COL. GEORGE WASHINGTON FLOWERS 
 MEMORIAL COLLECTION 
 
 DUKE UNIVERSI-n' LIBRARY 
 DURHAM, N C 
 
 PRESENTfO BY 
 
 W. W. FLOWLRS 
 
WAR: 
 
 A POEM, AVITH COPIOUS NOTES, 
 
 FOUNDED m THE REVOLUTIO.^ OF 186M2, 
 
 (UP TO THE BlTTLES BEFORE RICHMOND. INCLUSIVE,) 
 
 'V 
 
 BY 
 
 JOHN H. HEWITT. 
 
 -In a moment, look to see 
 
 The blind and bloody soldier with foul hand 
 
 Defile the locks of your shrill-shrieking daughter ; 
 
 Your fathers taken by their silver beards, 
 
 And their most reverend heads clash'd to the wall ; 
 
 Your naked infants spitted upon pikes ; 
 
 Whiles the mad mothers with their howls confused 
 
 Do break the clouds. — Shakspeare — Henri/ V. 
 
 Mark where his carnage and his conquest cease ; 
 He makes a solitude, and calls it — peace ! 
 
 Byronh Bride of Abydos. 
 
 RICHMOND, VA.: 
 
 PUBLISHED BY ^VEST & JOHNSTON, 
 
 NO. 145 MAIN STREET. 
 
 1862. 
 
R. W. QIBBES, PRINTER, COLUMBIA, 8. C. 
 

 
 
 ' ^/ - > • 
 
 DEDICATION. 
 
 To James Barron Hope, Esq. 
 
 Dear Friend: Please excuse the liberty I take in dedicating to you 
 the following hastily written poem, which I dare not dignify with the 
 title of epic. The remembrance of past hours, of pleasant associations, 
 the many kindly favors which I acknowledge at your hands'; and more 
 particularly my admiration for your shining merits as a scholar, a 
 patriot and a gentleman, have induced me to inscribe these pages to 
 you. 
 
 You will find, on perusal, much to condemn as bordering on the 
 doggerel — but you must be aware that when a poet is bound down to 
 facts, he is compelled to throw the ideal aside ; at least, I have found 
 it so in attempting to chronicle the events of the war in rhyme. 
 
 Yours ever, 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
 1 
 
 26S468 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 The election of a sectional President, and one, too, an acknowledged 
 enemy to the institutions of the South, in 18G1, fired that portion of 
 the happiest and most glorious nation in the world with indignation. 
 The conservative element of both sections looked on aghast — they had 
 'been defeated in their endeavors to ward off the appending storm, and 
 a majority of the electoral vote proclaimed Abraham Lincoln, the 
 Abolitionist candidate, President elect of the United States of America. 
 
 South Carolina was the first State to deny the authority of a purely 
 sectional chief executive ; she raised the banner of "rebellion," and was 
 followed by the rest of the cotton States, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, 
 Mississippi, Texas and Florida; the border States, Delaware, Maryland, 
 Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri and Arkan- 
 sas, remaining in statu q^to. 
 
 During the interim between the election and inauguration of Lincoln, 
 the seyen cotton States prepared to resist the threatened coercion of 
 the United States. They armed themselves and seized the forts, arse- 
 nals, armories, ships, war materials, &c., of the Federal Government, 
 and secured themselves against invasion. Troops were mustered into 
 service and instructed in camp duty, and Ihe youth of the city and the 
 rural district rushed to the standard of the Southern Confederacy. 
 
 Major 11. Anderson, the commandant of the forts in Charleston 
 harbor, was summoned to surrender the property under his charge. He 
 at the time occupied Fort Moultrie. Assuming acquiescence to the 
 demand, he put the " rebels " off their guarcJ", and suddenly changed 
 his quarters to Fort Sumter, a new and strong work in the centre of 
 the harbor. This act of duplicity greatly exasperated the people, and 
 a determitfed siege was commenced. Thousands of troops were called 
 to Charleston ; strong batteries were constructed on every available 
 point around the stronghold of the Federalists, and all intercourse with 
 tilt! main land or sea cut off. This fort remained in a beleaguered state 
 until the 13th of April. 
 
 Tn the meanwhile the Southerners had takcn»possession of many of 
 the military works on the coast of Florida. Fort Pickens resisted, and 
 was besieged in a likt; manner as Fort Sumter. It was reinforced by 
 
 262^68 
 
vi INTRODUCTION. 
 
 the Federal riovcrnmcnt on the 11th of April, and also protected by 
 a large naval force. 
 
 On the 4th of March Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated President 
 of the United States. His address on that occasion, defining his posi- 
 tion, was considered, even by the moderate men, as equivalent to a 
 declaration of war against the South, lie 'denied the right of States 
 to govern themselves; urged that the United States was the Govern- 
 ment, and that independent sovereignty was a mere myth. These 
 doctrines were, of course, scouted by the South, and the war fever 
 becanio more intense. 
 
 The border States, in the meanwhile, endeavored to allay the rising* 
 storm. Virginia had called a State Uonvcntion ; plans were proposed 
 by the leading men of the border States; some of the conservative 
 men even of the seceded States threw themselves into the breach, and 
 suggested conciliatory plans. Commissioners were sent from Richmond 
 to Washington to propose plans of settlement — a Peace Congress 
 assembled at the latter place, and wise and grey-headed men implored 
 the Executive and his advisers to act with moderation and listen to the 
 just and honorable claims of an oppressed people. It was uU in vain;' 
 fanaticism ruled the councils of the dominant party, and the institutions 
 of the South must be crushed out, it mattered not what the cost might 
 be. 
 
 The Confederate (!ovcrnment sent to Washington Commissioners to 
 negotiate with the United States Government, and to settle, if possible, 
 the points at Issue. These Oominissioners were detained day after day, 
 and ultimately received their dismissal without accomplishing anything. 
 ]Jy this delay the Cabinet gained time — their jilans, though hurried, 
 were carried out, and war, with all its accompanying horrors, was 
 determined upon. The Commi.ssioners were induced to believe that 
 Forts Sumter and Pickens would be surrendered to their rightful 
 owners without resort to powder and ball, but the policy acted upon by 
 the Federal Cabinet was based upon deceit and villainy, if men are to 
 believe the exposures wliich were subsoqueritly given to the world. 
 One of these exposures was the inhuman determination of the Federal 
 Cabinet to sacrifice Anderson and his men, in order that the North 
 might be fully aroused to the necessity of pushing the unnatural war to 
 a bloody extreme. 
 
 . The Commissioncrs^eturncd ; and on the 12th of April the South 
 Carolina batteries under command of Gen. Beauregard opened on Fort 
 Sumter, and a bloody and protracted war was inaugurated. 
 
CANTO I. 
 
 A sullen murmur, like the moan of waves 
 Tftat circle round old Ocean's hidden caves, 
 Comes on the feverish air*; now louder still 
 The sound swells out o'er valley and o'er hill, 
 Until it falls, like thunder on the ear — 
 Stirs the proud soul and strikes the churl with fear. 
 
 On, in his barb'd and fiery-steeded car, 
 With Death and Rapine, rushes angry War, 
 Flaunting his blood-red banner in the wind, 
 And laughing at the crush'd hearts left behind. 
 The vulture soars above his reeking track, 
 And lightning shafts are flashing at his back ; 
 While from his car-wheels issue thunder tones 
 That blend with shrieks and dying warrior's groans. 
 He calls on man to slay his fellow man, 
 
 And points to glorj^ as his rich reward ; 
 Laurels that flourish in the bloody van^ 
 
 Reap'd by the strong arm and the weeping sword. 
 Then up, ye sleepers ! — 't is the loud decree. 
 Repel the foe — or live in ignomy: 
 Famine and fire — the bayonet — the ball 
 Must be withstood; obey your country's call. 
 Ye may not see old age — but then, ye may 
 From Fame's high temple tear the cro^s^n away, 
 
b SOUTHERN VOLUNTEERING. 
 
 And live in story or in graceful song, 
 
 Your grave the Mecca of th' admiring throng. 
 
 Aye — this is glory for the chief, but none 
 
 Trace honors on the soldier's grey headstone. 
 
 Arm, then, for right — for home — for those you love, 
 
 The good 's in doing what your hearts approve ; 
 
 Leave fame to those whose ears invite the sound. 
 
 Your duty is to yield no space of ground : ^ 
 
 For, what is war but strife for mastery? 
 
 The gates of mercy close — while passions riot; 
 Hosts clash with hosts, like billows of the sea. 
 
 And where there's desolation there is quiet. 
 War is the god of some men ; wreaths and crowns 
 Are pluck'd from cannons' mouths and burning towns; 
 Their deitj-, tho' clothed in robes of blood, 
 And scattering terror over land and flood, 
 Looks smiling in their eyes, and, like the sun 
 Warms into life the flower it shines upon. 
 Perchance it 's so — but brothers^ when they meet, 
 Should have a hand and not a sword to greet ; 
 And let our anger guide us as it will, 
 A brother has a brother's feelings still. 
 
 'Mid orange groves, in mountain passes Mild, 
 O'er pregnant fii'lds where bounteous Nature smiled, 
 Li busy marts, t\n} battle cry rings loud 
 From godlike lips amid the surging crowd. 
 The Southron answers to the stirring call. 
 The vale — the plain — the hill — the dazzling hall, 
 Send forth their bands of youthful chivalry. 
 Strong in the rigl^t, determined to be free. 
 
THE VOLUNTEERS FAREAVELL. 
 
 Old rifles, sabres — rusted o'er by timCj 
 Borne when our patriot sires were in their prime, 
 Once more come forth and shine in bright array, 
 Eeady to do — when brave men lead the way. 
 
 There sat all mute a Southern maid — her eyes 
 Were fill'd with tears — the heart's sweet memories 
 Were spoken in her sighs — joys past and gone — 
 A weeping flower — a lute without a tone. 
 Beside her stood a youth — his lofty brow 
 
 Bent downward, while his flashing eyes betray 'd 
 The burning love he scarcely dared a^^ow, 
 
 But well he knew the call must be obey'd. 
 He grasp'd his father's musket in his hand, 
 
 His mother's Bible rested on his heart — 
 "I go," he said, "to shield my native land, 
 
 But ere I go I 'd say how dear thou art. 
 See on the plain my young companions throng, 
 Their banner in the breeze — their swelling song 
 Invites to conflict. Would'st thou have me stay 
 And not be up at Freedom's dawning day? 
 Virginia calls — the hireling hosts have press'd 
 Their iron heels upon a mother's breast; 
 Her golden fields are trodden — desolate. 
 Her people feel a tyrant's deadly hate ! 
 Maid of the South ! — dearer to me than life, 
 Would'st thou consent to be a craven's wife ? " 
 The maid arose — shook back her raven hair. 
 Her eyes shone bright, but not a tear was there; 
 Firmly she grasp'd his hand, and whispered "No — 
 This is my off'ring to my country — go !" 
 
10 THE RANGERS. 
 
 Wluit pen can tell a mother's love — what song 
 Can speak the fondness, durable and strong, 
 A mother wraps around her child — her joy, 
 The hope of coming years, her darling boy? 
 ;She gives him to the cause, the widow's gift, 
 And bids him high his country's standard lift, 
 Strike for his home — his rights; and, should he fall 
 An angel host will bear his funeral pall. 
 
 The young wife fills the homespun haversack, 
 Buckles the knapsack on her husband's back. 
 Kisses his sun-bronz'd cheek and weeps awhile. 
 Then, scorning tears, she summons up the smile ; 
 Gives him her babe and bids him kiss once more 
 The little treasure ere he goes to war. 
 Proudly she scans him and his rifle too. 
 For well she knows they both are staunch and true. 
 And bids him go and join the doubtful fight, 
 The strife of Southern riglit and Northern nught. 
 
 They mount their restless steeds, the Ranger band, 
 With carbine slung and shining knife in hand ; 
 Over the prairie, thro' the shadowy glen. 
 Up hilly slopes, on speed those fearless men. 
 The rocks send back their wild and piercing cry. 
 While the proud eagle leaves his roost on high. 
 And, half afright, joins in the elfin song, 
 Mockiqg the war-cry as he soars along. 
 Gathering, still gathering — from river swamp. 
 
 From jungle wild, from glen and lofty crag,' 
 Until they mass in one far-stretching camp, 
 
 And crowd around the Southern rainbow flag. 
 
BATTLE OF TORT SUMTER. 
 
 11 
 
 Brothers 'are there, and hoary-headed sires, 
 
 And beardless youths, and pretty vivandieres; 
 One pulse, one glow the common soul inspires, * 
 
 In Freedom's cause the high and low are peers. 
 The young and beaiitiful with patience ply 
 The needle for the soldier's canopy; 
 While gray-hair'd matrons knit with trembling hand. 
 To clothe the heroes of their Southern land* 
 Aj^e — lisping babes are taught the wild refrain 
 That brings the faint heart back to life again.* 
 Hark ! from old Moultrie's cannon'd embrasures f 
 Belch streams of flame, the angry war-dog roars, 
 
 *The homely air of "Dixie/' of ex.tremely doubtful origin, though 
 pretty generally believed to have sprung from a nohh stock of South- 
 ern stevedore melodies, became spontaneously the national tune. The 
 words are uncouth and unmeaning; some patriotic verses have however 
 been wedded to the mongrel melody, and have proved stirring. The 
 children in all sections of the Confederacy were taught to sing it, while 
 at the North to do so was treason. 
 
 ■\ On the night of the 12th of April the Confederate batteries, under 
 Gen. Beauregard, opened on Fort Sumter, in Charleston harbor. The 
 fire was returned by i\lajor Anderson, then in command, and the bom- 
 bardment continued throughout that night and the next day and night, 
 30 hours. The flagstaff was shot away by our guns; and soon it was 
 announced that "Fort Sumter was on fire." A flag of truce was dis- 
 played, and Col. Wigfall, who was appointed Aid to Gen. Ikauregard, 
 went with a white flag to off"er a.ssistan6e to extinguish the flames. 
 He approached the burning fortress from Morris' Island, and while 
 the fire was raging on all side?, efl!"ected a landing. He demanded 
 that the Union flag must be haufcd down or the firing would not cease. 
 This was done, and Sumter surrendered to South Carolina — the firing 
 then ceased. Anderson and his men sustained themselves bravely, and 
 they were allowed to honor the old flag with a salute as it came to the 
 giVjund ; tViis salute caused the death of four soldiers by the bursting 
 of a gun — the only blood that was spilt during the aff"air. The vene- 
 rable Edmund Ruflin, of Virginia, discharged the first gun from the iron 
 battery at Cumming's Point. He sub.sequently shot all the guns and 
 mortars used durin;' the action. 
 
12 SUBRENDER OF. FORT SUAfTER. 
 
 And murderous shells sweep, humming, thro' tiie air, 
 Bursting in fragments — scattering everywhere. 
 On Sumter, lo ! — the starry banner flies, 
 
 The proud Palmetto streams o'er Moultrie's walls; 
 Both give defiance to their enemies, 
 
 And tell of triumph — when the other falls. 
 Peal upon peal, the red shot flying fa^st. 
 
 Like buriJ^ng meteors rushing thro' the sky; 
 The dun smoke rolls — the heavens are overcast. 
 
 And sea waves roar in uncouth harmony. 
 Sumter awakes, and, thundering, answers back, 
 The iron hail speeds on its airy track; 
 Tiouder the roar — old ocean's billows groan, 
 AVhile sea-birds shriek in wild and mournful tone. 
 All day, all night the stubborn flght goes on, 
 Another sun lights up another mom, 
 And still the cannon chant their thundering song, 
 The howling shot speed fearfully along. 
 The Union flag has fallen in its pride! 
 The sign for which so many braves have died. 
 Sumter 's on fire ! — the flames dart up the sky, 
 Volumes of smoke rise in dark majesty — 
 Her guns are hush'd, the white flag now they raise, 
 Our batteries no more send forth thoir blaze. 
 Ilail, Beauregard! whose peerless genius plunn'd 
 The first great vict'ry of the Southern land. 
 Sumter has fall'n, and Carolina's sons 
 Have fell'd her flag and hush'd her monster guns. 
 
