.E7 S7 190^1 fc JOSEPH TYRONE DERRY. THE STRIFE OF BROTHERS A POEM BY JOSEPH TYRONE DERRY ATI^ANTA, GA. The Franklin Printing and Publishing Co, Geo. W. Harrison, Manager. 1904. LIBRARY of CONGRESS Two Copies fiecelveo DEC 21 iyU4 CopvriiiHi tntry CUSS ^ XXg Noj J f S ^9 COPY e. Copyright 1904 BY JOSEPH T. DERRY. DEDICATION. To lady fair zcJw gave the promise szveet, That did -c^dfli true fulfilrnent later meet, Prom once young soldier zvho -with fondest pride Received 'mid zvars alarms, his lovely bride. God's gift in youthful bloom and ripening age, In his life's story she adorns each page. The music of her voice through all these years Hath brmight him joy and banished gloomy fears; Her eyes love-lighted have made bright his zvay, Oft turning adverse night to gladsome day; Her heart hath ever loyal proved and true Giving him faith to dare and strength to do. PREFACE. In this poem I have endeavored to celebrate "the pure motive, the patriotic spirit and the lofty princi- ples of the- Confederate armies and Southern peo- ple." '■' My hero is the Confederate soldier of every rank : my heroine, the Southern v^oman. Yet I have tried to do justice to the patriotism and valor of the "boys in blue," and have no harsh words for any ex- cept the tyrants of the "reconstruction era," and for even these I plead forgiveness. Born in Milledgeville, Ga., December 13, 1841, I grew up loving the Union and desiring its preserva- tion, and this was the sentiment of the vast majority of all the people of the South. But in common with this vast majority I believed that my lirst allegiance was due to my State, and was convinced by the occur- rences of the first months of 1861 that the very exist- ence of Southern liberty and civilization demanded separation. Hence I freely enlisted in Confederate service, and for four years endeavored to do my duty faithfully as a soldier of the Confederate States. Over the memories of that stormy period love sheds for me a sweet halo ; for on the fifth day of August, 1862, with the hearty approval of the parents of each * Quoted from my highly esteemed and much loved friend, the gallant Confederate soldier and Christian minister, Clement A. Evans, who at Appomattox, after the close of hostilities on other parts of the line, and while Gordon and Sheridan were quietly conversing, being on the extreme Confederate left and ignorant of what had occurred else- w^here, led a charge which shed a parting glory on the Army of Northern Virginia. (7) 8 Preface. of the contracting parties, notwithstanding our youth^ I was married to Miss EHzabeth Osborne^ of Augusta, Ga., which city at that time was the home of us both. The marriage occurred at eleven o'clock in the morn- ing, and at four o'clock that afternoon I was speeding to rejoin my command, then serving in East Tennes- see. A little bit of our story I have woven into my poem. Hoping that this effort of mine may please at least the noble men and women now rapidly moving to- ward the portals of the life to come, I submit this: story in verse to the favor of the American people. Joseph Tyrone Derry. Note.— For short sketches of Confederate Generals men- tioned in this poem see the Appendix to " Derry 's Story of the Confederate States," published by B. F. Johnson Pub- lishing Co., of Richmond, Va. THE STRIFE OF BROTHERS. BOOK I. The Gathering; of the Hosts, When from the chaos of tremendous strife There bursty with promise of a glorious hfe, O'er clearing skies the joy-inspiring light Of Freedom's constellation fair and bright, Bringing glad hope to nations near and far, 5 'Twas love, not force, that ruled each shining star, A'Vhich in its orbit rolling onward moved. But force centrifugal too mighty proved. When dire Distrust and Hate usurped the throne Where Love in better days had reigned alone; 10 And, when on States coercion first was tried, The Union of the fathers groaned and died. And naught but Love can bid her rise again With that same holy light on hill and plain Which shone in those blest, happy days of old, 15 Of which our bards in accents sweet have told. Tell me, O Muse, in what disastrous hour Was Love, so mighty once, stripped of his power? 'Twas when one section of fair Freedom's land Had seized the reins with strong uplifted hand, 20 With firm resolve to rule by law of might, Regardless of what others deemed their right. Then compromise was rudely set aside. Nor by the law of peace would men abide. Impelled by threat'ning evils yet to come 25 Sev'n States withdrew and sought another home,'^ In a new union, modeled after that * Seven States seceded in the following order: South Carolina, December 3, 1860; Mississippi, January 9, 1861; Florida, January 10, 1861; Alabama, January 11, 1861; Georgia. January 19, 1861 ; Louisiana, January 26, 1861 ; Texas, February 1, 1861. (9) lo The Strife of Brothers. Which once in Southern hearts as lov'd queen sat; And a new flag, so very hke the old Whose glories our proud tongues had often told, 30 W'as raised aloft, with seven shining stars In field of blue, with alternating bars Which heralded with hues of red and white That purity and valor still unite. Was't causeless fear that prompted what they did? 35 An answer true can from no man be hid, Who in his memV}^ still retains the wrong, Untold till then in story or in song*. Of reconstruction, whose foul, hateful blot Hath on its authors left a dismal spot 40 Of treason black to their own blood and kin : Rarely hath hist'ry shown a darker sin. Yet pardon e'en for this great wrong we bid, On this sole plea : "they knew not what they did." The States seceding wished to go in peace, 45 Hoping from constant strife to find release. But 'twas resolved to force their sovereign will And fast within the Union hold them still. A hostile fleet its sails for Charleston set And guns of Beauregard the challenge met. 50 Then 'gainst coercion four more States arose * And for State rights with ardor promptly chose. Then from Potomac to the Rio Grand'. From ev'ry quarter of the Southern land Gathered the heroes of as valiant hosts 55 As hoary Time in all his annals boasts. ''Thus ever unto t3^rants!" was the cry That bade Virginia's gallant banners fly ; Her ''golden horseshoe knights" in proud array And footmen brave Avere ready for the fray. 60 The old North State called forth her sturdy sons Asking' a place near flashing of the guns, Preferring ev'rywhere "to be than seem" And b}^ their valor winning great esteem. - High lifts her crest the Old Palmetto State 65 With heart to bravely dare the shafts of fate. Whose sons "with spirits and resources stand Prepared" to fight for home and native land. '■' These four States seceded in the following order: Vir- ginia, April 17. 1861 ; Arkansas, May 6, 1861 ; ^'orth Carolina, May 20, 1861 ; Tennessee, June 8, 1861. The Strife of Brothers. ii For constitution on strong pillars laid, Of ''wisdom, justice, moderation" made, 70 Great Georgia draws her sword without a stain, While heroes throng from mountain and from plain. Brave Alabama, land so fair and blest. Where weary exiles once said, ''here we rest," Summoned to arms her bravest of the brave, 75 Ready to die their mother State to save. And Mississippi's eagle proud and fierce, With cries that through her utmost limits pierce, Aroused the scions of a warlike race. Dauntless each peril in her cause to face. 80 Fair Louisiana, on whose shield are found Union with confidence and justice bound, Stepped forth so grandly to the very front. With heart to bear the fiercest battle's brunt. The Lone Star State throughout her broad domain ^^ Summoned her gallant knights to war again, Once more to battle for their noble land. As Avhen they drove in flight the Mexic band. ''The peoples rule" in all the States, proclaim The men of Arkansas in Freedom's name. 90 This to make good they form in strong phalanx, With breasts of steel and firmly welded ranks. And quickly gather now from Tennessee Her hardy volunteers so bold and free, "'Commerce and Agriculture" lay aside 95 And ready stand to breast the battle-tid-". From balmy Florida came heroes true In spirits gallant, though in numbers few, Wliose coat of arms proclaimed "in God we trust" ; Fit W'Ords for those who thought their cause was just. 100 O'er all these gathered hosts there waved the bars, With field of blue, where shone eleven stars. '^ And from the stronger section myriads came To fight for Union, while they loud proclaim *A part of the people in two other States, Kentucky and Missouri, tried to unite their commonwealths with the Con- federate States. Each of these two States was represented in the Army and in the Congress of each of the republics into which the Union w^as for four years divided. 12 The Strife of Brothers. ''One formed from many," which the South de- clared - 105 To be the faith, for which her heroes dared. AVhat pity 'tis that men to force appeal And 'gainst the law of love their bosoms steel ! When this blest law shall govern States and men Then Christy on earth to reign, will come again, no "When two in solemn compact have combined, If one, in after days, should claim to find Impossible, on conscientious ground, To keep the rule by which they both are bound, The other should be left to go in peace 115, And from the compact each should have release." Thus said the South and claimed that she was right And, though preferring peace, prepared for fight. ''Secession Anarchy" the North declared And for the war o'erwhelming hosts prepared. 120 Yet law in each seceding State prevailed And for the claims of justice courts availed; The wheels of government moved as of yore, And order reigned as it had done before. For each republic valiant heroes stood, 125 Ready to do whatever brave men could ; Our army wore the grey, its foe the blue, And each could boast its loyal hearts and true. But when one fights for home and native land. This trebly steels his heart and nerves his hand, 13O' Giving him power to hold great odds at bay And 'gainst most desp'rate efforts win the day. W^hile he who fights for country, but is sure That his own home is from war's ills secure. Tacks half the motive that inspires his foe, 135 Causing the fires of patriot zeal to glow. Each Southron's heart with strong emotions burned, As to his loved ones his fond thoughts he turned. Oii wond'ring if, while he was far aw^ay. They could with safety in the old home stay. 14a How oft before him came the parting scene, When those whose hearts so true had always been Around him came to speak the sad good-bye. While tear-drops glistened in each loving eye. In many homes, before farewell was said. 145 Some lesson breathing faith in God was read The Strife of Brothers. 13 Prom that blest Book, so precious to each heart, When hour has come for loving ones to part. And^ as the father plead in earnest prayer, That God would bless each dear one kneeling there 150 And safely bring again their soldier boy^, Without whose presence there was little joy, Each throbbing heart responded with amen ! And mother, brothers, sisters once again Gave the fond kiss, as though it were the last. 155 Then, as the soldier o'er the threshold passed, The father, in whose eye there stood a tear, With quiv'ring lip spoke firmly words of cheer, Bidding his son be ever true and brave And act a hero's part his land to save. 160 One youth there was whose mem'ry lingers yet Around another home. He'll ne'er forget That place so dear to him, made fair and bright, Yea ! sacred even, by the holy light Of the soft eyes, that answered his in love 165 So pure and true, so like to that above. E'en while in childhood's happy hours they played Love's golden chain of strongest links was made, Destined to bind them ever heart to heart A'Vith tie, that death alone can ever part. 170 How sad the hour that takes him from her side AVith portents dire of ills that may betide. Facing the maiden and her mother there, Both of them lovely in their beauty rare. Clasping a hand of each he spoke the name 175 That always thrilled his heart and, ''May I claim My sweet reward, when safely I return.^" He softly said. Ah ! what emotions burn In his glad heart, when maiden's promise sweet AVith mother's prompt and free consent doth meet. 180 Good-bye was spoken ; then he went away. Though sad at leaving, looking for the day When peace should smile and he return again To claim his promised bride. How happy then Would be their lot, when they with joy should come 185 With loving hearts into their own sweet home. Ah ! Who that felt them ever can forget 14 The Strife of Brothers. Emotions ling'ring in our mem'ry yet? When patriot fathers, brothers^ husbands^ sons And lovers spoke to their beloved ones 190 The parting words^ with sorrow in each heart, Howe'er prepared to act the hero's parr. The rich, the poor^ the lofty and the low. With spirits ready anywhere to go. And ev'ry thing to dare their land to save 195 From fate they deemed far darker than the grave, The youth^ the man matured, the hoary head, Heroic men by noble heroes led, Sped to defend the Old Dominion State, Who for her sisters dared the worst that hate 200 Could do to her, who bravely bared her breast To the wild storm-wave's fiercely tow'ring crest. From ev'ry city, town and rustic home With patriot zeal the thronging heroes come ; And, as they move to board the waiting train, 205 The crowds raise cheers that ring and ring again, While rattling drums and stirring bugle-blast Mingle with cannon's roar, whose echoes last. Reverberating long through plain or hills. Awaking ardor that each bosom thrills. 210 Then, while the train was passing out of sight, Fond farewells waved the signal flags of white In the fair hands of those, whose smiles and tears Bespoke their love and pride, their mingled fears Lest this should be the last, the last time e'er 215 The forms now vanishing their eyes should cheer. What could 'mid dreary vears of cruel strife And those still darker, with oppression rife, Like thought of mother, sister, sweetheart, wife Or daughter give to fainting hearts new life? 220 Dear women of the South ! As noble they As any since creation's earliest day ! Their lofty courage joined with tender love Enabled them all ills to rise above ; To write brave words of hope to those away, 225 And bid them forward look to brighter day, Hiding the anxious care and sorrow deep Which through long dreary nights oft banished sleep ; Without complaint enduring hardships sore, Faithful and true and loving evermore. 230 The Strife of Brothers. 15 And^ when the dire^ disastrous end had comC;, They welcomed back the sad survivors home. With words of hope aroused the downcast soul, While with love's smile they made the heartsick whole. Imparting faith the conflict to begin, 235 Which o'er disasters triumphs grand should win. With scanty means each noble work they led Gathered from many battlefields the dead^ With headstones marked their final resting-place And reared proud monuments our land to grace. 240 Ah ! how can we find words their praise to sing ? To them the tribute of our hearts we bring And with love's chaplet proudly crown them queens. For our dear homes with all their charming scenes^ Where dwelt such noble souls, who would not fight ^ _^ 245 And feel, that in so doing he was right? Our Southern soldiers most sincerely thought The triumph of the cause for which they fought Alone could save the South from dreadful fate, Which, if they failed^ would either soon or late 250 Bring dire disaster on each Southern State. This dread accounts for many steps they took And for their firm resolve not once to brook E'en the least meddling of the Fed'ral laws In matters^, which for their own safety's cause. 255 Should be, they claimed, entirely left alone^ With interference on the part of none. Upon Virginia first the tempest broke : But, well prepared to parry ev'ry stroke, Her valiant sons at each strategic point, 260 With ardent wish to strengthen ev'ry joint In their proud mother's armor, bravely stood To guard each pass through mountain, plain or wood, Posted with care by chieftain wise and grand As ever nobly stood for native land 265 Or drew a sword in battle for the free, Virginia's peerless son, our Robert Tee. Nor, keeping vigil, had they long to wait Until the flower of ev'ry Southern State Under their chosen chiefs had gathered there 270 1 6 J^he Strife of Brothers. With hearts aflame some gallant deed to dare. The first success was at Big Bethel won By D. H. Hill, the Old North State's brave son And the first Southron who in battle died^ Was Henry Wyatt, Edgecombe County's pride. 275 Rich Mountain, Laurel Hill and Carrick's Ford, Defeats which to o'erwhelming odds were owed, Were compensated yet by many a deed Of men who proved, that in the time of need Their country could upon her sons rely 280. To 'fend her cause or for her sake to die. Of the long line of Southern leaders great Who in the battle's forefront met their late, Thrilling by stirring deeds each valiant man. Brave Robert Selden Garnett led the van. 285 And with their leader others gave their all, Yielding, like him, their lives at duty's call, Without his hope of long enduring fame, Yet sure that loving hearts would hold each name In fond remembrance and their story tell 290 In records of the household treasured well. Long did the Georgia and Virginia boys Repeat the story that had e'en its joys. When in the circle of lov'd friends once more Soldiers were wont to fight their battles o'er, c.g"^ And tell of marches fraught with hardship sore. Those Georgians who, cut off from ev'ry friend, 'Mid perils that appeared to have no end. Resolving not to yield, took their rough way Over the rugged mountains night and day, 300 Ne'er tired of telling how a path they made Through the dense laurels, dark with gloomy shade. Nor how, when famine stared them in tlie face, A friendly mountaineer their path did trace. Supplied their needs and led them a safe way 305 To join their comrades, camped at Monterey: And, wheresoe'er they gave this tale to fame. AVith gratitude they mentioned Parson's name. And "Little" Petersburg was ne'er forgot By those to whom fate gave the kinder lot 310 To march that way and its good cheer to share, Provided by kind ladies gathered there. And now along Virginia's eastern side The Strife of Brothers. 17 Invasion's onward fiercely surging tide -O'er the Potomac bore the proud array 315 Of a great army, marching to the fray Proclaiming motive high and purpose grand, The union to restore and save the land. Restore by force a union of consent, Such as the fathers built and surely meant 320 That ours should through the ages ever be, .A Union grand of sovereign States and free? A new one they might build on law of might, Where, utterly regardless of the right, Majorities could rule in their own way, 325 As in the hated reconstruction day. Thousands of patriots marched in that great host, Who above all things prized the Union most, Ready, if they could keep the nation one, ~To bear all else, whatever should be done. 330 In numbers strong and boastful in their might. They doubted not that they would put to flight The foe, whom they in scorn as rebels styled, And e'en as traitors bitterly reviled. Ah ! could Americans so soon forget 335 What should be fresh in ev'ry mind, e'en yet? How such harsh names in years long gone before Our fathers scorned ; in those brave days of yore. When they defied Old England's mighty power And bravely fought, until the glorious hour, 340 When freedom dawned for us and all the world. And tyrants from our shores in flight were hurled. Forgot were all those lessons of the past Which with Americans should ever last. In gorgeous uniforms, a splendid sight, 345 With bayonets glancing in the morning light. And silken banners floating to the breeze. Marched the brave host whose leader proudly sees In their firm ranks advancing buoyantly The hope assured of certain victory. 350 Behind the army moved a pleasure train Whose ev'ry thought was frivolous and vain. Planning a merry fete upon the field, When vanquished rebels in defeat should yield And on to Richmond, by McDowell led, 355 'The victors march o'er wounded and o'er dead. But heroes brave from each seceding State J 8 The Strife of Brothers. Stood to contest the fields upon whose fate, All felt, the hopes of their dear Southland hung. Ah! ne'er historian's pen or poet's tongue 36o» Hath told the deeds of nobler patriot band. Than those who fought that day for native land And made Manassas famed in ev'ry clime. In each true Southern heart throughout all time The story of their gallant fight shall live 365. And hope inspiring to each hero give Who stands, when haughty foe with ihreat'ning comes, Between war's desolation and lov'd homes. It was upon a glorious summer day, When o'er Bull Run McDowell led the way, 370* Hurling o'erwhelming odds of men and guns Against our left, where Louisiana's sons With South Carolina's under Evans* stood To stem the tide, as best those brave men could. Here, as the battle pressed upon them sore 375; And ever at each failure thousands more Of valiant foemen 'gainst their stout line surged Two strong brigades, by Bee and Bartow urged With dauntless spirits brought the needed aid. For full two hours a firm defense was made 3801' By Evans' men and Bartow's Georgians brave And Bee's true-hearted boys, who fought to save Th' endangered left, conferring honor great On Alabama and the Old North State And Mississippi, whence they gladly came 385; To brave each peril in fair Freedom's name. At length the whelming pressure was too strong And now, as if by billows borne along. They came in rout upon the broad plateau Of Robinson and Henry homes, where, lo ! 390'* Like lions bold there stoutly stood at bay. With hearts resolved on winning back the day, The Old Dominion's sons by Jackson led. To whom the gallant Bee dejected said: "They force us back!" But Jackson's prompt reply ^ 395^ Kindled again with hope that warrior's eye: "Give them the bayonet !" And at this word * Brigadier-General Nathan G» Evans of South Carolina.. The Strife of Brothers. 19 With shout that was above the tumult heard The noble Carolinian to his men Rode back exhorting : "Rally once agam ! 400 See Jackson like a stone wall firmly stand! Here_, my brave boys^ for our dear native land, Let us resolve to die^, and we shall win !" Just ere the foe was ready to begin A new assault, the gallant Beauregard 405 And brave Joe Johnston, onward spurring hard, Came from the right where they had planned attack Upon McDowell's left. But summoned back By distant sound of strife, they reached the field And, anxious lest their men in rout should yield 410 Before the oncoming tide of thronging foes, Gave orders promptly unto each of those Who carried colors, quick their flags to bear Full forty paces onward and stand there. Themselves with flag of Alabama's Fourth 415 Borne by their side rode to the front, when forth, Like vet'rans tried, into the battle line Sprang the brave Southrons to the waving sign Which marked the place where they should take their stand And wage the fight once more for native land. 420 The troops already named, Imboden's guns With Stannard's too, and vet'ran Pendleton's, Alburtis' also joined with Walton's five. Before whose fire a charge would hardly thrive, Stuart and Hampton, vowing not to yield, 425 Stood to contest anew the hard-fought field. On came our foes exultant in their might And bravely led by vet'rans skilled in fight. The Southern left, now under Beauregard, Stood firm, although the foemen pressed them hard ; 430 While Johnston hurried over to the right ■ To hasten reinforcements for the fight. Standing awhile at bay and sorely pressed. To try a change which might bring needed rest, Our leader thundered : "Charge upon the foe !" 435 The line advanced and swept the whole plateau. Soon strongly reinforced they came again Retaking their lost guns. But now the men 20 The Strife of Brothers. Of Fisher's North Carolina, fresh and strong. With Wither's brave Virginians haste along, 440 And the whole Southern hne in headlong rush Adown the slope the vanquished foemen brush, Clearing the well-fought field and seizing guns Of Ricketts and of Griffin, well-earned prize. But gallant Bartow fell, and near him lies 445 Th' impetuous Bee. As noble spirits they As e'er for country died on battle day. The story of their death, like bugle blast. With mighty impulse destined long to last, Borne swifty through the land on tongues of fire, 450 Stirred in our gen'rous youth the strong desire To bravely conquer or, like them, to die. But, not yet ready from the field to fly. Another force upon th' opposing height In numbers strong and willing yet for fight, 455 In crescent outline showing gallant front. With flanks advanced to bear new battle's brunt. By skirmishers preceded, start again To try one more assault. But lo ! just then Upon the field a new force swiftly came. 460 But whence they marched or even what their name. Confederate or Fed'ral, none could tell ; For round the staff the drooping colors fell. Then Beauregard th' advancing column sees With anxious eye, until a sudden breeze 465 Blew out the folds of the red Southern bars While, as in triumph, gleamed its shining stars. ^'Hurrah ! The day is ours !" He glaHly cried ; With shouts and cheers his gallant boys replied. As Kirby Smith appeared with timely aid 470 And Early's brave brigade more certain made The fortune of the day. With ringing cheer That smote the Fed'ral host with sudden fear The whole Confed'rate force in full advance Swept all before them, giving not a chance 475 To halt and form, none keeping their array On that to Fed'ral arms disastrous day, Excepting only Sykes' and Sherman's men Who in good order crossed Bull Run again. Beyond that stream they all in panic fled, 480 While on their track by gallant Stuart led The Strife of Brothers. 21 The horsemen charged and Lindsay Walker's shells Increased their terror, while the tumult swells, As carriages and caissons blocked the way. And where were now those congressmen so gay 485 And giddy citizens on pleasure bent? To the wild rout their terror impulse lent. None more swift-footed on that dreadful day To Washington sped on in blank dismay. Their boasts and sneers at rebels now were past ; 490 The saying, "He laughs best who laughs the last," Was never better proved. Nor is that all — A haughty spirit ne'er had harder fall. Great was the joy throughout the Southern host, Nor could they tell whom they should honor most, 495 The gallant men, who long with odds had fought, Or who at timely moment succor brought. They freely hailed as Blucher of the day Brave Kirby Smith and all his fine array Of spirits bold, who in well ordered ranks, 500 Made that forced march and struck the foeman's flanks. Virginia great and noble Tennessee In this grand march and battle for the free Joined with fair Maryland who now again Met with fond pride her sisters on the plain, 505 When her brave exiles led by Elzey bold Fought with the dash of the proud days of old. And how all cheered Jeff Davis on the field Just as the foe in headlong flight did yield ! Th' influence of that great triumphant day 510 Was felt in ev'ry step of that dark way Which our Confed'racy so bravely trod. On ev'ry field that stained Virginia's sod Or dyed the plains and hills of all our land From broad Potomac to the Rio Grand'. 515 The Fed'ral government in milder tone And mien less haughty than it once had shown, Though still resolved to wage an earnest fight The Union tO' maintain, now yielded right Of brave belligerents, which we had won S^o By the strong deeds our gallant boys had done. No longer now did they with scorn presume 22, The Strife of Brothers. Toward their foes such lofty airs t' assume, As had McClellan, when to Pegram's rank He would not give respect. For this we thank 525 Not any change of hearty, since far less bold, With many of their men in captive hold. Were those who had before so haughty been. To all war's glory many a mournful scene Gives darkest background desolate and drear. 530 Surely no one, beholding sorrow's tear, When breaking hearts bemoan their loved ones gone, Can help but feel that fame can ne'er atone For all the grief that follows in war's train. Could Bee's or Bartow's glory still the pain 535 Which throbbed in hearts bereft in each sad home ? And ne'er again to greet fond eyes will come The chief * who led fair Alabama's sons Or he II who fell before the hostile guns At head of North Carolinians strong and bold. 540 And ne'er in fitting language can be told The sorrows of the thousands South and North, Who mourned the gallant boys that had gone forth From out their presence never to return. The Southern States willed not this cruel war. 545 Peace with their brethren they preferred by far. The government they never wished to harm, Or cause their sister States the least alarm ; And seeking a new Union did no more Than did our fathers in the days of yore. 550 They just as sadly severed once loved bond As did our sires, who with affection fond Had looked upon Old England's meteor flag And in the fiercest battles did not lag Where that proud banner pointed them the way, 555 Until that ever dark and mournful day, When their just rights vwere scornfully denied. Then England's power they valiantly defied. Destroy the government? Such motive they To us have oft assigned since that sad day, 560 When South and North contending stood apart In strife, the cause of grief to ev'ry heart. ■■''Colonel Jones of the Fourth Alabama. 11 Colonel C. F. Fisher of the Sixth North Carolina. The Strife of Brothers. 23 "That charge, so oft repeated, here we scorn -As of base calumny and falsehood born. To save the rights of sovereign States we sought 565 -And for our homes and liberties we fought. To do to others as we'd have them do Is law of love and perfect justice too. There is not in our Union strong and great Of our proud commonwealths a single State, 570 That ever would have ratified the bond;, Had it been known that sentiments most fond And safety of its people would in dust Through laws conceived in malice most unjust Some day be trampled, as in that dark hour, 575 When so-called statesmen with short lease of power Robbed Southern States of ev'ry sovereign right And by no other law than tha^t of might Into our temple holy brought a race. That under no condition e'er could grace 580 Those honors which to citizens belong, And which our founders meant for th' ages long Should unto white men only appertain. Ah ! not for lust of power or party's gain Should such a sacred trust have e'er been shared 585 "With those who for its use were not prepared. Cod speed the day that rights each burning wrong, Truly unites our States and make us strong! When all do justice and each cause remove Which in our Union hinders perfect love. 590 The Strife of Brothers. 