Died at Stone River. HEN traitors struck this mighty nation From the north they soon assembled Among the troops that volunteered A treasure of a northern household- The word to come was quickly given That tore the household wreaths apart; Mothers tried to bear the anguish, Strove to shield a noble heart. that sad and lonely dwelling, A mother pressed her darling boy, pon his cheek she placed a kiss In his hand she placed a token: Where ere you go you'll think of this; Go my son, your country calls. 'Tis not for fame nor shining gold, ut to shield our blood-bought liberty Our fathers won in days of old!" he sad good bys were quickly given, The train went speeding through the air, ome it bore from home forever, Some a prison pen to share. oyal hearts will all remember, h! how grand they seemed while passing To the front, where troops were massing; Loyal from disloyal classing. For it the innocent did suffer. Where shells did burst and cannons thunder. They were passing scenes, enchanting Then they joined the third division, And they won some gems worth naming, Through Kentucky and the wilds of Tenn essee, Where with Buell as commander, They assumed supremacy. At Mill Spring, and Pittsburg Landing, And other points they won renown, 1 Stanton said "you're superceeded, You must lay your saber down.!" en with Rosy as commander, They, the patriotic host, epared to meet that rebel leader, That was known from coast to coast. the fight, when stout hearts faltered, Shrank from the outnumbering host, mong the sons that bled for freedom, Died ere they would leave their post, as that true and noble one. the first he missed the bullets, While at his side his comrades fell; it ere the sound of victory echoed Through the woods and down the dell, ball had struck him, and he falteredCalled a comrade ere he fell: Bear a message to my mother- That I filled the post of duty, "Tell her I was in the battle, "I am wounded, deeply wounded, "I will bear the last great struggle, That which mortals fear and dread, If you'll always say of treason, Crush that fiery serpent's head! "Do not break your heart with weeping; I will trust the gracious giver. The hand of death is o'er me creeping,I am dying on Stone River!" |