"Perched on his standard above the heads of the men, the bird has been more than once the mark for rebel bullets, but luckily has escaped unharmed,with the exception of the loss of a few feathers, shot away. He returned with the non veterans in 1864, and was presented to the State, and placed in charge of the Quartermaster's department, and every care necessary is bestowed upon him. At the great Chicago Fair, in 1865, "Old Abe" was exhibited and his photograph disposed of, realizing the amount of about $16,000. He was also exhibited at the Milwaukee Fair, with profitable results. We are told that the sum netted to these charitable objects was about $20,000. He occasionally breaks from his fetters, and soars into his native element, but he has become so far domesticated that he is easily recovered. Occasionally the music of a band, or the noise of a drum will reach his ear, when he will instantly listen, and will respond with his characteristic scream, probably recognizing the strain as one with which the battle field has made his ear familiar. Old Abe has become celebrated in our military annals, and his history is inextricably interwoven with that of the brave and gallant regiment who bore him triumphantly through the field of strife."

http://www.secondwi.com/wisconsinregiments/8th.htm

As the newsman said in "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" when the legend is more recognized than the truth, you print the legnd. In all th sites I checked, Old Abe was mentioned only heroically. BTW, his image is the "screaming eagle" of the 101st Airborne Division, while the black shield background honors the Iron Brigade. Stan