25 BOOK IL The Battle-Tide's Alternate Ebb and Flow* When from Manassas backward rolled war's tide, ' 'Twas staid along Virginia's eastern side And there long space * remained ; so strong the blow^ That quelled the might and spirit of our foe. The banners^ that on Southern outposts waved, 5 Looked into Washington and prou. W. Browm, Company F (Gate City Guards), of the same regiment mentioned in General Henry Jackson's re- port for heroic conduct. ^Colonel Edward Johnson, a Virginian, commander of the Twelfth Georgia Regiment, who commanded the picket forces at the battle of Greenbriar River, and who rose to the rank of major-general. II Brigadier-General Henry R. Jackson, of Savannah, Ga. ** A private soldier of Company D (Oglethorpe Infantry of Augusta), First Regiment of Georgia Volunteers. The Strife of Brothers. 27 So our two comrades^ who went home to die, And in Augusta's cemetery He^, Sam Holmes and WilHe Miller,!' true and brave, As surely died their native land to save, 60 And served the cause of country just as well. As knights who in the battle's forefront fell. How many more of our dear friends we lost In those four years of war, whose fearful cost None ever knew as those who sat forlorn 65 In homes bereft, of fondest treasures shorn. Next to dear ones at home the soldier boys Loved them, who shared their perils and their joys, And they who died the first left impress strong, That would with friends abide their whole lives long. 70 How varied were the scenes through which we passed! Those memories with us will ever last : The lonely picket post, the march, the fight, The scouting expedition in the night,"^' Whose darkness could be felt, as poured the rain 75 Through which we groped, and longed for day again, Whose dawning found us perilously near The hostile camp, whence we could plainly hear The sentry's cry : ''All's well !" while sound of drum Could not entirely drown the noise and hum 80 Of soldiers in the early morn astir. At such an hour did some one think of her Who gave at time of parting promise sweet. Which with her mother's full consent did meet? Be sure he did and wondered if he e'er 85 Would realize the hope to him so dear. With danger near her bright smile cheered him still, II These two young men, the first a sergeant, the other a private, were also members of Company D, First Georgia. *This and the twenty- two following lines refer to a night expedition of one hundred men from the First and Twelfth Georgia Regiments, led by Lieutenant Dawson, of the Twelfth Georgia, who was afterwards killed at the battle of Alleghany Summit, December 13, 1861. 28 The Strife of Brothers. And her clear^ flute-like tones his soul did thrill With some remembered song of long ago^ As fancy heard her accents soft and low. 90 And strength he gathered, while in waiting there, From recollection of the parting prayer, As he with father and with mother knelt In that far Southern home ; and still he felt The kiss each gave to their beloved one, 95. Their hope for coming years, their only son. How brightly after tramp by night and day Camp Bartow's * welcome fires lit up the way To guide the weary, lagging steps of those Who found sweet rest at Traveler's Repose. lOO' Now frequent rains, with snows and chilling blast, That did for dreary weeks continuous last. Thwarted each movement by the leaders planned And kept unwilling truce on ev'ry hand. Some combats there occurred with varying lot, 105, Important fruits for either yielding not. The fearful hardships told with dread effect. As all of either army recollect. How many to the elements succumbed. In ev'ry fibre of their frames benumbed! no- Almost as heavy damage was sustained As if a battle had been lost or gained. The campaign closed one bleak December morn, W^hen Milroy led his army just at dawn, W'here Edward Johnson with a little band — • 115: Brave Georgians and Virginians — took his stand On Alleghany Summit,"^ there to stay And by heroic fighting win the day. Far to the east their comrades had been sent, Where "Stonewall" Jackson now his efforts bent 120- On noble scheme to rid Virginia's land On north and west of ev'ry hostile band. Ah ! had our leaders then but known the man * Named in honor of General Francis Bartow, killed at the first battle of Manassas. This camp was between the Alleghany and Cheat mountains, near a West Virginia post-ofRce in Pocahontas county, at the head of a beautiful little valley, in which occurred many outpost skirmishes and the battle of Greenbriar River. tThe battle at this point occurred December 13, 186U There Edward Johnson had been left with a small force, when Loring's division was sent east- The Strife of Brothers. 29 And given ample means to work his plan ! Of eighteen sixty-two the op'ning day^, 125 With morn as balmy as in time of May, Beheld a force of near ten thousand men Set out with Jackson to win back again The valley of Potomac's southern branch. His own "Stonewall Brigade," so true and stanch, 130 Led on by Richard Garnett, brave and strong, With Loring's three, who'd suffered hardships long, And knightly Ashby's horsemen, frank and bold, Whose deeds in thrilling words have oft been told. And five good batteries of steady boys, 135 Who ne'er in fiercest combat lost their poise. Moved in high spirits, ready all to go, Wherever Jackson led against the foe. Before the day had closed, a northwest blast Brought cold that in its grip held all things fast. 1 40 The snow and sleet and ice their ardor chilled, And, sure, their cup of misery was filled, When wagons with supplies lagged far behind, And foodless they upon the ground reclined With scanty cov'ring 'gainst the bitter cold. 145 But dauntless "Stonewall," resolute and bold, Shared all their hardships, ever urging on His weary men, whose strength was well-nigh gone. Yet who with him as leader drive the foe O'er stream where broad Potomac's waters flow. 150 Though thus his district Jackson quickly cleared. Men high in rank at Richmond interfered, •And fruits obtained at such an awful cost Of toil and dreadful suffering were lost. Our weary tramps o'er frozen roads and streams 155 Made real what in our youth seemed fancy's dreams, When we were told of snows incarnadined By bleeding feet, as men of dauntless mind T'ollowed great Washington long years before And, like true Spartans, fearful hardships bore. 160 To be as they our souls had oft aspired. As stories of their deeds our young hearts fired ; Nor now 'mid trials did we quite forget Heroic thoughts that lingered with us yet. 30 The Strife of Brothers. When to the blues we felt like giving way, 165 The song and lively jest became our stay^ And loud the most despondent latched again, As jolly comrade, in a merry vein. Quoted in tragic tone with humor blent, "Now is the winter of our discontent!" 170 Or some light-hearted Reb would comfort bring. As he in lively strain began to sing : ''Then let the wide world wag as it will, We'll be gay and happy still." With ''gay and happy" then the cold blasts rang, 175 And troubles fled, as on we tramped and sang. As closed the days of eighteen sixty-one, The South rejoiced o'er brilliant exploits done. Within Virginia's bounds the Southern star Resplendent shone, while in the West afar 180 Sons of Missouri, Texas, Arkansas And Louisiana in successful war Had cheered our hearts and made renowned the names Of Price, McCulloch, Parsons, Clark and Rains, McBride and Mcintosh and gallant Slack, 185 Who had their foes on that dread field forced back, Where Lyon,"^ fearless Union chief, was slain, Striving by headlong charge the day to gain. Next Wilson's Creek was matched at Lexington, Where on the flag of Price rose vict'ry's sun; 190 And, when our boys did Grant at Belmont meet, Success they plucked from jaws of dire defeat."^ Our soldiers and our people fondly dreamed Our armies invincible.- To us it seemed That, wheresoe'er we fought, we'd surely win, 195 Whene'er our foes the conflict might begin. The leaders plainly see the gath'ring storm, * Brigadier-General Nathan Lyon fell leading the charge of the Union army at Wilson's Greek. tin the battle of Belmont, General Ulysses S. Grant, with equal numbers attacked the Confederates under Generals Pillow and Cheatham, defeated them and captured their camp. Reinforcements sent by General Leonidas Polk turned the tide and Grant was driven to his transports, on which he succeeded in escaping. X Manassas and Wilson's Creek, the two most important battles of the year, and most of the minor combats had been won by the South. The Strife of Brothers. 3I- As threat'ning clouds along the borders form. Their warning voices, though, were heeded not, And needful preparations were forgot, 200 Till from the low'ring skies the tempest burst And of disasters thick the very worst, That should for many months befall ou- arms, Spread o'er the land the direst of alarms. When Grant's advance at Donelson appeared 205, And now in marching line that fortress neared, Perhaps a well-coiicerted, prompt attack Had on Fort Henry + hurled his columns back. But naught was done, and after fearful night Of rain and snow and sleet came welcome light, 210- Although the morn would usher in the fight. The Fed'ral troops assaulting meet defeat. And o'er stout efforts of Foote's Union fleet A triumph grand the brave Confed'ratcs gain. But, ere the shades of evening fell, 'twas plain 215, That naught could save the army but retreat. Conditions most adverse they now must meet. Enclosed on ev'ry side by Union host In numbers far the stronger, at the most All that our Southern chiefs could hope to do 220- Would be to rout Grant's right and thus break through. Heroic was the plan by leaders formed ! With his division dauntless Pillow stormed Successfully the Fed'ral right at dawn, While Buckner also in the early morn^ 22f- Assailed the Union center with such might That it was broken bv his gallant fight. With Oglesby and Wallace * pushed aside And Logan driven by fierce battle-tide. The Southrons now had won the open way, 230- And, promptly moving, could retreat essay With strong- assurance of complete success. But Pillowj^with intent the foe to press, Ignored the plan, and at a fearful cost ! For this delay the golden moments lost, ^ 235 And Grant around them drew his cordon tight. t Fort Henry, defended by a small Confederate force, was captured on February 6th by the army under Grant and. Commodore Foote's fleet of iron-clad gunboats. * W. H. L. Wallace, one of Grant's best officers. 32 The Strife of Brothers. Alas ! 'twas useless to prolong the fights Open to Nashville was the river still. So Floyd bade his brigade the boats to fill And with them he and Pillow sailed away. 240 Bold Forrest and his horsemen, long ere day, Flound'ring through icy water, reached dry land By way no footman, howe'er strong, could stand, And thus escaped, while Buckner and the rest, Ranking among brave soldiers with the best, 245 Were captive made. It was a stunning blow From which our rally in the West was slow.* Although West Tennessee Grant now o'erran. Our Albert Sidney Johnston formed a plan. Which, if successful, would our cause restore 250 And sweep the foemen from our land once more. To Beauregard a rapid march he made And with that chieftain's strong and ready aid Fell like a thunderbolt from cloudless sky Upon the foe, who did not dream him nigh. 255 And now Polk, Hardee, Breckinridge "^ and Bragg, With soldiers who did not a moment lag. Pushed stubborn Sherman and McClernand back, And by their ever-swelling, bold attack, Swept through the fiercely-stinging ''Hornet's Nest," 260 Where Hurlbut, Wallace, Prentiss and the best Of those brave Western soldiers long held out, . Until by whelming pressure turned about, As Wallace ^ fell, they left the bloody field. Excepting Prentiss, who was forced to yield 265 His brave division prisoners of war. Of Grant's whole force the greater part by far In total rout was driven from the field, And, those who stoutly fought, were forced to yield. Their camp with richest spoil of every kind, 270 *Fort Donelson with that part of the garrison that did not escape, nine thousand in all, surrendered on February 16, 1862. tMajor-General John C. Breckinridge, now of the Con- federate army, had. been, during the administration of Buchanan, the Vice-President of the United States. + General W. H. L. Wallace was killed at a very critical moment of the battle. The Strife of Brothers. 33 With all that victors could desire to find, Cannon and needful stores^ they left behind. But a few thousand of the very best With leaders kept their ranks, while all the rest, Por miles in rout along the Tennessee 275 In dire confusion or wild terror flee, Or crouch beneath the banks in frantic fear. Dreading- lest conqu'ring foes should soon draw near. But sorrow deep was brooding o'er our host ; For he in whom our army trusted most, 280 The power and guiding spirit of that day, Great Albert Sidney Johnston '^ lifeless lay. Of our great chief this most untimely fall Brought saddest ruin to the hopes of all. His plans successfully were working out, 285 When in his dying ear the victor's shout Rose, thrilling all his host. But his grand form, That rode majestic 'mid the battle-storm, W^as now laid low, and his inspiring voice A'Vould never more his heroes' hearts rejoice. 290 Short of the perfect work the charge was staid And Beauregard "^ the final stroke delayed. Believing that the task was almost done, And that with morn the work sO' well begun In triumph grand could be completed quite, 295 He gave surcease of battle for the night. But Buell,* whom he thought still far away. With a fresh army came at close of day, As did Lew Wallace, I ' ready for the fray. Greatly outnumbered now and sorely pressed, 300 The rising battle-tide the Southrons breast From early morn until the afternoon, When feigning an attack, they very soon "General Albert Sidney Johnston was mortally wounded wearied out, were glad to have them go. Although they'd failed their purpose to fulfill, 315. The Southern boys were full of courage still, And, though compelled by numbers to retreat. They would not own on second day defeat. A disappointed hope they would admit ; But own it as defeat? No ! not a bit. 32a Kentucky won great honors on each day Of Shiloh's fierce and well-remembered fray. Great Albert Sidney Johnston was her son. And knightly Breckinridge proud honors won. Both in the charge and bringing up the rear, 325 Collecting captured arms with foe so near. And with his gallant men to duty true He made it vain for Fed'rals to pursue. High also on Kentucky's roll of fame Doth proudly stand George W. Johnson's ^ name, 330 Who chief in place among her exiled ones Fell fighting in the ranks of her brave sons. True men there were from ev'ry Southern State Who in this battle shared the gen'ral's fate. Among whom with the bravest of the brave 335. Died Adley Gladden,'' our loved cause to save. Fair Louisiana's valiant foster son. * George W. Johnson was elected provisional governor of Kentucky by the Confederate council of that State, lie went into the battle of Shiloh as aide to General Breckin- ridge. His horse was killed in the first day's fight, where- upon he enlisted as a private in Company E, First Kentucky Infantry, and, fighting in its ranks, was mortally wounded on the second day. t Brigadier-General Adley H. Gladden was a native of South Carolina, and was Major of the "Palmetto Regiment" from that State, being promoted to Colonel after the battle of Churubusco in Mexico, in which he gallantly led the- The Strife of Brothers. 35 Who once for native State high honors won^ When brave 'Tahiietto boys" obeyed his voice And did with him as victors proud rejoice. 340 In spite of final faiUire and retreat And disappointment which our men did meet. The crushing blow on Shiloh's first day dealt Was then by Grant's command so keenly felt, That for some time they were less eager far 345 Again to try uncertain gage of war ; And many idle boasts of later years Their hesitation then and uttered fears Do without doubt most certainly belie, And claims they've made which records all deny. 350 If they had dared immediate pursuit, Their deeds would now their boastings better suit. Their valiant men, who 'mid disasters dire, When comrades panicked fled the hostile fire. Stood firm and true, deserve fame's highest meed; ^ 355 But 'tis vain boasting to deny the need They had for ev'ry man by Buell brought, To win back e'en the camp for which they fought And therewith were most certainly content. If 'twas not so, pray, tell us now, what meant 360 On morning of the eighth Grant's urgent call. If Buell's men he needed not at all ? ^ regiment, when both the colonel and lieutenant-colonel had been killed. He was a citizen of Louisiana when the war between the States began, and went to the field with her troops. He commanded a brigade at Shiloh and was killed in the first day's battle, April 6, 1862. * Some Federal writers, Grant among the number, have claimed that Grant could have won on the second day of battle, even if Buell had not come. But all the records are against any such absurd claim. On the morning of April 8th, while Buell was still with him, and Breckinridge with his division of Confederates was still but a short distance from the Union camp, Grant telegraphed to Halleck : '* It would be demoralizing upon our troops here to be forced to retire upon the opposite bank of the river, and unsafe to remain on this many weeks without large reinforcements." On April 14th, General Halleck, upon his arrival in camp to take command, said to Grant: "Your army is not now in condition to resist attack." 36 The Strife of Brothers. A cloud on Grant by Shiloh '*' had been cast, Which did for many months continuous last; And vacillation marked each Fed'ral move 365 In all the plans that Halleck did approve. The Southern people to th' occasion rose, Astounding by their valor friends and foes. Then a new gathering of the hosts occurred ; Through hills and plains the battle-cry was heard, 370 And men whose term of service had expired, Again, by zeal and love of country fired. Went forth to bear anew the battle's brunt, Hasting to join their comrades at the front. B'en some upon sick leave, ere they were well, 375 Hurried away the army's ranks to swell. Among these last one all unknown to fame, Who promise had that he his bride might claim. When to his home he should return in peace. Now, hopeless that the conflict soon would cease, 380 From his fair lady's father gained consent. That they should wed, ere back to war he went. No fortune could he lay before her feet, And doubt there was, if they again should meet. When from her side he went that summer day, 385 Perhaps to die in some fierce battle's fray. But heroes brave and true were niaiden§ then And dauntless amid perils as the men. The two were wed 'mid loved ones' smiles and tears, And glad congratulations banished fears.- 390 ^ The returns of Grant's army for April 4th and 5th show present for duty forty four thousand, eight hundred and ninety-five men. On the day of the battle (April 6), some- thing over five thousand of these under General Lew Wallace were not up and did not reach the field until late in the evening. At the same time Buell came up with a fresh army of twenty thousand effectives. The loss of the Union army was one thousand, seven hundred and fifty- four killed, eight thousand, four kundred and eight w^ounded and two thousand, eight hundred and eighty-five captured — in all thirteen thousand and forty-seven. By the official records the Confederate army numbered forty thousand, three hundred and thirty-five men on the first day, and they were not reinforced by a single man. The loss of the Confederate army was one thousand, seven hundred and twenty-eight killed, eight thousand and twelve wounded, and nine hundred and fifty-nine missing or cap- tured — in all ten thousand, six hundred and ninety-nine. The Strife of Brothers. 37 In God they trusted, and sweet faith and love Enabled them to look to Him above, Whose shield, they fondly hoped, was o'er them spread. And who, in spite of war,, would blessino-s shed On His dear children, who for refuge fled 395 To Him alone. So thus, e'en in that hour. When they must part, war's terrors lost their power. And joy and pain were strangely, sweetly blent. As with fond kiss their sep'rate paths they went. Though for six months of eighteen sixty-two, 400 In spite of all that valiant men could do, Success oft followed by defeat did still Each Southern breast with disappointment fill. Yet rifts had in the clouds anon appeared, What time Buchanan * all the Southland cheered, 405 When the Virginia "^ crowned our navy's arms With victory's light and spread such dire alarms Through all the North : nor ceased her exploits here. She in her short and glorious career From Hampton Roads and Sewell's Point won fame, 410 * Admiral Franklin Buchanan, of the Confederate States^ navy. t When the Federal authorities abandoned the navy yard at Norfolk, Va., in April, 1861, they sank the Merrimac. The Confederates raised this vessel and under plans sug- gested by Lieutenant John M. Brooke, converted it into an ironclad, which they named the Virginia. On March 8^ 1862, it attacked the Federal fleet, captured and burned the Congress, sank the Cumberland, ran the Minnesota aground and scattered the rest of the fleet. On the next day the Monitor appeared upon the scene, and by keeping between the Virginia and the Minnesota, saved the latter from de- struction. In this battle the Virginia finally drove the Monitor into water so shallow that the Virginia could not follow. Then she steamed back to Norfolk. On April 11th, the Virginia tried to bring the Federal fleet, which included the Monitor, another ironclad, the Minnesota and other frigates to battle. The Virginia and the wooden boats of the squadron took possession of the "roads," cut out three vessels from under the enemy's guns and defied the Federal fleet, which refused to accept her challenge. On the 8th of May the Federal fleet attacked the batteries at Sewell's Point, but the Monitor and another ironclad and all the rest of the fleet fled upon the approach of the Virginia. 3^ The Strife of Brothers. And left as noble heritage her name.''' 'Twas after New Orleans and Memphis fell, That Vicksburg- and Van Dorn withstood so well All efforts of the mighty Union fleet And all attacks successfully did meet. 415 Then with the Arkansas brave Isaac Brown Raised up our hopes that had been once cast down. When he with his good ship the gauntlet ran And baflled Farragut's and Davis' plan. O'er better officers or truer crew 420 Commander's gallant pennant never fl^w. Out from the Yazoo's stream they forced their way And o'er three other vessels won the day ; Then down the Mississippi sought the fleet Whose fearful odds they dreaded not to meet. 425 Each heart beat high with resolution bold To do a deed, whose like had ne'er been told, An'd record make of duty well performed, Though shot and shell around them fiercely stormed. Pilot John Hodges earned the meed of fame 430 And left to coming years a hero's name, Who, ere they cleared the Yazoo's narrow stream, While iron bolts and shell around them scream, When borne of¥ wounded, said with dying breath, ''Keep middle of the river!" Then in death 435 Closed eyes of him who with a patriot's soul. Forgetting self, thought only of the whole. When word was brought : ''The flag is shot away !" Despite the leaden hail that fell that day And swept with deadly hurricane the deck, 440 Midshipman Scales did naught of danger reck. But m.ounting ladder swung the colors high. When metal plates, the seething boiler nigh, Became so hot, that those who fed the flame, *0n May 11th when Norfolk was abandoned by the Con- federates, Commodore Tatnall destroyed the Virginia, because her bulk would not permit her sailing up the James river, and she could not safely sail upon the sea. But at Drewry's Bluff the crew of the Virginia successfully de- fended Fort Darling against five Federal ironclads and saved Richmond from attack by the Union fleet. The Con- federates afterwards built the James River Squadron, one of the best vessels of which was the new Virginia, and this fleet bore an important part in the defense of Richmond. The Strife of Brothers. 39 Could there no longer stay^ then succor came 445 In brave Lieutenant Grimball and the men Who took their place, till they could breathe again. Bold Quartermaster Eaton's ringing voice^ While chiding laggards, made the brave rejoice With words of praise, as he gave helping hand 450 To any injured of that gallant band. Lieutenant Gift was wounded in the arm, And Master's Mate John Wilson met like harm. A bursting* shell brought sixteen brave men low And set the ship on lire ; but^ never slow, 455 Lieutenant Stevens, rushing with the hose, Put out the flames ere any one of those Who fought near by had taken the alarm. Of this division Curtis without harm Most wondrousl}^ escaped. Great Captain Brown, 460 Though from his dang'rous platform thrice hurled down. Stood firm and strong* amid the hostile fire, Nor did from post of danger e'er retire. Midshipman Clarence Tyler near his side Stood bravely in this battle's fearful tide, 465 Till wounded sorely he was borne away, Regretting that he could no longer stay. With Shacklett wounded and John Hodges dead, Pilot James Brady steered the ship ahead. A/'an Dorn and Breckinridge both viewed the fight 470 From A'^icksburg's court-house top, and at the sight Stood breathless, while the seeming rash attempt Obtained success, of which they little dreamt. Though more than twenty ships with iron-clads Had hurled their bolts upon the gallant lads, 475 They brought their vessel in grand triumph out 'Mid loud exultant cheer and thrilling shout. And ladies fair and children joyed to see That feat which set the "Heroic City" free.* When formed war's threat'ning cloud in early spring . , . . . 480 It seemed invasion's tide would ruin bring * After this successful fight of the Arkansas and her victory in another battle over the Federal ironclads sent by Farragut to destroy her, the Union fleets sailed away and Vicksburg had a period of rest from attack. 40 The Strife of Brothers. E'en in Virginia on the Southern cause. But daring heart of one ' gave needed pause To put our desp'rate efforts on their feet And give us strength our thronging foes to meet, 485 In the fair valley of the Shenandoah, ■ Near where the Blue Ridge Mountains upward soar. Was Stonewall Jackson with a little band, Beset by tenfold odds on ev'ry hand. As constant reinforcements forward go 490 To swell the ranks of our too mighty foe, How swift is Jackson's swoop that spreads alarm,* Lest to their capital shall come some harm, And, as each southward move was straightway stayed. How well on Fed'ral fears our leaders played! 495 Then, as they sent to Jackson needed strength. Thus giving him a better chance at length To strike for his loved cause a telling blow. How his strange moves bewildered friend and foe, Till quickly flashed the news one morn of May : 500 "God blessed our arms with vict'ry yesterday !'•!' When suddenly again he disappeared. With dread uncertainty the foemen feared, Not knowing where the lightning's bolt would strike. The Valley army, soon, tornado like, 505 With swift, resistless rush swept all before And routed foes in dire confusion bore. Till over the Potomac Banks had passed And sent congratulations that at last From Jackson's clutch his army was secure. 510 Long as the lives of those- brave men endure. Who followed Jackson on that glorious day When through glad Winchester they forced their way, t "Stonewall'^ Jackson. * Jackson, with a little more than three thousand men attacked General Shield's army of seven thousand at Kernstown, and though repulsed, so alarmed the Federal authorities for the safety of Washington, that they stopped the movement of reinforcements to McClellan. II At McDowell, where Jackson defeated Fremont's ad- vance toward Staunton. The Strife of Brothers. 41 Will recollection fond the scene recall, As, with glad shouts and smiles and tears of all, 515 Children^ fair women and old men rushed out. While yet the deadly missiles flew about, To greet the loudly cheering Southern host^ 'Mongst whom were many whom they loved the most. Sons, fathers, brothers, husbands, lovers, friends ; 520 While wild ecstatic joy with sorrow blends ; Joy^ as they clasp them in a fond embrace, Sorrow for perils that they yet must face. Americans ! who live in South or North, Will such a scene fail ever to bring forth 525 The recollection of those days of old. Of which from childhood's years we have been told? How patriots, who had fought to free our land From British tyrants' strong, oppressive hand, Received glad greetings as they homeward came 530 From fields where they had won eternal fame ? Some Southern hearts those days can ne'er forget And oft in wonder question even yet^ How true Americans such scenes recall And feel no honest blush of shame at all, 535 That sovereign states they helped to overthrow And sought to bring our noble race so low As willingly to wear a t3^rant's chain. Thank God! Through weal or woe, through joy or pain. To those great principles the fathers taught 540 The South with faith that never has been bought Hath true remained and by them steadfast stood. Restore by force the Union ? Never could The bayonets of all the earth do that. Force killed the one, where Love, once mighty, sat, 545 And o'er devoted hearts supremely reigned. Coercion lost the old, the new then gained. Those heroes of the North, who bravely fought And, although vainly, yet sincerely sought To save intact and wholly unimpaired 550 The Union, while the rights of States they spared, Found at the last that tyrants seized the reins 42 The Strife of Brothers. And o'erthrew sovereign States for party's gains.* The dear old Union^ by true hearts deplored, We oft have feared, could never be restored. 555 Thank God;, the newj, though first on pillars laid Of dire coercion, may, howe'er be made By justice and sweet love so like the old;, That none will wish to leave its shelt'ring fold! How had the lightning stroke of our "Stone- wall" 560 Sent consternation to the hearts of all Who led th' opposing hosts and marred their scheme ! In danger their own capital they deem. Fremont and Shields from different points con- verge And forward rapidly their armies urge 565 To catch the wary Jackson in their snare. He, of their purpose perfectly aware^ Imboden sent to guard each pass and gap And then in safety marched from out their trap;, With captives by the thousands in his train 570 And wagons with such spoil as victors gain. By Turner Ashby and his horsemen bold Whose deeds ne'er fail to thrill, whenever told. Our army's flanks and rear were guarded well. Time fails us all their exploits here to tell. 575 How Percy W3mdham, a young English lord^ Did merriment to all the land afford. When his vain boast that he would Ashby bag;, By sequel proved what folly 'tis to brag! To his smart game the Southern chief was up ; 580 And Percy captive had that eve to sup With Captain Conrad of our Ashby's staff, Who in a single combat turned the laugh Upon the English lord : so well 't was done. It gave to Ashby's men a lot of fun. 585 But sorrow followed quickly upon joy, Which seldom comes on earth without alloy. Soon in victorious fight our Ashby ^ fell, *The reference here is to the reconstruction era when ty- rants ruled the hour, a period that ought to put the blush of shame upon the cheek of every true American. T Brigadier-General Turner Ashby was killed near Har- risonburg, Va., June 6, 1862. The Strife of Brothers. 