 Swift thro' the land the thrilling tidings sped, 
 The blow was struck — the first blood had beei\ shed ; 
 
"WAR FEELING AT THE NORTH. 13 
 
 The Union totter d — loud the call to arms, 
 The drum was beat — the trumpet's wild alarms 
 Summou'd the hirelings of the lordly North 
 To seize their arms and push their standard forth. 
 Thro' every loyal State — thro' every town 
 Where lived the memory of the traitor Brown,* 
 The call was made for fearless men and stout, 
 To coerce States and " crush rebellion out." 
 
 The orator arose with pliant tongue, 
 He touched the feelinffs of the motley throng; 
 Spoke of the Union, Constitution, laws. 
 Of Southern "rebels" and their hellish cause, 
 The God-forsaken, starving mob — whose hope 
 Was fratricide, whose end would be-^a rope! 
 The " stars and stripes," the noble sign of old, 
 Must be sustain'd in every stitch and fold ; 
 'From Maine to Texas, waving proud — sublime, 
 From that day forlji until the end of Time. 
 And then, oh! strange consistency! he told 
 Of dark-eyed maiden«, hoards of yellow gold, 
 Rich farms and slaves, by Nature's birthright free, 
 All should be theirs who proved their loyalty. 
 " Booty and Beauty," was the Vandal cry, 
 The burning brand, the knife of crimson dye; 
 A servile uprise in a peaceful home. 
 Where discontent was never known to come. 
 
 * Alluding to John Brown, who was convicted and hung prior to the 
 war, for treason ajrainst the State of A'irginia. His daring raid upon 
 the unprepare<l citizens of a inrmber of the Tnitcd States, and his vile 
 endeavor to create a servile insurrection, won hiiu the title of martyr, 
 from his sympathizing abolition friends. 
 
11 BALTIMORE. 
 
 The pulpit, Avhcre God's -love should be the theme, 
 Wus made the forge of mad fanatic's scheme; * 
 Instead of prayers for sins to be forgiven, 
 Or supplicating peace — majestic Heaven 
 Wa8 call'd upon to launch its holy ire. 
 To slay the rebel with consuming fire; 
 The cities, towns and handets, wlicrein dwelt 
 The traitor lips that utter'd what they felt, 
 The traitor hearts that beat for human right. 
 The traitor arm that dared to show its might. 
 Misguided thousands put their armor on. 
 
 With martial drum and banner in the wind, 
 Gatherd around the })owers at Washington, 
 
 With vision'd spoils before and shame behind. 
 The vet' ran Scott, the man of many wars. 
 Who bore his honors thickly as his scars, 
 Shaped this vast host and made them fighters bold. 
 Fit to slay rebels — or to steal their j^old ! 
 
 Proud Baltimore ! thou city of the fair! 
 Whose monuments arise in beauty rare. 
 Thine was the task to check the onward flood* 
 Of vaunting troops, thirsting for Southern blood. 
 
 * The first blood of the revolution was shed in Baltimore on the lOth 
 April. The 7th R(';.Miiicnt of Massachusetts, atlcmptinj; to pass throup;h 
 the city on ita way U) Washington to answer the re(|uisition of Presi- 
 dent liincoln, w:ls assaulted with stones and other missiles by a mob. 
 The soldiers re.^orted U) the use of tlieir firearms, and a ;_'tMierul fi;xht 
 took place, in which several were killed and wimndeil on both sides. 
 Gov. Hicks i.^sucd a decree calling on all good citizens to prci^erve the 
 peace, and pron)ising that no more volunteer troops from the North 
 should be allowed to pa.s8 over the soil of Maryland at their peril. 
 How he kept his promise, time shewed — it waa violated in every uense, 
 
DESTRUCTION OF THE NAVY YARD. 1.5 
 
 "Back!" was thy cry, "back to your Northern homes, 
 Lo ! from the South the cry of warning comes ; 
 We '11 greet ye with the bayonet and ball, 
 A grave upon the spot where you may fall." 
 From dwelling-house, from shop, from social board, 
 The people rusli'd to meet tli' invading horde ; 
 And many a heart will mourn that fearful day, 
 And many a tongue recount the bloody fray. 
 
 Now turn we to a scene terrifically grand, 
 A work inglorious, wrought by flaming brand. 
 'T was midnight, and the quiet stars look'd doAvn 
 Upon the wavy deep — the field — the town; 
 Nature was hush'd — the city seem'd to sleep. 
 While silence brooded o'er the sparkling deep. 
 Hark ! there's a sudden boom — the night air quakes, 
 The sleeper, wondering on his couch, awakes. 
 
 and so exasperated the citizens that in their rage they destroyed four 
 bridges on the Phihidelphia and Baltimore Railroad in order to prevent 
 the passage of Northern troops. Fort IMcIIenry was besieged by the 
 Marylanders. Gen. 8cott appointed Gen. Patterson commander of the 
 District of Columbia military, while Baltimore voted S''iOO,0(!0 for the 
 defence of the city. At length the citizens seized upon all the arms 
 within their reach, firmly determined to keep the Federal troops at bay. 
 The military was completely organized and drilled, being under the 
 command of Gen. Trimble. At this point the treachery of Governor 
 Hicks became apparent. He issued a proclamation recommending that 
 the State occup}- a neutral position ; and this, too, in the face of the 
 fact that Federal forces occupied Annapolis, the capital of the State, 
 and were stroVigly posted at the Junction of the Washington and 
 Annapolis Railroads. He knew the serpent was slowly, but surely, 
 twining itself around his native State, so that no power, but determined 
 patriotism, could release her from its poisonous coils. In vain the 
 stout-hearted sons of chivalry grasped their weapons of death — their 
 enemies were allowed to crawl in among them stealthily, until Mary- 
 ' land was doomed to worse than slavery. 
 
10 DESTRUCTION (tF THE NAVV YAKD. 
 
 A streak of flame from Gosport flashes high,* 
 And darts its serpent-tongue along the sky : 
 The yard 's on fire ! the Pennsylvania burns, 
 Her heated guns spit forth their flame by turns ; 
 While crackling ribs of mighty ships consume, 
 Five gallant frigates seek a watery tomb. 
 Roaring like angry dragons, spread the flames. 
 Devouring buildings, docks and vessel-frames, 
 'Till Desolation laughs — then all is o'er. 
 While Sorrow sighs and mutters — this is war! 
 But what cares man when passion has its sway? 
 Millions of wealth are madly thrown away ; 
 
 * On the 10th of April the powder magazine at Norfolk was seized by 
 order of Gen. Talliaferro. It contained ;>,2UU barrels of gunpowder, 
 a large quantity of loaded shells, and immense numbers of shrapnel, 
 shot and percussion caps. On the 2Uth a wanton destruction of Gov- 
 ernment property was perpetrated 'by the hirelings of Lincoln. The 
 Navy Yard at Gosport had been watched by \'irginia troops; this 
 (juiird of honor did not exactly suit Com. MaoauK-y's ideas of propriety, 
 80 he immortalized his name by an act of vandalism scarcely equaled 
 in the records of history. Quietly the frigates Germantown and Mer- 
 rimac were scuttled — the heavy shears on the wliarf at which the 
 former was laying were cut away and allowed to fall mid-ships across 
 her deck.s, carrying away the main topmasts and yards. All the side 
 and small arn)s were thrown overboard with other property. About 
 midnight, al'ter two or three slight explosions, the light of a serious 
 conflagration was ob.>^erved at the Yard. This continued to increase, 
 and before daylight the demon-work ol" destruction was extended to the 
 immense ship-houses, formerly containing the entire frame of the New 
 York 74, and also the low ranges of two story olhces and stores on each 
 side of the main gate of the yard. The Southwest wind blew the flames 
 directly towards the line of vessels moored on the edge of the chan- 
 nel, and nearly all these, too, were speedily enveloped m flames. The 
 huge line-ol-battle ship I'cnnsylvania also became a prey to the devour- 
 ing element, and while burning, her heavy guns beldu'd out and threw 
 their shot upon the yard, thus completing the destruction. The Cum- 
 berland and I'awnce (the latter kept under steam) escaped. The vessels 
 destroyed were the reun.sylvania, Merrimac, llaritan, Columbia, Dol- 
 phin, (Jermantown and Plymouth. * 
 
THE MARTYR JACKSON. * 17 
 
 The toil of years is nought, when policy 
 Demands the act — no matter what it be. 
 Philanthropy — the word 's not known in war, 
 
 It shrinks with Mercy iato silent groves ; 
 While headlong Devastation mounts his car, 
 
 Drives o'er the land and crushes what man loves. 
 
 In time to come, when Peace again shall smile. 
 
 The lisping child may ask whose sturdy arm 
 First fell'd a foeman on Virginia's soil 
 
 And died a martj'r in the opening storm ? 
 'Twas Jackson — he who shot young Ellsworth down, 
 And then was slain, all covered with renown ; 
 A valiant man was he — a patriot bold, 
 No suppliant knee he bent, no pow'r of gold 
 Could buy him o'er, no threats could make him quail, 
 When he resolved he did not dream of fail ! 
 
 When Alexandria's streets rang with the yells. 
 Of armed foes — -as if a thousand hells 
 Had oped their gates and let their devils run, 
 The Southern flag stream'd brightly in the sun 
 Above his house. He 'd sworn that he should pay 
 The forfeit of his life, who tore 't away. 
 The daring Ellsworth, with his Zouave band, 
 Climb'd to the roof and with unflinching hand, 
 Tore down the "rebel" ensign, trampled on 
 The glorious bars, and claim'd the trophy won. 
 
 Fhish'd with his vict'ry — burden'd with his prize, 
 He stbod before the madden'd patriot's eyes ; 
 Quicker than thought a bullet made its path, 
 And Ellsworth fell beneath the hero's wrath. 
 
 0' 
 
 3 
 
^ 
 
 18 . YORKTOWN. 
 
 A moment — and a score of bullets flew, 
 Felling the patriot, bayonets pierced him through. 
 His gallant soul departed with ;i s'il^Ii. 
 Scorn on his lips, defiance in his eye. 
 
 Thus fell brave Jackson ; many as brave a man 
 Has since that day fall'n in the l)attle's van ; 
 Many a youth, whose thirsting spirit drank 
 At Glory's fount in conflict's foremost rank'. 
 Thousands etill live whose dying shout will be 
 "Our homes all ruins — or our country free ! " 
 
 At classic Yorktown — now a barren plain, 
 
 A canvass city rose, and breastworks }x)ld; 
 'And oft the bugle's soft and silvery strain 
 
 Woke the young echo in its rocky hold. 
 The stream stole past and dallied with the moon, 
 
 While music crept along its stilly breast ; 
 The soldier shelter d from the heat of noon, 
 
 Lounged on the grass and courted gentle rest. 
 The camp fire blazed, the ample kettle swung 
 On two cross poles, all dark and sooty hung, 
 While jovially the cook sang out his lay. 
 The song of Dixie Land, so far ow^iy. 
 The inner picket paced his trodden post 
 With arms at case and in deep rev'ry lost ; 
 His visor down upon his sun-burnt brow, 
 His bay'net glitt'ring in the sun's bright glow. 
 
 Far off the outer guard his vigil kept 
 With ear awake each sound to intercept ; 
 With eye that watch'd the motion of each limb 
 Of undergrowth in the far distance dim. 
 
SONG OF THE MOUNTED RANGERS. 19 
 
 'Neath an old elm, whose giant arms spread o'er 
 
 A pleasant lawn of long and wavy grass, 
 Loung'd officers, attached to various corps, 
 
 Some puffing smoke, some passing round the glass. 
 The tale — the toast — the song of Vive Vamour, 
 The repartee — the laugh — the jocund roar, 
 Told of glad hearts, tho' danger lurk'd hard by, 
 Hearts that would bound at battle's stirring cry. 
 "A song ! a song ! to while the hour away. 
 And nerve our sinews for another fray." 
 
 SONG OF THE MOUNTED RANGERS. 
 
 The ball 's in the tube and the carbine is slung. 
 The voice of our bugle has merrily rung ; 
 And, champing the bit, each steed paws the ground. 
 As he hears the last note of that shrill bu2;le sound. 
 
 To saddle ! to saddle ! then — up, boys, away ! 
 
 Ere the last star fades out in the dawn of the day. 
 
 Now, hear ye that crack ? lo, the pickets are near, 
 The crags give the echo to bugle and cheer; 
 But little we heed, while yet we've a shot. 
 And a knife to strike home when the struggle is hot. 
 Spur onward ! spur onward ! then — charge, boys, 
 
 away! 
 
 We are in for a brush at the dawn of the day. 
 
 We tramp o'er the plain, we speed thro' the glen* 
 Our steeds are the fleetest and stalwart our men ; 
 
20 SONG OF THE MARVLANI) LINE. 
 
 The wheat-stack we fire and shoot by the Hanie 
 The Hessians who tarnish humanity's name. 
 
 Upon them ! upon them ! then — charge, boys, away ! 
 
 Some blood will be spilt ere the high noon of day. 
 
 Bethink ye — oin- daughters, our sisters, our wnves. 
 In the grasp of the foenian beneath their red knives ; 
 Bethink ye — and on. while the life blood is warm, 
 And stern vengeance nerves the true Southerner's arm. 
 
 No quarters ! no quarters ! then — on, boys, away ! 
 
 There w ill Ijc a death howl ere the closing of day. 
 
 Up rose a son of groaning Maryland, 
 His canteen fill'd with native " contraband ; " 
 Curling his moustache — throwing back his hair', 
 He sung his wild refrain with martial air. 
 
 SONG OF THE MARYLAND LINE. 
 
 We 're the boys so gay and happy, 
 Wheresoe'er we chance to be, . 
 If at home or on camp duty. 
 
 It is the same — we 're always free ! 
 So let the guns roar as they will, 
 We '11 be gay and happy still ; 
 Gay and hapjiy — gay and happy, 
 We'll be gay and happy still. 
 
 We 've left our homes and those we cherish 
 
 In our good old Maryland, 
 Rather than wear chains, we '11 perish, 
 
 Side by side and hand in hand. 
 So let the guns, etc. 
 
BATTLE OF BETHEL. 21 
 
 Old Virginia needs assistance, 
 
 Northern hosts invade her soil ; 
 We '11 present a firm resistance, 
 
 Courting- danger, fire and toil. 
 So let the guns, etc. 
 
 Then let the drums and muskets rattle, 
 
 Fearless as our sires of yore. 
 We '11 not leave the field of battle 
 
 'Till we 've redeem'd old Baltimore. 
 So let the guns, etc. . 
 
 Happy that band, while lolling on the ground, 
 The jocund tale and merry laugh went round ; 
 Stories of home,' of fair ones left behind, 
 Of mothers tender, fathers stern, vet kind ; 
 When the drum beat, and soon in bright array, 
 Th^ martial'd host their polish'd arms display. 
 To Bethel Church — tli' advanced post of the works,* 
 Within its range the bold invader lurks. 
 
 Onward they march'd, and, when they roach'd the 
 ground, 
 They threw up earthworks, fell'd the trees around, 
 
 * The battle of Bethel (or Big Bethel Church, as some have it,) 
 Was the initiatory field fight of the war. It was fought on the 10th 
 day of June, at the place named, on the line between Elizabeth City 
 and York Counties, ^'a. The Confederate forces, numbering between 
 1,H00 and 2,00t' men, were under the command of Col. J. B. 3Iagruder 
 (since promoted to Brigadier (leneral), an accompli.shed i<oldier, late 
 of the United SUites Army. The place is six miles from Newport 
 News, sixteen from Yorktown, and eight from Hampton. 
 
 After several skirmishes, by way of prelude, commenced the pitched 
 battle. The details of the Southern and Northern journals were very 
 
 i 
 
22 BATTLE OF BETHEL. 
 
 Planted their guns, fill'd pits with riflemen 
 Commanding road and field and miry fen ; 
 While Howitzers their brazen war-dogs placed 
 To watch the path the Yankee foot disgraced. 
 
