their beloved mascot, the men buried her on the filed of battle under heavy enemy fire.




The 102nd Pennsylvania Infantry
had a mascot, named Jack.


One of the better known dogs, was Jack, the brown and white pit bull terrier mascot of the 102nd Pennsylvania Infantry.

This unit of Pennsylvania volunteer firemen claimed that Jack even understood bugle calls and obeyed only the men of his regiment, and no one else. Jack's career spanned nearly all the regiment's battles in both Virginia and Maryland. Jack was present at the Wilderness campaigns, Spotsylvania, and the siege of Petersburg.

After a battle he would seek out the dead and wounded of his regiment. Jack himself was wounded severely at Malvern Hill and was captured twice. The second time, he was exchanged for a Confederate soldier at Belle Isle.

Jack disappeared shortly after being presented a silver collar purchased by his human comrades, an apparent victim of theft.