43 JLeaving a name in true hearts treasured well And linked in fame with that of his great chief 590 Por deeds of each almost beyond belief. How was the crowning day of that campaign .Hailed through the South^^as joy bells rang again, When Jackson's sabre from its scabbard flashed, As ^'remont's legions to one side he dashed 595 And quickly next in flight Shields' columns hurled;, While blows he struck astounding all the world ! jPour times his numbers he had grandly foiled And well-concerted plans of foemen spoiled. Meanwhile McClellan after Seven Pines 600 Stood marking time in his well-guarded lines. When Johnston wounded was borne off the field, Where 'neath his blows did Couch and Casey yield, In Robert Lee the hour and man well met^ And chief appeared whom fame will ne'er forget. 605 binding an army sick from hope deferred, "Yet by a longing- great for vict'ry stirred. Ready in country's cause to do or die And ne'er yet forced from any field to ?iY, Lee promptly saw occasion grand had come 610 To mass his forces and at once strike home. Stuart, Virginia's knightly cavalier, In spirit bold and knowing nought of fear, Made daring circuit of McClellan's host. Obtaining knowledge that was needed most 615 To aid Lee's plan for making an attack To drive in rout the Fed'ral army back. AVhen Lee to Jackson reinforcements sent. As though a march on Washington were meant, With such great tact of military art 620 And wondrous skill did Jackson act his part, That, while his dread approach the foemen feared, He left their front and near Lee's lines appeared. One feeble efifort did McClellan make Aggressive action once again to take. 625 But King's Schoolhouse beheld its prompt defeat, AVhere A. R. Wright advanced the foe to meet AVith Georgia boys in battle ever bold And Louisianians strong their lines to hold. These promptly from their front the foe repel 630 44 ^^^^ Strife of Brothers. And then with headlong charge and "rebel yell" Swept the whole field and noble triumph won Gaining high honor by their deeds well done. Two sons of Georgia in this day's brave fight. Who laurels won that shone in lustre bright, 635 Of that career a good beginning made, Which later in the famed Doles-Cook brigade '*' Linked their proud names as leaders bold and true And ever prompt heroic acts to do. Not for one moment were Lee's plans set back 64a By this abortive effort at attack, When Jackson's signal guns announcement made Of his approach^ nO' longer was delayed The forward movement of that Southern host Whose exploits wondrous charm all readers most. 645 From Maryland to Texas came the men, With spirits eager to repeat again The glories of Manassas' famous fields Where haughty foes had been compelled to yield. The Southern cross above them floated high, 650- Bright harbinger of glorious triumph nigh. Behind lines well entrenched the Fed'rals stood And hold these, they had thought, they surely Avould. Theirs was the larger force and 5^et they deemed That whelming odds around their army streamed. 655 Knowing that thus they felt, our leaders played On this opinion: thus Magruder II stayed Three times his strength by his well-feigned attack That kept all needed reinforcements back. While Lee with larger force assailed their right, 660' Where Fitz John Porter" made his gallant fight : And yet more marvelous to tell or hear, * George Pierce Doles and Philip Cook, the former being- colonel and the latter adjutant of the Fourth Georgia Kegi- ment. Doles became brigadier-general and was killed at Bethesda church, Jnne 2, 1864, upon which Cook, then colonel, was made brigadier-general. II Major-General J. Bankhead Magruder, a brave and dashing Confederate officer. t Major-General Fitz John Porter, one of the ablest offi- cers of the Federal army. The Strife of Brothers. 45 As Jackson moved toward their right and rear^ The magic of his name held off at bay Three armies from this conflict far away, 665 Who thought Imboden''^' and a thousand horse Were dreadful "Stonewall" with a mighty force, And thus^. while guarding 'gainst a phantom host Palled to appear where they were needed most. The twenty-seventh day of June at dawn, 670 When 1)ugles woke the echoes of the morn, Up from their couch of grass or naked earth Sprang the true men who always proved their worth To rank with heroes brave of ev'ry clime, Poremost on roll of Fame since birth of Time. 675 As forw^ard Lee's gray lines so grandly moved^ Points, which the eve before, too strong had proved For Ripley's and for Pender's"' bold attack. Were yielded now, as Porter's men fell back To New Cold Harbor's lines and Gaines's Mill;, 680 On which advanced A. P. and D. H. Hill, And Longstreet also, leaders true and tried As ever for their country fought or died. Thoug-h forward through dense woods his lines must move, AVhile still more difftcult the deep swamps prove, ^ 685 Pushing- right on, the troops of A. P. Hill^ Drive Porter's skirmishers from Gaines's Mill;, Then over Powhite swamp impetuous dash And, although shot and shell among them crash/ 'Gainst Porter's center now so strongl}^ push, 690 That Slocum to his aid is forced to rush. Before the wooded slope of Turkey Hill, Which from its base to top the foemen fill With skirmishers and two strong battle lines, * General Imboden had been left in the Shenandoah Val- ley with one thousand cavalry with instructions from Jackson to keep up a clatter in the neighborhood of the Federal armies. t Wm. D. Pender and Roswell S. Ripley were able Con- federate generals. t At this time major-general, promoted later for his dis- tinguished services, to the rank of lieutenant-general. 4^ The Strife of Brothers. Longstreet'*' just next to Hill his forces joins, 695 Whose movement o'er the plain is dang rous made By heavy guns with deadly enfilade. Upon Lee's left toward the Fed'ral right "Was Jackson marching to begin his fight. With his advance moved gallant D. H. Hill, 700 Who o'er all obstacles pressed onward still, Till 'cross a swamp with tangled undergrowth He met his valiant foemen^ nothing loath To try conclusions and to block his way At ev'ry step on this so well-fought day. 705 While Kwell's forces strove to onward press And felt the furious battle's desp'rate stress^ ■^Lawton's on-moving bold brigade he spied. The brave Virginian then exultant cried : "Hurrah for Georgia!" and his sword waved 710 To cheer the men^ whose timely aid had saved - The battle at this well-contested point. Long A. P. Hill and Longstreet tried each joint Of Fitz John Porter's works so stoutly held, Which fierce assaults seemed but to tightly weld. 715 Adown the sk}^ the summer sun declined Nor wished-for victory these chiefs could find. Hark ! On the breeze redoubled thunders swell And on their left th' inspiring rebel yell Assurance gave of what they'd long desired 720 And with new ardor flagging zeal inspired. "Jackson has come !" was news that quickly spread^ As shook the ground beneath the martial tread Of Whiting's H men by peerless Stonewall sent With timely succor^ while his power he bent 725 With utmost strength against the Union right, Where regulars of Sykes-^^ made gallant fight. Whiting's brave leaders, valiant Law and Hood, '^ * James 0. Longstreet, at this time a major-general, whose ability gained him the rank of lieutenant-general. This is also true of D. H. Hill and Eichard S. Ewell. t Brigadier-General Alexander R. Lawton, later quarter- master-general of the Confederate States. II Major-General W. H. 0. Whiting, a gallant Confederate officer. X A very able Union major-general. "Brigadier-General E. M. Law, afterwards major-general. Brigadier-General John B. Hood, promoted later to major- general, lieutenant-general and general. The Strife of Brothers. 47 Arranged their lines with all the haste they could, At Longstreet's signal forward to advance. 730 As on his moving line fell Hood's proud glance, With ringing voice he cried: "Boys, falter npt And halt not once, not e'en to take a shot. O'er ev'ry obstacle resistless sweep And ever onward without pausing keep." 735 Like words did Whiting to Law's men address, As this advice on all they strove t' impress. Now, though like autumn leaves, at each step fall Brave men who for their country give their all. The rest in silence swiftly onward rush, 740 The first opposing line before them brush, Then to artill'ry's roar and musket's crash With a wild shout reply and upward dash, Driving from out their works the stubborn men Who find no chance to rally now again; 745 For a wide gap does Whiting's charge tear through, Which fast is held by his brave men so true, ^ With all the Fed'ral cannon at that place Which erstwhile swept with deadly storm the Space, O'er which the brave Confederates had charged : 750 And the broad gap was farther still enlarged, As Anderson's and Pickett's lads swept through And drove before them the brave men in blue. Wild was the joy of Hood's Fourth Texas then And also of his Eighteenth Georgia men, 755 Who charging on together made first break As they from brave Morell the first guns take. In this there shared the men of Law's command. Eleventh Mississippi close at hand With Alabama's Fourth, behind whom came 760 North Carolina's Sixth of noble fame • And Mississippi's Second of proud name. With wild exultant shouts still pushing on The first named four yet other honors won Increasing list of captured guns. Just then 765 Hood's Texas First and Fifth with Hampton's men Before them also drove the fleeing foe, Who finding their way blocked essayed to go 48 Tlie Strife of Brothers. Past Law's rear rank'% which quickly faced about And helped to take them in ; while thrilling shout, yyo That rolled with mighty sound from, left to rights Announced that charging with resistless might Our Stonewall Jackson, Ewell^ D. H. Hill Had joined with Longstreet and with A. P. Hill In rush of all IvCe's heroes sweeping on 775 And that at ev'ry point the field was won. 'Twas at this moment of supreme delight That^ filled with ecstasy of gallant fight^ Brave Captain Stewart mounted on a gun And in a speech replete with joy and fun 780 Told what the Eighteenth Georgia boys had done. This day decided all the grand campaign. McClellan thought not of attack again ; But refuge only sought and safe retreat Beneath the shelt'ring guns upon his fleet ; 785 And to this purpose he was steadfast still, Nor from it swerved e'en after Malvern Hill, Where, though he claimed success, he waited not To try another fight^ lest fortune's lot Should cut him off and shut off ev'ry chance 790 T' escape from Lee's much-dreaded flank advance; And thus by gallant fights and game of bluff Lee gained a triumph wonderful enough.'' Through all the perils of the Seven Days Of valiant deeds there were such grand dis- P^ays 795 "The First and Fifth Texas and Hampton's (South Caro- lina) Legion of Hood's Brigade were on the left of Law's Brigade, while Hood's Fourth Texas and Eighteenth Geor- gia, under Hood's immediate command, were on the right of Law. The rear rank of Law's Brigade in this charge consisted of the Sixth North Carolina and Second Mississippi. tLee with eighty thousand men had attacked and defeated McClellan's one hundred and five thousand protected by breastworks, had raised the siege of Richmond, captured fifty-two cannon, thirty -five thousand small arms, ten thousand prisoners, of whom more than six thousand were unwounded, and had either captured or caused the Federals to destroy many millions of dollars worth of army stores. Scarcely ever in history has there been a more overwhelm- ing victory gained by a smaller army over a larger orie composed of men of the same race. The character of the war in Virginia w^as changed for nearly two years by the "Seven Day's Battle." The Strife of Brothers. 49 By heroes of the South and of the Norths At e^-'ry opportunity called forth, That they have ever caused with pride to swell Hearts of Americans^ within which dwell Honor's rewards for those who offer all 800 In willing sacrifice at country's call. While to brave foes we grant the meed of praise, Glad songs of triumph for our bo3^s we raise. How gladly would we mention ev'ry one By whom heroic and great acts w^ere done ! 805 Of two. whose deeds were very like^ we tell, An officer and private^ acting well, Each in his sphere, the part to him assigned And giving thus sure proof of valiant mind. With mother's pride the old Palmetto State 810 Doth ]\Iajor Haskel's* courage grand relate^ AVhose patriot soul impelled him to. forget His shattered arm and ask for orders yet From gallant Hood, who saw his ghasth^ wound And ordered him to leave the battleground. 815 The valor he'd in that grand charge displayed And the regret with which he now obeyed Deeply impressed each g'allant-hearted man AVho saw his courage, ere the charge began And when, with torn-off hand 'mid captured guns 820 He stood a peer among the South's best sons. On that same day of famous Gaines's Mill A Georgia private did his part fulfill With equal courage, and the tale is told By his lieutenant, true himself and bold.* 825 The Thirty-first by Clement Evans led Was in the thickest fight where heroes bled. Young W^ilson Pierce received an uglv wound Which tore his hand, as lying on the ground The men awaited signal to advance. 830 Lieutenant Harrison with but a glance * Major John Haskel of South Carolina, the Palmetto State. t W. H. Harrison, known among Georgia Confederate Veterans as Tip Harrison, at that time lieutenant, but afterwards a captain in the Thirty-first Georgia Regiment, of which the gallant Clement A. Evans was colonel, after- wards promoted to be brigadier-general. 50 The Strife of Brothers. Knew the brave lad could do no more that da}- And from the battle ordered him away, Bidding him run to place^ where he could be, While caring for his hurt, from danger free. 835 But with delib'rate pace and slow he moved;, Receiving wound^ which later mortal proved. He, being asked, why 'twas he had not done As ordered^ said : "I did not want to run." Oft through that stirring week along the front, 840 Where valiant soldiers bore the battle's brunt^ Jefif Davis on the lines with Robert Lee Among the men appeared^ who joyed to see Our president and noble leader near And always greeted them with rousing cheer. 845 In those proud days our final triumph seemed A thing assured. Ah ! little then we dreamed Of storm that on our nation's chief would burst. When some day for our sakes he'd bear the worst That hate could pour on his devoted head, 850 While for his sorrows ev'ry true heart bled. Richmond^ fair cit}^ on the noble James, At thought of thee^ how many glorious names On our fond memories come trooping back Of men who lofty courage ne'er did lack 855 To fight in thy defense or die for thee^ That thy loved homes forever might be free From fierce Oppression's strong uplifted hand That threatened thee and all our Southern land. And thy fair daughters ! Ah ! no poet's lays 860 Can e'er extol with too exalted praise Their noble sacrifices, gladly made Their brave defenders and the cause to aid. There is not in the South a single State, From which some son had not the happy fate 865 To know the tender care thy. women gave, In hospital or home, his life to save. Thy noble men and precious children, too, Did all that loving hands and hearts could do To cheer the sick or wounded soldier's lot, 870 Whom e'en 'mid their own griefs they slighted not. Richmond will live in each true soldier's heart Who e'er in her defense bore gallant part. And her proud fame with children's children dwell, Till the Archangel sounds Earth's funeral knelt. 875 The Strife of Brothers. 51 BOOK III. The Tide of Southern Triumph Onward Rolls. O glorious news that flashed from east to west. When God with victor}^ our arms had blessed ! The siege of Richmond had been grandly raised, And all the South Lee's noble army prais.ed^ Forgetting not the glory^to assign 5 To Him whose guiding hand, to us benign, The plans had thwarted of our mighty foe, That, like a storm-cloud fraught with fearful woe. Had threatened to o'erwhelm our lovely land And scatter ruin dire on ev'ry hand. lo Ah ! was the faith of Lee and Jackson vain ? Or shall we now against God's will complain? Poor feeble man knows not the way that's best. . God to his people oft hath sorrows blessed ; 'And, though disaster's tide upon them rolls. Is The whelming flood doth not o'erflow their souls. All-trusting love doth ever cast out fear, And this one thought hath filled our hearts with cheer ; A\'hen vict'rv crowned our arms, we praised His name, And, when on us disasters direful came, 20 Our people bowed beneath His chast'ning rod And 'mid their sorrows lost not faith in God ; And, spite of all oppression fierce could do. They've to tlieir patriot fathers' faith been true. Defeat l^it helped to show the spirit grand 25 That marks the people of our Southern land And proves their right to the proud title ''great." Who've triumphed over most disastrous fate With the same lofty- courage that had won The praise of ev'ry land beneath the sun, 30 Wlien the proud Southern cross was floating high 'Xeath Old A'ireinia's or Kentuckv's skv. The Strife of Brothers. 53 What wondrous change the "seven days" had wrought ! And what high hopes unto our people brought ! Retreat upon retreat had foHowed fast 35 And towns and forts been yielded, till at last 'Twas doubtful question, if we long could stand 'Gainst whelming odds that poured upon our land. But Jackson triumphs in the Shenandoah And Lee's great victory such fruitage bore 40 Of marvelous success, that nought could stay The rising of the tide, that swept away The foemen's mighty hosts, though at great cost, And seemed about to win back all we'd lost. In Old Virginia "forward!" was the word, 45 And our exultant soldiers' shouts were heard In Mississippi and in Tennessee, As with firm resolution to be free From fierce invasion's all-destroying power Our heroes waited, eager for the hour, 50 When the command "Advance !" should greet the ear ; And tidings glad their spirits daily cheer. While Bragg's impatient host at Tupelo Stood eager thus to march against the foe. The hardy horsemen of the great Southwest, 55 In strength and courage equal to the best That rode beneath the starry Southern cross^ Whose souls ne'er failed for peril or for loss^ At the commander's word quick sallied forth To smite with might their foemen of the North. 60 "The Wizard of the Saddle," Forrest,'" came. Carving with flashing sword his dreaded name On lofty tablet in Fame's noble hall : And old Kentucky boys, who gave up all To ride with bold John Morgan, swift uprose 65 And struck with heavy hands the Southland's foes. Joe Wheeler, peer of any, Georgia's son. Who both for her and Alabama won ^ Honors as high as e'er crowned gallant knight, Amid the foremost fought for home and right. 70 Dashing from ev'rv side on scattered posts. * Nathan Bedford Forrest of Tennessee 54 '^'^'(^ Strife of Brothers. They spread alarm among th' invading" hosts, While tidings borne on ev'ry swelling breeze Tell of rich spoil which from the foe they seize^ And captives by the thousand in their train 75 Raise high the hopes of those brave men again Who under Kirby Smith and Braxton Bragg'^, With spirits that would not for trials lag, AVait for the word that l^ids them to begin The northward march, their lost ground back to win. 80 While yet they waited, joyous tidings came. Shedding new lustre on our "Stonewall's" name And giving Southern hearts still greater hope, As Jackson backward drove the boastful Pope, Wdio^ after all his vaunts, now turned with fear 85 At news of danger lurking in his rear. For wary "Stonewall" first at Cedar Run His telling strokes had splendidly begun And, sweeping round his now bewildered foe, To famed Manassas made all haste to go 90 And guns and captives seized and, what was more, All kinds of rich supplies laid up in store. Then, reinforced by thousands strong and brave. His reputation Pope strove hard to save And fell on Jackson with tremendous power, 95 Hoping that he had found a favVing hour To win great glory on the very field. Where Northern arms had once been forced to yield. Like solid rocks, 'gainst which the mad waves dash. With sullen roar and awe-inspiring crash, 100 Jackson's stout legions all undaunted stand And hurl the foemen back on ev'ry hand. And now^ with master stroke, that won new fame, Great Lee with Longstreet to the rescue came And fell like lightning on the foemen's flanks, 105 Who then with crushed and badly broken ranks Retreated from another dire Bull Run, Where Southern arms another day had won. Thus, to the great amazement of the world, The mighty Northern hosts, in flight now hurled, no Recrossing the Potomac took their stand Beyond the border of Virginia's land. TJic Strife of Brothers. 55 The shouts of triumph from Manassas' plain Were echoed from Kentucky back again, Where on the selfsame day with mighty hand 115 Our Kirby Smith struck down the hostile band, Making renowned another Richmond's name/''- While one mor.e triumph graced our roll of fame. As Lee's proud soldiers ford Potomac's wave And in its waters first their footsteps lave, 12c Glad strains of martial music greet the ear And "IMaryland, my Maryland!" sounds loud and clear. So in the West brave Southern hearts beat high Wdiile float their banners in Kentucky's sky And flags of Smith and Bragg still northward soar -^^^ And carrv terror to Ohio's shore. , Glad with these hosts Kentucky's exiles come To bask awhile in loved one's smiles at home. Ah ! then w^e hoped to gain what we had sought, For which our heroes toiled, endured and fought. 130 And what was that? The doctrine stoutly claimed, When our brave sires of "seventy-six" proclaimed The people's right their government to change, _ A\dien safety should demand; nor thought it strange For colonies united to decree 135 That thev from Britain should henceforth be free. For sovereign States we claimed the very right, Which thev for colonies had won in fight. And did the safety of the South demand Thar which we dared for our dear native land? 140 Whether good cause there was for us to fear, Lest peril to the South were drawing near, 'Gainst which forewarned, our people were alert And which they strove so bravely to avert, Let reconstruction tyrants answer give, ^ 145 To whom, that Anglo-Saxon rule doth live In these fair States, we nought of thanks do owe. To that keen sense of justice, not so slow, When once aroused, which, thanks to God ! doth dwell, * The victory at Richmond, Ky., was gained on the same day on which the Confederates gained the second battle ot Manassas in Virginia. 56 The Strife of Brothers. As in the South, so in the North as well^ 150 Is due whate'er of sovereignty remains To all our States, whate'er our land retains Of what was noblest in the old regime, Which better than the new to some doth seem. And yet with all its faults that e'en the new 155 Is best that's left on earthy we think is true. And better still the new may yet be made, When Love and Justice once more lend their aid State sovereignty and Union to unite In noble land, wherein Right dwells with Might. 160 Now from these thoughts turn we to fields again Where heroes strive the mast'ry to obtain. Lee's plans were thwarted by an order lost Which valor rectified at fearful cost. Though at South Mountain men of D. H. Hill, 165 Strengthened by Longstreet, try each gap to fill And keep McClellan's whelming numbers back. To hold all points the needful strength they lack. But win the fight for time, though many a man And leader closed this da}^ his life's short span. 170 None braver than the noble Garland"^^' died Of all who for the victor's wreath there tried. And stoutly Howell Cobb at Crampton's Gap Fought to secure Lee's plan against mishap, 'Mid hottest fire that smote our ranks that day, 175 Two wounded Georgians on the red field lay^ Lieutenant Lowe and Colonel Jeff Lamar/ Of whom the Colonel's hurt was worse bv far. They saw that there was need of speedy change To shift Cobb's legion from most deadly range. 180 "Bill," said the Colonel, "lift me up, I pray. That needful orders I may clearly say." Then with his unhurt arm Lowe raised Lamar. Whose voice stentorian rang through din of war ; "By the right flank, Cobb's Legion, forward march!" 185 Waving his sword aloft with graceful arch. As is the way of chiefs who give command. * Brigadier-General Samuel Garland, of Virginia, was killed at Fox's Gap on South Mountain, September 14, 1862. t Jeff M. Lamar of Cobb's Georgia Legion, and Lieutenant Wm, B. Lowe of the same command. The Strife of Brothers. 57 But flashing blade drops from his nerveless hand As whistling bullet smites the hero down, Who, while he saves his men, wins martyr's crown. 190 When Franklin'' through the gap had forced his way, 'Twas just as friendly night had closed the day. And now did brave McLaws- his troops dispose To baflie farther movement of his foes, Till Jackson could Lee's cherished plan complete 195 With Harper's Ferryfl prostrate at his feet. Whence he twelve thousand captives with rich store. Cannon and all supplies as trophies bore. And now Lee's forces on Antietam's banks Near Sharpsburg village in well-ordered ranks, 200 With less than forty thousand at the most Await the coming of McClellan's host. Who with their more than twofold numbers thought That they would win the day, whene'er they fought. Advancing from South Mountain, they believed 205 Lee in retreat and past defeats retrieved. These hopes the news from Harper's Ferry chilled And with uncertainty their spirits filled ; While Lee's brave soldiers Jackson's coming cheers And his great triumph scatters doubts and fears. 210 Just as the sun climbs o'er South Mountain's crest And with his beams, that glance from east to west, Looks smiling down on Cumberland's fair vale^ Joe Hooker's valiant men that point assail Where stand the heroes of the lion heart, 215 Prepared to act that da}' a gallant part. t Major-General AVm. B. Franklin of McClellan's army. X Major-General LaFayette McLaws of the Confederate army. II At Harper's Ferry, Stonewall Jackson captured twelve thousand prisoners, seventy-three cannon, thirteen thousand small arms, two hundred wagons, and a great quantity of military stores. The battle of South Mountain was fought to prevent McOlellan from interfering with Jackson's ope- rations. 58 The Strife of Brothers. lliere Jackson leads with chieftains true and tried As ever for their country fouglit or died. Around the Dunker church ui field and wood His noble men the onset fierce withstood. 220 Though through them cannons' bolts and muskets' fire Tore fearful gaps and scattered ruin dire^ And. though with gallant Starke and Douglas l^rave''' So many hundreds died the South to save, Unfalt'ring still the men of gallant Hood 223 With those of Early, Lawton, Trimble stood, While men of James G. Walker gave their aid And by McTaw's success was surer made. Firm as the walls of strong Gibraltar's rock These heroes stood the fearful battle's shock. , 230 A'ainly did Hooker, Mansfield, Sumner "• rush And strive with whelming odds their foes to crush. A'ainly they urged persistent, bold attack ; Their gallant ranks were driven shattered back. With valiant Richardson and Mansfield slain 235 And Hooker wounded borne from battle plain. Their broken columns in defeat withdrew Nor could again their fierce attack renew. Of Fed'ral chiefs had Jackson met the best And of their strongest efforts stood the test. 240 The lads of D. H. Hill win fame again .Where many die within the Bloody Lane ; But now o'erwhelming pressure drives them back As French and Franklin make their strong attack. Seeing impending ruin drawing nigh, 245 The dignity of rank Longstreet lays by, Holding the horses' bridles^ while Sorrell, Latrobe and Fairfax man the cannon well, And Xorth Carolina's braves with Colonel Cook "With banners floating high most threat'ning look, 250 ■'■Brigadier-General Wm. E. Starke, of Virginia and Col- onel Marcellus Douglas, of Georgia. At Sharpsburg or Antietam the Federal army numbered eighty-seven thousand men and the Confederates something less than forty thousand. See Derrv's "Story of the Confederate States" ; also Offi- cial Records. tMajor-Generals Joseph K. Mansfield and Edwin V. Sum- ner of the Union army. The Strife of Brothers. 59 As without cartridges they firmly stand Braving aU perils for their native land. The foenien hesitate ; then gmis of Hill With deadly crossfire all their ardor chill, While Longstreet. bringing Nathan Evans' men 255 And Anderson's, makes safe our lines again. Robert and Levi Smith and brave Barclay^ Newton and Philip Tracy died this day/'' Upon Lee's left and center battle ceased And now these points from pressure were released. 260 Tow?ard Lee's right for four hours of that" day Toombs and his Georgians brave blocked Burn- side's way And 'gainst ten times their numbers held the ridge Thar with its rocks o'erlooked Antietam's bridge. Four times did Sturgis urge his gallant men ; 265 Tour times the Georgians hurled them back again, AVhile Holmes and Millicant great deeds display And yield their noble lives to win the day. But now at length Burnside's great army corps, Outnumb'ring Jones and Toombs five times or more, 2yo Bv Ranking move have crossed the narrow stream And, charging on. themselves as victors deem. Quick to the rescue wath its splendid guns The Rockbridge batt'ry past our Gen'ral runs, And. as its horses swift go whirling by, _ 275 A private black with powder coming nigh Salutes his father, then speeds to his gun. 'Tw'as Robert Lee, our chieftain's youngest son! Now Burnside charging almost grains Lee's rear, AVhen on his flank doth A. P. Hill appear,- 280 From Harper's Ferrv hasting since the morn AVith men who perils and all hardships scorn. "^Robert Smith, Levi Smith. Barclay , LieutenaLnt-Colonel J. M. Newton and Major Philip Tracy, both of the Sixth Georgia. t Colon el Wm. R. Holmes, of the Second Georgia and Oolonel AVm. T. Millican of the Fifteenth Georgia. tMajor-General A. P. Hill had been left by Jackson to secure the rich supplies captured at Harper's Ferry. Hav- ing: done this he hastened to Sharpsburg, reaching the field of battle in time to hurl back Burnside's corps. 