More Mascots-- Part 3: Then There Was Bruin the Bear of the 12th Wisconsin

The Confederates had dogs as mascots as well.  But, there were not too many Navy dogs.

Bruin the Bear was with the 12th Wisconsin.  The bear was about one third grown when he joined Company E and was housed in a large crate at Camp Randall during training and kept on a long rope which allowed him to climb up to a 12-foot perch.

When the regiment left for the South in January 1862, the bear boarded the train with his comrades.  When they had to move between train stations, the bear would be at the head of the the column.  In Quincy, Illinois, the bear was perfectly comfortable sleeping in the snow while his comrades shivered the night away.

When they reached St. Joseph, Missouri, he was quite the target of attention from local slaves.

But, because they were going to march to Texas, the bear was sold in Leavenworth, Kansas, and that was the last known for him.

--Old Secesh