 Magruder .stood and watch'd th' advancing foe 
 Whoso Hashing bay'ncts lilld the pass below; 
 With clashing steel and polish'd tube they come, 
 With waving flag and beat of hollow drum. 
 '' Down, down," he cried, " lay low, my gallant lx)ys, 
 And when their front around that clump deploys, 
 Thei> give it them." Each hammer then went click ! 
 The men so still — they scarcely secm'd to think ; 
 Silence was eloquent — the bird of prey 
 Look'd mutely on, and soar d far, for away. 
 
 The gallant Stuart on the breastwork stood 
 
 And mark'd the Zouaves struggling thro' the wood ; 
 
 They leap'd the fence — crawl'd onward thro' the brush, 
 
 Like stealthy cats, then made a frantic rush ; 
 
 *' Fire ! " he scream'd ; the Life Guard blaz'd away. 
 
 And miiiiy a widow mourn'd that bloody day. 
 
 conflicting; — though the latter acknowlcil;;ed a severe defeat and heavy 
 Kljui^'hter of their troops. At " Little lictliel " the Federals whipped 
 tlicinselves in this manner: A Geruinn roirinient, niistakin;: the signal, 
 fired on (lolonol Townscnd's column, marching in closo order, who 
 returned the fire. Townsend's fire was harmle.-v", hut the (Jcrmans' 
 killed one and wounded two. Duryea's Zouaves hearinij the firing, 
 fired upon the Alhaniaiis (Townsend's). In all fire were killed and 
 quite a numhor wounded. 
 
 The battle was fierce ; the enemy's force exceeded 4,000, and, strange 
 to say, our loss was only one man, with two wounded, while that of the 
 Federals amounted to hundreds. In this fight fols. .Ma;:rud(!r and Hill 
 signalized themselves, as also did the brave North Carolina volunteers 
 and the Kiehmond Howitzers. The fight was carried on altogether 
 by Virginians and North Carolinians. A Louisiana regiment arrived 
 from Yorktown too late to participate. 
 
VIENNA. 23 
 
 The howitz spoke at Randolph's loud command, 
 Mowing down ranks and tearing up the land ; 
 While bursting shells threw devastation round, 
 And scatter'd mangled limbs along the ground. 
 
 Men of the brave old North State ! Wh(jre are they ? 
 Look to the left where wildly- swells the fray ; 
 The cool and fearless Hill is there ; his sword 
 Given to Death — his silent prayer to God. 
 Volley on voile}' — rifles true — carbines — 
 And quick revolver rake the staggering line : 
 They break — th.ey fly — the cavahy pursue, 
 And slaughter, as they go, the vanquish'd crew. 
 
 Vict'ry now pla3^'d around the Southern flag. 
 
 With dazzling wings she fann'd its stars and bars; 
 Her cheering cry was heard on mountain crag, 
 
 And echo'd in the vales with loud huzzas. 
 The beardless stripling panted for a fight. 
 While tottering age with locks of snowy white, 
 Sigh'd for youth's vigor — feebly rais'd his crutch 
 In mimic fight with Yankee, Irish, Dutch. 
 
 In Kansas, Kelley met th' encroaching foe,* 
 And, with his State troops, laid their stoutest low; 
 While at Vienna, Gregg the foemen check'd, 
 Statter'd their men — their cars and baggage wreck'd. f 
 
 * On the 17th June the battle of Kansas City took place. 1,300 
 Federal troops made an attack upon about the same numl^er of State 
 troops under the command of Capt. Kollcj. After a desperate fight 
 the Federals, were repulsed, leaving 2U0 killed on the field of battle, 
 l.")0 yirisoners, four pieces of cannon, &c. Loss of the State troops 45 
 killed and wounded. 
 
 ■j"Un the 17th of June a severe affair took place at Vienna, about 
 fifteen miles from Alexandria, between Col. McCook's Ist Ohio regi- 
 
 i 
 
2i ROMNEY. 
 
 At New Creek, too, Vaughan, with Virginia's sons * 
 Caused them to fly Ixjfore our Southern guns. 
 Near Romney, A.shby with a meagre bandj- 
 Of rourteen men fought Ijravel}- hand to hand 
 With fifty Hessians — thrash'd the thieving squad, 
 
 Leaving eighteen to bite the valley sod. 
 
 _ 
 ment and other troops under Gen. Schenck, and a detacbmcnt of Con- 
 federate Artillery, supported by a South Carolina regiment under Col. 
 
 Gre-g. * 
 
 According to accounts, Col. G. received orders to go on a recon- 
 noitcring expedition. He took with him GOO South Carolinians, a 
 company of Kemper's Artillery and two companies of cavalry, inelud- 
 ing 45 of Capt. IJall's Chester company, and Oapt. Terry's company, of 
 liedford. After ascertaining the position and number of the enemy, 
 who were encamped on the Maryland side, he formed his command into 
 column at Dranesville, and marched down the road to Vienna. Here 
 he remained only long enough to tear up the track of the Alexandria, 
 Loudon and Ifampshire Railroad and destroy the water-tank, after which 
 he started to return to l>ranc.sville. The troops had proceeded about 
 half a mile, when the whistle of a locomotive was heard in the dis- 
 tance ; whereupon he immediately halted, wheeled his column and 
 marched rapidly back to Vienna. They had scarcely time to place two 
 cannon in position, when the train of cars came slowly around a curvii, 
 pushed by a locomotive. They were crowded with armed nun. 
 
 .Just as the train was about to stop, the artillery tired a well directed 
 shot from one of the guns, which raked the cars fore and aft. Con- 
 sternation and dismay seized the Federals, and, aUcr another fire, they 
 hastily left tin- ears and took to the woods. The entire train was cap- 
 tured. Six of the invaders were killed — they were compo.sed of regu- 
 lars and .Michigan volunteers. The National Intelligencer reported 
 the killed and wounded of the Federals in this afl'air at 200. 
 
 * On the morning of the HUh June, an engagement took place at 
 New Creek Dep(jt, eighteen miles west of Cumberland, on the IJalti- 
 niore and Ohio Railroad, between a body of Tennesseeans and Virgin- 
 ians, under Col. Vaughan, and about U^U of the enemy, who fired a few 
 randoiu shots, and then broke and fled. Our troops captured two guns 
 and a stand of colors. 
 
 f This affair is thus dct^iiled. As Ca]»t. Ashby with his brother were 
 proceeding along a road with 14 men of their troop, they were accosted 
 by a man who rei»resented himself as a deserter, and professed a will- 
 ingness to conduct the squad to a position where they could take some 
 
COL. ZARVONA. 25. 
 
 Then brave Zarvona,, with his comrades plann'd * 
 A wild exploit whicli startled all the land. 
 He seized the proud St. Nicholas, and bore 
 His la^en prize towa.rd Virginia's shore ; 
 
 prisoners. The offer was accepted, the men proceeding on under the 
 guidance of the deserter, i.ill they arrived at a point in the road where 
 the squad was divided, ea3h half taking different courses. 
 
 Very shortly thereafter the deserter led them into a place where they 
 were surrounded by fifty of the enemy, who called on them to surren- 
 der. This demand was replied to by a discharge of fire-arms, which 
 was answered by the Hes5ians. In a short time the remainder of the 
 squad rejoined their comrades, and united their exertions in repelling 
 the enemy. Tn this they were successful, eighteen of the Hessians 
 having been killed. Two of Ashby's men were killed, and a number 
 wounded. Capt. Ashby received four wounds, and his horse fell dead 
 as he was leaving the field which the enemy ran from, and escaped 
 across a small river to evade pursuit. The brother, Capt. Dick Ashby, 
 was fatally wounded. T irner Ashby was afterwards promoted to a 
 Colonelcy, and fell nobly :n the cause of the Southern Confederacy. 
 
 * On the 30th June, a brilliant and romantic achievement took place 
 on the waters of the Potomac, which resulted in the capture of the 
 steamer St. Nicholas, a brig and two schooners, the brig was laden 
 with a valuable cargo of coffee, and the schooners one with ice and the 
 other with coal. Col. li. Thomas (known also as Col. Zurvona), of 
 Maryland, was the hero of this affair. Disguised as an old French lady, 
 who could not speak a vord of English, he took passage on the St. 
 Nicholas, at Baltimore, for'Washington. After getting down into the 
 bay he threw off his disguise, and, with the cooperation of his men, 
 who shipped as New York Zouaves, took the steamer. He was joined 
 by Capt. Hollins, of the Confederate Navy, at Point Lookout, who par- 
 ticipated in the capture oi' the other vessels. The other officers associ- 
 ated with Zarvona in the achievement were Lieut. Geo. W. Alexander, 
 Adjutant, and Lieut. F. Gibson. These three headed the boarding 
 pities in the captures. The steamer, after being placed in the hands 
 of Capt. Hollins, who was assisted by Licuts. Sims and Minor, of the 
 C S. N., and Lieut. Thorburn, of the Virginia Navy, with fifteen sail- 
 ors from the steamer Yoritown, captured the brig and schooners, aud 
 proceeded to Fredericksburg. The value of the cargoes was estimated 
 at 8.375,000. 
 
 Subsequently, however, he (Zarvona) had the temerity to visit Balti- 
 more, much against the tdvice of his friends. As was feared, spies 
 were watching his movements, and he was captured and imprisoned, not 
 being allowed the privilege of exchange. 
 
26 MARTINSBURG. 
 
 Three other barks, fiU'd well with merchandize. 
 He broudit in safe — a truly welcome j3rize. 
 Near Martinsburg again the foe was met,* 
 By gallant Jackson, who his front beset 
 With leaden hail, and many a wretch that day 
 Cold on the soil of old Virginia lay. 
 
 Our little navy, albeit, laurels won,f 
 Dis])uted every wave they floated on. 
 And spoke in tones of thunder to the foe, 
 "These seas are ours — no further shalt thou go!" 
 
 Now let fair Freedom don her sable weeds 
 
 Andmourn the gallant Dreux, who nobly fell J 
 
 With clustering honors, won by daring deeds, 
 Shielding the noble cause he lov'd so well. 
 
 * On July 4th tHe Yankees, numbering about 10,000, while approach- 
 ing Martinsburg, were met by Col. Jackson's advance, consisting of a 
 portion of Col. Harper's regiment from Augusta County, about 700 
 strong, and a squadron of cavalry under Col. Stewart. A sharp fire 
 Mfixa kept ujrby the main bodies for an hour, and a half, with a loss to 
 the enemy estimated at the minimum at 07 killed, S') wounded and 53 
 prisoners — three killed on our side and five wounded. When the firing 
 ceased, Col. Jackson fell back to a more secure position. 
 
 ■f" The Fc'(leral steamer Ma.'<sachu.<setts, belonging to the blockading 
 squadron off the coast of Louisiana, had captured in Missi.><sippi Sound 
 four small schooners belonging to the Southerners, and bore them off 
 as prizes. A body of Floridians, under yommand of Maj. Widsmittj, 
 armed the small steamer Madi.son with two light guns, and, while the 
 Ma.ssachusetts and her prizes were becalmed off the coast, bore down 
 upon one of them, the Fanny, captured her and the commanding 
 Lieutenant, Selden, with the prize crew. The oth^r schooners were also 
 taken possession of and carried into Suwanee. 
 
 t Col. Dreux, of Louisiana, fell in a skirmish on the Peninsula 6th 
 July. He was killed by a fire from an ambuscade. 
 
PHILLIPPI. 27 
 
 At Phillippi a gallant Georgian band,* 
 
 Led on by Ramsey, took a fearless stand ; 
 
 Foiled thrice their numbers, captured all their camp, 
 
 And made the boasters take the backward tramp. 
 
 With banners streaming, seven thousand strong 
 
 Came rushing on in columns dense and long; 
 
 * On the 10th July an engagement took place between the advanced 
 guards or scouts, of Gens. Garnett's and McClellan's armies, near 
 Phillippi, Barbour Co., Va. The first Georgia regiment, Col. Ramsey, 
 encountered three regiments of the enemy, in which conflict the Fede- 
 rals were routed. The Georgians took a number of prisoners and all 
 the camp equipage of the enemy. The Confederate loss was but two, 
 ■while that of the Federals was about sixty. 
 
 This apparently small affair brought on the battles of Rich Moun- 
 tain and Laurel Hill. The main army of the enemy advanced from 
 Phillippi, and took up a position on the hill about half a mile from the 
 Confederate post, which was, however, obstructed from view of the 
 latter by a still higher hill directly between the opposing forces. 
 
 On hearing of their advance, our General checked them by taking 
 possession of the hill on the left of them, and about daybreak the two 
 forces commenced operations. The fight continued all day and part of 
 the night with little or no result except the loss of many lives. During 
 the night our forces retired from the field with the hope of inducing 
 the enemy to follow so as to get them within range of our guns. 
 
 The brave stand made by our troops kept the invaders at bay for 
 some time, but there was a reverse of fate in the conflict which took 
 place the next day, the 11th, 'at Rich Mountain. A detachment under 
 command of Lieut. Col. Pegram, which numbered only three compa- 
 nies, was employed in raising earthworks on the mountain slope. This 
 small force succeeded in keeping in check, for some time, several 
 thousand Federal troops, and although sorely pressed, not more than 40 
 were killed. The gallant Pegram was severely wounded and taken 
 prisoner. Many of the men in his command, who were believed to be 
 either killed or taken prisoners, afterwards reached Gen. Garnett's 
 camp. Col. Pegram's entire command consisted of about 1,000, which 
 were in three divisions, two ol which were commanded by Cols. Heck 
 and Scott. The Federal troops, through the aid of a Union traitor, 
 managed to cut off Pegram from succor from either party; they heard 
 the roar of battle, but had received no orders to move. Scott, 
 when he saw no chance of succoring Pegram, ordered a retreat, which 
 was effected in good order to Greenbriar river. Col. Heck made his way 
 through the mountain passes and joined Garnett's forces, which were at 
 Laurel Hill. Nearly all of Capt. Irvin's company, from Buckingham, 
 
 < 
 
28 RI''-n MOUNTAIN. 
 
 McClellan led the proud invading host, 
 While Garnett on the hill-slope took his post, 
 Cheer'd his worn men and bade them no* forget 
 Their peaceful homes by hireling btinds beset. 
 
 Upon Rich Mountain noble Pegnim stood 
 Behind his new-made works of earth and wood; 
 The Fed'rals charged — the Spartan band gave way, 
 Their leader fell the foremost in the fray. 
 Then turned the tide of fight to Laurel Hill, 
 Where Garnett's forces stood like statues still; 
 Four times their number press'd upon their flanks, 
 And ever>' volley thinn'd their pent-up ranks. 
 Their luckless chief with firmness stood the shock. 
 Which surging came, like waves against a rock ; 
 '' Be firm, my boys, aim low," brave Garnett cried — 
 A ball sped thro' the air — he fell and died ! 
 
 were killed, together with all the officers, witli the exception of Lieut. 
 Colonel Bondurant. The Southern loss was 1^ killed and about as 
 many woumled. The Federal loss was 11 ki led and 35 wounded. 
 
 Gen. (larnc'tt, on learning of the engagcn ont, left his entrenched 
 camp at Huttonville with the main hody.of his army, leaving what is 
 supposed to be but a camp guard there, lie advanced to succor 
 Pegram. and had arrived within three miles tf Beverly, when he was 
 met by Pegram's flying forces, who were foremost in the retreat. As 
 they rushed in among (Jarnett's troops, they created a panic which 
 made the (Jeneral unable to control them j he retreated accordingly in 
 the direction ol St. (leorge's. 
 
 McClellan lollowed up his imniense conquest of a handful of Spar- 
 tans, and marched towards Ik'verly, eneountcring (Jen. (larnett, with 
 the main body of Conlederates, at Laurel Lill. The overwhelming 
 nuuil)ers of the invading army did not deter the gallant Carnett from 
 disputing his advance. He foimed in line of battle, and poured a rak- 
 ing tire into the enemy's ranks, which was promptly returned. A 
 charge was made upon his battery, which was feebly resisted by the 
 Confederates. In a short time the line gave way, and the brave Gar- 
 nett was struck by a musket ball, and fell dead, while in the act of 
 attempting to rally his muu. 
 