6o The Strife of Brothers. Fording" the river with no pause for rest. As ope their cannon from the ridge's crest. With ringing shout on Burnside's corps they rush 285. And down the slope his broken cohimns brush. The South's proud banners wave in triumph higl: And loudly rings her thrilling battle-crv, As with the setting of the autumn sun The hnal struggle of the day is won. 290* The stars come out and look with pitying gaze On bloodiest field of all the war's sad days. Xext day from early dawn to dewy night Lee stood prepared to give IMcClellan light. Though having heavy odds, the Federal chief 295: E'en with fresh troops, with caution past belief. Waited for more e'en yet. while warv Lee. With skill most wonderful and rare to see. Toyed with his fears ; then, ere another day. In order with his army moved away. 300 One effort at pursuit ^IcClellan tried. But in defeat his vain endeavor died. In the fair valley of the Shenandoah, U here joy it was to be with friends once more. Lee's noble army found a well-earned rest, 305 Sweet e'en to heroes ranking with the best. Who've since Time's birth for country bravely fought And valor's meed with zeal untiring sought. Amid the splendor of the autumn woods Or scenes that gave bright hope of nature's goods 310' They gladly roved, or bathed in limpid streams : And oft with hearty shouts and merry screams Those braves, so used to bear the battle's brunt. Stretched their fleet limbs in race or lively hunt. While friends, who in the distance heard their noise, 315 Cried : "There goes Jackson or a rabbit, boys I" While thus the army rested, Stuart bold AA'ith horsemen, whose brave deeds Fame oft hath told, ^lade Pennsylvania's Quakers ope their eyes In 'wild'ring doubt, dismay and strange surprise. 320 As through their land swept on the dashing raid. Which of ^NlcClellan's host the circuit made. On pleasing theme, my !Muse. awhile now dwel'. The Strife of Brothers. 6i And show how ah that encleth weU is weU. In Georgia's Thirty-first there was a lad 325 Who witli a courage high and spirit glad Obeyed his country's stirring slogan call And to her cause had consecrated all. 'Mid leaden hail, where Ewell wounded fell,* lohn Clayton bore the Southern banner well, 330 Till hissing minie robbed him of his eye. But not the pain of wound brought deepest sigh. 'Twas Susie BuUard's fair and witching face And form endowed with ev'ry charm and grace, That came before the vision of his mind. ^ 335 Ah ! Would her glance be now to him so kind, As when she bade her soldier boy farewell W^ith smiles and tears that in his heart still dwell r Such doul)ts unworthy torture all his soul, As homeward swift the moving train doth roll. 340 So soon as he could meet his lady fair, In her dear presence with dejected air He doubtful stood and in his sad heart said: " 'Twere better far,, if I were with the dead!'' Then spake aloud: '^I can not hold you now 345 Or deem that vou must keep that cherished vow. Mv honor prompts that I should give release And bid mv fondest hopes forever cease." But sweetlv then her voice the silence broke, As in her earnest words her true heart spoke: 350 ''But V\\ not take release. I love you more. And with a fonder pride than e'er before." How thrilled his soul with joy, no words can tell. They onlv know, with whom true love doth dwell. Though 'now exempt from service, his brave heart 355 Impelled him still to act a patriot's part. Through battles fierce the colors proud he bore Till peace returned to bless the land once more. Then two true hearts the holv vows did plight In love that aye should live without a blight." 360 ^General Richard S. Ewell lost a leg at Second Manassas. After his recovery he returned to duty and served m the field to the end. tl have put into verse this true story, which is related by Captain Wm. H. (Tip) Harrison in his thrilling book, The Man with the Musket." The captain kindly Rave me per- mission to use it. J- ^- ^^r^J- 62, The Strife of Brothers. To tell, as it deserves, each noble deed, Of volumes without number there'd be need. A few alone we've space and time to tell ; Help me, my Muse, to give the story well. Virginia's William Smith,' old brigadier, 365 As colonel in his four and sixtieth year At First Manassas in the front was founds At Seven Pines received a painful wound^ ^ Three more on Sharpsburg's well-contested field And yet to toils and dangers did not yield ; 370 But after Gettysburg promotion gained And highest honors from his State obtained. And Captain William Brown, great Georgia's son. Fought with the noble Twelfth at sixty-one, On many fields high reputation made 375 And died at Ox Hill,- leading a brigade. Grand John B. Gordon, Bayard of our host. Ranking with leaders whom we honor most. At vSharpsburg five times struck and life despaired. In many another desp'rate battle shared, 380 And, winning warrior's crown and wreath 01 peace. Had love of comrades destined ne'er to cease. '^' With these of hoary hairs or manhood's prime. Honors as great in ev'ry land and time Belong to all those thousands of our youth, 385 Who loving courage high and lofty truth. To country's cause were faithful unto death And proved their loyalty till latest breath. Whether they died 'mid strife of battle-field. Or late in days of peace their lives did vield. 390 tGeneral Wm. Smith wa« before the war a Governor of Virginia, after the First Manassas was made a brigadier- genera], after Gettysburg a major-general and after the war was Governor of Virginia again. + 0r Chantilly, as this battle is also called. Oapt. Wm. F. Brown of the Twelfth Georgia was commanding a brigade of Georgians, Alabamians and North Carolinians, when killed. llJohn B. Gordon, enlisting as a private, was elected cap- tain, rose to the grade of lieutenant-general, commanded the left wing of Lee's army at Appomattox, was after the war elected Governor of Georgia and twice Senator, was elected commander at the first reunion of United Confed- erate Veterans and re-elected at each reunion. He died January — , 1904. TJic Strife of Brothers. 63 At second battle on Manassas' plain, Where Northern soldiers met defeat again, A lad of eighteen on that famous day Upon his father's staff in thickest fra}^ AVas sorely wounded; and though maimed for life, ' , 395 When well again, returned to battle strife ; Nor did his martial service ever cease Till grim War's banners had been furled in peace ; And long hath Georgia crowned brave William W' right W^ith honors grateful to her loyal knight.' 400 A major going to the war's stern field To his two boys reluctantly did yield That to Virginia they with him might go. Couriers the two were made with hope that so From hardship they might somewhat shielded be. 405 Two manly youths they were and fair to .see ; The elder but sixteen, both full of zeal And all the ardent fire that patriot's feel. By fell disease the three were smitten down And died ere they could win the warrior's crown ; 410 But Georgia in her list of hero dead Three times enrolls the name of Lallerstedt. Of Georgia's sons who were at Sharpsburg slain None truer fell than Captain AVilliam Plane; Just such a leader as brave men esteem 415 And of the highest honors worthy deem; And such a man as wholly filled a heart That from his cherished image ne'er could part, And held the South's "lost cause" all else above For his dear sake with an undying love. ^ 420 Like all of these the South can myriads claim Who crowned her brow with never-ending fame. Not for slight cause such sacrifice was made ; They felt endangered country claimed their aid. As end of eighteen sixty-two draws near, 425 Invasion's swarming hosts again appear. tHon Wm. A. Wright, son of Major-General Ambrose Ransom Wright, lost a leg at the second battle of Manassas, while serving on his father's staff. In a few months he was at the post of danger again and served to the c ose of hos- tilities. He has been for many years Comptroller-General of the State of Georgia. 64 The Strife of Brothers. To Fredericksburg they move with steady tramp And near the heights of Fahiiouth pitch their camp. No needful preparation had they spared And hoped to Imd the Southrons unprepared. 430 But o'er the Rappahannock^ lo ! they see, Unwelcome sight, the men of Robert Lee.'^' At last Burnside prepared the stream to cross, A task that cost no little time and loss, The heart of Mississippi swells with pride 435 At story of her sons so true and tried; Who under Barksdale held their dang'rous post And hindered long the cros.sing of the host^ Whose guns from Stafford Heights their lines assail And on that one brigade rain iron hail 440 Which smites their ranks and sets the town on fire And spreads on ev'ry side destruction dire. Nine times was Sumner's Grand Division stayed And Franklin's also was as long delayed.'' When Lee was ready^ Barksdale's men withdrew, 445 And lasting fame crowned chief and soldiers true. Now on the plain Burnside his host arrays And his proud banners floating high displays. From bayonets glance the' sun^s reflected light, As move the lines of blue in war's stern might. 450 In suits of dust-stained gray Fee's vet'rans wait, AVith grim resolve and souls unmoved as fate. Where Stuart's horse artill'ry pours its fire On Franklin's lines with aim so sure and dire, See how the youthful Pelham ^ grandly leads 455 And stirs each Southern heart to valiant deeds ! Fair Alabama's joy and pride was he, And oft with honor named bv Robert Lee. As Meade and Gibbon promptly entrance made *General Burnside, who had succeeded McCIellan in com- mand of the Union army, had hoped to seize Fredericksburg before the arrival of Lee's army. tBrigadier-General Wm. Barksdale's brave fight gave Lee twenty-four hours in which to prepare for the battle and also gave notice of the points of attack. iMajor John Pelham, of Alabama, a youthful hero, often mentioned in the dispatches for conspicuous gallantry. The Strife of Brothers. 65 Through gap 'twixt Archer's line and Lane's brig*- ade^ 460 Edward L. Thomas quickly checked their move And Gregg ■> made brilliant fight, his last to prove. Then Taliaferro- and Early pressed the foe Who "Stonewall's" might* had long since learned to know. But Lawton's brave brigade too far pushed on, 465 Eed in the dashing charge by Atkinson, And, when that gallant leader wounded fell^ 'Twas Clement Evans^ then, who led them well. But ere their place once more in line they gain. The valiant Captain Eawton, on the plain, 470 With other heroes in the thickest strife Gave for the cause beloved his noble life. Toward the Southern left and Union right Was of that fateful day the fiercest fight. How bravely Sumner's Grand Division § came 475 And Hooker's also 'gainst the sheet of flame That 'blazed from Southern guns on Marye's Hill Or from their rifles all the air did fill With fell destruction's fierce devouring breath And swept the lines of blue with wounds and death. 480 W^here Kershaw, Ransom, Cobb * the stone wall held Six times they charged and were six times repelled, Though Cobb with hfe-blood for his triumph paid And Colonel Cook of Ransom's brave brigade Was borne ofif wounded sore, while hundreds more 485 Died on the field or scars of battle bore. The nearest to the Southern lines that came tBrigadier-General Maxey Gregg, of South Carolina, who was mortally wounded. Edward L. Thomas was one of Georgia's best brigadier-generals. t Pronounced To?^■^'^r. From Taliaferro's and Early's di- visions Lawton's, Trimble's and Smith's brigades made a successful charge. §Burnside had divided his army into three grand divisions, each consisting of two corps, each corps having its proper complement of divisions and brigades. *The three brigades of T. R. R. Cobb, Kershaw and Ran- som held the stone wall against six desperate charges. 66 The Strife of Brothers. Were men who lustre shed on Erin's namej Where'er the sons of Erin had their home, To that State's call did they with ardor come ; 490 And none more valiant followed stripes or bars. Or died for either 'neath its shining stars. How changed the scene of that sad winter night From the proud pageant of the morning's light ! When on the morn of that tremendous da}^ 495 The sun's bright beams had rolled the mists away. Tee's valiant men, who stood on Marye's Hill, Felt all their souls with admiration thrill, As grandest panorama met their gaze That e'er was seen through all the long war's days, 500 As o'er the snow, like burnished silver bright. Moved lines of blue, whence steel flashed back the light. Now pitying darkness covered all the plain And with its sable mantle hid the slain. Gone was the Fed'ral army's hope so sweet, 505 As their proud banners drooped in dire defeat. Next morn most piteous sounds smote on the ear. Where Fed'ral wounded la)^ the stone wall near. Then Richard Kirkland,''' brave young soldier boy. Begged from his chief that he might have the joy, _ 510 Which comes to him who answers mercv's call. Though in so doing he should give his all. Sharpshooters of the Union host were near. And for the gallant lad his chief did fear And w^ould not give consent. Still plead the lad. 515 Till Kershaw, with a look both proud and sad. Said: "Go, my boy, and God defend your life!" Gladly he went, his heart with pity rife. After few shots foes saw his. mission there, And then with shouts admiring rent the air. 520 Mcl^aws,"^ the leader of the brigades three Who held the wall of stone for Robert Lee, tMeagher's (pronounced Marr's) Irish brigade of the Union army left its dead within twenty-five paces of the stone wall . *A South Carolina sergeant of Kershaw's brigade. tMajor-General Lafayette McLaws, of Georgia. The Strife of Brothers. 67 Reporting gallant deeds of his command, I'ells of two Geoi-gia boys of that brave band., Young Johnnie Clark and William Crumley- too, 525 Both beardless youths, but ever bold and true. From boyhood to old age the South's brave sons Sought post of danger, near the flashing guns. O'er the now famous Rappahannock's stream Burnside retired, confirming our fond dream, 530 That the fair starry cross should ever wave O'er the proud South, which heroes died to save. From Mississippi and from Tennessee Came also hope that we should soon be free. To Fredericksburg '^ far Chickasaw ' replied, 535 Where gallant Tennessee with Georgia vied. And Louisiana matched them in the fight Won under Stephen Lee for home and right. The dashing Forrest raided in Grant's rear And made each Fed'ral outpost quake with fear, 540 AVhile Holly Springs H was seized by brave, Van Dorn, Who captured stores and men one early morn And, thwarting Grant's whole plan by this bold feat. Compelled that stubborn leader to retreat. tBoth couriers. *The Union army at Fredericksburg, Va., numbered on the morning of the battle (B^c. 13, 1862) one hundred and thirteen thousand men and lost in its vain assaults twelve thousand, six hundred and fifty-three. The Confederate army, at and near Fredericksburg on that day, numbered seventy-five thousand men, of whom less than twenty thou- sand men w^ere engaged in the battle and suffered a total loss of five thousand, three hundred and seventy-seven men. See Derry's "Story of the Confederate States," pages 211- 216; also Official Eecords. t The Union army, under Major-General William T. Sher- man, at the attack upon Chickasaw Bluff, near Yicksburg, Miss., numbered thirty-three thousand, of whom half were engaged, losing in their bloody repulse one thousand, seven hundred and seventy-six in all. The total strength of the Confederates, at and near Vicksburg at that time, was twen- ty-five thousand. Of this number, only three thousand were at Chickasaw Bluff and gained a decisive victory over three times their number, losing two hundred and seven men, less than one-eighth of that suffered by the Federals. 11 At Holly Springs, Van Dorn captured two thousand men and destroyed Grant's depot of supplies. 68 The Strife of Brothers. From Murfreesboro Southern shouts arose 545 As closed the year with onset 'gainst their foes. There Cleburne's flag of blue and full-orbed moon Triumphant waved from dawn till long past noon. Withers, McCown and Cheatham''' matched his pace And drove the Fed'rals, who in desp'rate case 550 Made brave defense this brilliant charge to stay^ Which with resistless movement swept away Davis and Negley with their soldiers stout And drove back Sheridan amid the rout. When on the foU'wing morn did Rosecrans yield 555 The one point stoutly held upon that held, Bragg, deeming now his victory complete, To Richmond sent this message glad and sweet : ''A happy New Year God to us hath given !" Won was the field for which he'd stoutly striven, 560 Where Polk and Hardee led each valiant wing. That well had fought complete success to bring. But disappointment came another day, When Breckinridge was worsted in the fray, That dashing charge, where Roger Hanson fell, 565 As had James Rains ' 'mid shout of triumph's swell. The South marks high upon her roll of fajne Of each of these brave chiefs the .honored name. Hearing of reinforcements to his foes. The thought of new attack Bragg now foregoes, 570 At Murfreesboro waits another day, Then with his army moves some miles away, And choosing winter-quarters, pitched his camp, While trophies rich that bore the Union stamp And many thousand captives he could boast, 575 In battle taken from the Fed'ral host. Rosecrans, who'd marched from Nashville to attack § Major-Creneral Patrick R. Cleburne, of the Confederate army, had for his division a blue flag with a full moon of white in the center. * Major-Generals John P. McCown and Benjamin Franklin Cheatham were from Tennessee, and Jones M. Withers from Alabama. tBrigadier General James E. Rains, of Tennessee, was killed in the full tide of Confederate triumph, December 31, 1862, and Brigadier-General Roger W. Hanson, of Kentucky, was killed in Breckinridge's charge, January 2, 1863. The Strife of Brothers. 69 And hoped in rout to drive Bragg's army back, Had been himself attacked and roughly used, While his brave army had been so much bruised, 580 That it was forced to lie up for repairs And wait six months, while new move it prepares. Yet, when the Fed'ral chief found Bragg had gone, He telegraphed good news to Washington ; "God to our arms the victory hath given !" =^ 585 Each chief, you see, ascribed success to Heaven. Pity that men, who thus in God believe, Find not some way this sad world to relieve By sett'ling diff'rences through law of love, That dwells in souls who Ve learned of Him above. SQO The Southern soldiers to their word are true And faithful stand, as they who wore the blue, To the new Union on coercion built, *The armies of Bragg and Kirby Smith had in the last month of the summer and the first of the fall of 1862 gained two decisive victories in Kentucky, one at Richmond where Smith almost annihilated -the opposing force ; the other at Mumfordsville where Bragg captured a fort and its garrison of four thousand men, while General Carter L. Stephenson by flank movements recaptured Cumberland Gap from the Union general, George W. Morgan, without a battle. Gen- eral Buell, having retreated to Louisville, received rein- forcements and marched against Bragg, who seeing that the odds were too heavy began to fall back, but at Perryville with sixteen thousand men fell upon the Federal force of twenty-seven thousand and drove one wing for a mile, capturing fifteen cannon, several colors and five hundred prisoners. There came to Buell that evening twenty- seven thousand fresh troops. Bragg by this battle had secured his junction with Kirby Smith. He then re- treated at leisure from Kentucky with a rich spoil of thirty-five cannon, sixteen thousand small arms, millions of pounds of ammunition, one thousand, and seven hundred mules, three hundred wagons loaded with military stores, and two thousand horses. Though Bragg and Smith by reason of the heavy odds against them had failed to hold Kentucky, they had recaptured Cumberland Gap and re- deemed nearly all of Middle Tennessee and all of North Alabama which Price's indecisive battle at luka and his and Van Corn's failure at Corinth had nevertheless left in Confederate possession. At Murfreesboro, to which point Rosecrans had ad- vanced from Nashville for the purpose of attacking Bragg and driving him out of Middle Tennessee, he had himself been attacked at dayhght of December 31, 1862. The 70 The Strife of Brothers. Though 'gainst such building their best blood was spilt. Yet one thing we can never understand 595 And that is how within this Christian land Those can be found, whose bosoms swell with pride For what they should with shame their faces hide ; Not that the slave they freed, but how 'twas done. O saddest day it was beneath the sun 600 When sister States were sundered in fierce strife, In which their best and bravest yielded life ! If holding Africans as slaves was wrong, Then to the North did equal guilt belong ; For from New England sailed the seamen bold^ 605 Who to the South these negroes' sires had sold. Full many a fortune in New England made Beginning had in this disgraceful trade. Against it first Virginia passed strong law^s And Georgia was the first to form a clause 610 Which in her constitution made it crime To bring in slaves from any foreign clime. Confederates drove the Union right wing four miles, carry- ing every point bat one, from w^hich Rosecrans retired that night to a stronger position. On the afternoon of January 2, 1863, Breckinridge with his division made a dashing but unsuccessful assault upon a part of Rosecrans' line. The next day Bragg heard that Rosecrans was being reinforced from Nashville and on the morning of January 4, 1863, retired and .went into winter quarters at Tullahoma. Rosecrans remained at Murfrees- boro for six months before making another advance. In the battle of Murfreesboro the Union army numbered forty-three thousand and four hundred men, and lost thir- teen thousand, two hundred and forty-nine, of whom three thousand, seven hundred and seventeen were reported cap- tured. The Confederate army numbered thirty-seven thousand, seven hundred and twelve, and lost ten thousand, two hundred and sixty-six, of whom one thousand, and twenty-seven wounded, were left in Murfreesboro and fell into the hands of the enemy. The Confederates captured and carried off thirty cannon, six thousand small arms, and, including men captured and paroled by their cavalry in the rear of the Federal army, took six thousand prisoners during the campaign. The cavalry of General Joseph Wheeler and General Wharton captured and destroyed more than a million dollars worth of military stores and eight hundred wagons in their brilliant circuit of the Union army. See Derry's " Story of the Confederate States." The Strife of Brothers. 7^ Then ten 3'ears later Fed'ral law forbade And scarcely then New England ceased this trade. Upon the compact which tJie States had made 615 The right of property in slaves was staid/'' _ If Northern men no more this pact could bide, Why should they then their Southern brethren chide For claiming right to separate in peace, That thus they might from strife and discord cease? 620 Did they e'er say : "If you will free the slave, We pledge the government the South to save From any peril that may thus arise, And right and justice we do so much prize, That for whate'er of value thus is lost ^^ 625 We'll vote from public funds to pay the cost?" They said not thus ; but often did declare Their purpose fixed a cordon to prepare, That, tight'ning round the South, would ruin quite This kind of property, by law of might. 630 If thev had right the laws to nullify And thus could break the compact, tell us why The Southern States could not depart in peace And from unequal Union seek release ? In Congress by abuse and sneer and threat 635 Their leaders ever tried the South to fret. So, when those men had gained the reins of power Of doom, it seemed, had come the very hour. The South's secession then they made their plea For right to set the 'Rebels' " negroes free. 640 But surelv they did ev'ry loss make good To Southern men who by the Union stood? If this they ever did, we know not when ; Such act of justice comes not in our ken. And did through weary years of cruel strife 645 The slave make desolate his master's life *The Constitution of the United States recognized prop- erty in slaves and provided for the return of run-away slaves to their masters. As a compromise between the JNew England merchants and the planters of South Carolina and Georgia the African slave trade was not to be stopped by the government of the United States until 1808. The other Southern and the Middle States protested against this pro- vision, but all ratified it. Virginia first forbade it and Georgia did so in 1798. "]2 The Strife of Brothers. By slaughter of the helpless ones at home? "Such ills upon the South would surely come,': So"^ Sumner and Ben Wade and others said : "And burning homes the slaves would heap with dead, 650 If e'er in bloody war occasion rose, When fields were ravaged by invading foes Or mighty armies thundered at our gates ; And on the South would justly fall such fates." Not so did they^ but by their masters stood 655 And helped them their defense to long make good By working fields and raising food supplies, In which the strength of ev'ry army lies. The master's home they guarded true and well And safely did its honored inmates dwell. 660 The Southern lady walked where'er she would, As safe as if a queen 'mid guards she stood. Her life and honor ev'ry slave did prize. As if a goddess moved before his eyes. The mistress' children were the "mammy's'''" pride, 665 Who for these cherished treasures would have died. And men with masters went to war's dread field Where faithful service they did ever yield. Were master sick or wounded^ none more true Stood anxious there to do what man could do ; 670 And, if by battle or disease he died, Then homeward with the dead the servant hied To lay him with his kindred down to rest^ To sweetly sleep on Mother State's fond breast. Hundreds of slaves to war with masters went. 675 ^ And to serve well their ev'ry effort bent. Full many a chance these had to go away. But faithful served until the war's last day. By Lincoln's proclamation "^ were not turned. And to prove false to master ever spurned. 680 * Charles Sumner was a noted Eepubhcan of Massachu- setts, and Ben "VVade was a leader of the same party in Ohio. fThe Southern children were taught to call the old negro women "mammy." t- These thoughts were suggested by the fact that on Janu- ary 1, 1863, President Lincoln issued his Emancipation proclamation. The Strife of Brothers. 73 When to defame the South foul slander tries, This record all their calumnies belies. For yet awhile rolled on the South's full tide, As though with her would vict'ry aye abide. Magruder thrilled the land with stirring news^ 685 Which into ev'ry breast did hope infuse. With two frail boats by Texas horsemen manned, With Leon Smith a daring feat he planned ; Then with success assailed a Fed'ral fleet While land force made their victory complete. 690 For Galveston recovered was their prize * And captured Harriet Lane made glad their eyes, While wreckage of the Westfield strewed the wave And Union fleet sped off itself to save. Magruder's name was now on ev'ry tongue 695 And praise of his brave men was proudly sung. The Hatteras next to Semmes " her colors struck, And O. M. Watkins ^ had the brave man's luck, When, with a heart resolved to do or die, He made two Fed'ral vessels seaward fly, 700 Pursued and captured both with richest store. And guns and prisoners as trophies bore. Such brilliant triumphs keep us well at ease, When Fed'ral arms one prize of vict'ry seize. And make us hope for luck another day, 705 And in our disappointment calmty say At news of loss at Post of Arkansas: '' "Well, such must sometimes be the fate of war." Our steadfast hope is prompt to cheer us still, As tidings of success our bosoms thrill, 710 *The great victory of Major-General John B. Magruder gained by his army and an improvised fleet of two frail steamboats under Captain Leon Smith, January 1,1863, not only recovered Galveston and broke for a time the block- ade of the Texan coast, but saved Texas from invasion. t Commodore Eaphael Semmes, a Marylander by birth, but a citizen of Alabama, captured the Hatteras January 11, 1863. X O. M. Watkins with two Confederate gunboats chased out to sea and captured a Federal gunboat and schooner with thirteen cannon, one hundred and twenty-nine prison- ers and one million dollars' worth of military supplies, Jan- uary 21, 1863, near Sabine Pass. II At this post General John McClernand with thirty thou- sand men and Porter's fleet captured five thousand Confed- erates and seventeen cannon and large quantities of supplies. 74 ^^^ic Strife of Brothers. While vict'ry wreathes fair Charleston's brow with fame Like that which makes renowned proud Rich- mond's name. The gallant men in army and in fleet, Who did for her defense in concert meet, Were cheered by former triumphs on the land^, 715 When at Secessionville * successful stand And fortune kind at Pocotaligo "i" Had hurled in flight their strong and gallant foe. A skillful strategem gave Ripley fame And linked with his Lieutenant Yates's name^ 720 W^hat time the Isaac Smith ^ with crew and guns Hauled down her flag to Carolina's sons. In council Beauregard and Ingrah'm meet And launch a bolt against the Union fleet, When the Palmetto State ere break of day 725 With the Chicora chased the ships away, As Rutledge sealed the Mercidita's fate And Tucker captive made the Keystone State. 1 1 But now for Charleston's capture proudly meet Nine ironclads, a new and mighty fleet, 730 Whose onset, thought the foe, no fort could stand. But valiant men for home and native land Add strength invincible to each strong fort That, like grim sentinel, guards Charleston's port. How grandly come the iron ships in line ! 735 Rarely hath eye beheld a scene so fine. Weehawken and Passaic skim the wave, Patapsco and Montauk sail on as brave. Next comes the flag ship, stout New Ironsides, Upon whose deck DuPont, the leader, rides. 740 The Catskill and Nantucket next appear. With Keokuk and Nahant steaming near. The "Batt'ry," Charleston's lovely promenade, Was thronged with crowds who eager stood and sad, *Fought June 16, 1862, ■!• October 22, 1862. X Captured by the Confederates, January. 1863. II This brilliant victory by which the Union fleet was for a time dispersed, occurred January 31st, 1863. The Mercidita was sunk. The Keystone State, after lowering her flag in token of surrender, when the Chicora had passed her in pur- suit of the other ships, raised her colors again and escaped. The Strife of Brothers. 