Marching Through Georgia

[27thNCdrummer]

Does anybody have documentation of this song being played or sung during the war? Is it even period?
Thanks,

[Pennvolunteer]

Re: Marching Through Georgia

It is period, written by Henry Clay Work in 1865, and Sherman is said to have hated it because it was played everywhere he went after the war. It was very popular among Union Veteran groups. I have heard a very early recording dated 1888, from an early wax cylinder recorder by a fellow named Harrison. Conjecture on my part, I have no sources to cite other than what I have been told, but it was written toward the end of the war so probably more popular post-war.

[Company Fiddler]

Re: Marching Through Georgia

Pennvolunteer is corect. The song was published in January of 1865 and quickly became a favorite amoung the Federal troops. Sherman did indeed grow to hate the tune and actually refused to attend any function at which it was to be played. The last time it was played in his presence was at his funeral.

[Jubilo]

Re: Marching Through Georgia

Dear Sir,
Thank you for your posting. I knew the song was published in 1865 but have never discovered in which month it was published. Can you perhaps cite your source for this information as I know I will be questioned if I mention it !
all for the old flag,
David Corbett

[H. L. Hanger]

Re: Marching Through Georgia

As an aside, many years ago I had a professor at U. of Wyo. who told the story of her mother's visit to Japan as part of a lady's friendship tour. Upon arrival in Tokyo, they were greeted by a Japanese band that struck up this old marching tune in honor of their guests. Unfortunately, this particular group of ladies were members of the Atlanta chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy! Surprise, surprise, as Gomer would say.

[Danny]

Re: Marching Through Georgia

...The song was published in January of 1865 and quickly became a favorite among the Federal troops...

Tim, all -

The song was registered Jan. 9, 1865 (copyright records; LC) but the specific question, the thorn in the side of reenactor musicians, is really how quickly did this song become a favorite among the Federal troops still in the field?

To state the simple obvious, Sherman's troops themselves certainly didn't sing it while on that campaign in 1864 between Nov.15 (Atlanta) and Dec.21 (Savannah) because that pre-dated the song's creation. Those boys were only just then becoming the topic of the song.

But we can speculate the song had been printed and was ready for distribution country-wide just as soon as the copyright was granted. Sherman's exploit was still news. The sheet music business at that time was sophisticated; a machine well-oiled to capitalize on a song tied to an incident.

We know that popular songs made it into general distribution almost immediately after being introduced; witness "Battle Hymn of the Republic" or the Southern re-word of "Dixie", or the songs about Ellsworth's demise. At a minimum garrisoned troops had access to the latest sheet music for piano and voice (mail order or packages from home).

So it's not an overstretch to suppose that soldiers on campaign would have at least heard this song and were singing it during the remaining 4-6 months of active campaigning after January 1865.

After all said, that's still a speculation without a documented record or a soldier's journal, will leave it for others to assign value.

Dan Wykes

[27thNCdrummer]

Re: Marching Through Georgia

So we could probably say that by the time of the Carolina's Campaign the song had made its way into the Army of Tennessee as well as the Army of the Potomac?

[Danny]

Re: Marching Through Georgia

Dear Sir, Thank you for your posting. I knew the song was published in 1865 but have never discovered in which month it was published. Can you perhaps cite your source for this information as I know I will be questioned if I mention it !
all for the old flag,David Corbett

Dave -

For we Chicago area boys, some related info:

Hyde Park Herald Vol 75, Oct 3 1956, page 9

"... During The Civil War... Hyde Parkers rallied to the call of the "North." Henry C. Work, in his home at 5317 Dorchester, where it still stands, wrote the songs that filled the hearts of the Yanks throughout the war years. In the humble cottage built in 1859, on a lot purchased from Paul Cornell for $175 (it was only big enough to house a piano), and plain, with hi- peaked gable roof, weather beaten clapboard sides, and a small porch). Work wrote "Marching Through Georgia." His Dorchester neighbors were the first to hear the familiar opening lines of his famous composition as they sat on their front porches and talked war, "Bring the good old Bugle, Boys, we'll sing another son" "

Work and his wife Sarah were ... intimate friends of another song-writer, George Root, Hyde Park resident whose words "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp the Boys Are Marching'" were being shouted in pride and passion in Civil War Camps throughout the country..."

Keep or toss.

Dan Wykes

[Mgreer]

Re: Marching Through Georgia

Just as an aside, the British tropps sang it while they marched through India, an English town thought the tune was appropriate to welcome southern troops in World War II. And ironicly Japanese troops sang it in WWII in the PI

[PetePaolillo]

Re: Marching Through Georgia

I found a better link which should be more appropriate see below.

[Indianabugles]

Re: Marching Through Georgia

The publisher, distributer was Root and Cady and it is worth noting that Root and Work were friends. Root of course being the writer of the Battle cry of freedom.
I would think that this would be out quick sharp as Root would have heard, played and authorized in no time.

[508preach]

Re: Marching Through Georgia

Being a direct descendent of a few of Uncle Billys Soldiers, I cant help but feel a little prideful when I hear this song, it will always be one of my personal favorites thats for sure.

[Jubilo]

Re: Marching Through Georgia

Dear Dan'l,
Thank you for your diligent research, sir!
all for the old flag,
David Corbett

[Pennvolunteer]

Re: Marching Through Georgia

An interesting related development, am in Fort Worth, TX today at a huge antique mall, and just ran across an Edison wax cylinder recording of "Marching Through Georgia". This particular one was dated 1901, so as already discussed, its popularity persisted.

[PetePaolillo]

Re: Marching Through Georgia

An interesting related development, am in Fort Worth, TX today at a huge antique mall, and just ran across an Edison wax cylinder recording of "Marching Through Georgia". This particular one was dated 1901, so as already discussed, its popularity persisted.

Did you buy it?