BATTLE OF BULL RUN. 29 
 
 , No braver man than he — true to the last ; 
 ♦ A hero born — fell'd by misfortune's blast. 
 
 But hath the Muse no vict'ry to recount, 
 No glorious deeds to cause the soul to mount? 
 Aye — turn we now towards Manassas plains,* 
 Where gory Havoc all majestic reigns ; 
 , Where shouting hosts are charging front to front, 
 And snorting war-steeds court the battle's brunt; 
 
 * On the 18th July the grand affair of Manassas ^opened with a ren- 
 contre between the advance guards of the Confederate army under 
 Gcr^s. Beauregard and Johnston, and the invading army under Gen. 
 McDowell. The Southern troops were strongly entrenched at iManas- 
 sas Junction, and also had advanced batteries along the line of Bull 
 llun, about five miles towards Centrevillc. The advance guard of the 
 Federals was at the latter place 5,000 strong, our force numbering 
 about 3,000. On the 18th the invaders advanced towards Manassas 
 Junction, and attempted to cross the fords at several points, but were 
 repulsed by the Confederate troops three times, with a heavy Iocs on 
 their side. At about 5 o'clock in the afternoon they retreated in great 
 confusion, two of our regiments pursuing them. A large number were 
 taken prisoners. The casualties on the Confederate side were few. 
 
 The pursuing regiments, finding a large force at Fairfax C. H., after 
 exchanging a few shots, returned to Bull llun, Gen. Beauregard pre- 
 ferring to give them battle there. The General was hurriedly sent for, 
 and quickly rame to the scene of action, when he ordered a retreat, 
 which proved to be a brilliant strategic movement. At first the troops 
 murmured, but when they heafd that it was Beauregard's wish, they 
 were perfectly satisfied. 
 
 The regiments engaged in this brilliant affair were the First Virginia, 
 Col. Moore, the Seventeenth (Alexandria), the Mississippi and the 
 Louisiana. The enemy outnumbered them in proportion of three to 
 one. The Washington Artillery, of New Orleans, were in the early 
 stage of the action. Col. Moore was wounded. • Capt. James K. Lee 
 and Lieut. H. H. Miles were killed. The enemy's lo.ss about 500 — 
 ours 152 killed, wounded and missing. Two cannon and 500 stand of 
 arms were taken from the enemy. • 
 
 This brilliant affair (sometimes called the battle of Bull Run) was 
 the prelude to the grand battle, which took place on Sunday, 21st, two 
 days after. 
 
 Full of hope and emblazoned with arrogance, notwithstanding his 
 numerous defeats, Gea. Scott, urged, it was said, by barking politicians 
 
30 BATTLE OF MANASSAS. 
 
 Where Beaurejrard and Johnston lead our arms. 
 And guide the lightning of the warring storms; 
 Where Davis stands all fearless on the field, 
 Quick to command, as quick the sword to wield. 
 
 Record, Muse ! that wild, that fearful strife, • 
 Where clashing host8 with bayonet and knife 
 Preyd on each other — spurred the fiery steed, 
 And laugh'd to see their d^dng kinsmen bleed. 
 Tell of the havoc of Confedemte guns — 
 The shameful fiight of Northern myrmidons; 
 Tell of the Hash of ba3()net and sword, 
 Tell of the brave, the peerless Beauregard. 
 
 and editors, yielded to the cry of" Onward to Richmond I" and or- 
 dered Gen. McDowell to scatter Beauregard's forces to the four winds 
 of heaven. Months of preparation had completed his "(irand Army," 
 and placed them upon a war footing. The word went forth from 
 Washington "Advance!" — and advance it was. The night before the 
 expected victory, hosts of functionaries, congressmen, editors, reporters 
 and civilians rushed to witness the expected virtori/. Aye, even the 
 hidics so far forgot themselves as to join the gay party, and fnist their 
 vision on ghastly corpses, broken limbs, and the unnatural struggle of 
 brother against bntther and father against son. So sure were the in- 
 vaders of victory, that they brought rich viands, wines and cigars with 
 them for a merry feast on the field of blood and carnage !• 
 
 Gens. Johiistua and I^itter,>*(in had for some days previous been play- 
 ing a game of chess between Winchestj^, which was occupied by the 
 former, and Martinsburg, the (|uarters of the latter. l*atterson, tired 
 of Johnston's by-play, made a retrograde towards the Potomac, pmbably 
 with the intention of joining McI>owell, though be did nut. The v'un- 
 ning Johnston, s^uspecting tins, made a forced march, ;ind on the even- 
 ing of the "JOth wa.s by the side of Beauregard, while the I'enn.sylvania 
 commander was — nowhere. 
 
 There are numerous accounts of this severe conflict — all of them 
 differ. Those of the northern journals, however graphic they may be, 
 are tinged with that illibcrality which, during the entire war, charac- 
 terized the Republican press. Those of the southern journals, were 
 carried away by enthusiasm and a warm, patriotic desire to let the world 
 know what could be done by men fighting for their homes and those 
 they loved best. 
 
BATTLE OF MANASSAS. o^ 
 
 Red dawn stole up the cloudless eastern sky 
 
 In lambent rays; the pale stars shrunk away, 
 Until our eagle with unblinking eye 
 
 Gazed on the glowing face of th' god of day. 
 The mountain peaks Avere bright with morning's beam, 
 
 The forest warblers sang their matin song ; 
 And gladly sparkled every valley stream, 
 
 Cheering the soldier as he march'd along. 
 Far off the foe, with steady tramp, advanc'd. 
 
 Their bayonets glitt'ring in the golden light ; 
 While round our banners amorous breezes danc'd, 
 
 And brave men rallied for the comino; fie:ht. 
 On, on, true hearts ! a foe pollutes your soil. 
 
 The welkin rings with shouts of scorn and ire; 
 
 President Davis was on the field, and aided Beauregard and John- 
 ston in their grand work. 
 
 History will give the details of this great victory for the young re- 
 public — my limits will not allow me to enter into them ; the dispatch 
 of President Davis sums up all. " The enemy was routed, and fled 
 precipitately, abandoning a very large amount of arms, munitions, 
 knapsacks and baggage. The ground was strewn with those killed for 
 miles, and the farm houses and grounds around were filled with his 
 wounded. The pursuit was continued along Several routes towards 
 Leesburg and Centreville, until darkness covered the fugitives. We 
 have captured several field batteries and regimental standards, and one 
 United States flag. Many prisoners have been taken. Too high praise 
 cannot be bestowed, whether for the skill of the principal officers or 
 the gallantry of all the troops. The battle was warmly fought on our 
 left, several miles from oui* field works ; our force engaged there not 
 exceeding fifteen thousand — that of the enemy estimated at thirty-five 
 thousand." 
 
 In this severe battle the losses of both sides were as follows : 
 
 Oonfedcrntcs. Fedirah. 
 
 Killed .398 1,000 
 
 Wounded .'.,..1,200 2,500 
 
 Prisoners .50 1,000 
 
 1,643 4,.500 
 
^ BATTLE OF MANASSAS. 
 
 Crush the vile serpent in his deadly coil, 
 
 Consume him with a blast of lead and fire. 
 On speeds the stalwart Texan — eagle-eyed, 
 
 His faithful rifle takes its deadly poise; 
 While Georgia's nobles, charging side by side, 
 
 Shout their war-song above the conflict's noise. 
 Wild on the left the cr.ash of arms is heard, 
 
 The iron dogs belch out their streams of fire; 
 But Johnston 's there — he gives the cheering word,* 
 
 And shouting ranks press on with mighty ire. 
 No kindly dews of Ileav'n come down to cool 
 
 The parched lip or damp the burning head; 
 The sun looks down on many a bloody .pool, 
 
 Where prostrate lies the gallant Southron — dead. 
 Virginia — mother — see thy dauntless sons, 
 
 Robed in the smoke of booming cannonry. 
 While whistling balls from Mississippi's guns 
 
 Reach hearts that throbb'd to crush the bfave and free. 
 Then the old line of groaning Maryland, 
 
 With piercing cry, still writhing in their chains, 
 Plunge in the fight with reeking sword in hand. 
 
 Strewing the foemen's dead along the plains. 
 The old North legions wake the echo's song, 
 
 The proud Palmetto sign 'mid dun clouds soars; 
 While Alabama's hosts rush fast along. 
 
 And struggle where the wildest tumult roars. 
 Lo ! Louisiana's sons, with brawny arm. 
 
 Their brazen war-dogs wield; while Tennessee 
 Rolls in her cohorts — like a howling storm 
 
 Blasting the foe with lightning of the free. 
 
BATTLE OF MANASSAS. 33 
 
 With glittering knife, the men of Arkansas 
 
 Pkuige madly thro' the ranks of shrieking foes; 
 In vain they plead — their day of triumph 's o'er, 
 
 And Vengeance laughs above their dying throes. 
 That long, that weary day ! that day of strife ! 
 
 How blush' d the sun as wearily he set ! 
 He rose — and smiled on many a cherished life, 
 
 He sank — and left the field with life-tide wet. 
 The proud battalions of the Northern host 
 
 Falter — they yield, and soon are scatter'd wide ; 
 Spur your fleet steeds! or half the vict'ry's lost, 
 
 And strew their bodies on the highway side. 
 Now faint and fjiinter hums the din of war. 
 
 Night throws her veil around the scene of blood; 
 Tears sparkle in the blink of every star. 
 
 The pensive moon draws round her misty hood. 
 But Hist'ry's page in words of light shall tell 
 
 How nobly Southern patriots fought and bled ; 
 The poet's harp a hjmin of praise shall swell, 
 
 A mourning nation bless the hallow'd dead. 
 
 Muffle the harp strings, let the requiem swell. 
 Wreathe laurel round the tombs of those who fell ; 
 Weep for the dead — the honor'd dead, who stood 
 The fleshwalls of their homes 'mid fire and blood. 
 The dauntless Bee, who charged the staggering foe, 
 The gallant Fisher, Thomas and Bartow; 
 Hale, Daniel, Radford — Miles and gentle Lee, 
 Dying to live fresh in our memory. 
 They fell as heroes ever wish to fall, . 
 The turf their bier — the smoke their funeral pall. 
 
34 BATTLE OF CARTHAGE. 
 
 At Carthage Seigel's Hessians were assail'd 
 By State rights troops, and 'neath their valor quail'd;* 
 Routed by Jackson, ere McCiilloch's force 
 Could reach the scene, they tied both man and horse, 
 Leaving the dead and wounded on the plain, 
 Their standard fallen — ^nevcr to tioat again. 
 Onward to Springfield sped the scatter'd host, 
 With all their stores and ammunition lost. 
 Lyon receiv'd them — rallied their broken ranks, 
 And 'sallied forth to check McCuUoch's pranks, 
 Who, with his l)order men, was marching down 
 With fire and sword upon the fateil town. 
 
 With early morn the sanguine fight begun,-|- 
 The heavy clouds had pass'd, the golden sun 
 Shone on the hostile armies in array, 
 Their bayonets glistening in the beams of day. 
 
 * The State troops, under Gov. Jackson, of Missouri, met the Union 
 forces, under Col. Seijrel, unexpectedly, at ahout eijrht miles north of 
 Carthajre. They were 2,5UU strong, and having the choice of ground, 
 had planted their cannon in the most commanding position. Gov. 
 Jackson had about 12,000 men, of whom onlyal)ont li, 000 were armed, 
 exccjit with shot guns. He however gave Seigel battle for eight hours, 
 and linally routed him, capturing 700 prisoners, four cannon, and a 
 great amount of army supplies, &.c. Ben Mct^ulloch came to .Jackson's 
 aid, but too late for service on that field. Following up the foe. he 
 brought on the severe battle of Springtiehl. 
 
 f The battle of Springfield, Mo., took ])lacc on the 10th of August. 
 The Federal ibrccs, umler (icn. Lyon, lef^ the town, where they quar- 
 tered, for the purpose of attacking the .^Iis.sourians, under (.len. 15en 
 Mc(Julloch. There were many conflicting accounts as to the result of 
 thisbattle, both in the northern and .southern journals. McCulIoch calls 
 it ()(ih Hills in his official report, and says that his efleetive force was 
 5,;{00 infantiy, 15 pieces of artillery, and (J. 000 horsemen, armed with 
 flint-lock muskets, rifles and shot gun's. f!en. Lyon attacked him on 
 the left, and tien. Seigel on the right. The conflict was long and bloody, 
 and the Federals lost many of their best officers, among them Gen. 
 
BATTLE OF SPRINGFIELD. 35 
 
 Brave Lyon led the well-arm'd Federals on, 
 
 By firm Missouri troops the shock was borne, 
 
 A murd'rous volley fired — then soon return'd, 
 
 Till ranks gave way, and hearts with vengeance burn'd. 
 
 Proud Lyon fell — mourn'd by his robber band, 
 
 The bravest Northern chief — born to command. 
 
 Then chang'd the conflict from the right and left 
 Upon the centre, which was quickly cleft ; 
 The brave Missourians, Price's chosen boys. 
 With shot-guns, rifles, knives and other toys, 
 Rush'd in pell-mell with loud and piercing whoop, 
 Back'd by the Louisiana and Arkansas troop. 
 The Union ranks give way — the}^ yield — they fly, 
 The Patriot cause gains one more victory ! 
 But, oh ! how dearly won. Brave Weightman fell, 
 And Hinson, Alexander, Brown and Bell, 
 Walton and Weaver — brave, unflinching men, 
 Honor'd in song and named by History's pen. 
 
 Relentless War ! cannot thy fearful rage 
 
 Be pent in battle field »)r on the deep? 
 Why on the innocent thine anger wage. 
 
 Leaving the old and 3'oung to wail and weep. 
 Let man meet man with weapon sharp and keen, 
 
 Grapple for life upon the warlike plain; 
 
 . — . • — _ — . — _ . . — ■ 
 
 Lyon, who fell early in the day. The Confederates also met with se- 
 vere loss among their officers. Gens. Slack and Clarke were severely 
 wounded, Gen. Price slightly. Col. Weightman was killed, also Lt. 
 Col. Austin, Col. B. J. Brown, Capts. Bl'ickwood, Knyard, and Jjicut. 
 HuL'lics. It was a ^'reat victory of the troops of Missouri and Arkan- 
 sas, who took 400 prisoners, several stand of colors, and a large quantity 
 of good arms. Our killed amounted to 205, wounded 800, missing 30. 
 
36 HAMITOX. 
 
 The quiet home should never be the scene 
 
 Of deadly strife — there Peace should ever reign. 
 Hampton, thou fairest village of the shore ! * 
 Where old elms cast their shadows on each door. 
 Where quiet reign'd, ere War's shrill (;larion rung, 
 Where rustic beauty smiled and poets sung; 
 Where all thy beauty now? Dark Solitude 
 Hangs o'er thy ruins, crawling reptiles brood 
 Where prattling children gamlnjl'd joyous, free. 
 And blackon'd walls are all that's left of thee! 
 
 Well 1 remember many a pleasant day 
 Pass'd with dear friends — now scatter d far a\v:iy, 
 Whose hearts were in their hands — who sipp'd 
 Sweets from the flow'r before its leaves were stripp'd. 
 
 How points the hand of time on yonder tower? 
 Close on the noon of night; the stilly hour 
 When motley forms creep thro' the sleeper's brain. 
 And Chanticleer sends forth his clarion strain. 
 Myriads of stars wink in their azure spheres, 
 And fashion music, strange to earthly ears, 
 
 * On the morning of the 8th August the Confederate forces under 
 Gen. Ma<.'rii(Jer, who«e canip was at Yorktown. marched towards 
 Jlaniptou, thtii (K'cu|iied by (Jon. JJutlor's Federal troops. He went 
 within a mile and a liiilf of the town, and lialted. At nijjht large 6reB 
 were built at this point, and the Cicnoral withdrew to within three 
 miles of Haniptt)n. Alter midnight, findin-; that the enemy niade no 
 dciuon.stration whatever, he desjiatehed fiowe two or three regiments of 
 inlaritry and a troop of cavalry into town, with instructions to burn it. 
 This force entered the town, and with the aid of some of the citizens, 
 set fire to it at about 3 o'cK^ck in the morning. IJy daylight it was 
 reduced to a.-^hes. Many of the Confederate officers and privates were 
 citizens of Hampton, and owners of the property tliey consumed. The 
 burning of the town was considered a military neces.^^ity, as it was ascer- 
 tained that it was to be made the winter quarters of the Federals. 
 
