Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Civil War Oddities #112


In November 1863 men of the First South Carolina Colored Troops were forced to retreat from a site near Pocotaligo, South Carolina. Bloodhounds were brought to track them down, but the soldiers whom they chased were ready and waiting when the dogs drew near.

According to the Rebellion Record, the contest between men and animals was brief and bloody: Dogs dashed into the party in advance of their comrades, the rebels. One hound was shot, and left with broken legs upon the field. Five others were impaled upon their bayonets of the Union troops, and brought as trophies into their camp.