Taps, as I understand the background, was the lights-out call which followed Tatoo, or call to quarters. It was originally performed most commonly on a drum (hence the name -taps-), and later on trumpet or bugle. The tune we all know may very well have originated in the 1860's, but I suspect that there was a -taps- call in the military long before that tune existed. I used to know this, I think---but it's been a long time.....

Bill