HAMPTON. 
 
 While slowly sinks the silent moon, her beams 
 Kissing the wavelets of a thousand streams. 
 'T is the high carnival of thought, when Heaven 
 Seems nearest Earth, and when to man is 'given 
 The power to conjure up the dreamy past, 
 To raise the veil o'er happier moments cast. 
 
 Ye chosen few ! I see ye mirrored up. 
 Like roses wreathed around a banquet cup ; 
 I see 3'our smile diffusing joy around, 
 I hear your laugh, the happy spirit's bound. 
 Electric sparks play round the lips of Wit, 
 And fan a flame that man may hallow it, 
 While wrinkled Care breaks loose his heavy toils, 
 And reads a lesson in Good Humor's smiles. 
 How fleetl}^ glided by the sunny hours, 
 When life was like a pilgrimage o'er flowers. 
 The air seem'd fiU'd with laughing sprites; the sea 
 Sang its hoarse anthem, wild — yet merrily, 
 While dancing waves roll'd shouting up the shore, 
 And clnpp'd their hands as pla^'ful as of yore. 
 The woods were eloquent with jovial sounds, 
 The snort of steeds, the merrj^ cry of hounds, 
 While from her covert sprang th' affrighted deer, 
 With lofty bound and eye illum'd by fear. 
 Each rivulet sang songs of joy, and roU'd 
 In merry humor o'er its sands of goldj 
 And e'en the cliffs, whose hoary brows o'erhung 
 The dark ravine, their mystic paeans sung 
 With ten-fold wildness, sending back the strain 
 Vv hich merry voices utter'd on the plain. ' 
 
38 HAMPTON. 
 
 When shall we meet again, ye chosen few, 
 To pluck wild flowers, to sip the honey -dew? 
 When shall our lips, by kindly words, impart 
 The healing btilm unto the wounded heart? 
 When silvery tresses wave around the l)row, 
 And hearts are cliilTd that pulse -so warmly now; 
 When the frail form, Lent down by weight of years, 
 Halts at the grave, and sprinkles it with tears — 
 Tears for the one that 's gone Ijefore, whose bed 
 Tells lingering ones the story of the dead. 
 
 May Time's hand lightly press upon your brow, 
 Keep ever bright the smiles so radiant now, 
 While from his wings falls Pleasure's diamond dew, 
 To throw life's fragrance round the chosen fcAV. 
 AVith blazing brand. War laid thy houses low, 
 
 The tower'd church, the school-house and the cot; 
 The grand old trees shrunk in the with'ring glow, 
 
 And vine and rose-bush crimp'd and fell — to rot. 
 The foeman now treatls o'er thy crumbling walls. 
 The owlets roost within thy silent halls; 
 And in the grave-yard, where our loved ones sleep, 
 Rude enemies their noisy revels keep. * 
 
 * There was an old Episcopal Church in Ilurapton, one of the oldest 
 in the Southern Confederacy. It was not fired by the troops, but 
 cuuf^ht from the other buildinfj^s. The vandals of liutler's army dese- 
 crated the hallowed <;rave-yard where lay the remains of the ancestors 
 of many an honorable N'irj^inia fauiily. They co ikcd their meats on the 
 venerated slabs that recorded the names of the departed — played cards 
 and frolicked away the tinje under the shade of the revered old trees. 
 
 The writer of this ])oem cherishes many sweet memories of the 
 U)vin of Hampton — he resided there, formed nianyla-sting attachments, 
 and the remains of his beloved partner lie sleepin;; there. His rhap- 
 sody will therefore be excused by the generous reader. 
 
HATTERAS. 39 
 
 Sweet, peaceful Hampton — now thyself no more — 
 But a dark monument of blasting War! 
 
 Now through the deep a vast armada sped/-'" 
 
 From old Monroe, with guns of heavy weight, 
 And armed hosts by brutish Butler led ; , 
 
 Its aim the seaboard of the old North State. 
 Fort Clarke first felt the power of its shot, 
 The battering was quick and short — but hot; 
 Then Hattcras' received the iron shower. 
 And thunder'd back with all her might and power. 
 But 't was of no avail, though to the last , 
 
 The heroes faced the missiles thick and fast; 
 Yet might prevail'd, the gallant fortress fell, 
 The victors landed .with loud shout and yell. 
 Thus gain'd the foe a foothold on the coast, 
 AVhile we eight hundred noble patriots lost. 
 
 * On the 25th August an extensive expedition was organized, and left 
 Fortress Monroe under command of Gen. JJutler. It consisted of the 
 frigates Minnesota and Wabash, the ship-of-war PaAvnee, the gunboats 
 Monticello and Harriet Lane, steamers Adehude and George Peabody, 
 propellers Fanny and Adriatic, with a large number of schooners, 
 barges, &c. The steamer Quaker City followed shortly afterwards. 
 These vessels carried over 100 guns and 4,! 100 jucn. Much curiosity 
 and interest were manifested for several days to know where this fleet 
 would turn up. 
 
 On the 28th the fleet appeared off the coast of North Carolina. 
 Fort Clarke was first attacked, and the garrison being soon driven out, 
 sought refuge in Fort Hatteras, some two miles further south. The 
 enemy then poured in a shower of shell and round .shot upon Hatteras, 
 which our men were unable to return effectually bcrause tluir hmrj 
 r<ini/c gnnn icrre not monntnl. The , attack was made at 8 o'clock in 
 the morning, and kept up until 11 A. M. the next day. Eleven of the 
 enemy's vessels were engaged in the bombardment. From six to eight 
 hundred prisoners were taken by the enemy, among them Col. Martin 
 and Commodore Barron. 
 
40 SUMMERVILLE. 
 
 At Cross Lanes vict'ry perch'd upon our flag,* 
 Her cheering shout was sent from crag- to crag. 
 The patriot Floyd marshall'd our galhmt band, 
 RepeU'd the foe while fighting hand to hand, 
 ^lany a Hessian fell — the rest took heel, 
 Awed at the keenness of our Southern steel. 
 
 Again near Summerville Floyd's brave brigade f 
 Won lasting fame. Behind their palisade 
 Of earth and logs they galld the daring foe, 
 Scattered their legions, laid their proud jst low; 
 Till sick with slaughter, from the field they fled, 
 Wi til, scarcely time to gather in their dead. 
 Night gather'd round — the foe was reinforc'd 
 By more than double what then- ranks had lost; 
 
 * On the 2Gth August an ongajrement took place at a place called 
 " Cross Lanes," near the junction of Meadow and Gaule}- Rivers, some 
 twenty miles above the mouth of the latter stream, between General 
 Floyd's forces and 1,800 Federals. The enemy were repulsed in less 
 tlitii an hour, losing all their wagons and baggage of evei^' descrip- 
 tion. They also suffered a loss of oO killed and wounded, and from 60 
 to 100 prisoners. 
 
 fOn the 11th September a battle occurred near Summerville, in 
 Western Virginia. (Jen. Roseneranz, altor making a reconnoissance, 
 found (Jen. Floyd with his army of 5,000, with 16 field pieces, 
 entrenched on the top ol' a mountain on the west side of Oauley River. 
 The jiosilion was guarded by heavy forts and a jungle. The action was 
 opened by Floyd's Artillery. Tiio enemy was mostly posted in the 
 road — and some accounts have it that his los.s was terrible, while on the 
 Conlederate side only one was killed, one drowned atid seven wounded. 
 Roseneranz made a vigorous attack, driving in the advanced guani and 
 assailing Floyd in his position a short <listance from the .North bank 
 of the (iauley. The enemy was Irequently and sncec.'Jsfully repulsed, 
 and, it is said, with a lo.ss of four or five hundred, (^icn. Floyd was 
 slightly wounded ; he crossed the river, and Roseneranz fell back. 
 Floyd, by this movement, effected a junction with (Jen. Wise, on the 
 liunday road. This affair is sometimes called the " Rattle of Carnefax 
 Ferry." 
 
LEXINGTON. 41 
 
 Wisely our Gen'ral cross'd the turbid flood, 
 
 And, when the morning broke, the breastworks stood. 
 
 But not a soklier for the feast of blood. 
 
 Fair Lexington had long in bondage groan'd,''' 
 
 The tyrant's chains were closely round her drawn ; 
 Her beauteous daughters wept, her old men moan'd, 
 
 And prayed to Ileav'n for Freedom's happy dawn. 
 Her streets were press'd b}^ armed foreign hordes, 
 
 Her halls of learning turn'd to barrack pens; 
 And e'en the fanes, held sacred as the Lord's, 
 
 Were chang'd to filthy and unholy dens. 
 But nobly Price, with soldiers used to war, 
 Came rushing on like waves upon the shore; 
 While Rains, with batt'ries thundering fast and loud, 
 Sent death amid the starving Yankee crowd. 
 "Water!" they cried — "to wet our parched lips;"*)- 
 And from a pnssing cloud the liquid drips; 
 
 *0n the 16th September a severe siege took place of the town of 
 Lexington, JNIo., which lasted from that day to the 21st, on which day 
 Col. Mulligan, with ^>,500 Federal troops, surrendered to the Confede- 
 rate forces under Gen. Price. According to the Northern accounts 
 Mulligan's reinforcements we're intercepted and driven back. The 
 situation of his men grew desperate, sorties and skirmishes took place 
 constantly. The Home Guard became disaffected and first raised the 
 white flag. Finallj^ the Federal officers held a council and decided to 
 capitulate. Price demanded the unconditional surrer.dcr of the officers ; 
 the men were allowed to depart without arms, after takij g an oath 
 not to fight in future against the Confederate States. A large quantity 
 of specie and other property were captured. After the surrender of 
 Lexington, Gov. Jackson with the Legislature assembled and passed 
 the ordinance of secession. Lexington was made the capital of the 
 State of Missouri. 
 
 t At the siege of L(exington, the inhabitants were cut off from the 
 river, and no water was to be obtained. Kain at intervals came to 
 gratify their thirst; instances occurred where soldiers spread out their 
 blankets until thoroughly wet, and then wrung theiu into their camp 
 dishes, carefully saving the priceless fluid thus obtaiued. 
 
42 GREENBRIAR. 
 
 No river, gurgling fount or stagnant pool 
 Qucnch'd their mad thirst or made their" foreheads cool. 
 For five long, wearv days the siege held out, 
 And shot and shell Hew fearfully about, 
 Till disaffection crept from man to man, 
 And mutiny its secret work began. 
 The white flag wav'd — then Mercy took her throne. 
 The huge siege-guns then hush'd their thundering tone. 
 The town was freed — the stars and bars were h'ail'd, 
 Once more the tyrant 'neath their beauty quail'd. 
 High on Cheat Mountain stood the haughty foe,* 
 . Entrench'd around with rows of bristling guns; 
 Jackson, the dauntless hero, stood below, 
 
 His men array'd where clear Greenbriar runs. 
 He challenged forth th' invaders of his home, 
 And bid them from their strong entrenchments com«5. 
 And give him fight; this banter Re3molds took, 
 And down he came from stony peak and nook. 
 
 The sun was up, his mild October rays 
 Glanc'd o'er the woods and fields of yellow maize. 
 When, suddenly, tliC pickets left their posts. 
 And hurried in before th' advancing hosts. 
 Soon down the slope a rattling volley pour'd, 
 'Twas answered quick while loud artillery roar'd. 
 
 ♦On the 13th October the Federal army under Gen. lleynolds 
 attacked the Confederate forces under Gen. II. K. Jackson at Green- 
 Lriar river. The enemy had been strongly entrenched and ft)rtified on 
 the top of Cheat Mountain, and our troops con.siJering it hopeless to 
 attack .such a position, tried every means to f:ot them out. At day- 
 li<:;ht on the l:{th, llcynolds came down with i^.OlK* men, and drove in 
 the Confederate pickets. The Ix.ttle then coiimemiJ and rajred lour 
 and a half hours, when the pnen)y retreated with a reported loss of 
 1,.')U0 killed and wounded. The Confederate loss was seven killed, 
 twenty wounded and twelve missing. 
 
GREENBRIAR. 43 
 
 With steady aim brave Shumaker threw out 
 His iron messengers, which flew about 
 So swift and fast, that columns strong gave way, 
 And hundreds kiss'd the sod that noisy day.- 
 
 In the reserve a vet'ran soldier stood 
 Upon his rifle leaning, in a mood 
 That sceni'd like revery. lie watch'd the fight, 
 And, when the cannon peal'd, his eyes would light, 
 His bosom swell — his lips give out " hurra! " 
 So proud was he of carnage and of war. 
 A rifle's qrack was heard — down fell a foe ; 
 "Ah, ha!" shriek'd he with joy, "that's our Joej 
 I know his critters voice — she 's quick and true, 
 And Joe 's the boy for Yankee-doodle-doo." 
 Another crack from the thick brush below, 
 Ag{j,in he bellow'd but, " that 's our Joe ! " 
 At length a cannon spoke in awful tones, 
 And sent its deadly ball thro' flesh and bones ; 
 Up leapt the old man, with a Hoosier crow, 
 Shouting above the din, " that 's our Joe ! " 
 
 But sorrow came to that gray-bearded man, 
 Whose years of life were but a narrow span. 
 They brought a dead youth from the bloody plain, 
 And said a bullet had gone through his brain ; 
 The old man groan'd in agony of woe. 
 And gazing on his son, sighed, "that's our Joe!" 
 For hours they fought, but Jackson held his ground ; 
 
 It was high noon, when, yielding to the shock. 
 The Northmen on their heels turn'd quick around, 
 
 And left our heroes firm as Otter's rock. " 
 
44 SAM A ROSA. 
 
 Ilundreds there la}'' upon the stubhle plain, 
 Never to raise their battle cry again. 
 
 At Santa Rosa's isle our stalwart men * 
 
 Cross'd o'er the bay and storm'd the foen^an's camp; 
 Led on by Anderson thro' sand and fen, 
 
 Thro' fields of eaue and many a gloomy swamp. 
 Wilson's Zouaves — the pick'd cf New York's scum, 
 Lay quarter d there, and hush'd was fife and drum; 
 They soundly slept, when rattling muskets told 
 That some strange foe was there — supremely bold. 
 Faintly resisting — then, all sans culoUe, 
 They ran and made good time while dodging shot ; 
 Many fell, grov'ling in the sand — our men 
 Laid waste their camp, and then went back again. 
 
 And then, at Barboursvillef — near Leesburg too, J ' 
 Great deeds were done by Southrons brave and true; 
 
 * On the night of the 10th October, Santa Rosa Island, near Pensa- 
 
 cola, was stormed by the Confederate troops, l.OUO in lunnher, under 
 Gen. Anderson, and the Federal eanip broken up. This camp \va.s occu- 
 pied by the celebrated IJilly Wilson's Zouaves. They burnt and destroyed 
 every building (except the hospital), with immense quantitiesof rations, 
 equipments, stores and munitions. All the cannon were spiked. Loss 
 of the enemy very great — that of the Confederates was 4(1 killed and 
 wounded. One account states that Hilly Wilson made his escape to 
 Fort l^ickciis .sr/»S l ulottr. 
 
 fOn the 14th October a brilliant affair took place at Barboursville, 
 Ky., Cols. Rains and Hrunner started on a scouting expedition, taking 
 20 men with them. Near Rarboursville they \vcre tired on by the Fede- 
 rals in ambush ; they routed the enemy, and returned to camp, giving 
 the alarm. Col. Rattle as.sembled a foree, and made after tbe enemy, 
 who was reported at Rarboursvillc. A brisk firing eommenced near the 
 town — a gallant charge w:us made by our troops, the Federals fled, 
 leaving nineteen dead on the field, besides arms ammunition and two 
 prisoners. Lieut. I'owell, of Cun)mitigs' regiment, was killed. 
 