75 And from each housetop that afforded view 745 What anxious eyes peered o'er the waters blue ! With palpitating hearts they breathed a prayer For loved ones in the forts just over there, Who, as they gaze toward the dear old lown, Stand for a moment with their heads bowed down 750 And lift their hearts in prayer to God above, To guard and save the homes they so much love. And. as they see from hostile fleet now float That flag of which so proudly Key once wrote, Wlien he beheld it wave o'er patriot arms 755 That saved fair Baltimore from war's alarms, How many think of that sweet prayer for those Who stand 'twixt home and fierce invading foes ; ''O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and war's desolation !" 760 The thought new ardor to each hero gives "Who'll do his duty^ if he dies or lives. The brave men on the fleet those words forget, But in their ears this line is ringing yel. : "The power that hath made and preserved us a nation." 765 ^ach side fought bravely for its view oi right; But. long ere fell the dark'ning shades of night, The fleet from its disastrous fight withdrew. And Yict'ry crowned the South's defenders true.* Proud Fort McAllister on Georgia's coast 770 Could over ironclads three triumphs boast, With few men lost on sep'rate days of strife, Though 'mongst these Major GaUie gave his life. Turn now, my Muse, to Old Virginia's shore. And tell of Lee's and Jackson's deeds once more. 775 AVith what proud thoughts thy name, O Chance'- lorsville, T)oth always ev'r}^ Southern bosom thrill ! Theie Hooker, whom his men styled '"Fighting Joe," Beheld his pride and confidence brought low. When he had crossed the Rappahannock's stream, 780 Of certain triumph did he fondly dream ; On I.ee's front Sedgwick, on his flank four corps, While Stoneman to the rear his horsemen pours. ^The battle of Charleston Harbor occurred April 7th, I860. 7^ The Strife of Brothers. Some cause had Hooker for his haughty boast That he had now entrapped the Southern host, 785 Who would most certainly be forced to fly, Or, if 'gainst whelming odds to stand they try, Must with destruction dire most surely meet. ' From which no help can save, however fleet. But power was given to Jackson and to Lee 790 From all these toils to bring their army free ; Not, as Joe Hooker thought, by shameful flight, But by a wondrous and successful fight. Though Longstreet, Hood and Pickett were awav,* Lee did not doubt, nor even stand at bay. 795 Barksdale's brigade he left on Marye's Hill^ To hold that post of former glory still; And Pendleton's artill'ry there remained. By Early's brave division well sustained, 'Gainst Sedgwick's odds they were to watch or fight, 80a And hold them back from falling on Lee's right, As that undaunted chief for Hooker went^ With mind on gallant onset wholly bent. Rans. Wright's ^ brigade could ne'er that night forget ; How the downpouring rain the ground had wet, 805 And how the mud and darkness blocked their way, As toiling on they marched till light of day, Which marked beginning of the noble fight That they then made for home and country's right. And thousands more could like experience tell. 810 Whom equal hardships on this tramp befell, As Anderson,^' McLaws and Jackson bold Marched to great deeds, which thrill wherever told. As valiant men of Sykes they backward bore. Hooker sent Couch with many thousands more, 815 To whom Hancock and Warren rendered aid. As Lee's advancing lines fierce onset made. Hooker astounded thought : 'What ! Lee not run ? Some unexpected thing must have been done. "'"In southern Virginia and northern North Carolina. t Brigadier-General Ambrose Ransom Wright of Georgia. t Major-General R. H. Anderson, of Sooth Carolina, and Major-General LaFayette McLaws, of Georgia. The Strife of Brothers. 77 To him new thousands must have surely come^ 820 Of whom my forces equal not the sum." Alarmed he left his vantage rising- ground, Which Lee with frowning cannon quickly crowned. The unexpected thing was Lee's attack^ Which caused astonished Hooker to fall back. 825 A Council Lee and Jackson held that night, And wisely planned that splendid march and fight, Of "Stonewall's" deeds the greatest and the last;, Eclipsing all our future and his past.' All day Lee holds the foe's great odds in cheeky 830 Who of the threatening ruin little reck. When his intended point had Jackson gained, He there with Fitzhugh Lee such view obtained, As gave assurance that the time had come To form his lines and then with might strike home. 835 Rodes in the front and Colston next he placed. And then for A. P. Hill the third line traced. One skirmish line had Blackford at its head, And chosen riflemen Ed. Willis led : Brave men these latter were from Doles' Brigade, 840 By whom the op'ning battle should be made. "Rodes, are you ready?" was the eager word Which down the line from Jackson's lips was heard. ^'Yes, sir!" said Rodes, quite eager for the fray. "Go forward, then !" the men heard Jackson say. 845 A silver bow of promise spanned the sky. As Jackson promptly bade war's thunders fly. From right to left the stirring bugles sound And tramp of charging columns shakes the ground. Louder and louder swells the battle-cry ; 850 The widely-echoing forest makes reply. The frighted game from out their coverts spring And fly at sound of war's discordant ring. Then Howard's corps, all taken by surprise. Is panic-stricken and in terror flies, 855 While Stuart's horse artill'ry pours forth flame From six brig"ht guns which often had won fame LTnder the lead of youth with major's rank. tThe battle of Ohancellorsville was the most remarkable of all the wonderful victories of the Army of Northern Virginia. 78 Tlic Strife of Brothers. "You ought to have a Pehiam on each flank," At Fredericksburg had Lee to Jackson said. 860 Alas ! That bo}^ artill'rist now was dead ! Short while before near Rappahannock's stream A fatal ball had closed his young life's dream. His men and guns, howe'er, were in this fra}\ And for their chief dread vengeance took this day. 865 In front with infantry they kept their pace Abreast with foremost in the headlong chase. At Dowdall's they by Carter were relieved^ And — wonderful it is to be believed — They'd marched and fought for eight and twenty liours^ 870 Nor man nor horse had food to aid their powers/*' No wonder Jackson praised them then and there. Who thus for native land could all things bear. Jackson's brave men pressed on till close of day. And naught availed their onward rush to stay. 875 Line after line they drove in utter rout And onward pushed with cheer and joyous shout. At dark was Jackson wounded through mistake By men who would have died for his dear sake. His last command, which showed his care pro- found^ 880 Was, ''Gen'ral Pender, you must hold yoitr ground." Jeb. Stuart Jackson's men the next day led, Conspicuous by dark plume above his head,. Singing while riding with the charging lines. And waving blade from which the sunlight shines : 885 ''Old Joe Hooker, will you get out of the Wilder- ness ? Out of the Wilderness, out of the AVilderness?" McLaws and Anderson afforded aid ; Heth, Posey, Doles and Pender battle made, And Wofford, Semmes and Wright proud honors share," 890 *Only these six cannon of Stuart's horse artillery were used in Jackson's charging column. But Jackson had Breath- ed's and McGregor's batteries following on the pike and keeping pace with the front line ; also Moorman's guns. The artillery battalions of Lt -Ool. Thos. H. Carter and Crutch field were a short distance in the rear. tTogether they made large captures of prisoners. The Strife of Brothers. 79 While shouts exultant ring through all the air. As from the Wilderness the lines emerge And after fleeing foe impetuous surge; And now, as in their midst loved Lee appears, One long, unbroken shout his presence cheers, 895 While e'en the wounded give their aid to swell The mighty, soul-inspiring Southern yell. Each triumph though must tempered be with grief For many a noble man and gallant chief. Paxton,"^ who led the old "Stonewall Brigade," goo Which on that day a brilliant record made, In victory's arms with other heroes fell And after life's fierce conflict rested well. News came to Lee from Wilcox ' on that day, How Barksdale to great odds had given way 905 And that the foe now stood on Marye's Hill, Though Early hindered Sedgwick's movement still. McLaws was promptly sent Wilcox to aid, And they at Salem church an onset made That forced the gallant Sedgwick to fall back. 910 Now adding Anderson Lee makes attack And Early on the Fed'ral rear appears, Just after Gordon's men with ringing cheers Had charging swept the foe from Marye's Hill, While Evans' boys were first the works to fill. 915 The only Fed'ral chief on that broad field Who'd neared success was now compelled to yield. Back o'er the Rappahannock Sedgwick went And then 'gainst Hooker all Lee's power was bent. But Hooker slipped awav on stormy night 920 And thus his army saved by timely flight. With joy and praise each Southern heart was filled By triumph o'er such whelming numbers thrilled. But into mourning all the joy was turned, W^hen saddest tidings through the land were learned. 9^5 For Lee's "Right Arm" ^ from our defense was torn. And at his bier a nation wept forlorn. Our Jackson's soul had crossed the narrow stream, *Briejadier-General E. F. Paxton, of Virginia. tBrigadier-General Cadmus M. Wilcox promoted to Major- General soon after Gettysburg. tLee called Jackson his "right arm." 8o The Strife of Brothers. Made bright to him by faith's inspiring beam^ And bathed in Hfe eternal's balmy breeze 930 Found rest beneath the shadow of the trees. "^'^ But, though disconsolate our Southland wept, Not on past laurels our brave leaders slept.t The tide of Southern triumph tow'rd the sky Along our eastern border mounted high, 935 As Stuart hurled the foe at Fleetwood ? back, Where Hampton's stout brigade made flank attack And the Cobb Legion led by bold Pierce Young Did mighty acts as poets e'er have sung, And South Carolina's horsemen under Black 940 For honors just as noble did not lack, While Phillips' Legion bore as gallant part, And Fitzhugh Lee's Virginians of stout heart Equaled the best, as they ne'er failed to do. Now higher rolls the tide, as Ewell true 945 Sweeps through the Valley of the Shenandoah And bids his banners proudly Northward soar. Now Martinsburg is freed from foes once more By Rodes with Daniel, Iverson and Doles, And Ramseur and O'Neal, all valiant souls, 950 While Jenkins with his horsemen gives prompt aid. Early and Johnson march resistless made And by their unexpected onward rush From Winchester did quickly foemen brush. As Hays in dashing onset seized a fort 955 *Jackson's last words were : "Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees." fAccording to the official records the Union army in the Chancellorsville campaign numbered one hundred and thirty-two thousand effective troops. Its losses were one thousand, six hundred and six killed, nine thousand, seven hundred and sixty-two wounded, five thousand, nine hun- dred and nineteen captured or missing — seventeen thou- sand, two hundred and eighty-seven. The Confederate army numbered a little less than sixty thousand. Its losses were one thousand, six hundred and forty-nine killed, nine thousand, one hundred and six wounded, one thousand, seven hundred and eight captured or missing — twelve thousand, four hundred and sixty-three. Besides those captured in battle from the Union army thousands of wounded fell into the hands of the Confeder- ates, who also captured thirteen cannon and twenty thou- sand small arms. tAlso known as Brandy Station. The Strife of Brothers. 8i With Smith's and Hoke's brigades in close support^ And Gordon's men another brave charge led, Where, as the foe before their onset fled, Captain John Milledge bore a f^ag away ; And other trophies of that glorious da}^ ^ 960 Were won by Edward Johnson's brave command, Stewart and Williams prompt to lend a hand, James Walker,* with the old Stonewall Brigade, And men of Jones to give their timely aid. Four thousand Fed'rals then laid down their arms, 965 While richest prize each valiant Southron charms. As rests his gaze on captured guns and stores, x\nd Vict'ry's joyous paean skyward soars. Nor did the South 's high rolling battle wave Cease in its onward rush so strong and brave, 970 Till it had mounted Gettysburg's steep crest, Where fell so many of the Southland's best. With these great triumphs of his noble corps O'er the Potomac Ewell sweeps once more; Then through fair Maryland his legions tramp 975 And soon in Pennsylvania pitch their camp. Johnson and Rodes pressed onward to Carlisle, And Early forward marched to York the while. This northward move of Ewell's gallant corps Filled countless Northern hearts with terrors sore. 980 The dread of them e'en Philadelphia shakes, And far New York with dire forebodings quakes. Stores and supplies they gathered as they moved, But true to Lee's strict orders ever proved. No harm or insult citizens receive, 985 And, that these troops are foes, can scarce believe. The grass-clad hills and fertile valleys smile And bask, as though in peace profound, the while That farmers safely drive their teams afield And peaceful gather nature's bounteous yield. 990 The cattle all unharmed the pastures graze, *=The brigade commanders here named are Junius Daniel, Alfred Iverson (son of Senator Iverson of Georgia), George Doles, Stephen D, Eamseur, Colonel Edward A. O'Neal, Al- bert G. Jenkins (commanding a cavalry brigade), Harry- Hays, Wm. Smith, Robert F. Hoke, George H. Steuart, Col. J. M. Williams (commanding Nicholl's Brigade) and Brigadier-General James A. Walker of Virginia. 82 The Strife of Brothers. And women^ men and children in amaze See these grim, war-worn vet'rans tramp along-, Sometimes with merry jest or lively song, But ever with that mien where one can trace 995 The courteous manners of a well-bred race. Although for vengeance they had many a chance, No plundered fields or homes marked their ad- vance. Virginia's wrongs had vexed their spirits sore And on the Georgia coast, short while before, 1000 The town of Darien by fire destroyed*. And citizens by plundering raids annoyed, Had given ample cause to vent their rage ; Yet Lee's grand orders did their wrath assuage. To Wrightsville on the Susquehannah's banks 1005 Gordon'' advanced with his well-ordered ranks, Where bridge by Fed'ral horsemen fired they found Whose fiames were spreading ruin dire around. Their prompt and active aid the Georgians gave And helped the citizens their town to save. loio From this advance to Gettysburg called back They came in time to aid the bold attack, Where A. P. Hill with Pender and with Heth Was striving hard to win the victor's wreath. As Hill's strong battle reached its fiercest height, 1015 Brave Reynolds fell in thickest of the fight; And, as this noble leader pressed the plain Where of his boys in blue were many slain. Early and Rode's fell on their far right wing And with a mighty and resistless swing 1020 Pushed onward o'er the well-contested field And forced their stubborn foes the ground to yield. In vain did gallant Barlow, flag in hand, Try with his men to make successful stand ; For Gordon hurled his heroes on their flank, 1025 As, hat in hand, he rode with foremost rank On ebon steed, whose proudly arching neck In black mane clothed obeyed his rider's beck, ^On June 11, 1863, a marauding expedition had burned the town of Darien on the Georgia coast, t Brigadier-General John B. Gordon of Georgia. The Strife of Brothers. 83 As matchless in the charge the chieftain led His line of gray that like the lightning sped, 1030 And, when the gallant Barlow wounded fell, Bursting with awful crash and thund'rous yell Broke every efifort at resistance down While Hill and Ewell swept on through the town. Five thousand prisoners with flags and guns 1035 Crowned this day's triumph of the Southland's sons. The crest beyond the routed foe now saves, While over Gettysburg the blue cross waves. Next afternoon Lee tried that crest to scale ; The Southrons partly win and partly fail. 1040 Longstreet smote Sickle's corps with heavy stroke 'Neath which the foe first wavered and then broke, And their commander with a desp'rate wound Was borne away, as they were yielding ground. Hood's stalwart form went down, as on he rushed, I045 But his brave men the foemen backward brushed And seized the Little Round Top's wooded base, Though frowning batteries upon its face Stayed further progress up its rugged side. Then with the onward rolling battle-tide 1050 McLaws pressed up and made a partial gain While Anderson his combat urged amain. There fell Barksdale with Pender and with Semnies, In crown of Lee's proud army three bright gems. Wilcox and Perry steady forward ^o 1055 And in fierce combat press upon the foe. The men of that grand soldier. Ransom Wright," In whose hearts dwell fair pearl of valor bright. Cross fire-swept plain to Emmetsburg's turnpike, Drive skirmishers and battle-line alike, 1060 Seize there the guns, then from a strong stone wall Drive them again and quickly rush o'er all ; Next mount the crest of Cemetery Hill And gorge bevond with routed foemen fill. The key to all'Meade's line they'd bravely w^on 1065 tBrigadier-GeneralA. R. Wright, of Georgia, afterwards major-general. 84 The Strife of Brothers. And with supports the work had then been done ; But none appear, and strong converging Hne Upon each iiank and one to rear mchne. Leaving their prize of twenty guns they turn And, though with disappointment all hearts burn, 1070 They hold those lines of thronging foes at bay And, spite of heavy loss, cut out their way Next Hays' and Hoke's brigades along their front Sweep o'er the crest 'mid fiercest battle's brunt. Drive back the foe on Cemetery Hill, 1075 Seize flags and guns and feel the victor's thrill. Lacking support they too are forced to yield The ground thev've won upon that hard fought field. Ed. Johnson gained success o'er L'nion right And held the captured works throughout the night. 1080 Here far in war's stern front George Steuart led, Where sons of Maryland for Dixie bled. Enough success the Southrons this day gain To make them hope still greater to obtain. Advanced positions for their guns they'd won 1085 And, when the strong work of the day was done, The Round Top's bases and the Devil's Den With thousands of the wounded Union men And pris'ners, flags and cannon they could show. Which as the signs of triumph soldiers know. 1090 From what was done it seemed there was but need For winning victory complete indeed, That all should act in concert ; and so Lee, BeHeving that such concert there could be. Resolved to make one gallant effort more 1095 To win as he had often done before, E'en when with odds against him greater far He had but lately waged successful war.* Oh, for his strong ''Right Arm," our Southland's boast, * At Ohanoellorsville the Federal army numbered one hun- dred and thirty-two thousand, and the Confederate army less than sixty thousand. Yet Lee attacked Hooker behind strong breastworks and defeated him. winning a victory that was miraculous. At Gettysburg the Confederate army num- bered nearly eighty thousand, and the Union army actually engaged, very little short of one hundred thousand. TJic Strife of Brothers. 85 Once dreaded thunderbolt of that proud host! iioo One hundred five and forty guns were massed To aid the charging force as on it passed. The cannoneers from many a fair State there To do war's dreadful work with zeal prepare ; The Washington of New Orleans, so true 1105 And Georgia? Troup, Pulaski, Sumter too, While Maryland by good Virginia stands And both the Carolinas join their hands With Alabama, Mississippi near. All silent wait, till signal gun they hear. ttio And now th' assaulting column Longstreet forms : Pickett with men who'll face the fiercest storms. Heth's * strong division under Pettigrew. Trimble * with Scales' and Lane's brave boys and true, And stout brigade of Wilcox, 1 1 ready all, 11 15 To onward move at stirring bugle-call. Now Southern cannon shake the solid ground And with their fire search crest and gorge pro- found. Dismounting guns and scatt'ring ruin vast With wounds and death where'er their fierce bolts passed. ii2<:> Over the ridge behind which they had formed, Wliile their artill'ry 'gainst the strong heights stormed, The charging column by bold Pickett led Marched down the slope with firm and gallant tread. A thrill of admiration through their foes, 1125 Who stand on yon stern heights, unbidden goes. Then, as those valiant heroes upward pressed With firm resolve to seize that frowning crest. Their fiery throats the Northern cannon ope^ \nd sweep the ground along the blood-stained slope. 1 1 30 Though like the leaves in tempest-smitten vale ^Major-General Henry Heth had been wounded in the fighting of the previous day, and Brigadier-General J. John- ston Pettigrew commanded the division. t Major-General Isaac R. Trimble, whose brigade com- manders were Alfred M. Scales and James H. Lane. 11 Brigadier-General Cadmus M. Wilcox. 86 The Strife of Brothers. The brave men fall beneath that leaden hail^ The ranks close up and tow'rd the heights press on; Heroic men ! from whom all fear has gone. The vivid lightnings flash, the thunders roar, 1135 But 'mid the smoke the South's proud banners soar. By fair Virginia moves bold Tennessee, As on they charge to set the Southland free. They reach ^ the crest, they pass the strong stone wall And seem that moment to have mastered all, 1140 As through the Fed'ral line they onward keep, Retreating foes before their onset sweep, Over the captured guns their banners wave And shout exultant o'er their triumph brave. The Southern battle-wave has reached high tide ! 1 145 Ah ! will the vict'ry with our arms abide ? For all these events, see Derry's "Story of the Confederate States" ; also Official Records. (U ^ •T-H H ^ bC 5 . r:i o (U ^ ,13 p a P3 03 xn > U tn ^t cC W ^ O (U > r-i Oj -< ^ w 0) o ^ Pi 03 pq K U ^ o 'J} H The Strife of Brothers. 89 BOOK IV. With Ebb of Tide the South's Fond Hopes Now Wane. One moment of brief triumph mounted hig-h The Southern battle-wave toward the sky ; Then threat'ning stands ; then slowly backward rolls, While bitter disappointment shakes our souls. But ne'er did glorious Lee appear so grand, 5 As when 'mid broken troops he took his stand And, with a mien unmoved and steady eye, Spake words encouraging as they drew nigh; " 'Tis I, my boys, 'tis I who've lost this fight, But rally here for home and country's right." 10 They hear his voice ; with cheers his word obey ; They halt and form a counter-charge to stay, And' with brave hearts and bold unbroken front • They proudly stand to bear new battle's brunt. Tho'ueh still in death on vonder blood-stained height ., 15 Lay many comrades dauntless in the fight, 'Mongst whom their chieftains, Richard Garnett brave, And Armistead had died the cause to save. And gallant Kemper too was wounded sore, Three noble chiefs from Pickett's list of four,^^ 20 Yet, as their ground they firmly stand to hold, Lee, seeing now his army's spirit bold, Knows that he can upon his men rely And beat the foe, if they his lines should try. The counter-charge came not; for Fed'ral host 25 *Viz.: Brigadier-General Richard B. Garnett, Brigadier- General Lewis A. Armistead, Brigadier-General James L. Kemper and Major-General George E. Pickett, commander of the division, who had three brigades in his division, and led three divisions in this charge. 90 The Strife of Brothers. In holding those strong heights had done its most. Only the gallant Farnsworth'' effort made. But with his life for daring ride he paid. Near thirty hours Lee in Meade's front remained, But Northern chieftain from attack refrained. 30 When Lee retired, Meade followed far behind. For caution suited best his careful mind ; Andj, when the swollen river blocked Lee's way, E'en then Meade kept his army from the fray And fortified, lest Lee should make attack 35 And in confusion drive his forces back. On this retreat the wagoners'* brave fight Upon the Southern arms shed lustre bright. Call Gettysburg a Southern Waterloo? He who speaks thus is to the facts untrue. 40 At Waterloo Napoleon's army fled Like men within whose souls all hope was dead, And with her fallen chief France prostrate lay Nor under him e'er fought another day. But Lee's proud army lifted high its crest, 45 As when of triumph's fruits it reaped the best,* - And later, when Lee 'gainst th' invaders led, t Brigadier-General Elon J. Farnsworth, a cavalry officer of Meade's army. X On July 6th. as General Imboden was moving back to the Potomac, guarding four thousand Federal prisoners and Lee's wagon train, he was informed of the approach of seven V thousand Federal cavalry under Buford and Kilpatrick. He increased his force of twenty-one thousand, including eight ^ cannon of the Washington Artillery battalion of New Or- leans, under Major Eshelman, by forming his seven hundred wagoners into seven companies under wounded line officers, commissaries and quartermasters, and held the enemy in check until Stuart and Fitz Lee came up and drove them off. *At Gettysburg the Federal army actively engaged num- bered ninety-three thousand, and lost three thousand and seventy-two killed, fourteen thousand four hundred and ninety-seven wounded, and five thousand four hundred and thirty-four captured — twenty-three thousand and three. The Confederate army numbered seventy thousand and lost two thousand five hundred and ninety-two killed, twelve thou- sand seven hundred and nine wounded, and five thousarid one hundred and fifty captured. See Deary's "Story of the Confederate States," published by B. F. Johnson Publishing Company, Kichmond, Va. ; also Official Records ; also Battles and Leaders of the Civil War, page 440 of Vol. III. The Strife of Brothers. 91 Meade in. retreat before his movement fled.' For one and twenty months Lee's army o^rand Still held its own for home and native land ; 50 Kept Grant's tremendous odds so long at bay And proudly won on many a field the day; O'er the Potomac sent again one corps, Which vict'ry gained beyond our bounds once more And bore the starry cross in triumph on 55 Into the edge of frightened Washington.? Till at all other points the cause was lost, Lee's armv counting not the fearful cost. Guarding the record proud of that grand host, In old Virginia firmly held its post. 60 Though sad to Southern hearts the fates which spoil The plan to conquer peace on Northern soil, Yet from the West the saddest tidings came, And Southern hearts grew faint at Vicksburg's name. On the "Heroic City" * oft in vain ^ 65 War's fiercest storm had poured its fiery rain. At last along fair Louisiana's side Grant's army to the southward swiftly hied. While past our batteries his transports swept And to Grand Gulf in safety onward kept. 70 Grant at Port Gibson Bowen H first assailed t In October, when Lee had sent a large part of his first corps, under Longstreet, to the West, and Meade had sent to the help of the army defeated at Chickamauga the corps of Howard and Hooker, General Lee moved against Meade, who fell back steadily before his advance. i After Lee had defeated Grant in the Wilderness and at Spottsylvania and inflicted a crushing blow at Cold Harbor, he sent Early to defeat Hunter's expedition, and Hampton to thwart Sheridan, both of whom were successful. Early then crossed the Potomac, won a great victory at Monocacy and marched into the very suburbs of Washington, givmg the whole North such a fright as it experienced at no other period of the war. ,, -, ^rc See Derry's "Story of the Confederate States" ; also Otti- cial Records. ••■A nickname of Vicksburg. II Major-General John S. Bowen, born in Georgia, but at this time a citizen of Missouri. He died shortly after the siege of Vicksburg from sickness contracted dur- ing the siege. 92 The Strife of Brothers. And by o'erwhelming odds at length prevailed,. Though long his mighty power our chief with- stood And our brave boys did all that true men could. On that to Southern arms disastrous day, 75, As Edward Tracy- stood to bar the way, He fell at head of Alabama's sons And thence to Georgia borne, 'mid honored ones Found in the "Central City" peaceful rest, Where sleep so many of fair Macon's best. 80 At Raymond then Grant made a strong attack, Where GreggH and his brave boys were driven back. Next troops of Pemberton were put to rout, But after gallant stand so bold and stout That still the Southland's bosom swells with pride 85 For sons at Champion Hill who fought or died. Here Tilghman* for his country yielded life And Skidmore Harris"" fell in fiercest strife. Aroused by cannon's boom from his sick bed His brave command to battle Watkins ^'"^ led 90 And in the fray received a serious wound, As did McConnell § holding fast his ground ; < And Abda Johnson,^ though this day too ill The duties of a colonel to fulfill. Was on the field to cheer his brave command, 95 To battle led by Robert Young's strong hand. There Captain Henry Osborne ^ held his boys 'Mid dangers thick'ning fast in steady poise, i Brigadier-General Edward Tracy, a native of Georgia, who commanded troops from Alabama. 11 Brigadier-General John Gregg, commanding troops of Tennessee and Texas. * Brigadier-General Lloyd Tilghman, of Maryland, com- manding troops of Mississippi. t Colonel of the Forty-third Georgia. * *E. P. Watkins, colonel of the Fifty-sixth Georgia. t J. T. McConnell, colonel of the Thirty-ninth Georgia. If Colonel of the Fortieth Georgia, of which regiment Robert M. Young was lieutenant-colonel. ° Captain Henry Prentiss Osborne, brother-in-law of the author, a native of Milledgeville, Ga., and a resident of Augusta Ga , where he died a few days after reaching home- a paroled prisoner from Vicksburg. The Strife of Brothers. 93 And to his skill and valor on this field Unstinted praise did Gen'ral Gumming yield. 100 Though less than twenty-one, as gallant knight As ever belted sword to 'fend the right, Through the long seige 'mid hardships manifold, Though sorely ill, with spirit true and bold He kept his post until the end had come ; 105 Then sank to rest amid the loved at home. To him Augusta highest honors paid, When in her breast this cherished son she laid. The host which had been beaten in detail And with divided bands could not prevail, no When massed in one, the erstwhile victors meets And gives Grant in succession two defeats.