Taps – The correct version – Bob Otto

Taps correction:

Numerous veterans’ magazines and periodicals have printed an incorrect version of the origin of “Taps”, which was probably started by “Dear Abby” in one of her columns a few years ago. Some of the ones I have received by friends or my own subscriptions are “The Reserve Officer”; California State VFW Monthly Paper; “The Blue Badge” put out by the CIB (Combat Infantry Badge organization); “Air Power” (General Doolittle chapter of the 8th Air Force Historical Society), and others. Most have printed corrections.
No matter what you hear or read, the correct version is that General Daniel Butterfield, worked with his brigade bugler, Private Oliver Wilcox Norton, and using the bugle call “Tattoo”, lengthening and shortening some twenty-four notes and achieving the sound that would “express the idea of a darkening campground with tired men, snugging (sic) down to peaceful sleep,” the bugler was ordered to use the new call. Other buglers, including Confederates, asked for copies and also began playing the new and touching sound.
Probably the first time Taps was used at a military funeral, would be at the burial of a cannoneer in Virginia soon after General Butterfield provided his version of Taps. Union Capt. John Tidhall substituted Taps for the traditional graveside rifle volleys, possibly to help ensure that the enemy would not renew attack upon hearing rifle fire.

Bob Otto