 I On the l^th of October, Capt. Ashby's cav.llry engaged a detach- 
 ment of the enemy between Leesburg and Harper's Ferry, Va., and 
 
LEESBURG. 45 
 
 While Hollins' fleet at Mississippi's month, 
 Scatter'd their ships — the torments of the South. '^' 
 
 On old Potomac's 'rocky banks there stood 
 An armed host, thirsting for Southern blood; 
 Their weapons. glitter'd in the setting sun, 
 Which linger'd in the west, as they begun 
 To cross the stream and climb the rugged way 
 That led to Leesburg, where our forces lay.f 
 The Mississippi boys were sent to meet 
 This hostile band. Eight bravely did they greet 
 The proud invader — every' volle^-'s roar 
 Waked doubling echoes on the craggy shore. 
 
 badly routed them. Federal loss 16 killed and 15 wounded; the Con- 
 federate loss one killed and one wounded. 
 
 * On the 12th October a spirited naval exploit took place at the head 
 of the passes in the mouth of the Mississippi lliver. It seems that 
 Commodore Hollins, of the C. S. Xavy, conceived the idea of brpuking 
 the hlorknde by scattering the Federal ships off New Orleans. He suc- 
 ceeded, after a very short struggle, in driving them aground — one of 
 them was sunk. The attempt was brilliant, but accomplished no good. 
 
 f The sanguinary battle of Leesburg took place near that town on 
 the 21st October. The details of the Northern journals were truly 
 sickening, and it was pronounced more "bloody, in proportion, than the 
 fierce conflict at Bull llun. On Sunday, the 2Uth, the Confederate 
 troops were prepared for hot work. Gen. Evans having received infor- 
 mation that the enemy were crossing the river. On ^Monday, about 8 
 o'clock, the battle commenced with a roar of artillery, which was the 
 signal for the opening of one of the severest fights of the war. 
 
 The enemy were l'rer|uent]y repulsed with great slaughter, leaving 
 their dead and mangled bodies strewn over the ground like autumn 
 leaves ; and, in their precipitate retreat, it is estimated that more than 
 one hundred found a watery grave, wliile no less than (lii? were made 
 prisoners. Gen. Stone commanded the Federals, amounting to about 
 2,000, the advance of Gen. ]]anks' army — their total loss was esti- 
 mated at from 1,000 to 1,200; among their killed was Col. Kaker, 
 ex-United States Senator. Our entire loss in killed and wounded was 
 150, among the former was Col. IJurt, of the l.^th Mississippi regi- 
 ment, a brave and accomplished soldier. 
 
46 PORT ROYAL. 
 
 Then forward sprang from ambush dark and deep 
 Virginia's Eighth — in companies they sweep 
 The open field amid tlie galling fire 
 Of twice their force — compass'd by slaughter dire. 
 The men of Mississippi then fell in. 
 Blending their war-cry with the musket's din. 
 Captured the Yankee guns with shout and yell, 
 Nor ceas'd their work till haughty Baker fell. • 
 Down the sharp crags that, hung above the shore, 
 The Yankees leapt, all weltering in their gore, 
 Then, battling with the waves,they scream'd in vain 
 For help — they sank — never to rise again. 
 Honor to Evans and his brave brigade! 
 AVho gave th' invader soil — but with a spade. 
 Tears for the gallant Burt, who nobly fell 
 Beneath the flag he loved so long and well. 
 
 Thus far our cause had prosper'd, but reverse 
 Will sometimes throw its sombre shadow far; 
 
 Let the sad Muse the dark tale now rehearse, 
 'Tis hers — the task tossing of fickle War. 
 
 Port Ro3al fell 'mid storms of deadly hail,* 
 
 And peal on peal that made the stoutest quail; 
 
 * On the Gth November the vast nrniiida, so long fittiDf; out by the 
 Fedenil Government, having reached it,s destination, made a descent 
 upon Port Royal, on tlie coast of South Carolina. Tiie assault of this 
 huge armament was gallantly resisted by the Confederate gunners, but 
 overcome by a largely superior force, the forts were compelled to yield. 
 The battle commenced at between S and !) o'chick, A. M., by the fleet 
 advancing into the harbor in single file, headed by tlio flag-ship Minne- 
 sota, under (^ommodorc Dupont, which was fttllowed by some twelve or 
 thirtten propellers of great power, most of which had sailing frigates in 
 tow. The Forts Walker and Beauregard opened upon them, which 
 
BELMONT PIKETON. 47 
 
 In vain her brave defenders plied their guns, 
 
 In vain the Georgians, Carolina's sons 
 
 And German gunners, sent the thunders back, 
 
 The Yankee fleet kept on their watery track, 
 
 Veer'd and spit out their streams of flame and smoke; 
 
 Till the calm waters from their slumbers broke, 
 
 And froth capp'd waves danc'd up toward the sky, 
 
 Lash'd by the balls in their mad revelry. 
 
 Port Royal fell ! its forts and harbor fair — 
 
 A foreign standard now is waving there. 
 
 At Belmont Havoc raised his piercing yell,* • 
 Let loose his furies 'mid the struggling bands; 
 
 While May at Piketon on the foemen fell,-|- 
 
 And dug their graves with eager, bloody hands. 
 
 was replied to by broadsides from the frigates. For a long time the 
 combat was terrific, guns of the heaviest calibre being used. Our forts 
 fired several of their ships, but the flames were quickly extinguished. 
 At about 3 o'clock but three of the guns of Fort^ Walker remained in 
 position. Our men, especially the German Artillery, behaved with 
 great coolness and bravery. Our loss at Fort Walker was supposed to 
 be aljout 100 in killed and wounded, of which the German Artillery 
 lost eight killed and fourteen wounded. The garrison were compelled to 
 evacuate the position and retreat to Bluffton. Sometinic after the Hil- 
 ton Head battery had to be yielded, that of Bay Point was also left by 
 our troops,' who fell back on St. Helena and Beaufort. 
 
 * On the 7tb November a glorious victory was achieved by the Con- 
 federate troops at Belmont, Ky. The fight commenced at 1 1 o'clock 
 in the morning, and lasted until 5 o'clock in the evening. The north- 
 ern and southern accounts of this battle are very conflicting. The loss 
 of the Confederates is estimated at 585, killed, 'wouijdcd and missing, 
 that of the Federals at 548. The Confederates fairly claim a brilliant 
 victory, as the enemy left the field and retreated acro.ss the river. 
 
 t On the Sth November a severe conflict between the Confederate 
 and Federal forces occurred near l^iketon, Ky. It took place a i\^w 
 miles beyond I'iketon, on the Loui.^a Bivcr, just west of the mouth of 
 Ivy Creek, which empties into the Louisa from the north side. The 
 road beyond the river from the mouth of the Ivy is over a steep bluflf, 
 
48 ALI.EGII AN V DllANESVlLLE. 
 
 At Alleghany, where bold Johnson's force * 
 Was canip'd, the ^oe with hifantry and horse 
 Made fight, but dearl}- rued the fearful hour 
 They came to test the dauntless Southron's power. 
 And then again at Dranesville freely Howdf 
 The tide of life, and Death's cold, shadowy abode 
 
 risinjr thirty feet perpendicularly from the water. Alonjj the side of 
 the road for four or five hundrod yards west of the mouth of the Ivy, 
 which is spanned by a hij^h bridi^e, the mountain rises to a irreat heii^ht 
 •hy a very precipitous ascent, thickly covered with ivy, laurel, and other 
 ever";reens. Into this covert, alonjr the steep ascent, ('apt. Jack May 
 placed his sharp-^-hooters, about vJOU in number, a short time bclore the 
 advance column of the enemy came up. lie tlir-n set fire to the bridge. 
 The enemy's advance soon appeared, suspectin}? notliintr; and, seeinp^ 
 the bridge on fire, supposed that our force had retreated to the other 
 side. When four or five hundred yards of the mad below him was 
 filled with men, crack went the rifles of Jack May and his sharp shoot- 
 ers along the whole distance. They continued to load and fire for sev- 
 eral rounds, and then, at a sifrnal, they vanished around the mountain, 
 and up Ivy Creek to a temporary crossing, which the}' had taken care 
 to provide, and which they destroyed after they had crossed the river. 
 May lost two of his men killed, and fifteen wounded. The dead of 
 the enemy were jiiled in heaps in the road. Between five and six hun- 
 <lred is said to have been the loss of the enemy. May found his way 
 ijufely back to the camp of Col. Williams. 
 
 * Od the morning of the 12th December a severe battle was fought 
 near the foot of Alleghany mountain, in Western Virginia. The action 
 was commenced on the evening of the 11th. and renewed on the morn- 
 ing of the llith. The Fedenils, who were doubtless guided by L'nion 
 men in the vicinity, came ujxm the Confederates under Col. Johnson, 
 soon after daylight, from the North, their strength biding four regiments 
 of about 1,0()(J men each; our force consisted of three regiments of au 
 average of 400 each, two battalions nundjering together 200 men, and 
 two batteries of four guns each. The fight continued until 2 o'clock, 
 P. M., when the enemy retreated. Caj)t.s. Anderson, of the Lee Bat- 
 tery, and 3Iayncham were killed. In this battle it is said that Col. 
 Johnson "covered himself wiih glory." 
 
 f On the 20th l)ecemher a severe fight took jdaec at Dranesville, 
 Va., which resulted badly to the Confederates, though it was pro- 
 nounced a "drawn battle." The patriots of ilie South had to contend 
 against fearful odds. Gen Stuart commanded the Confederate forces. 
 Lt. Col. Martin was killed in the action. 
 
SOMERSET — ROANOKE. 49 
 
 Was fill'd with flesh and bones. Here Martin fell 
 His pall the smoke — the cannon's roar his knell. 
 At Somerset, brave Zollicoffer died,* 
 A son of Tennessee — his army's pride. 
 It was a fearful fight-^the Spartan bands 
 Roll'd on the turf with cold and bloody hands; 
 They fought 'gainst odds and firmly stood the brunt, 
 Young Bailie Peyton perish'd in the front. * 
 
 Gloom after gloom ! the Southern star shone dim, 
 Crush'd, but not conquer'd, were our warriors bold ; 
 
 Great God is just, they placed their faith iu him. 
 And still fought on beneath their banner's fold. 
 
 Off Roanoke a line of gunboats loom'd f 
 Above the misty horizon; they seem'd 
 
 * The battle of Somerset (sometimes called Mill Spring), Ky., oc- 
 curred on the 19th January, 1862. It was a hard fought conflict, in 
 which our troops signalized themselves in the firm stand they took 
 against the invaders. The Confederate force was under the immediate 
 command of Maj. Gen. Crittenden. Of the death of Gen. Zollicoffer, 
 a writer gives the following particulars : " The ^^ississippi regiment 
 was ordered to the right, and Battle's to the left, and immediately 
 afterwards, riding up in front. Gen. Zollicoffer advanced to within a 
 short distance of an Ohio regiment, which had taken a position at a 
 point unkno\<"n to him, and which he supposed to be one of his regi- 
 ments. The first intimation he had of his position was received when 
 too late. " There 's old Zollicoffer," cried out several of the regiment 
 in front of him, " kill him !" and in an instant their pieces were leveled 
 at his person. At that moment his aid drew his revolver and fired, 
 killing the individual who first recognized Gen. Z. With the most 
 perfect coolness the General approached to the head of the enemy, and 
 drawing his sabre, cut the head of the Lincoln Colonel from his shoul- 
 ders. As soon as this was done, twenty bullets pierced the body of our 
 gallant leader, and he fell from his horse a mangled corpse." 
 
 After suffering severely, our troops, by order of Gen. Crittenden, 
 retreated to their entrenchments. 
 
 t The next reverse was that of Roanoke Island, in which, besides a 
 number of brave fellows, Capt. O. Jennings Wise, the son of General 
 7 
 
50 ROANOKE. 
 
 Like huge sea monsters, when their cannon Ijoom'd 
 
 Old Ocean shook — the gull and curlew scream'd. 
 'Twas Burnside's fleet feeling their doubtful way 
 Around the isle where our dooni'd squadron lay. 
 Slowly they came where Lynch's ships were moor'd, 
 And oped their ports — a stream of flame w:as pour'd 
 Upon our slender craft, who soon sent back 
 An iron shower that made their timbers crack. 
 All day the sun look'd on that stubborn fight, 
 And silence only came with sable night. 
 
 When morning dawn'd the guns again awoke, 
 The forts and boats belch'd out their lire and smoke, 
 While on the land the hostile troops closed in, 
 Their rattling muskets joining in the din. 
 The gallant Wise fell crown'd with glory's bays. 
 Beloved by all — no tongue but spoke his praise. 
 And Coles and Seldcn, likewise brave Monroe ; 
 Firm to the last, they .s'corn'd the concjucring foe. 
 Our boats gave up — unequal was the fight, 
 
 Our forts were hush'd — 't were madness to reply ; 
 Our troops surrender'd to superior might. 
 
 And darkness brooded o*er our destiny. 
 
 Wise, lost his life. The battle of lloanoke Island took place on the 
 7th and Hth Fchruary. The Federal forces and fleet were under Gen. 
 Burnside, and the Confederates under (jen. AVise. The naval eonffict 
 was short and active. Com. Lynch, who coniuiandcd, was badly 
 wounded and taken prisoner. Three of our j,Mnilioats were saved, but 
 the loss of life was great. It was stated that our loss in killed, wounded 
 and prisoners was 1,700. About 400 escaped from the Island.. The 
 , Federals landed at two points, and at one of the points they waded up 
 to their waists to effect a landing. Among the ofliccrs killed, besides 
 Capt. Wise, were Capt. Coles, 40th Virginia, Jjieut. Selden, C S. A., 
 and Lieut. Neill T. Monroe, 8th North Carolina. * 
 
FORT DONELSON. 51 
 
 Out in the West reverses follow'd fast, 
 Fort Henr J yielded to the fiery blast ; '•' 
 
 * The capture of Fort Henry by the combined efforts of the Federal 
 army and gunboats, was the prelude to the surrender of Fort Donelson, 
 which battle lasted through the 13th, 14th, and 15th February; on 
 the l(3th the Fort yielded. 
 
 Our troops numbered about 18,000, and were under the com- 
 mand of Generals Floyd, Pillow, Buckner, and Bushrod II. Johnson. 
 Most of the regiments were from Tennessee and Mississippi, but Vir- 
 ginia, Alabama, Texas and Arkansas also contributed their quota, and 
 swelled the dimensions of the army to the size named. Active hostili- 
 ties commenced early in the morning of the first day, but were confined 
 to the outposts and pickets. The next morning our artillery opened 
 upon the enemy, and met with a ready reply ; the artillery duel con- 
 tinued throughout the day. The next day witnessed pretty much the 
 same display, with the exception of an occasional skirmish between the 
 infantry and sharp-shooters of both armies; the gunboats also came up 
 the river and opened a vigorous fire upon Fort Donelson ; but after a 
 severe exchanging of shots for several hours, fell back disabled. On 
 Friday, the 15th, the cannonading was more terrible than at any time 
 during the siege. Again the gunboats renewed their attack, and again 
 they were compelled to retire, this time they were placed thoroughly hors 
 du coinhat. The infantry also became warmly engaged. During the 
 fight a desperate charge was made by two Illinois regiments upon the 
 2d Kentucky and lOtli Tennessee, but they were met almost hand to 
 hand, and sent back to their entrenchments, leaving a frightful propor- 
 tion of their dead and mangled upon the field. The day closed without 
 any practical advantage to either party. The next day was the Rubicon 
 of Fort Donelson. The enemy had received large reinforcements, and 
 now numbered 50,000. Snow lay on the ground to the depth of three 
 inches, and a cold, blinding sleet poured incessantly in the faces of 
 the soldiers. Still our men faltered not — a desperate attack was made 
 upon the right flank of the enemy, under the command of Gen. Grant. 
 Not more than 10,000 of our men were engaged in this movement — 
 but it was successful against triple their number. The struggle now 
 became desperate, and the enemy were routed in every direction, when 
 they were again strengthened by a reinforcement of 30,000 fresh troops 
 encompassing the place and completely surrounding our forces. It was 
 useless to contend against such odds; the Fort and army capitulated to 
 the enemy on their own terms. Floyd and Pillow saved portions of 
 their commands. 
 