* But mighty fleet and army hem them roimd And a relieving force is nowhere found. Ah! where was now the good ship Arkansas 115 That once had waged 'gainst odds successful war ? Why comes she not again the town to save ? Long months before she'd sunk beneath the wave. When with disabled engines sent afloat' With not a soul to man the gallant boat, 120 Whose shotted guns were fired by rising flame. She found a death most worthy of her fame. As drifting tow'rd the foe her cannons boom And with their rolling thunders threaten doom, *0n the 19th day of May, 1863, only three days after the defeat of the Confederates at Champion Hill, and two days after the rout of a part of their force at the Big Black, Gen- eral Grant assaulted the Confederates in front of Vicksburg and was repulsed. On May 22, with all his forces up and ably led by Sherman, McClernand and McPherson, Grant made another vigorous assault and met with a very bloody repulse. t Captain Isaac Brown, already mentioned in the second book of this poem for his gallant feat of running the gaunt- let of a large federal fleet, was sick at the time when General Van Dorn insisted upon sending the Arkansas to assist the Confederates under Breckinridge in an attack on Baton Kouge. Captain Brown protested against sending the Ar- kansas upon any enterprise until her machinery could be re- paired. She was sent, however, under Lieutenant J. K. Stevens, who, when her engines gave out, moored her to the shore. Finding that the Union fleet was about to attack the Arkansas in her disabled condition ,he had all the guns loaded, sent the crew ashore, set the ship on fire and made his escape. The ship floated toward the enemy, the flames firing her guns until she was destroyed by the explosion of her magazine. 94 T^h^ Strife of Brothers. While proud her banners wave o'er gallant fight 125 Which without crew she makes for Southern right. Of wat'ry grave the brave ship little recks^ So long as hostile foot ne'er treads her decks. Grant pressed the siege against the gallant town Where many a noble man and chief went down. 130 Missouri sadly wept for Martin Green" And her dead sons who near his side were seen. And Arkansas joined in her bitter grief For valiant sons who died to bring relief To the brave people, who their perils share 135 And all the horrors of the dread seige dared. How dull to danger human hearts can be When battle's furious storm they daily see ! Outside the doors of bomb-proofs 'neath the ground, , Women and children recreation found, I40' Watching the bursting shells high up in air 'Mid the bombardment's perilous red glare ; And, when in war's fierce tempest lulls occurred, Forth to make visits^ from their bomb-proofs stirred. Sallies at times from the beleaguered line 145 Broke the dull round of mine and counter-mine. Bold Tennessee and Georgia side by side In deeds of valor with each other vied, As Guyton"^ charged along Hall's Ferry road, Or in bold reconnoisance Curtis ^ showed 150 That foemen also need to be alert, If from their lines quick dashes they'd avert ; And the brave Texans under Thomas WaulU Performed great deeds that won the praise of all. * Brigadier-General Martin D. Green, commanding Mis- souri and Arkansas troops. tLieutenant-Colonel C. S. Guyton, of the Fifty-seventh Georgia, who, in this sally, captured three positions held by the enemy. t Colonel William E. Curtis, of the Forty-first Georgia, made a sudden dash, capturing one hundred and seven pris- oners. 11 Thomas AVall, colonel of the Texas Legion, promoted to- brigadier-general . The Strife of Brothers. 95 Forney and Bowen, Smith and Stevenson^^' 155 Led on to exploits brave as e'er were done ; Moore, Hebert, Cockrell, Dockery and Vaughn Shoup, Harris, Baldwin cheered their soldiers on And Reynolds, Barton, Gumming, Stephen Lee^ With ardor fought to keep proud Vicksburg free. 160 How oft with admiration and surprise Were told the vent'rous deeds of George D. Wise, Who bore dispatches back and forth at will And seemed to bear a life insured 'gainst ill. Then, when great need was felt for more gun caps, 165 Lamar Fontaine, escaping all mishaps, By fleet and guards at night came floating down And moored his friendly log right at the town. Then Gaptain Saunders also tried this game And with more caps in safety also came. 170 Next daring courier Walker tried his hand And with a fresh supply came safe to land. The mighty fleet, without whose timely aid Grant says he ne'er the wished-for goal had made. Poured daily on fair Vicksburg iron hail, 175 Yet could not o'er our batteries prevail ; For Higgins-^- with brave chiefs and valiant men Ne'er failed to hurl defiance back again. But now gaunt Famine laid his heavy hand With iron grip on that devoted band, 180 Which ever without rest both night and day In battle line behind the trenches lay. Why came not help on which they had relied. In hope of which to hold that post they'd tried ? With half his men unfitted for the field 185 * Major-Generals commanding divisions in Pemberton's army: John H. Forney, of Alabama; John S. Bowen, of Missouri ; Martin L. Smith, a New Yorker by birth, but a citizen of Florida, and Carter L. Stevenson, of Virginia. t This is a list of the brigadier-generals commanding under the above-named major-generals: John C. Moore and Louis Hebert, of Forney's division ; Francis M. Cockrell and J. P. Dockery, of Bowen's division ; J. C. Vaughn, Francis A. Shoup, John V. Harris and W. E. Baldwin, of Smith's divi- sion ; A. W. Eeynolds, Seth M. Barton, Alfred Camming and Stephen D. Lee, of Stevenson's division. X Colonel (afterwards brigadier-general) Edward Higgins, commanding river batteries. 9^ The Strife of Brothers. In sorrow Pemberton was forced to yield The post he could no longer hope to save; And terms most generous the victor gave. Grant bade his men no taunting words to say To valiant foes^ who'd barred so long their way, 190 Three cheers for Vicksburg's brave defenders rose From ranks of one division of their foes. But, ah ! those cheers soothe not the sorrow deep For the brave town, which they had failed to keep. McPherson by kind deeds approval gained 195 And honor in one Southern home obtained For noble conduct tow'rd a gallant youth, Who dared to say in words of manly truth : "Oh, in my home I do so long to be, That I may there from sickness soon be free 200 And come again to wage 'gainst you the fight For home and dear ones and our Southland's right." To him then kindly spoke the knightly foe ; "And, Captain, thither you shall quickly go." Mounting him then upon a well-groomed steed 205 And carefully supplying ev'ry need, He sent him whither he could find a train That bore him back to loved ones' arms again. From sickness there the hero found release ; For soon he slept in God's eternal peace.* 210 Port Hudson, next, to Vicksburg echo gave Where, after triumphs won by Southrons brave, To heavy odds those heroes had to yield. But valor once again did brave men shield From ev'ry taunt, while Banks with courtly grace 215 Bade Gardiner keep his sword in its place, Which exploits great entitled him to wear As badge of the brave deeds enacted there. Chivalric honors, which the brave thus give To valiant foes, are worthy aye to live. 220 But cruel wars should never once begin, Nor would they, if love dwelt all hearts within. *The young officer so chivalrously treated by General Mc- Pherson was Captain Henry P. Osborne, of Augusta, Ga., who died a few days after reaching home. The Strife of Brothers. 97 ^God speed the day of universal peace When discords shall from earth forever cease ; When fabled golden age shall come again 225 And Love Divine, not Chivalry, shall reign. Elsewhere retreat now followed on retreat, Till on the Georgia line the forces meet, Which holding East and Middle Tennessee, -Had kept the vital points till this time free. 230 But now through Chattanooga's open gate* Invasion's tide, big with impending fate, 'Threatened at once the South to overflow And lay her prostrate form in ruin low. But in Virginia Eee held fast the land, 235 While to the West he stretched a helping hand. And Chickamauga's woods and stream resound 'With charging Southern hosts that shake the ground. For on th' invading army Bragg had turned With chiefs and men whose souls within them burned 240 To win in battle all that had been lost, Whate'er the peril or whate'er the cost. When at the close of hard-contested day 'The Southern lines had onward pushed their way, It was resolved to press with zeal the fight, 245 A triumph full to win for Southern right. 'From the clear sky the autumn moon looked down 'On ripening fields or forests sere and brown And shone so calmly and serenely fair. Where strife of brothers lately rent the air 250 And where with morning's light would new begin 'Of war's dread horrors all the awful din. All nature now in stillness peaceful slept. "Not so the pickets, who their vigils kept, As they held watch and ward o'er slumb'ring hosts, 255 "Or soldiers late arrived who took their posts, 'Or chiefs on either side, who must prepare For the fierce struggle that was brewing there. *0n September 8, 1863, the Federal army took possession of Chattanooga and began to move southward into Cleorgia ; but this new invasion was completely thwarted for a while 'hj the great Confederate victory at Chickamauga, 98 The Strife of Brothers-. Round many a weary hero's couch of earth,. Where of the smallest comforts there was dearth, 260* Hovered sweet dreams of loved ones and of home And bade his soul 'mid scenes enchanting roam. And in those anxious homes so far away, In South or North, so many knelt to pray That God would o'er their soldier spread his shield, • 265^ Whether in camp or on the battle-field. Full many, a prayer arose for country's cause, But more, that peace would give war's terrors pause. But thoughts of j>eace from soldiers fled at morn. When charge was sounded by the bugle horn. 2yQr Bragg placed the gallant Polk"^ on his right wing, 'Neath whose command from right to left now swing The corps of Walker and of D. H. Hill, While Cheatham's gallant men the next space fill To Forrest's horsemen bold. All are prepared 275; For exploits valiant as brave men e'er dared. Over the left wing Longstreet"^ held' command With corps of Hood and Buckner, firm to stand Or gallant in the charge, as need might be, While on their left there floated" proud and free 480^ The flags of Hindman's men and Wheeler's knights. Ready for weary march or desp'rate fights. And batt'ries strong for left and right there stood With hearts who'd brave whate'er the stoutest could. The gallant Rosecrans led the Union host ^ 285: On whose left wing George Thomas held his post With valiant soldiers 'neath his guiding hand ^Lieutenant-General Leonidas Polk, whose corps com- manders were Major-General William H. T. Walker and' Lieutenant-General D. H. Hill. Major-General B. F. Cheat- ham and the cavalry of Brigadier-General Nathan Bedford Forrest were also under Polk's command on this day. t Lieutenant-General James Longstreet. whose corps com- manders were Major-Generals John B. Hood and Simon Bolivar Buckner, both subsequently lieutenant-generals. J^ajor-General Thomas 0. Hindman and the cavalry of Brigadier-General Joseph Wheeler also were under Long- street. The Strife of Brothers. gg Ready to dare whate'er their chiefs command ; *First Baird's brave boys, R. W. Johnson's then With Palmer's next and Joseph Reynold's men. 290 Negley and Brannan stood upon their right ; Next Sheridan and Davis, bold in fight, O'er whom McCook was holding chief command. While Crittenden took in reserve his stand With Wood's and Van Cleve's troops of noble fame, 295, Who'd won on other fields an honored name. Now Hill 'gainst Thomas hurled his valiant corps And Breckinridge and Cleburne more and more Pressed their assault, while to their help there came Brave chiefs and men alrady known to fame, 300 tLiddell and Gist by William Walker led, While Cheatham's brave division forged ahead. Their heavy pressure drew from Union right More and more troops to strengthen Thomas' fight. Longstreet on Southern left with watchful eye 305 Saw then in Fed'ral line a gap near by And through it hurled brigade upon brigade. Which wider and yet wider op'ning made. As Bushrod Johnson,* Gregg, McNair and Law With Humphreys, Benning, Robertson, Kershaw 310 Swept Sheridan's division from the field And also forced in headlong flight to yield One brigade of Van Cleve, of Davis, two. While thousands of the gallant men hi blue Cut off from all escape laid down their arms. 315 Then was confusion great 'mid dire alarms ■^The Union generals under Rosecrans were: George H» Thomas, Absalom Baird, R. W. Johnson, John M. Palmer Joseph J. Reynolds, James S. Negley, John M. Brannan' Bhilip Sheridan, Jeff C Davis, Alexander McCook, Thomas L. Crittenden, Thomas J. Wood and Horatio P. Van Cleve, t St. John R. Liddell and S. R. Gist. t These eight brigades were driven right through th© Union line, which caused the defeat of the Union army Their generals were: Bushrod Johnson, a native of Ohio but. a citizen of Tennessee ; John C. Gregg, of Texas ' Evander McNair, of Arkansas; E. M. Law, of Alabama- Benj. G. Humphreys, of Mississipni ; Henry L. Benning, of Georgia ; Beverly H. Robertson, of Virginia, and J. B. Ker- shaw, of South Carolina. LofC. lOO The StiHfe of Brothers. Of routed troops. In one tremendous swing From left to right of Longstreet's charging wing Batt'ries on batteries were overrun, And^ when the gaUant work was fully done, 320 Rosecrans' headquarters were the victor's prize^ And with his routed troops that leader flies, Refuge in Chattanooga's works to find Both for the fleeing and for those behind, Who under Thomas strive to hold till night 325 And, helped by Gordon Granger, bravely fight. As that grand charge he led, which swept away The routed Union right and won the day. The gallant Hood, most sorely wounded fell. But, as his senses reeled, with mighty swell 330 Pealed on his gladdened ear the Southern yell. 'Gainst Thomas now and Granger Bragg's right wing Did all its might and all its prowess bring. Of Union strength the larger portion still Fought hard to hold its post at Snodgrass Hill. 335 At length, when both Bragg's wings were brought to bear On the brave Fed'rals holding stoutly there, "The Rock of Chickamauga" * yielded ground. As evening shades were gath'ring thick around. Then, as Bragg's wings together charging came 340 And scaled the heights from that day dear to Fame, There rose one mighty soul-inspiring shout, That echoed through the forests round about, Which Southern men who fought upon. that field Could ne'er forget, till they to death should yield. 345 In the fierce charges of that awful day Thousands of brave men entered Death's dark way: James Deshlert, Alabama's noble son, *Major-General George H. Thomas, a Virginian who fought on the Union side, on account of his desperate fight this day was called the "Eock of Chickamauga." tThe Confederate brigade commanders killed on this day were Brigadier-General James Deshler of Cleburne's divi- sion, Colonel Peyton H. Colquitt of Walker's division, Brig- adier-General Benjamin Hardin Helm of Breckinridge's di- vision, and Brigadier-General Preston Smith of Cheatham's division. The Strife of Brothers. loi And Helm^ who for Kentucky honors won, And Peyton Colquitt, for whom Georgia wept^, 350 And Preston Smithy a name in honor kept By gallant Tennessee ; all these chiefs died Cherished throughout the South with love and pride. And for the Union King and Baldwin? fell, And Lytle as sweet poet honored well, 355 And Hegg who died to keep the Nation one And make it strongest 'neath the light of sun. When many weary years had passed away And peace had come again, we hope, to stay, The re-united Nation honors grave 360 To each of these eight chiefs so true and brave, Whether he died beneath the Stripes and Stars, Or gave his life upholding Stars and Bars.''^ And can it be that narrow souls to-day To Statuary Hall would bar the way, 365 When proud Virginia, like her sisters, free. Would honor her great son, the peerless Lee ? Her mighty triumph fills the South with joy. While new alarms her thronging foes annoy ; And though from Chickamauga's bloody field 370 Where vahant Northmen had been forced to yield, Not all the fruits were reaped, that should have been. Yet o'er war's vast expanse great change was seen. Invading hosts had met a stunning check. Of which their pride did lately little reck, 375 And now in Chattanooga trembling wait, Lest on them shall descend sad Vicksburg's fate. Thither two corps from Meade as succor came. Hooker's and Howard's, each of gallant fame. Promptly Lee moved on Meade to make attack 380 X The Federal brigade commanders killed on this day were Colonel Edward A. King of J.J.Reynolds's division, Colonel Philemon P. Baldwin of R. W- Johnson's division, Brigadier- General William H. Lytle of Sheridan's division, and Colonel Hans C. Hegg of Jeff 0. Davis's division. *The United States Chick amauga Park Commission, con- sisting of Union and Confederate officers, under authority of the United States government, marked with similar monuments the spot on which each of these eight brigade commanders fell. I02 The Strife of Brothers. And straightway then the Fed'ral chief fell back. From Mississippi Sherman quickly hastes And Grant for Thomas'" help no moment wastes. But, ah ! for Southern arms unlucky day That L'ongstreet sent for other work away. 385 For on Bragg's weakened army Grant now hurled A force that seemed as gathered from the world. At least so thought the war-worn old Confed;, Who, seeing o'er the plain that vast host spread, Vowed that he heard what made him queerly feel ; 390 ''Attention, world ! By nations, all right wheel !" Although at Mission Ridge Joe Hooker failed, Nor over hind'ring obstacles prevailed,''' And although Sherman's efforts were in vain, Foiled by Pat Cleburne once and then again, 395 Yet Sheridan redeemed the former flight Of his command at Chickamauga's fight. As our left-center his and Wood's boys pierce, In rapid charge so sudden and sO' fierce. That our weak line is forced its ground to yield, 400 While loud-huzzaing foemen win the field. But Cheatham quick and Walthall at the breach Hold firm the open road from hostile reach. So Hardee held the ground on Bragg's right wing, ^ Till dark'ning shades of night could succor bring 405 And thus at Mission Ridge a bulwark proved, 'Gainst which in vain Grant's strongest columns moved. With Hardee's right the lion of the day, Pat Cleburne, against Sherman barred the way. In vain the Northern chief with his own corps 410 And Howard's also, with the thousands more "Whom Jeff. C. Davis led, assailed the line Where Stevenson's and Cleburne's men combine And with brave hearts so true and bold and stout 'Gainst fearful odds through all the day hold out. 415 As Smith's brave Texans firmly keep their post tGeneral George H. Thomas had succeeded Eosecrans in command of the Union army, now besieged in Chattanooga. *The day before the battle of Mission Eidge, Hooker had carried the positions on Lookout Mountain, but on the day of the fight at the Eidge found it impossible to do the part assigned him. The Strife of Brothers. 103 ^With Govan's boys, of Arkansas the boast, The bold brigade of Alfred Gumming came, "Whose deeds of valor oft had won them fame. JBut, as they reached this point McGonnell fell, 420 .A noble leader, loved and honored well. .And now at Cleburne's word these valiant men, .Arkansans, Texans, Georgians once again With zealous aid of Tennessee's stout boys "Whose hearts quailed not for battle's shock and noise, 4^5 .In headlong charge swept- onward o'er the field .And proved that day the Southland's sword and shield. But with left-center pierced Bragg can not stay 'To wait the issue of another day J^nd must retire, ere morning's beams appear. 430 The dauntless Cleburne guarded well the rear ; How well, let Ringgold's gallant ba:ttle tell, Where foemen's might-and pride his heroes quell. ;.South of this town at gap in Taylor's Ridge, Where road o'er winding stream has many a bridge, 435 Tn shelter of a grove his Texans stand With troops of Alabama close at hand. , The men of Arkansas in four short lines Where screen of thicket all its boughs entwines 'To hide from view Goldthwaite's Napoleon guns, 440 'Wait in grim silence for the Northland's sons. Near by stand Mississippians in reserve With Tennesseeans strong of heart and nerve. Close in their rear is Bragg's great army train ^Struggling through fords a passage' safe to gain, 445 Its sole reliance Cleburne's gallant band, Who 'gainst pursuing foes determined stand. Joe Hooker pressing on with joy and pride For his late fight on Lookout's rugged side,* "With Osterhaus in front and Geary near, 450 And Cruft with his division in the rear, ■Quickly formed line and moved to the attack ; ;But promptly were they hurled disordered back, ^Smitten by lightning's flash from Cleburne's line *Tn which he captured Lookout Mountain, the day before tthe battle of Missionary Kidge. I04 The Strife of Brothers. With which his cannons' thund'rous roars com- bine. ^ 45S Again the gallant Fed'rals press the fight In dashing charge 'gainst center, left and right. But dire defeat with such great losses came As made them long remember Ringgold's name. Ohio's noble Creighton dying fell 460:: And Crane, whose soldiers love his deeds to tell. Twelve leaders of Ohio's Seventh brave Out of thirteen the battle's red sod lave, And, with the loss of nearly half its men, This gallant regiment recoils again. 465, Ohio's Seventy-sixth like fate befell With loss of colors, though defended well. Missouri's Twenty-ninth, on Fed'ral side, Lost flag and prisoners, as in full tide Taylor's brave Texans swept them down the hill ; 470 And Fame's loud trum^ the battle echoes fill, As thrilling tale through all the Southland ran Of valiant deeds of heroes of Govan, Granbury, Lowrey and brave Lucius Polk, Who on that day the forest's stillness woke 475, With victors' shouts, as 'mid their cannons' roar ,And rifles' crack their flags triumphant soar. Bragg's trains by this brave fight were grandly saved. And for the valor, which such odds had braved. To Cleburne and his heroes Congress gave 48o;- Thanks of the land, which they had fought to save. Coupled Avith news of Bragg's most dire defeat On Mission Ridge, and Longstreet's sad retreat From Knoxville's bloody field, where all in vain His heroes charged again and then againr, 485; Came story of the fight at Ringgold town. Which shed o'er Cleburne^s flag such grand re- nown And gave a silver lining to the cloud That did with blackness all the South enshroud. Americans are ever stout of heart 4903' And true to cause with which they've taken part.. So Southrons from disasters rarii'ed" soon. And Hope reviving smiled like day in June.. For proud Virginia Lee holds fTrmly still The Strife of Brothers. 105 And Charleston's victories our bosoms .thrill, 495 While Southern arms on Texas coast had won 'Gainst all that Fed'ral hosts or fleet had done. One gallant feat of arms already told On Sabme Pass sheds lustre manifold. Another brilliant deed, my Muse, now smg S^^ And to Dick Dowling meed befitting brmg. One autumn day in eighteen sixty-three Came gallant fleet, so proud and fair to see. With gunboats four and transports full of men To bring back Texas to the fold again. 505- Only a six-gun fort stood in their way. But heroes manned it who were there to stay, Forty-four sons of Erin, strong and bold To dare such deed as Fame hath rarely told. Against the odds they quailed not in dismay 510 And to give welcome warm made no delay. Of fearful iron hail for near two hours From Fed'ral boats there poured incessant showers. But all in vain ! Brave men behind the guns Foiled all the fury of the North's strong sons. 51S Minus two gunboats and of each the crew, A fleet of twenty sail dismayed withdrew. The red-hot greeting which Dick Dowling gave Made them see forts with myriads strong and brave And so the fleet with its five thousand fled 52c From forty-four stout hearts with steady head. Whene'er this tale of Sabine Pass was told, It made the wav'ring and faint-hearted bold. A small affair it was, but of great weight. In that it stopped th' invasion of a State ; 525. And thus Fort Grigsby won an honored name Upon the glorious South's proud roll of fame, And the brave Davis Guards, who fought so well, Will in her grand Valhalla ever dwell. A Southern soldier, gallant deeds I sing ^ 53*^ That may to patriot hearts some pleasure brmg. Yet for all parties it were better far. Had there ne'er been that fratricidal war. With all my soul I love the paths of peace, And pray that strife forevermore may cease. 53S God's chosen plan is Christ's sweet law of love JO 6 The Strife of Brothers. That reigns among the shining ranks above ; But if the wrath of man the tempest raise, God rides upon the storm and guides its ways, 'Giving to each now vic'tries, now defeats, 540 And unto each His sovereign verdict metes. Then they who trust Him own His equal sway And His decision loyally obey. Arbitrament of arms will never cease Till so-called Christian States choose law of peace, 545 Nor deem that they alone beneath the sun Do all the righteousness that e'er is done; But tol'rance have for others' point of view And freely give to them what is their due. Hence, while the patriot's sacrifice we praise, 550 Let's work and pray for nobler, better days. Gkorgia Confede;rate Monument at Chickamauga. Park. To the lasting memory of her sons Who fought on this field — To those who fought and lived, and those who fought andl died ; Those who gave much, and those who gave all — Georgia Erects this monument. The Strife of Brothers. 109 BOOK V. Again the Tide of Southern Triumph Flows. Slowly the days of winter passed away And hardships lingered, as if' there to stay. The men of either side showed patience great To bear privations or the frowns of Fate. But Union soldiers had the fuU supplies 5 In which the strength of ev'ry army hes, And for each man by them in battle lost Came new recruits to pay war's fearful cost. Sublime th' endurance and the courage true That marked the men who wore the Union blue. 10 But what of those who looked on thinning ranks And saw no way to fill those fatal blanks, Whom scanty food and clothing tested sore. But who with courage grand all trials bore.^ What though their sky with gloom was overcast? 15 They hoped the dark appearance would not last. And thought of those heroic days of old And patriot sires of 'seventy-six so bold, Who 'mid like scenes of Valley Forge stood fast And glorious independence won at last. 20 "Not yet have we their depth of sorrow known, And yet on them at last glad triumph shone." Thus feeling, they made light of ev'ry care, For home and country ready all to dare. When roads were filled with mud and poured the rain, . ^ In half pathetic and half merry strain Thus would some Reb invoke the power of song. To chase dull care and help his friends along : "Oh, come into my shanty; My rations are scanty, 3" Corn bread, it is the order of the day ; This young Reb is sighing. His wet feet he's drying, - : . no The Strife of Brothers. ~ : And wonders if this cruel war will pay. Then come rain and fill Each sluggish creek and rill, Thy steady patter, patter just now suits ; Oh, come, and we'll thank thee To keep back the Yankee^ Until our ranks are filled up with recruits." 40 Next, "Mister, here's your mule!" would laughter bring From those who round a camp-fire stood in ring. Then one, who thought of dear girl left behind, In sentimental strain relieved his mind : "A hundred months have passed, Lorena, 45. Since last I held thy hand in mine." With loud encores they called him out again. Whereat he charmed them all with this refrain : "Oh, the lone starry hours give me, love, When still is the beautiful night." 50' Now from the throng one just as true and brave Sang in soft accents more subdued and grave, "When this cruel war is over." Then, filled with thoughts of loved ones far away. All voices are attuned to this sweet lay : 55: "Do they miss me at home? Do they miss me? 'Twould be an assurance most dear To know that this moment some loved one . Were saying, 'I wish he were here' !" Then, while they all thus sang of home and love, 60^ Came holy thoughts to lift their souls above To Him, whose grace, when trials sore oppressed. Could 'mid the gloom to trusting hearts give rest ; And then the sacred song each bosom thrilled. As lofty strains the echoing forest filled : 6$ "Other refuge have I none. Hangs my helpless soul on thee; Leave, ah, leave me not alone. Still support and comfort me." From thousand throats the full notes rise and swell, 70* And then, while rev'rent thoughts in each heart dwell. Some pious man from that throng gathered there Stands in the midst and offers up a prayer. On 'Rocky Face and on the Rapidan, The Strife of Brothers. iit As days and nights their wonted circuit ran, 75 Troubles and cares were oft allayed by joys, And nought could damp the spirits of our boys. When howled 'mid tempest fierce the winter's blast Their cheerfulness did raging storm outlast And, when snow clothed the vales and hills in white, 80^ In line they formed to wage the mimic fight. What fun there was, when one clear winter day Hoke led his "Tar Heels" in a gallant fray 'Gainst Evans' Georgians and took their camp ! But quickly they were forced from thence to tramp 85, When rallying Georgians struck their front and flanks And drove them back with badly routed ranks. Taking as^ pris'ners Hoke and ladies fair Who'd gone with him to view the combat there. Exchange of prisoners released them soon 90- And Evans led his boys that afternoon Three miles to charge the Carolina camp, When on both sides proud Valor set his stamp. The Georgians meet success and then defeat As "Tar Heels" drive them back in swift retreat. 95; Round Dalton also charging columns clash And through the air swift-flying snowballs flash. Harmless such combats, where loud laughter rose From ranks of victors and of vanquished foes. Those, who in such dark hours found fun and joy, 100- Had courage in their hearts without alloy. With steadfast souls, in sad or cheerful mood, The ragged ranks firm by their colors stood ; To winter's blasts or battle's storms inured, 'Gainst adverse fate they to the end endured. 105: From birth of time until the world's last day How hard 'twill be to match the men in gray ! As winter days were hasting tow'rd the spring, Glad tidings through the South on jo3^ful wing Told how the starry cross in triumph waved iio^ In "Land of Flowers" by brilliant battle saved. Back from Olustee's field the foemen fled Before our boys by gallant chieftains led. When Finnegan and Colquitt laurels gained And George P. Harrison renown obtained. 115; J. W. Evans, William Crawford too. TI2 The Strife of Brothers. B-onaud and ^^'heaton with brave lads and true, Guerard and Duncan Clinch all shared the fight. AMiere brave James Barrow fell for home and right. AA'ith Butler. A\'aller. Cannon all in front. 120 AMiere valiant heroes face the battle's brunt. Mobley with daring men seized Fed'ral guns. And honors Lofton gained through Georgia's sons. A gallant battle 'twas on open ground And worthy foemen each brave army found. 125 Once ammunition failed the Southern boys. But still they held their ground with steady poise, Inspired by words and deeds of youthful aide, As. riding down the line with flag displayed, Hugh Colquitt bids them wait for fresh supplies. 