The Dec. 28, 2008, Murfreesboro Post had an article by Mike West about this song that was popular both among Confederate and Union troops. "Home, Sweet Home" was also a particular favorite of Abraham Lincoln.
On the night of Dec. 30, 1862, right before the Battle of Stones River, there was a "Battle of the Bands" between the Union Army of the Cumberland and Confederate Army of Tennessee. Both groups, around 83,000 men, were encamped and awaiting dawn to commence the battle. "No Man's Land" between the forces was anywhere from 300 to 700 yards.
The bands on both sides began playing, easily heard by the other side at that distance. The Confederate "Bonnie Blue Flag" was answered by the Union "Yankee Doodle." "Dixie" brought the reply "Hail Columbia" and so forth.
Finally, one band played "Home, Sweet Home" and was joined by all bands, regardless of side.
A Little Nicety Before the Bloodbath. --Old B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