 The total number of our killed and wounded was estimated at from 2,500 
 to 0,000, while that of the Federals is said to have been from 4 to 0,000. 
 Among our killed were Lieut. Col. Clough, Texas; Lieut. Col. Kobb^ 
 Clarksvilie, Tenn. ; Capt. May, Memphis, and Capt. Porter, Nashville 
 
52 NASHVILLE. 
 
 Then up the sluggish Cumberland came boats 
 AVith mighty guns — death in their iron throats, 
 And hosts ot armed men, all bent upon 
 The glorious capture of Fort Donelson. 
 Floyd, Pillow, Buckner, Bushrod Johnson too. 
 Led their brigades the snow-clad meadow through ; 
 Charged boldly up, silenc'd their batteries' roar, 
 'Mid heaps of dead and reeking pools of gore. 
 The Fort spoke out — the gunboats shrunk away, 
 Shatter'd and useless in the dreadful fray — 
 Three dreary days — the slaughter still went on, 
 The fourth beheld thy fall — brave Donelson ! 
 
 "With Donelson fell Nashville. Tyrant rule * 
 Hung o'er her citizens — a Lincoln tool, 
 With pow'r despotic waved the iron rod. 
 And on the necks of free-born people trod. 
 
 In far New Mexico, ^mid hills and vales. 
 Young Freedom sang her songs and told her tales 
 To list'ning ears. Her llame soon spread around, 
 And proud hearts bounded at the bugle's sound. 
 Up rose a band of true and hardy men. 
 And, rushing from the mountain top and glen. 
 
 ♦ Immediately aft«r the surrender of Fort Donelnon followed the 
 capitulation of the city of Njishville. Mayor Cheatham, on the arrival 
 of the Federal troopa in the vicinity of the city, repaired to Kdj^cfield, 
 where they were encamped, and furmall}- tendered the city with all the 
 public stores it contained, to the commander of the Federal forces. It 
 was, perhaps, the first city of such size, and containing so large an 
 amount of valuable stores, that ever surrendered under similar cireum- 
 Btances, to so inconsiderable a force — only lo men were sent to take 
 possession. The inhabitants, however, received the soldiers coldly, and 
 only two or three Union flags were displayed. 
 
THE yiKGINIA. 53 
 
 They met the foe upon Valverde's plain * 
 
 And told how hard they fought by hundreds slain. 
 
 Sibley led on the brave Confederates, 
 
 And, by his valor, added two new States, 
 
 Millions of treasure to the public store — 
 
 Unfading laurels steep'd in human gore. 
 
 But stars will sometimes peep thro' sombre clouds, 
 
 And sunshine gleam into the prison cell; 
 The mist that vale and flowery hill-side shrouds, 
 
 Will rise and show more brightly wood and dell. 
 On Hampton's waters lay the wooden walls 
 
 Of Northern pow'r, securely — as they thought. 
 Nought broke their quiet save the boatswain's calls, 
 
 The whistling steam-pipe and the engine's snort. 
 From Norfolk's harbor came a huge machine,-|- 
 All noiseless creeping thro' the waters green ; 
 
 * The sanguinary battle of Valverde, New Mexico, took place on the 
 21st February. Gen. Sibley commanded the Confederate forces, and Gen. 
 Canbythe Federal; it resulted in a coniplete'dcfieatof the latter with great 
 loss. It was a great victory ; six thousand eight hundred prisoners were 
 captured, and twenty-five millions worth of property secured to the 8outh- 
 ern Confederacy, including the territories of Arizona and New Mexico. 
 
 "f A brilliant naval affair came off at the mouth of James River, on 
 the 8th March, and temporarily opened the blockade. Two first class 
 frigates, the Cumberland and Congress, were destroyed, and the steamer 
 Minnesota and several smaller Yankee craft disabled. The " sea-mon- 
 .ster" Virginia (formerly the United States steam frigate Merrimac) had 
 been for a long while fitting for the expedition at (losport Navy Yard; 
 and when she crept out of the harbor at Norfolk she struck terror to 
 the blockading squadron of Lincoln. The Virginia wa.s under the 
 command of Capt. Buchanan, who was wounded in the engagement. 
 The loss of life on the side of the enemy was terrific, on our side it 
 was small. The Virginia was assisted in this sparkling affair by the 
 Confederate steamers I'atrick Henry and .Jamestown, licsides two or 
 lhree smaller vessels. Several prizes were taken from the Yankees. 
 The great batteries at Newport News were silenced. The Virginia 
 offered battle the next day, but had but little to contend with. 
 
54 TUE VIRGINIA. 
 
 'T WHS the Virginia, all in stout iron cased, 
 A ram at her prow — timbers tightly braced. 
 Like a huge tortoise, thro' the briny deep 
 She made her way a harvest rich to reap. 
 The Cumberland at anchor lay ; her crew 
 Gazed on the craft — a curious thing to view, 
 When loudly peal'd the dark intruder's gun, 
 And with a plunge the dreadful work was done : 
 Down went the gallant frigate; at mast head 
 Her Hag still il^ing o'er her buried dead. 
 
 Then to the Congress turn'd the floating fort, 
 Her cannon roar from many a hidden port ; 
 While, bounding harmless from her iron roof 
 The shot fell thick and f\ist — but proof 
 Was she against the wild, unceasing shower,' 
 Unhurt herself — to hurt w^as all her power. 
 The air was rent with heavy shot and shell, 
 The spray dash'd np — the waters rose and fell; 
 The Congress reel'd, her decks all red with gore, 
 Striking her flag, she ran into the shore. 
 Oh, the wild screams of dying men ! they rent 
 The air — the ship she lay a monument, 
 Till red-hot balls the sea-worn fabric burn'd, 
 Left nought but ribs — /or Congress had adjourn d. 
 
 Long raged the fight; the scattcr'd Yankee fleet 
 Kept out of range or order'd quick retreat ; 
 The Monitor essay 'd to strike her foe. 
 She made one plunge, and then thought Ijcst to go! 
 Our gallant fleet retir'd when night came on, 
 For on that day were fiideless laurels won, 
 
ELKHORN. 55 
 
 While the whole world proclaim'd an era new, 
 Lauding Buchanan and his sturdy crew. 
 
 The busy Burnside push'd his forces on. 
 
 And captur'd Newbern, in the old North State;''' 
 The forts held out and gave them gun for gun, 
 
 But the town fell — 't was so decreed by fate. 
 In Elkhorn's fight the fierce McCulloch fell.f 
 
 And Mcintosh, the bravest of the braves, 
 Was stricken low — loud cannon rung their knell, 
 
 And mourning comrades wept above their graves. 
 Led by Van Dorn, our struggling heroes fought 
 Like tigers at their lairs — the foemen bought 
 A meagre vict'ry — on the field were spread 
 Long lines of wounded and of ghastly dead. 
 
 Now turn to Karnstown, where our Jackson met J 
 The boaster Shields, and left his gory mark; 
 
 * On the night of the 13th March about 20,000 Federals, attached to 
 the Burnside expedition, landed with artillery and cavalry near the 
 batteries a short distance from the town of Newbern, N. C, and beji;aa 
 skirniishing with their infantr}'. Their gunlx)ats, about fifty in num- 
 ber, hauled up within gun-range of the batteries, and opened upon 
 them with eight-inch shell. The fight then became general. We had 
 but 6,0U0 men in the field and at the batteries — our loss in killed* wound- 
 ed and prisoners was about 1,000. Col. Campbell and ]jieut. Col. 
 Haywood were killed. The forts stood the siege bravely, but were com- 
 pelled to surrender to superior power ; the town of course capitulated, 
 
 f On the night of the Hth March, and during the days of the 7th 
 and 8th, a severe battle took place in Arkansas. By some it was called 
 the battle of Sugar Creek, and by others the battle of Elkhorn. The 
 loss was severe on both sides, and the result of little advantage to 
 either. Gen. Van Dorn was in command. The enemy's force amounted 
 to 20,000. Gens. McCulloch and Mcintosh, and Cn] ITerbcrt were 
 killed, Gens. Price and Slack wounded. 
 
 I On the 22d and 23(1 March, a severe encounter took place, 
 between the Confederate forces, under " Stonewall " Jackson, and the 
 
56 ST. AUGUSTIXE. 
 
 Hard was the fight, till Sol in sorrow set. 
 
 And night spread o'er the field her mantle dark. 
 With foot to foot and eye to eye they strove, 
 Their wild shout echoing thro' glen and grove; 
 At night they slept, wlion hroke another day, 
 The dead lie there — but Jackson was away. 
 
 As gentle Spring spread out her feast of flowers. 
 And kiss'd young buds with plea.sant winds and showers. 
 War frolick'd in his might and flard his brand 
 Over the fields and cities of tlie land. 
 In the far West, down in the sunny South, 
 Vengeance leapt from the cannon's fiery mouth; 
 The tyrant's yoke upon the true was placd, 
 And Vandal acts made conquerors disgraced. 
 St. Augustine bow'd to the tyrant's thrall,'-'' 
 The Mississippi islands, one and all,-|- 
 
 Fcderals, under Gen. Shields, near Winchester, Va. It is generally 
 called the battle of Kanistown, and resulted to the advantage of the 
 Federals, thoujh.they were severely dealt with by the Conlederates, 
 who afterwards retreated towards »Stra.sburg. The engagenjont was 
 brought on by the gallant ('ol. Ashby, who always fought the i^nemy 
 whenever he showed hiuistlf ; it couimonced about 4 o'clock and ter- 
 minated when night closed upon the scene of conflict. IJoth parties 
 retired from tiie battle held. Our loss was not over iOO killed and 1.^0 
 wounded, while that of the enemy was about three times that number. 
 
 ♦ The Federals, leaving their gunboats outside the bar of St. Augus- 
 tine, Florida, approached tlie city in a barge, about 40 in number, with 
 a flag of truce and the American ensign flying. The surrender of the 
 city and the keys of the Fort were demanded, with the notice that in 
 the event of a refu.«al the vessels outside would proceed to shell them. 
 The City Council was immediately convened, and. after deliberation, 
 the keys were delivered to the Federal officer in command of the barge. 
 
 f During the month of March and a great part of April, the 
 invaders of Southern soil slowly but surely converged their forces 
 towards the centre. Various small battles and skirmishes took place 
 
BATTLE OF SHILOII. 57 
 
 Yielded 'mid fire cand smoke to stronger power, 
 Wliile Freedom wept away the gloomy hour. 
 
 Old Fred'rioksburg, tho' filled with patriots true,* 
 Besieged and and threaten'd by the hireling crew, 
 Surrender'd her rights and wore the galling chain. 
 Praying ere long to breathe free air again. ♦ 
 
 Not always with the strong will be the race. 
 
 There j^et were honors for the Southern arms ; 
 For Beauregard still proudly held his place, 
 
 The stern director of the battle's storms. 
 On Shiloh's plains the hostile armies met,-|* 
 No earthy fort — no ditch — no parapet; 
 
 on the banks of the Western rivers and on the coast, their gigantic 
 fleets of gunboats and transports laying desolate the towns and country 
 within the range of their guns. Island No. 10, a strong position on 
 the Mississippi, occupied by the Confederates, after a long and vigorous 
 resistance, surrendered to the enemy. 
 
 * In April the city of Fredericksburg, Va., fell into the hands of the 
 enemy, who took possession of the opposite heights, while our troops 
 fell back toward Gordonsville. 
 
 "I" The great encounter at Shiloh, equaled only by the battle of Ma- 
 nassas, somewhat enlivened the drooping spirits of tin^ Southern people. 
 It came off on the 6th and 7th of April. Among the many brave chiefs 
 killed on our side, we have to record the name of Gen. Albert Sidney 
 Johnston, a most accomplished officer and brave soldier. This event 
 gave the command of the Confederate army to Gen. Beauregard, who 
 planned the attack with his usual ability. The Southern and North- 
 ern accounts of this affair differ materially ; and it is difficult to glean 
 from the mass a reliable detail. 
 
 The fight of the firsfday commenced with heavy skirmishing. Gen. 
 Hardee niade the advance upon the enemy's camp, taking him com- 
 pletely by surprise. Gen. IJragg commanded the centre and Gen. 
 Polk the right wing of the army. During the first day the enemy 
 mhdc a great many stands, but in every insUincc his ranks were broken 
 and disorganized, and occasionally the retreat was vcry»wil<l and disor- 
 derly, the troops breaking to run. The action continued until G o'clock 
 in the evening. After having driven the enemy to the range of their 
 8 
 
58 BATTLE OF SHILOH. 
 
 » 
 
 An open field skirted by pine and oak, 
 That echoed back the sabre's sparkling stroke. 
 Hardee began the fi^^lit — his squadrons' charge, 
 Like kni.Ldits of old with battle-axe and targe, 
 Struck terror to the loe — they waver d — broke — 
 And th§ugh their guns in tones of anger spoke. 
 Yet, such a charge ! their forward lines gave way 
 To clattering hoofs and steel that Hash'd in day. 
 Then Bragg and Polk their cohorts hurried fast, 
 Rolling along, like clouds lx*fore the blast, 
 They plung'd into the fight; the rallied foe 
 Meeting their charge and dealing blow for blow. 
 
 gunboats, our forces abandoned the pursuit, having possession of their 
 entire carap, stores, &c. Our force in this engagement did not exceed 
 30,000; that of the enemy could not have been less than 70,000, under 
 the command of Gen. Grant, the victor of Donclson. 
 
 The next morning, soon after sunrise, the enemy having been heavily 
 reinforced, made an attempt to force our position. His att;ick was 
 spirited, and the day's fighting wiis far more severe than that of the 
 previous day, he being aidid by new men from Gen. Buell's command. 
 Gen. IJeauregard was compelled to order his troops to i'all back, and in 
 BO doing, for want of transportation, we were compelled to abandon 
 much of our spoil and of the substantial fruits of our victory, saving 
 only fourteen cannon. 
 
 The events of l)()th days were considorcd a thorough victory. It 
 was simply impossible to essay more than what had already been accom- 
 plished by our army, to drive the enemy to the river. 
 
 The personal conduct of our Generals in this })attle was beyond 
 all praise. Gen. Johnston fell gloriously on the field, leading a com- 
 mand in the thickest of the fight. (Jen. IJeauregard, covered with 
 du.st and perspiration, never ceased to lead in person and address words 
 of encouragement to his troops. (Jen. Polk freely exposed his person, 
 and displayed great coolness. Gens. Hardee and Bragg were the life 
 and soul of the attacking party. Gen. Gladden had his left arm shot 
 off, and died sluirtly afterwards. (Jen. lireekinridgc displayed great 
 military tact and daring, and all the other (Ji-norals were active and 
 fearless. The enemy's loss was nearly doul)le that of our army. The 
 result was the (h-iving of the enemy from their camp and the saving 
 of Corinth, the capture of artillery, more than twenty-five flags an(^ 
 standards, and over 3,000 prisoners. 
 
FORT PULASKI. 59 
 
 The loud artillery shook the earth, the wood 
 Seem'd to forego its dreamy solitude. 
 On, on — brave Johnston gallops to the van. 
 His flashing eye is turned on every man ; 
 His sword plays with the radiance of the sun. 
 And, as it glitters, lights you, Southrons, on ! 
 But, see — he falls — mourn, widow'd nation, mourn. 
 The noblest chieftain of the wars has gone ! 
 But proudly beams his eye in death — he sees 
 The stars and stripes receding in the breeze. 
 
 The day 's our own — their camp is our reward, 
 Our leader now the c;allaut Beaure2:ard. 
 With the next sun the struggle was renew'd. 
 The enemy came up in angry mood. 
 Bent on regaining all that had been lost. 
 And driving back our men at every cost. 
 Stubborn the fight, and, when the sun went down. 
 Each army held its ground and claim'd the crown. 
 Thus ended Shiloh's long and bloody fray — 
 Corinth was free — the foe was kept at bay. 
 
 Pulaski fought as long as guns were left* 
 
 To scatter death amid th' invading foe ; 
 A thousand shells her mighty bastions reft, 
 
 And laid her flag and brave defenders low. 
 