130 The van thus waiting hostile power denes. Blount, hasting up supplies, from horse is shot ; Clark's steed falls dead, though rider suiters not. Lieutenant Dancey near his chief was slain And patriot blood of many dyed the plain. 135 AMiere Holland. Combs and Hill and Johnson fell. Note. — Brigadier-General Finegan commanded the sub- department of Florida. Brigadier-General Alfred Colquitt •commanded the forces on the field and Colonel (afterwards Brigadier-GeneraP George P. Harrison was next in coui- mand. The officers here named were Colonel John W. Bvans. Sixty-fourth Georgia. Captain Wm. P. Crawford, com- manding Twenty-eighth "Georgia: Major A. Bonaud, com- manding a battalion of artillery acting as infantry: Capt. J. F. Wheaton of the Chatham Artillery: Capt. E. L. Guerard, brigadier-quartermaster acting as staff officer; Lieutenant R. J. Butler. Thirty-second Georgia; Lieutenant P. A. Waller, ; Capt. H. A. Cannon. First Georgia Regulars : Capt, S. D. Mobley. Thirty-second Georgia: Colo- nel J. T. Lofton, of Georgia, and Colonel Duncan L. Clinch, -of the Fourth Georgia Cavalry. Colonel Clinch was severely wounded. Note. — The other officers mentioned are: Lieutenant Hugh Colquitt, aide to his brother, the general : Lieutenant George M. Blount, acting adjutant-general, shot while hur- rying up fresh supplies of ammunition : Lieutenant Horace P. Clark, whose horse was killed under him : Lieutenant R. T. Dancev. Thirty-second Georgia, a staff officer killed at the side of Colonel George P. Harrison; Lieutenant W. W. Holland. Twenty-eighth Georgia: Lieutenant W. H. Combs, Sixth Georgia; Lieutenant Thomas J. Hill, Sixth Florida, and Adjutant ^\m. H. Johnson. Nineteenth Georgia. TJie Strife of Brothers . 113 As sank the sun, rose loud triumphant yell While Georgia's sons and Florida's brave boys Hailed the proud Southern cross with those stern joys That hide from warring hosts the woes of strife, 140 Who in their zeal reck not of death or life. Next Okalona * Southern bosoms thrilled, Where Forrest's blade his foes with terror filled. Then sweeping forward on the wings of Fame Rang through the land that dashing leader's name, I45 And where that "Wizard of the Saddle" led The South rejoiced and routed foemen fled. Brice's Cross Roads * and Tishamingo Creek Come fresh to mind when men of Forrest speak. Fair Louisiana too her quota gave 150 Of joyful news that helped our hopes to save, ]^Iansfield and Pleasant Hill th' invaders foiled And Banks there found his schemes completely spoiled, \\''hile Taylor's ' star shone brightly as of yore iThe defeat of Sherman's cavalry at Okalona caused that general to abandon his expedition against Mobile early in 1864. *The battle of Brice's Cross Roads or Tishamingo Creek, near Guntown, Mississippi, was the most famous of Forrest's many victories. tLieutenant-General Richard Taylor, who had distin- guished himself under Jackson in the Shenandoah Valley in 1S62, was born in Kentucky and became a citizen of Louisiana. He commanded the Confederates in these two battles, and the generals under him were Brigadier-Gen- erals Arthur P. Bagley, born in Alabama, a citizen and soldier of Texas; Major-General Thomas Green, born in Virginia, a citizen and ?oldier of Texas ; Major-General Camille A.J. M. Polignac, a French soldier in the service of the Confederate States ; Brigadier-General Horace Ran- dall, born in Tennessee, a commander of Texas troops; Brigadier-General James P. Major, born in Missouri, a commander of Missouri and Texas troops ; Brigadier-Gen- eral John G. Walker, of Missouri ; Brigadier-General W. R. Scurry, of Texas ; Brigadier-General Hamilton P. Bee, born in South Carolina, a citizen and soldier of Texas; Major- General Thomas J. Churchill, born in Kentucky, a citizen and soldier of Arkansas ; Brigadier-General Alfred Moutqn, born in Louisiana and a soldier of that State; Brigadier- General Thomas N. Waul, born in South Carolina, a citizen and soldier of Texas. 114 The Strife of Brothers. On glory's fields in far-famed Shenandoah, 155 And exploits great were done as oft are seen By Bagby, Randal, Polignac and Green And Major also, each a chieftain grand Who heroes led to war for native land ; While Walker, Scurry, Bee, Churchill and Waul 160 Helped win the day made sad by Mouton's fall. Next northward Kirby Smith his columns led And vict'ry gained where heroes toiled and bled. Now in Missouri and in Arkansas Were battles won in swelling tide of war 165 And Fame the deeds of Price and Shelby told. Of dashing Marmaduke and Cabell bold.* The distant East responded to the West In efforts brave by brilliant triumphs blest, Wlien with the Albemarle Commander Cooke '*' 17a Helped Hoke,^ who from the Fed'rals Plymouth took, And Dahlgren's H dire defeat assurance gave Which made each Southron's heart beat strong and brave. News of success filled ev'ry swelling breeze, And Hope our triumph sure already sees. 175 With courage high in days of early May Two Southern armies stood up for the fray, One with Joe Johnston, one with Robert Lee, Daring all odds their South beloved to free. They saw that desp'rate task before them lay, 180- Yet hopeful waited for the battle day. To swell their ranks came men from other posts ; For strongest hope of South were these two hosts. With them was one who on his wedding day From his young bride so fair had gone away 185 * General Edmund Kirby Smith was a native of Florida and a soldier from that State ; Major-Gen eral Sterling Price, born in Virginia, was a citizen and soldier of Missouri, as was also Brigadier-General Joseph O. Shelby, born in Ken- tucky ; Major-General John S. Marmaduke. born in Mis- souri, and a soldier of that State ; Brigadier-General William L. Cabell, a Virginian, commanding Texas and Arkansas troops, a citizen of Texas. t Captain James W. Cooke, of the Confederate navy. i Major-General Robert F, Hoke, of North Carolina. II Colonel XJlric Dahlgren, defeated and slain in a raid against Richmond. The Strife of Brothers. 115 In month of August eighteen sixty-two^ With heart inspired by love of country true, Going again to danger and to toil After year's service on Virginia's soil. Soon had that bride so brave been sorely tried, 190 For, as her bridegroom toiled up rugged side Of mountain steep in Eastern Tennessee, With frame from recent illness not quite free, Nor equal yet to effort of this kind And falling hence at ev'ry step behind, 195 Bushwhackers sprang upon him unaware And bore him off unto their mountain lair. Into despair the news plunged all at home^ Who fearful waited lest worse tidings come. They dreaded tender mercies of the men 200 From out whose hands few captives came again. Friends, who their dire forebodings could not hide. Increased the torture of the fond 3^oung bride, Who overheard them say, ''He must be dead," And from her soul all hope had nearly fled. 205 To calm the fears of mother and young wife And give to his own hope new lease of life, The father to the front now sped awa)^. Where cheering tidings came to him one day That bade his fainting soul again revive. 210 Yet hope and fear within him still did strive, Till, as one noon he sat in troubled mood. Before him one like apparition stood And to his gladdened ear the silence broke : ''Father !" Surprised up sprang the sire and spoke: 215 "As angel's face is yours to me, my son !" And clasped him in his arms. His mission done, He wired glad news to anxious ones at home. But the good tidings somehow failed to come And gloomy fears those sad hearts still oppressed, 220 Nor could their troubled minds from care find rest. While thus perturbed, one morn at sudden sound The young wife saw what made her glad heart bound : With father came her husband through the gate Sent home to loving arms by kindly fate. 225 Wlien soon with health renewed he sought his post, ii6 The Strife of Brothers. God still o'er many seemed to bless him most. For his command in short while sent by home Was there delayed for further word to come. Now six glad weeks speed by on rapid wing 230 Before the wires their marching orders bring. After year's service on the Georgia coast His orders bear him to Joe Johnston's host, Who with stout hearts in lines round Dalton stand, Resolved to do or die for native land. 235 Once more kind Providence had blessed his eyes With sight of those whom most his heart did prize, Father and mother and brave-hearted wife And infant boy, sweet bud of human life. But how felt they, when called again to part 240 'Mid sad forebodings to each loving heart ? Resolved was each all duties to perform, 'Mid cares of home or in the battle's storm. They trusted still with steadfast faith and love And through war's clouds looked up to God above. 245 But on the Georgia coast malaria's blight Had seized him with an iron grip so tight That it was hard to break ; and sharp attack Caused surgeons now to send him promptly back And place in hopital, that he might there 250 With strength renewed for hard campaign prepare. Quick to his side with infant sped his wife Whose love alway was bright star of his life. This so unlooked-for meeting gave new joy, Though thought of early parting brought alloy. 255 Ye who. dwell safely in these days of peace, That to our land have given sweet release. Can never know the mingled joy and pain Of those who only met to part again, Nor how for all, the greatest and the least, 260 The doubtful future haunted ev'ry feast. In a few. days the sharp attack was o'er. And to the front the soldier went once more. From that same point two trains each day would start, Whose times for leaving were short while apart ; 265 The eastward-bound sped to their home its way, The westward train bore soldiers to the fray. 1-4 > o W o pi > 50 Ii8 The Strife of Brothers. The power of words can hardly justice do, Where young hearts loved^ yet were to duty true. With kiss, in which aU pure emotions blent, 270 And trusting God, once more apart thev went ; On eastward train the soldier's child and wife, On westward he returned to battle's strife. Now, first, my Muse, the wondrous exploits tell Of those who in Fame's hall shall ever dwell ; 275 Lee and his paladins so truly grand. With soldiers proud to die for native land. With 'minished numbers and small hope for more Against invasion's tide they stoutly bore And 'gainst resources boundless bravely set 2S0 The scanty means remaining to them yet, Parried strong blows that rained without a pause And sought no omen but their country's cause. Their glory through the ages is secure And story of their deeds will aye endure. 285 When of Thermopylae the tale is told, 'Tis of Leonidas, the Spartan bold^ And his immortal few proud Fame doth boast And not of Xerxes and his mighty host; And so, when men the tale of Richmond tell, 290 Their highest throbs of admiration swell For those who fought to keep the Southland free. The noble men of peerless Robert Lee. With twofold odds Grant crossed the Rapidan, But Warren soon on Ewell's vanguard ran. 295 Then Sedgwick quickly came to Warren's aid, But on him A. P. Hill fierce onset made And Hancock,* who'd for Spottsylvania moved, Made quick return, since Lee too mighty proved For all the Fed'ral strength upon that field 300 And to their fiercest efforts did not yield. 'Mid tangled undergrowth and forest dense Lee's lines by gallant charge or stout defense Hurled back their foes, till darkest shades of night ■*"0f the officers here named the following were serving in the army of Grant: Major-Generals Gouverneur K. Warren, John Sedgwick and Winfield S. Hancock. The offi- cers here named serving in Lee's army were : Lieutenant- Generals Richard S. Ewell and Ambrose Powell Hill, both of Virginia. Ewell was born at Georgetown, District of Co- lumbia. The Strife of Brothers. 119 Stilled all the tumult of the desp'rate fight. 305 Hancock next early dawn swept Wilcox * back And with resistless might pressed his attack, Till Poague's artillery his onset stayed And Longtreet's corps its banners proud displayed, As with their well-closed ranks they pushed their way, _ 310 Like rolling billow, which no force could stay. As Gregg "'" leads Arkansas' and Texas' sons Past Lee upon his horse amid the guns. With ringing shouts that all the forest fill. They cheer "Marse Robert" with a hearty will. 315 But when to take the lead he forward spurred, Protesting cries from ev'ry throat were heard ; *'Lee to the rear! We will not forward go Unless Lee stay. Then we will charge the foe And drive them back, as we've ne'er failed to do." 320 Past him they swept and to their pledge were true ; For strength to keep their word was promptly lent. As with them in the headlong charge there went With Field * the men of Benning II and of Law,*^ And Bryan, Wofi'ord, Humphreys with Kershaw, 325 While Davis, Anderson, Mahone the might§ Of their brave soldiers added to the fight. Thus Longstreet launched our blow on Hancock's men, And to the Brock road rolled them back again. While Jenkins'i^ troops he brought to press the game, 330 Surcease of battle in this quarter came ; For Longstreet wounded fell, and near his side * Major-General Cadmos M. Wilcox, of North Carolina. t Brigadier-General John C. Gregg. X Major-General Charles W. Field, a Kentuckian. li Brigadier-General Henry L. Benning, of Georgia. ° Brigadier-General, afterwards Major-General, E . M. Law, a native of South Carolina, a citizen and soldier of Alabama. § Brigadier-Generals Goode Bryan and William T. Wofford, both of Georgia ; Benjamin G. Humphreys of Mississippi ; Major-General Joseph B. Kershaw, of South Carolina, and Brieadier-Generals Joseph R. Davis of Mississippi (nephew of President Davis) ; George T. Anderson, of Georgia, and William Mahone, of Virginia, soon afterwards promoted to Major-General. If Brigadier-General Micah Jenkins, of South Carolina. ,-iao The Strife of Brothers. The g^allant leader, Micah Jenkins, died. Just as the sun was sinking in the west, Bre evening shades had put the day to rest, 335 Another charge th' impetuous Gordon led With Johnson and with Evans ^" at the head Of North Carolinians and Georgians brave, O'er whom the starry cross was proud to wave. As with dread swoop on Sedgwick's corps they fell . 340 And with keen rifle's flash and rebel yell From out their works the startled Fed'rals swept. Then seizing many a pris'ner onward kept And to their lines in triumph proudly bore Two of Grant's chieftains, Shaler and Seymour. Since Grant at ev'ry point had been repelled, 345 He now from battle here his force withheld ; Then from the wilderness his army led^ For Spottsylvania turned his columns head And tried 'twixt Lee and Richmond thus to slip ; But found Lee just as hard to fool as whip. 350 For, as he neared the goal for which he tried, Across his path Lee all his power defied. Against this line Grant tried his might and skill And, when twelve days had passed, was baffled still. Though on two sep'rate days he made some gain, 355 Lee's prompt resen^es struck back with might and main. And saved each time what had at first seemed lost. For their brave deeds each host paid fearful cost. In brilliant charge upon the tenth of May Upton's* brave boys in blue had forced their way 360 O'er Doles' "i" outnumbered troops and pushed them back. But for support did Doles not long time lack. Near by was Gordon, " ever on th' alert + Brigadier-General Robert D. Johnson, of North Carohna, and Colonel Clement A. Evans, of Gisorgia, shortly after- wards promoted to brigadier-general. * Major-General Emory Upton, of the United States army. t Brigadier-General George P. Doles, of Georgia. II Brigadier-General John B. Gordon, of Georgia, a few days later promoted to major-general, and toward the close of the war made lieutenant-general. The Strife of Brothers. I2.i Success to press or peril to avert, And now upon the foe, like lightning flash, 365 His gallant boys he hurled in sudden dash And, as o'er Clement Evan's Georgians brave And Robert Johnson's Carolinians wave Victorious Southern banners floating high, Doles' noble boys joined their loud battle-cry, 370 To swell the note of triumph that arose As they won back their line from valiant foes. To add persuasion to the boys in blue And cause them backward move to still pursue. Doles with some volunteers helped man a gun, 375 Which added heavy weight to war's grim fun. But twelfth of May the strongest witness gave To valor of the men who died to save In either host the cause for which they fought And by their deeds Fame's lasting honors bought. 380 'Twas"'on that day just at the early dawn. While rain and mist were making dark the morn, When Hancock, "The Superb," by sudden stroke O'er Edward Johnson's brave division broke. Captured that chief with nearly all his men 385 And quick for other conquest moved again. Now past the salient they forged ahead, While to the right and left their flankers spread. 'I've used up Johnson and for Early go !" Was word to Grant from our exultant foe. 390 Early's division Gordon that day led, For of Hill's* corps was Early at the head. The fiery Georgian saw the ruin there And bade his chiefs for counter-charge prepare, Then Robert Johnson's men at once employed, 395 Who on the front of Hancock were deployed As skirmishers to move, in swift advance And stay the tide, thus making better chance. While Clement Evans struck such sudden blow, As brought to halt the onward moving foe. 400 Now on the front our matchless Lee appeared, Took off his hat, as Gordon's line he neared, Then took his post with view to lead them in *General A. P. Hill was at this time sick and Major-Gen- eral Jubal A. Early, shortly afterwards promoted to Lieu- tenant-General, commanded his corps, while John B. Gordon commanded Early's division. 122 The Strife of Brothers. And with them die or his lost ground to win. His purpose Gordon saw and hotly spurred 405 To his chief's side^ who now strong protest heard : "No ! General Lee ! This charge you must not lead ; Your country needs your life. 'Tis mine indeed To head my boys, who'll valiant prove and true And for you and their country all things do. 410 Virginians,'^ Carolinians, Georgians they, Who'll die right hef e or win you back the day." *Xee to the rear !" the soldiers all reply ; 'Xee to the rear !" all down the line they cry. With Gordon then in headlong charge they swept 415 And soon to Lee beloved their pledge had kept. Now Hancock's men James Lane"^ was holding back And Rodes sent Ramseur ^ to supply the lack 'Twixt Gordon and himself, while Perrin H grand With Alabamians hastes to lend a hand, 420 W^ho, as at all times, did their work full well, And vict'ry crowned brave Perrin, as he fell, W^hile Junius Daniel, North Carolina's son Fell leading onward, ere the line was won. Through fearful storm of lead next Harris § went 425 With Mississippians, and McGowan ^ lent With South Carolinians most timely aid, And all these gallant troops quite certain made The winning of the day. The angle, though, From outer side was fought for by the foe. 430 Save this one point the line had all been won ; Nor ceased the conflict here with setting sun. 'Mid this dire tumult, each with painful wound *These Virginians were commanded by Brigadier-General John Pegram, soon after promoted to major-general. tBrigadier-General James H. Lane, of North Carolina. 1:Major-General Eobert E. Ehodes, born in Virginia, but then of Alabama, and Brigadier-General Stephen D. Ram- seur, of North Carolina, later major-general. II Brigadier-General AbnerM. Perrin, born in South Caro- lina, a citizen and soldier of Alabama. §Brigadier-General Nathaniel H. Harris, of Mississippi. If Brigadier-General Samuel McGowan, of South Carolina. Jlie Strife of Brothers. 123 Hancock and Gibbon-^- left the battle-ground. Till long past midnight furious was the light, 435 Nor each could other drive with utmost might. Though right and left again and then again Grant pressed assault, his fury was all vain. Por R. H. Anderson II foiled Wrighf s ^ attack And Earlv's stalwart men drove Burnside back. 440 The •'Bloody Angle's" tale hath oft been told By heroes of both armies stout and bold And never until life's remotest day Will thev forget the horrors of that fray. Near Spottsylvania till eight days were o'er 445 Grant staid and made one mighty effort more; But his brave troops with fearful loss repelled Taught him how Robert Lee his firm lines held. Again he moved away by his left flank Nor halted, till he reached North Anna's bank ; 450 But found again, when to this point he came. That Lee had guessed and blocked once more his game. Again he tried and then again was foiled, And all his plans to vanquish Lee were spoiled. Though reinforcements aye kept full his ranks, 455 While Lee had not enough to fill war's blanks, Grant's strongest efforts had at ev'ry point In Dixie's armor failed to pierce a joint. To interpose 'twixt Richmond and our Lee All hope was lost, as Grant was forced to see, 460 When of his hard-fought "overland campaign," In flank moves baffled as on battle plain, Cold Harbor marked the dreary, dismal close With dire disaster to the Southland's foes. Nor was this full extent of his defeat. 4^5 His other armies at all points to meet Our valiant chiefs and soldiers had not failed, But o'er all combinations had prevailed. tMajor-Generals Winfield S. Hancock and John Gibbon of the Union army were both severely wounded in this fight at the Bloody Angles. Major-General John Sedgwick, of Grant's army, had been killed a few days before. IIMajor-General K. H. Anderson, of South Carolina, after- wards lieutenant-general. °Major-General Horatio Wright who succeeded Sedgwick. 124 The Strife of Brothers. Butler's* advance by Beauregard was sta3^ed, Who bottled him defeated and dismayed 470 And Petersburg and Richmond nobly saved, While in the valley young cadets had braved"^ With vet'ran comrades perils of the fight And shed their patriot blood for country's right. ' Flower of Southern youth, from coUeg-e hall - 475 Where once had dwelt and taught our great "Stonewall," They marched away with knightly courage bright, Those handsome youths, of many a home the light. When Breckinridge would hold them in reserve. Their claim, that they a better place deserve, 480- Obtains permission that they share the front With elders trained to breast the battle's brunt. And ne'er did boys upon the diamond play With lighter, happier spirits than had they. When in the headlong charge they forward went 485 'Gainst routed foes who, in confusion blent. Fled from the field, where youthful valor vied With that of bearded men in battle tried. And, as victorious Southern banners wave. None than the Institute's more proud and brave 490 Floated o'er truer hearts or nobler band Than those brave lads, the pride of Dixie's land. Ah ! lovely Shenandoah ! how rich thou art In all that thrills and stirs the patriot's heart ! By many a sacred drop though sanctified, 495 Distilled from hearts that for the Southland died, No holier blood in Freedom's battles shed Ever for home and bleeding country plead Than that of gen'rous youth that stained thy sod And from that crimsoned field appealed to God. 50a While Lee and Grant near Spottsylvania fought The priceless blood of noble Stuart bought Safety for Richmond from the dashing raid By Sheridan against that city made. Ne'er beat a truer heart, nor knightlier hand 505 E'er drew a blade for our fair Southern land, Which all disconsolate wept at the bier ^Major-General Benjamin F. Butler, of Massachusetts. tThese cadets were commanded by Colonel Scott Ship of the Virginia Military Institute. The Strife of Brothers. 125 Of her gay-hearted, Christian cavaher. Near the North Anna's stream no nobler hfe Went out amid the tumult of the strife, 510 Than that of Edward Willis loved so well By heroes in whose hearts his virtues dwell. Bethesda Church saw fall of gallant Doles In front with bravest of the noble souls, Who marched and dared all things with Robert Lee, 515 To keep their cherished South forever free. The valiant Philip Cook then took his place, Brave, like his fallen friend, the foe to face. He, when by painful wound kept from the field, Did not at home to well-earned leisure yield. 520 But served his State in legislative hall Till strength allowed return to battle's call. And now a space, my gentle Muse, employ To sing the praise of one brave Georgia boy. ' James Hilliard, who wore private's uniform, 525 Sore wounded fell in Spottsylvania's storm^ When Gordon's men had onward pushed their way To "Bloody Angle's" base on twelfth of May. Over him more than once the battle surged. In charge and counter-charge by heroes urged. 530 When after night the conflict ended here And near four hundred yards toward the rear A new line joined our works on left and right Making the salient useless for new fight, Left there alone with neither friend nor foe, 535 At first he knew not whither he should go. The noble lad, with in each hip a wound^ Found no one near to raise him from the ground. Though painful^ when he stirred, did each hurt prove. Himself he dragged, few inches at each move, 540 And persevered four hours till, wish achieved^ He found his friends and by them was relieved. Now borne away on stretcher to the rear, A noble-looking horseman, riding near, Frorn litter-bearers all this story heard, 545 His soul with admiration deeply stirred. Patting the cheek of that young beardless lad. With words of cheer he made his spirit glad; 126 The Strife of Brothers. '*My boy, you are a soldier brave and true. For country's cause such gallant things to do,'* 550^ How throbbed his heart with pride and joy to see, The one who praised him thus was Robert Lee! After Cold Harbor's strong, death-dealing blow. That brought Grant's plan for taking Richmond low, Lee from his lines bade Breckinridge to move 555 With men who to each task would faithful prove, Lynchburg to save from Hunter's vandal hand. With sword and torch then marching through the land. Next he detached his gallant second corps To add to Breckinridge some thousands more, 560 All these, by stalwart Jubal Early led, To rescue the fair city quickly sped. But Hunter waited not th' avenging hand Lifted to strike with might his plund'ring band. For more than sixty miles was pressed the chase 565 In Hunter's hasty flight and change of base. Then to the northward Early quickly turned With heroes whose proud hearts for great deeds burned. Barefoot though many were and none o'erfed They joyful marched where'er their chieftain led, 57a Their sight regaled by promise of the fields That prospect gave of future bounteous yields, And hearts made glad by glance from beauty's eyes ^ That greeted them with smiles of glad surprise, Recalling scenes of march two years before 575 With "Stonewall" in this same fair Shenandoah. Shoes soon received, they all in better plight And beckoned on by smile of Hope so bright, O'er the Potomac Sigel's army swept And into Maryland straight onward kept, 580 Lew Wallace on Monocacy's fair banks Had formed his line with strongly posted ranks. While Rickett's brave division, promptly sent From Grant's command, their stout assistance lent. Though they had marched full fourteen miles that day ; 585 Early^s brave men prepared to force their way. TJic Strife of Brothers. 127. McClernand's horsemen fell on FedVal flank While King's and Nelson's guns from western bank Poured in their fire and Ramseur in their front Pushed up with men long tried in battle's brunt. 590 Now in the dashing charge as Gordon led, His gallant steed by buUet wound fell dead. Like lightning flash was Gordon on his feet, With clarion voice cried "Forward!" and as fleet As startled deer the breaking Fed'rals fled, 595 While with their chief the gray line onward sped. Nor did they halt when Evans wounded fell, Leading in farthest front his boys so well, And Georgia's Sixty-first was not delayed Nor in its onward sweep a moment stayed, 600 When brave Van Valkenberg and John Lamar Died for the cause on foremost verge of war. In hot pursuit now Rhodes and Ramseur move, And ringing shouts the South's proud triumph prove. The North with bated breath looked anxious on 605 As Early forward marched to Washington. And what of Grant? Did he his plans give o'er? And Lee's strong lines decide to try no more ? Of sterner stufif the Northern chief was made. When Hunter first had marched, as timely aid 610 Grant sent bold Sheridan with troopers brave, While Lee sent Hampton, Gordonsville to save And all his railroad lines that northward led. Then rival horsemen to fierce conflict sped And at Trevilian Station battle waged, 615 Where 'gainst great odds Wade Hampton now engaged, And here with bravest in fierce battle-tide, McAllister and Whiteford Russel died. At first was Hampton forced his ground to yield, While Sheridan, when he had won the field, 620 Destruction's task with eager zeal began Thinking with ease to work his chieftain's plan. But Hampton reinforced, with strengthened line. Sees Fortune's smiles next day to him incline While Butler guards his left, Fitz Lee his right, 625 Each firmly holding in the stubborn fight, And, when the second day's brave work is o'er, 128 The Strife of Brothers. 'Gainst twofold odds his flags triumphant soar And Sheridan that night is on the run With three-fourths of his ordered task undone. 630 Grant at Cold Harbor saw all hope decline To fight the conflict out "upon this line" ; So leaving Lee on whose flag blazed the names Of triumphs new, he started for the James ; Then with strong force 'gainst Petersburg pressed hard; _ 635 But right is proved Lee's faith in Beauregard, Who anxiously^ yet stoutly, still holds fast Against assaults from dawn till night that last ; At first with odds against him eight to one, Decreased each day, till fourth day's setting sun 640 Sees Grant's great host at ev'ry point repelled' By lines of Petersburg so stoutly held. Commands that thus faced odds of eight to one Should wear Fame's wreath till Earth's last set- • ting sun — ■ Such deeds hath song or story rarely told 645 In recent years, or in the times of old — Archer's militia, Bearing's horsemen brave And guns of Sturdivant whose banners wave On foremost line, which all the nerve employs Of Twenty-sixth Virginia's veteran boys, 650 And Thirty-fourth and Forty-sixth as true And Georgia's Sixty-fourth, so prompt to do Whate'er their country bids, and Twenty-third Whose deeds the pride of South Carolina stirred ; All these led on by gallant Henry Wise 655 To desp'rate task, that utmost valor tries. Odds were diminished first by Hagood's men. By Alfred Colquitt's next, by Clingman's then And Gracie by forced march brought timely aid. While Pickett, Field, Kershaw most certain made 660 The holding of our line, till odds fourfold Recoiled before defense so firm and bold. While A. P. Hill now blocked the moves of Meade And rendered help wherever there was need. Wade Hampton's star again resplendent rose 665 O'er Kautz' and Wilson's rout and scattered foes. As Grant prepares new onset yet to make. Tidings of Early's march the Northland shake. The Strife of Brothers. 129 Causing him now aggression to forego And hasten troops to check bold Southern foe. 670 How dark to Northern hearts was this dread hour And how they trembled at the Southron's power! Nor breathed quite free on Early's prompt retreat, When stronger force from Grant about to meet, And, oh I what dire alarm again they felt 675 At sudden blow on Union forces dealt, When Crook o'er the Potomac fled amain And Southern troops on Northern soil again Through Maryland to Pennsylvania sped And filled each fearful soul with doubt and dread ! 680 And glad on Southern view Hope's bright smile beams As the proud starry cross in triumph streams O'er Pennsylvania's and Virginia's soil, While Grant's strong legions in defeat recoil At the dread Crater's most disastrous fight, 685 That smites with blasting stroke his boasted might ; W^hile down in Georgia Sherman, held at bay. Lacks for a time the strength to push his way And Wheeler keeps Hood's roads from raiders free And Forrest sweeps through western Tennessee. 690 w tn h- 1 c < w < w The Strife of Brothers. 131 BOOK VL Now O'er the South Invasion's Billows Roll. Valor and skill can not forever win 'Gainst growing odds without and want within, And vict'ries e'en, at cost of means and men, That in no way can be supplied again, Must end at last in bitter, dire defeat, 5 With naught from triumphs left but mem'ries sweet. So star of Southern hope from zenith high, Ere long was moving down the darkening sky. For, as the summer closed, Atlanta's fall Brought to our arms the direst blow of all 10 And blighted dawning hope for equal peace, That would with justice make war's horrors cease. Next in the Shenandoah come sad defeats. Though ev'ry ill our army bravely meets, And hope, hke blazing meteor, gleams once more, 15 When, ah ! so proudly Southern banners soar At Cedar Creek that bright October morn O'er. routed Fed'ral troops at early da^vn. Alas, for fatal halt so many hours, Till beaten foes could rally all their powers 20 And gather their great odds in whelming might 1 o chill new hope with sad disaster's blight ! But Early, whom misfortune could not daunt. Did yet at Sheridan his banners flaunt Next month on north of Cedar Creek two days, 25 While late triumphant chief in camp delays. Nor sallies forth to strike another blow At his twice vanquished, yet still fearless foe. When eighteen sixty-four to end now came, Lee's gallant host of ever glorious name 30 Still held Virginia stoutly in its clasp, , Nor from o'erwhelming ocids relaxed its grasp. 132 The Strife of Brothers. Ah ! could Joe Johnston thus have held his own, Or forlorn hope with gallant Hood have shown Success the like of this defense so grand, 35 Proud triumph might have crowned the Southern land. Yet blame for these grand chiefs there should not be; CjO'd to our cause gave but one Robert Lee. Atlanta's siege and all the stern array Of armies marshaled for the dreadful fray, 40 When North and South in bitter conflict met And Georgia's soil with patriot blood was wet, Be now the theme of my advent'rous song: Assist, kind Muse, their valor to prolong. For full three years embattled hosts had fought, 45 Complete success with toil and blood had sought. But fickle fortune did her smiles bestow On one brave host, then on its gallant foe. When gloomy winter days have passed away. And sweetly bloom the flowers of lovely May, 50 From winter quarters all the soldiers come. Aroused by notes of bugle, fife and drum. ''Union!" the sturdy Northman's battle cry; "State Rights !" the fiery Southron's bold reply. These rival shouts had often brought to light 55 As gallant deeds as e'er were seen in fight. And now in deadly grapple once again Shall close these armies of heroic men. Under Joe Johnston's skillful guiding hand . Confed'rates hoped to firmly hold their land, 60 To rival Chickamauga's glorious fame, And thus of Mission Ridge blot out the name That caused the Fed'ral heart to throb with pride. And hope for certain triumph to its side. Around fair Dalton form the hostile lines ; '^ 65 Valor with hope and patriot zeal combines To stir each host to great and gallant deeds. Against Dug Gap his Fed'rals Gearv leads ; Reynolds and Grigsby force them back again, And the Confed'rate yell wakes hill and plain, 70 Pive times repeated, as the ground they held, *The Georgia campaign began on the same day that Grant began his overland campaign May 5, 1864. The Strife of Brothers. 133 And fierce assaults at Rocky Face repelled. At Mill Creek Bate and Stewart barred the way, Cantey was at Resaca, there to stay, Nor to McPherson's bold advance gave back, 75 While Johnston hastily supplied his lack. With Hindman ready for the fiercest fray. And Cleburne's men who always won the day, And Walker who so bravely ever stood, All under orders of the gallant Hood. 80 Around Resaca now the armies formed. And for two days the furious combat stormed. Thoug'h firmly here Joe Johnston held his ground. Another force brave Wheeler's horsemen found Moving to south and west, their lines to turn ; 85 And, though the Southern soldiers' hearts all burn To try the issue on one well-fought field. Their leader deems it best this point to yield And make his move to Sherman's correspond. Near Cassville next his expectation fond 90 To bring his foe to battle as he willed Joe Johnston thought about to be fulfilled. His orders set the soldiers' hearts aflame ; They greet the promised fight with loud acclaim ; For weary of the deadly skirmish line, 95 To end the campaign now their souls incline. O lovely day! with nature's face so fair. While scent of clover-blossoms filled the air ; The dew-drops glistened on the grass-clad hills. And at their feet flowed gently murm'ring rills. 100 Ah ! peaceful scene ! How sad to think ere night On manly forms should darkly fall death's blight ! O, never can my heart that day forget. When noble Tegare HilP^ his death-stroke met; One moment blooming in young manhood's pride, 105 The next one dead, his sorrowing friends beside. Two comrades bore him to a humble cot; The Union marksmen saw, but harmed them not. Before the door they gently laid the dead, Then smoothed the curly locks about his head no And on his jacket pinned the hero's name, Hoping that gen'rous foes would see the same, *Son of Hon. Joshua Hill, of Madison, Ga. ;I34 The Strife of Brothers. And to their friend a fitting burial give. And this they did ; ah ; det the story Hve ! The foemen placed a head-board at the mound, 115 And on it carved the name which they had found. That day in skirmishing was wholly spent ; At night our chieftains to a council went. Councils of war, they say do never fight, And so this time it proved; for ere daylight 120 Had come, we all were on our weary way, And crossed the Etowah that very day. From Dallas to the railroad next extend The long Confed'rate lines, where now we spend The time in fight and marches to and fro, 125 Wherever we are called to meet the foe. No gen'ral battle on these lines occurred, Yet day and night the crash of arms was heard. The musket's rattle and the cannon's roar, And shouts of skirmishers, as evermore 130 These wooded dales and rugged hills among Was song of shells and whistling minies sung. At salient points fierce combats often raged. But never at all points was battle waged. At New Hope Church Joe Hooker tried his hand, 135 But was repelled by Stewart's gallant band. While cannon's roar and thunder mingled came With lightning's flash and musket's sheet of flame. At Pickett's Mill next Howard tried to pierce The valiant Southern line, but found too fierce 140 The fire of Cleburne's firm and steady van, Kelly, Granbury, Bancum and Govan, And Lowrey's men who joined them in the fray. All fighting bravely, till they gained the day. At Dallas, Bate McPherson's men assailed, 145 But to break through the Union lines he failed. Though braver conflict ne'er was waged than then By Tyler's, Lewis's and Finley's men. And now in digging, marching and in fight, From early dawn until the dewy night, 150 Wrestled the struggling hosts from left to right. Decisive triumph neither side could win, And each new day saw strife anew begin. Pine Mountain witnessed fall of valiant Polk, Who, when the South's first call her sons awoke 155 The, Strife of Brothers. 135 To war, his armor buckled promptly on. Through dangers many he thus far had gone, And oft escaped unscathed; but now, alas! Death smote our brave, our loved Leonidas. Of the sad war how great had been the cost ! 160 What matchless heroes had our -Squthland lost ! . ; First Albert Sidney Johnston, far the best Of all our gallant leaders of the West ; Ihen peerless Stonewall, bulwark of our host, Virginia's pride and 'all the Southland's boast; 165 And knightly Stuart, whose bright gleaming blade Had oft a path through thronging foemen made. How did we mourn these mig^hty leaders dead. For whose dear lives so many prayers had plead ! And now another of the highest rank 170 In list of chieftains one more fatal blank Had left ; and more we'd lost of high renown, Whose deeds in thrilling story have come down ; And countless heroes, of whom not a name Has been recorded on the scroll of fame, 175 Whose death as sadly made fond loved ones mourn, And rendered many a happy home forlorn. Twin Kennesaw, from whose high peaks unfold Vistas as fair as one can oft behold, Next saw the armies round its sides and base, 180 The battle's dreadful storm prepared to face. In front and on each flank through hill and dale strong lines of skirmishers their foes assail, While frequent roar of furious cannonade With din of small arms warlike concert made. 185 Hood's men are charged bv Hooker and Schofleld, But Stevenson and Hindman do not yield, And charging now in turn they also fail Over their gallant foenien to prevail. ^One morn, the twenty-seventh day of June, 190 All nature's voices seemed to be in tune. As woodland songsters joined in sweetest lays Warbling so joyously their notes of praise, ;Into this peaceful scene fell Discord came With fierce Bellona's all devouring flame. 195 For Sherman's armies in one vast array Marshaled to try the issue of the day, 136 The Strife of Brothers. And by one mighty effort put to rout The Southern Hnes so steady, bold and stout. Artill'ry shakes the ground with awful crash, 200 And through the air the shells like meteors flash, While from the Union ranks huzzas are heard : But louder yeb was valor's cry that stirred Each Southern heart to most heroic deed And made it strong to follow duty's lead. 205 Brave Logan, strongly helped by Blair and Dodge, Upon the mountain tried a force to lodge ; But Featherston their onset did repel, And seven regimental leaders fell. A furious charge on French's lines was made, 210 But Cackrell's troops with deadly fusillade Drove their assailants shattered, bleeding back. And followed them with fire that did not slack. Through Walker's skirmishers, front, left and right ih' assaulting columns with resistless might, 215 Like that with which the waves on breakers dash, t orce their quick way ; but then at once the clash Of ringing bayonets and swords is heard, Wielded by Georgia's gallant Sixty-third, And butts of muskets freely used and well, 220 While from old Kennesaw the battle yell Swelled on the air to cheer the little band, That onward rushed to stay the foemen's hand. ''On, Oglethorpes !"* McLaughlin loudly cried ; With heartv shouts the gallant boys replied , 225 And seized again the rifle pits, and fought As vaHant men for home and country ought. But for few moments only could they stay The whelming mass that onward pushed its way. With heavy loss the Southerners retire ; 230 But French from Kennesaw now opens fire *The writer's own company, from Augusta, Ga., attached to the Sixty-third Georgia, the largest company in the regiment, half of whom were on the skirmish line that day under two gallant lieutenants, Blanchard and3IcLaughlin. The captain, Wilberforce Daniel, and Orderly Sergeant (afterwards Lieutenant) Walter Clark, as brave officers as ever drew swords, were with the other half of the company on the line of battle. Nearly fifty per cent, of the half on the skirmish line that day were killed, wounded or cap- tured. A former captain, Louis Piquet, had lost his leg near New Hope church. The Strife of Brothers. 137 Upon the onward moving lines of blue, While Allen' and his skirmishes so true, Upon the hill-crest rally and renew Their fire, which, aided now by French's guns, 235 Turns back the onset of the Northland's sons. But through the rolling country south and west, Cleburne's and Cheatham's men, among the best Of all the Southern army, held their own, And thick the ground in front with slam had strown. 240 The leaves caught fire, and flames were on the way To wounded foemen on the ground that lay. Brave Southern men with gentle pity stirred, With shout that was above the battle heard. Gave to the foe a truce their men to save.* 245 How well such chivalry befits the brave ! The battle now was o'er, and Sherman's men To break Joe Johnston's lines had failed again; For bravelv led by Hardee, Uoring, Hood, Firm as a rock the Southern ''boys" had stood. 250 A sad remembrance of that stirring day Comes to me now and checks my martial lay. No better man than gallant George Pournelle E'er for his native country fought and fell. Whether he died upon that bloody field, 255 Or did in prison his brave spirit yi'eld. None ever knew. But long his faithful wife Hoped for his safe return, who was her life. Just four years later to the very day, Upon her dying couch that fond wife lay. 260 Her wand'ring thoughts first turned unto her boy, Of her sad heart the only hope and joy. ''Come, George, my son, and say your evening prayer, tJ. V.H.Allen, major of the Sixty-third Georgia, com- manding Walker's skirmishers on that day. *Lieutenant-Oolonel Wm. H. Martin, seeing that the Union soldiers did not understand, raised a white handker- chief upon a stick as a flag of truce and informed the Fed- eral soldiers that they could rescue their wounded. The Confederates leaped over their breastworks and assisted the Union soldiers in their work. A Federal officer, struck with this magnanimous deed, presented Colonel Martin with his own splendid brace of pistols. 1.3:8 The Strife of Brothers. Kneel down, my darling, right beside me — there ! Say sweetly : 'Now I lay me down to sleep, 265 Say on : 'I pray thee, Lord, my soul to keep.' " Then quick her thoughts unto another turned, And in her glazing eye a faint light burned. "A band of soldiers on the hill I see, Yes ! George, my love ! I'm coming now to thee !" 270 These the last words that on this earth she spoke, And in our hearts, who heard, assurance woke, That she in heaven had surely met her love In the bright fields of joy and peace above. At Kennesaw had Sherman badly failed 275 With loss four times that of the men assailed. But a new plan his fertile brain conceived. Which his great loss to great extent retrieved ; He held his front with force more strong than those Who firmly stood his onward march t' oppose ; 280 Then sent another round the left to go, And thus outflank his brave and wary foe. Sherman had thought that, should his plain suc- ceed, Full many a pris'ner he would captive lead. And that our guns on Kennesaw's steep slope 285 Would then be lost to us beyond all hope. But Johnston's men upon the mountain staid Till ev'ry gun was down its side conveyed, And skillfully maneuv'ring backward moved, And for their cunning foe too wary proved. 290 Though Sherman tried to press on front and flank^ Johnston at leisure reached the river's bank, Then o'er the Chattahoochee safely crossed, With not a gun, not e'en a wagon lost. Wondrous retreat! In not a single fight 295 Had Johnston's forces e'er been put to flight, But in each battle stoutly had repelled Superior numbers and their lines had held. And when some flanking movement caused retreat. With ready courage they the foe would meet, 300 And steady front with blazing line of fire That forced unwilling halt; then slow retire. But 'twas retreat and not what they had thought Would happen, where and whensoe'er they fought. And yet Joe Johnston trusting, they were sure 305 He soon would vict'rv for their arms secure. The Strife of Brothers. I39 Thev were as ever ready for the fight, ' Ancf still they felt their chief would manage rig:ht. Not so at Richmond : for there was a fear That the Gate City's certain fall was near. 310 Another leader 'twas resolved to try, At once to set the skillful Johnston by, And in his place to put the dashing Hood, Who stoutly, firmly swore he never would One foot more yield without a manly fight 315 To hold the land that was our own by right. About the merits of these chieftains we Unanimous in all things ne'er can be. But on this point must ev'ry man agree : Kach hero was a true and valiant knight, 320 Who fought his very best for country's right. Atlanta's fall would open wide the gate. Through which his armies marching, strong and great, Sherman could lead, with devastating blight. To sweep the land and o'er it spread the night 325 Of utter ruin, as he marked his path By light of burning homes and cut a swath Through ravaged fields and devastated lands, Whose helpless people, robbed by "bummer" bands. Might all be left to starve for aught he cared. 330 This to prevent our crippled hero dared* To try the boldest methods, as he must, Or see Atlanta buried in the dust Of sad destruction, while her mournful fall Should bring dark ruin on the hopes of all. 335 Desp'rate the task before our men that lay To keep the thronging hosts of foes at bay. Whom not our mountain strongholds had kept back. Would they now in the lower lands find lack Of means to force again their onward way? 340 Ah ! could we now the stronger army stay ? That was the question Hood was forced to meet. Farther retreat, he thought, meant sure defeat ; So whether Sherman flanked to left or right, * Hood had been disabled in one arm at Gettysburg, and had lost a leg at Chickamauga. 140 The Strife of Brothers. He was resolved to strike with all his might. 345 At Peachtree Creek a heavy blow was dealt; Hardee and Stewart made their presence felt . In charging masses that at points broke through The hostile works ; but as the billows do, When up the beach they move with sudden rush, 350 And ev'rything before them swiftly brush, Then refluent roll; th' assailants thus again By guns of Thomas forced with loss of men Recoil ; and ere the charge can be renewed. Or other needed measures be pursued, 355 Pat Cleburne must be sent to brace the right. Where Wheeler waged a bold and desp'rate fight. The right was saved, and farther charge forbid. And dark'ning night the fierce combatants hid. Thus forcing peace until the dawn of day. 360 Sherman was moving still in his old way. Hoping, that if in fight he could not rout The Southern soldiers, he could turn them out And seize his prize. But dauntless Hood was there, And bade his leaders once again prepare 365 To hurl their columns with resistless might Against the Union flankers on his right. July the twenty-second was the day, That brought the rival armies to the fray. That fiercest proved of all the long campaign. 370 Hardee and Wheeler stuck their left amain, While Cheatham charged and stoutly pressed the fi^ht, ^ And Smith's State troops toward the Union right. And Stewart's valiant men, so strong and bold. All bravely fought like gallant knights of old. 2)7S McPherson fell upon the Union side. And Walker's blood the soil of Georgia dyed,"^' Each one a hero and a patriot, too. Doing the very best than man can do. For What with all his soul he deemed the right. 380 And now into the thickest of the fight Pat Cleburne led his own and Walker's men, Who made the echoing forests ring again With what the Yankees called the ''rebel yell" ; ^General Wm. H. T. Walker, of Georgia. TJic Strife of Brothers. 141 And louder that inspiring cry arose, 385 As Cheatham charged ri^ht down upon his foes. Then Manigault with Irwin Walker true, Led their strong men against the lines of blue, And L. P. Thomas, from Stovall's command, With the stout foemen grappled hand to hand. 390 Both these brigades broke through and captured guns. Driving from out their works the Northland's sons. The battle raged and many a man went down, But none more valiant than was John M. Brown ; Albert and Evan Howell bravely too 395 Led to the fight their stalwart men so true. But Logan brought fresh masses to the field. And tried to force the Southern line to yield. Furious the fight, and men were falling fast; Against o'erwhelming force no strength could last ; 400 Slowly at length the Southern line goes back. The Union men retake their works, but lack The needed strength to farther press the fight. Hardee still firmly held upon his right Part of the works assailed, and proudly bore 405 Eight captured guns as trophies, while five more W^ere Cheatham's prize, whose valiant men delight To talk e'en now about their gallant fight. Each side claimed vict'ry on this well-fought day; But Sherman flanked no more toward that way. 410 The next week over on the other side At Ezra church, the game of war was tried. And here again led on by Stephen Lee Was shown a valor one can seldom see. Time fails me all the gallant deeds to tell 415 *Of Wheeler, Kelly, Jackson and Dibrell, Of Martin, Armstrong, Iverson and Ross, Who faltered not to count the gain or loss, ^Lieutenant-General Joseph Wheeler commanded a mag- nificent corps of cavalry, the brigade and division com- manders of which are here named. During the deadlock around Atlanta they gained two magnificent victories over Sherman's cavalry defeating the expeditions of McOook and Stoneman with a loss to the enemy of nearly three thousand men. They also scored many other successes of les^note. 142 The Strife of Brothers. But to their country gave its utmost dues ; Of Roddy, Av'ry, Ferguson and Crews, 420 And Ashby, like Virginia kinsman, brave And Prather in the front where banners wave, Who, with their vahant men so strong and bold, As firm as any gallant knights of old. Oft showed what Southern boys would gladly do, 425 Impelled by love of country strong and true. And equal praise is Hume's or Allen's meed, Or Anderson's or Grigsby's, who in need, With Harrison and Hannon were on hand. To meet and scatter ev'ry raiding band. 43a How many a vict'ry by these horsemen won Cheered the brave men who, toiling in the sun And dust and dirt, behind the trenches lay. Striving to keep their thronging foes at bay. How gladly would we mention all that led, 435 And all who fought or for their country bled. The batt'ries too; without their timely aid No long defence could ever have been made. So numerous they, that we can only name Their chief in every corps, whose happy fame 440 By leading such brave men was made secure; Melanchthon Smith's and Beckham's names en- - dure, And Hallpnquist and Williams well we know, And Robertson and Hamilton, not slow To meet each movement of their active foe ; 445 And over all was Shoup^ whose timely aid Was always ready when some move was made. To him and Presstman much the army owed. And high esteem for them the chieftains showed. And oft good news from other quarters came, 450 Where the dread 'Wizard of the Saddle's""^ name ^ Struck terror deep into the foemen's soul. While the fierce battle-cry did upward roll As his gray columns with resistless might Swept all before them in disastrous plight 455. And utter rout, when in confusion blent, Horsemen and footmen, guns and wagons went In headlong haste to find a safe retreat From gleaming blades they dared not wait to meet, ^General N. B. Forrest. The Strife of Brothers. i,43- The while that Forrest kept his border free 460 In Mississippi and in Tennessee. And from Virginia's proud, illustrious land, Where matchless Lee led matchless hero band Whose hearts 'mid greatest perils never quailed, Nor 'gainst most fearful odds had ever failed 465 To keep the Southern banner floating high Under the Old Dominion's glorious sky, Came cheering news, as field on field was won By deeds than which no braver e'er were done, As Lee kept stubborn Grant so long at bay, 470 And 'gainst most desp'rate efforts won the day, While northward a swift thunderbolt he launched, That, as it sped, his foemen's faces blanched With dreadful fear lest their own capital Were destined 'neath these sturdy blows to fall. 475 Atlanta's brave defenders' hearts were stirred To emulate these deeds, of which they heard, And filled with high resolve they did their best, The vict'ry from persistent foes to wrest. In August sadly our good city fared ; 480 Children, old men and gentle women shared The dangers of the soldiers in the front. Who of long weary battles bore the brunt. For Sherman's shells were falling thick and fast With iron hail, that for a month did last. 485 'Twas very sad, yet passing strange to see How from the hail of shells secur^ to be Their little forts they built beneath the ground. And oft' both night and day a refuge found. Yet not one word of yielding e'er was heard 490 From those brave hearts by love of country stirred. At last our hard-beleagured city fell. But not by storming hosts, nor rain of shell; Lines of supply were cut on ev'ry hand, And nothing more was left to Hood's brave band 495 Than safe retreat. Though shattered^ beaten not, He marched to try on other fields his lot. Of the destruction that befell the town, And how in utter ruin it went down, Alas ! alas ! how dreadful 'tis to tell ! 500 We all remember the sad stor3^well. First, by the Northern Chieftain's stern detree, 144 ^'^^ Strife of Brothers. Its people from their homes were forced to flee ; Then next, the torch was ruthlessly applied, And, while the exiles' hopes in sorrow died 505 As the red conflagration mounted high, There floated upward to the glowing sky Gay martial strains, that mocked at brothers' woes And showed how hardened were the hearts of those Who could forget, how once for Freedom's land 510 At Fort McHenry stood a hero band Whose triumph to a nation's song gave birth, Full of sweet promise to th' oppressed of earth, Breathing a holy prayer for all who stand Between war's terrors and their native land. 515 A short while northward Hood with his brave men Had by flank march drawn Sherman back again. And on one autumn morn hope brightly beamed, When French's gallant banners proudly streamed 520 O'er Allatoona's field so nearly won. But, ere his well-planned work is fully done, French must retire before th' approaching host, That brings relief to nearly vanquished post. Once more in hope the falling cause to save. In Tennessee the blue cross banners wave. 525 But tell me not of Franklin's bloody day, Where Cleburne died, while thickly round him lay The valiant men whom he so oft had led. Where patriots for home and country bled. And with this gallant "Stonewall of the West" 530 So many of the bravest and the best Of the great leaders of that noble host Died for the land their spirits cherished most. No more Granbury's* gleaming blade shall flash. Nor Adams"*" 'gainst the foeman's breastworks dash, 535 Nor Gist^ ride down his line so firm and strong, "-•-Brigadier-General Hiram B. Granbury, leader of the famous Texas brigade. tBrigadier-General John Adams, of Tennessee, who fell mortally wounded, as he rode his horse across the enemy's works. iBrigadier-General States Rights Gist, of South Carolina, who died at the head of his advancing men, just after riding down his line and cheering them on. The Strife of Brothers. 145 IN'or Strahl§ cheer on the men he led so long, >Tor Carter 1 1 strive from hostile grasp to free His well-beloved, his noble Tennessee. Now from my sight hide Nashville's fatal field, _540 Where broken were the Southland's spear and shield. . Army of Tennessee ! though smitten sore, In triumph did thy banners wave once more For one short brilliant hour at Bentonville, And once again did hope thy bosom thrill. 545 But ere the well-earned victory was scored, Fresh troops the foemen's wav'ring lines restored. Then tidings sad from Lee's brave army came, How Pickett and his men of glorious fame At Five Forks failed^ though gallant was their fight, 550 Where W. H. F. Lee for country's right, A noble son of noble father, led Bold horsemen, true iS e'er for vict'ry bled. And sad the tidings ^re of A. P. Hill, Whose spirit took ii aght 'mid war-cry's thrill, 555 And whose last ga? . the starry cross beholds. As stream o'er batt. -line its waving folds. Then soon, ah ! soo , there came the mournful fall, And Appomattox was the end of all ! ^ Our fondest hope, went down in dark'ning shades, 560 Illumed an instant by the flashing blades Of Gordon,''^ Evans and of J^itzhugh Lee, Leading the headlong charge so grand to see, Which graced the parting of that Spartan band Who fought with Robert Lee for Dixie's land. 565 The cause so dear to Southern hearts was lost ! And yet, though terrible had been the cost, The South's brave sens had won undying fame, And crowned with glory the Confederate name. § Brigadier-General Of 10 French Strahl, of Tennessee, who was shot down inside th 3 enemy's outer works and close to their last line. II Brigadier-General John Carter, of Tennessee, who fell mortally wounded near the enemy's works. *John B. Gordon and Olemant A. Evans, of Georgia, and IFitzhugh Lee, of Virginia. GI.ORIA ViCTlS. Baltimore Monument — To the Confederate Soldiers and Sailor®; of Maryland. The Strife of Brothers. 147 BOOK VII. The Battle-Storms are Hushed, the Banner^s Furled* When battle-storms were hushed and banners furled And light of peace beamed o'er the western world, The fates of war, less stern than they then seemed, Nor wholly cruel, as we one time deemed. Bade for the Union palms of victory wave 5; And to the vanquished wreaths of glory gave. When marched down Pennsylvania avenue Sherman's and Grant's arrays in proud review, No juster or more long-enduring pride Could in their glad, exultant hearts abide, la Than that, which failed not comfort sweet to bring To all Confederate breasts and drew the sting From sad defeat, as homeward now they came With all things lost, except an honored name. They knew their record all the world would see 15, And prouder felt to share defeat with Lee, Than victor's wreath with noblest chief of all That answered to the haughty North's roll-call. So felt they then ; yet more, so feel they now, When Fame with glory crowns the South's fair brow. 20 How does each Southern heart with rapture thrill And what emotions each proud bosom fill. As tale of triumphs o'er great odds we read And of them all can find nO' prouder deed, Than when with right arm Lee held back Grant's clasp 2$ That Petersburg and Richmond sought to grasp. While with his left he northward launched a blow That struck dismay into his mighty foe, And thus for months held proud Virginia's land 'Gainst thronging hosts that swarmed on ev'ry hand. 3^ 148 ^/?