 * Fort Pulaski, after a gallant resistance, surrendered to the Federals 
 on the 11th April. The surrender was unconditional. Seven large 
 breaches were made in the South wall of the fort by a battery of eight 
 Parrott guns at King's Landing. Nearly 1,000 shells were thrown into 
 the fort before it struck. 
 
60 NKW (JKLEANS. 
 
 And then, at South Mills in the old North State,* 
 The gallant Wriirht sent back the plundering horde; 
 
 Many there met a skulking felon's fate 
 By bayonet, bullet, cannon shot or sword. 
 
 Proud New Orleans, the mart of Southern trade,-|- 
 
 Had long been held in strict and close blockade. 
 
 The hostile ships closed in. The sun was high 
 
 AVhen Jackson spoke and shook the vaulted sky. 
 
 St. Phillip, too, was wreath'd in clouds of smoke 
 
 And jets of flame; but soon the stunning shock 
 
 Of thunder claps responded to the roar, 
 
 Myriads of shot flew over sea and shore. 
 
 * A brilliant affair took place at South Mills, N. C, on the 19th 
 April, in which the Confederates were victorious. Col. Wrijrht com- 
 manded our forces, and, having heard that the Federals in force of up- 
 wards of 5,0U0 had landed on the night previous, hurried iorward with 
 three companies of infantry, an artillery company and one company of 
 cavalry, and attacked them; leaving many of their dead and wounded 
 upon the field, estimated at between 300 and 500. Our loss was 12 
 killed and oO wounded. 
 
 f The city of Xcw Orleans had long been closely blockaded by a 
 powerful Federal squadron of frigates, gunboats and transports. On 
 the morning of the 24th April this fleet moved up the river towards 
 Fort Jackson, which withstood an immense cannonading. During the 
 night two gunhoat^s passed up along the line of continuous entrench- 
 ments and batteries, and suddenly appeared before the city. Com- 
 mander Farragut demanded an immediate surren<ler; Gen. Lovell 
 refused, but evacuated the city with his troops, falling back to Camp 
 jMoore, leaving the city under the protection ol the Foreign J^egion. All 
 the cotton and stores which could not be removed, were destroyed. The 
 iron-olad steamer Mississippi was al.-^o burnt on the stocks in order to 
 prevent her falling into the hands of the enemy. 
 
 Inimediately alter the fall of New Orleans, Forts Jackson and St. 
 Phillip surrendered after a stubborn resistance. The forts on Lake 
 ronchartrain were also disbanded and evacuated. This mysterious 
 aflair struck the people with astonishmgnt, and many doubts were 
 expressed as to the loyalty of, at least, one of the leading charactisrs ; 
 for it was known that the people of the gallant Crescent City rested in 
 aecurity, believing the approaches to their homes insurmountable. 
 
BUxLER, THE BEAST. " 61 
 
 The squadron hiirl'd an avalanche of shells, 
 Each, like a dragon, thro' the welkin yells; 
 Resistance were in vain — batter'd and worn. 
 The hush'd guns told the foe their strength was gone. 
 
 The fleet pass'd up the stream; the city spires 
 Were lighted up by skyward flashing fires ; 
 Mountains of cotton, touch'd by flaming brand 
 To ashes turn'd — the Yankee's contraband. 
 The city fell — but, firm and lo^^al still. 
 Proudly the people scoff 'd a tyrant's will. 
 Butler, " the beast," ruled with despotic power,* 
 But no one knelt — all were too proud to cower. 
 Brave chieftain he ! with bayonets around. 
 He warr'd on women — made the world resound 
 'With curses on the wretch whose edict placed 
 The virtuous maid with those by lust disgraced; 
 Who hung the man that nobly tore away 
 The bloody flag that shamed the light of day.f 
 Foul offspring of a Puritanic race! 
 Hath Shame no blush to ny,htle o'er thy face? 
 What subtle demon, leaniEn| at thy side. 
 
 Whispers to thee — "'Tis flii'1:hy country's pride?" 
 
 /■' 
 : ^r ,1 
 
 *Onc of the first acts of Gcn^-'tliYl"*, on taking the reins of des- 
 potic power, vras to issue an oriJt, •'which called down the hearty con- 
 demnation of all christian natic s. In this order he placed the ladies 
 of New Orleans on the footing"^ rjnjmon harlots, and gave his myr- 
 midons full license to treat tho-g/as such. 
 
 t Subsequently he ordered He hanging of Col. Muraford, on the 
 oharfre of having aided in the heinous crime of tearing down the usurp- 
 ing flag of the United States. 
 
62 ' WILLIAMSBURG. 
 
 Then fell Fort Macon ; to the last her braves * 
 Plied at their guns, resisting steel-clad boats 
 And armed hosts, who sought for Southeni graves 
 
 Diiir i'or them by our balls from iron throats. 
 At Williamsburg McClellan's monster force f 
 Attack'd our Johnston — infiintry and horse, 
 With brazen batteries, came thundering down 
 Toward our works before the classic town. 
 Twice had we made them fly; the Vermont churls 
 Had felt'the bolt a Southern patriot hurls; 
 Dam numl^er two a bloody tale can tell 
 Of "Mountain boys" M'ho in that strugnle fell. 
 Horse leapt to horse — gun (|uick replied to gun ; 
 Like bursting clouds, the nimble lightning run 
 
 * On Friday, 25th April, Fort Macon, on the North Carolina coast, 
 near Xcwbern, after a boinbardinent from the enemy's land batteries of 
 ten and a half hours, surrendered. The ^^arrison were allowed the 
 honors of war, the officers retainin<; their side-arms, and all the men 
 paroled. Seven men were killed and eiirhtcen wounded, two mortally. 
 The enemy's loss wa.s not known. 
 
 t On the 4th and r»th May, a blociq'^'.eniragenient took place near Wil- 
 liam.sbur<;, Va., in which the enoii "^'ere repulsed with heavy loss in 
 killed and wounded. They also lost t^'Jilve pieces of artillery and 500 pris- 
 oners. The fight on the 5th lastof^ x)m 7 o'clock to 11 o'clock, A. M. 
 
 Several severe skirmishes j)rccedd?J^this important battle; they were 
 conse(|ueht to the retreat of our'''.rmy under Johnston from the 
 entrenchments at Vorktuwn, which ".was considered politic to evac- 
 uate. The skirmish at Ham N6; T J^ \ sanc^uine in the extreme, two 
 Vermont rei^iments havinir been cniit *V cut to j>ieces. The details of 
 the battle jrive much credit to the ti^"ips uf (Jeoriria and iiOuisiana. 
 (Jen. .McClellan led tlie iiivadinc; flw-^^^ .ind acknuwledi^od a heavy loss 
 in officers and men, thoULfh, as is his ^' .torn, he makes a defeat a vic- 
 tory. Our loss was heavy, and Virgi,**la haa to uuiurn the death of 
 many of her bravest sons. ,^ 
 
 Among our killed were Gen. Early, Col. Mort, Col. Ward, Major 
 Wm. H. Palmer and Captain Jack Humphreys. The 1st Virginia 
 regiment Avas badly cut up. Out <•/' 200 men in the fight, some 80 or 
 90 were reported killed and wounded. 
 
WILLIAMSBURG. * 63 
 
 In livid shafts along the clashing lines, 
 
 While shell tore up the earth like bursting mines. 
 
 For hours the stubborn conflict raged — at length 
 The charges of our, men — their fire — their , strength — 
 Push'd back the foe, they waver'd — broke — they fled, 
 Leaving the held encuraber'd with their dead. 
 It was a fearful strife — a strife of blood, 
 Where desperate patriots like a bulwark stood 
 Defending their homes, their lov'd ones from a foe 
 That gloated o'er the blood they caus'd to flow. 
 Oh^ triumph dearly won ! Many a brave 
 On that red field hath found a hero's grave; 
 Many a son, a husband, brother dear, 
 Sigh'd out his life, no friend his couch to cheer. 
 Our gallant Early fell — a patriot true, 
 Mort breath'd his last with victory in view. 
 Ward, Palmer, Humphreys, sigh'd their latest sigh,' 
 And taught their sorrowing comrades how to die. 
 
 At Sutlington our knotty Jackson dealt 
 A blow severel}' by the Yankees felt;* 
 He drove them back from hill to marsh and wood, 
 And made them read their errors in their blood. 
 
 Press'd by invading hordes, or some such cause, 
 (Hist'ry may tell us what the reason was,) 
 
 * On the 8th May Jackson's advance forces enpiged the enemy on 
 SutlinL'ton ITill, near McDowell. After four hours hard fighting, he 
 completely routed and drove thcni from all point?. Our loss was about 
 800 killed and wounded. Col. Gibbons was killed. The enemy suf- 
 fered severely. 
 
64 THE VIRGIXIA. 
 
 Our troops abandon'd Norfolk to her liite,* 
 Aud Portsmouth too — so fortified of late. 
 All the stout batteries, where erst they stood 
 Guarding the. quiet city and the flood ; 
 Gosport, with all its works, destroy'd or burn'd. 
 Its busy shops to desolation turn'd. 
 Then, as if panic howl'd upon the air, 
 The great Virginia, wandering in despair,*]* 
 No port of safety, plow'd the river waves. 
 Silent above her former victims' graves. 
 'T was so decreed; her ^hot-proof hull was ftr'd, 
 
 Her da}' of glory now had pass'd away ; 
 With one loud blast the gallant ship expir'd, 
 
 She sunk, and left nought but the moaning spray. 
 Glory too brief — utilit}'^ scarce tried — 
 Reigning a day the monarch of the tide. 
 
 *0n the 11th May the cities of Norfolk and Portsmonth, tofrether 
 with the Gosport Navy Yard, were evacuated by the Conroderate forces, 
 under Gen. Ilugcr, tlie latter being for the second time destroyed. 
 Eight or ten Marylanders, under command of Lieut. Spotswood, effec- 
 tively fired and destroyed the yard. 'J'hey destroyed every pound 
 of cotton and tobacco they could find in Portsmouth. They also burnt 
 all the steamers and sailing vessels in both ports. 
 
 f This splendid specimen of naval architecture, a tower of strength 
 in herself, aud wiiich, it was hoped, would contest the «'ntrance of the 
 enemy's gunboats into the mouth of Ja'nes llivcr, was destroyed imme- 
 diately alter the evacuation of Norfolk. Orders were received by her 
 commander, Capt. Tatnall, to run her up James Hivor, if jtracticable; 
 and if not to evacuate and blow her up. It wa.s found that her draught 
 was too great to carry her to City Point. She was consequently light- 
 ened, her sides being thus exposed, she was unfitted for battle. She 
 was, therefore beached near Craney Island, anti the torch applied. The 
 explosion of her magazine was distinctly heard -i) miles off. Captain 
 Tatnall afterwards demanded a court of en(|uiry and waa acquitted. 
 
drury's bluff. 65 
 
 Up the Jaipes river crept a hostile fleet,* 
 
 For Eichmond, ho ! they shouted as they sped ; 
 They little dream'd resistance they should meet, 
 
 From rebel guns with pills of moulded lead. 
 Shelling the shore on either side, they stcam'd 
 Slowly along — their pennons gaily streamed 
 Over the glassy flood — or hid in smoke 
 When their huge guns the sleeping echo woke. 
 Not long that pageant grand. They near'd a bluff 
 Where watch'd a band made up of knotty stuff, 
 Who swore to check them on their pleasant route. 
 And let them know that "rebels" were about. 
 Boom ! and a thousand echoes swell the sound, 
 Round shot and shell along the waters bound ; 
 The proud Galena reels — her hull's on fire, 
 She 's got her share, and now she may retire. 
 Crippled they leave their moorings, glad enough 
 To get without the range of Drury's Bluff. 
 So, Richmond breathed again — to o-ankee wit 
 She gave full time some other plan to hit. 
 
 Again at Giles our champions' arms prevailed,^ 
 A gallant force the Yankee, bands assailed, 
 
 *0n the 15th Maya brilliant affair came off on James River. The 
 enemy's gunboats advanced towards llichmond, and were repulsed by 
 the Confederate prunners at Drury's IMuff — named by the Yankees 
 Fort Darling. The Monitor and Galena were the leading boats, the 
 latter was much damaged by our guns, and had to withdraw from the 
 conflict. Our sharp-shooters also did effective service, picking off 
 every man who showed himself. The enemy retired, convinced that 
 they could not reach the capital by that route. We had seven killed, 
 among them Midshipman Carroll, and eight wounded. 
 
 I On i^Iay 11th an affair took place at Giles Court House, Va. Gen. 
 Heth, with 1,500 infantry, 2 guns, one 24 pound howitzer, 4 mountain 
 9 
 
66 GILES — SANTA FE. 
 
 Drove them, afriglit, o'er many a weary milo, 
 Then left their thieving squads to rest awhile; 
 While at far Sante Fe our forces proved* 
 Their pow'r to shield the cause they dearly loved. 
 
 The stout guerilla, on his bounding steed, 
 Rode thro" the land all fearful in his speed; 
 His rifle's crack was heard in darksome wood, 
 His course was traced by streaks of foemen's blood. 
 The denizens of villages, with fright 
 Look'd trembling thro' the shadow of the night; 
 And, when the clattering of a hoof wa8 heard, 
 They couch'd with fear and utter'd not a word. 
 " Vengeance " the motto of these daring men, 
 Their homes were burnt, they now dwelt in the glen. 
 
 Who has not heard of gallant Morgan — lie f 
 Who swore to make his home, Kentucky, free? 
 
 howitzers and a compstfiy of cavalry, started from Shannon Gap to 
 attack the enemy. On .vouching the Court House tlicy opened with 
 shot and shell for half aniiour, when the enemy fled, and were pursued 
 six miles to Wolf Gap. Our loss was one killed iind, four wounded. The 
 enem'y, it is said, carried off ten wa<^on loads of killed and wounded. 
 
 * After the battle of Valverde, Gen. Sibley pushed on and occupied 
 northern New Mexico, including Santa Fe. lie took Santa Fe on tho 
 15th March, and established his head(|Uartcrs there. On taking pos- 
 eession he raised the ('onfederate flag, made of a captured I'liited States 
 flag, on the Federal flagstafl", had a salute lired ironi the captured Fed- 
 eral battery, and Dixie played on the instruments of a captured United 
 States band. 
 
 Shortly after the occupation of Santa Fe the great battle of (Jlorietta 
 took place, in which the Confederates were victorious, the enemy suf- 
 fering, a loss of 700 killed, wounded and missing. 
 
 f Col. John Morgan was the terror of the enemy during the war. 
 He seemed to be omnipresent — and no one knew his whereabouts, until 
 they heard the cry of his fearless horsemen amid the crackling of 
 flames and the roar of fire-arms. He swore to redeem Kentucky, and 
 
FRONT ROYAL. . 67 
 
 Go where the wild deer loves, secure, to roam, 
 Where erst the red man built Ijiis leafy home ; 
 There the ag d hunter will relate the tales 
 He 'd often heard of steeds that flew on gales. 
 And phantom horsemen, arm'd with blades of firej 
 Who fell on cities with consuming ire ; 
 Laid waste to camps where hated Hessians slept. 
 And shouted wild as thro' their ranks their swept. 
 Morgan 's no myth — nor Scott — nor Ashby bold. 
 Free fighters they, like patriots of old. 
 
 Again the wily Jackson trapp'd the foe,* 
 And at Front Royal laid his standard low, 
 Captur'd his stores, his ammunition, men. 
 And made the boaster Banks tramp back again 
 
 for that purpose gathered a band of dauntless men, with whom he 
 swept over the country and destroyed everything that might give aid 
 or comfort to the invaders. Bridges and trains were burned, arms 
 secured, stores and munitions destroyed, and even cities threatened. 
 
 Scott is also another hero of the same class ; he with his gallant band 
 of partizans, performed many daring exploits. He would attack any 
 force, scarcely stopping to ask its numbers. Ilis exploits on the road 
 between Tuscumbia and Athens were as brilliant as any on record. 
 
 Col. Ashby, of Virginia, was likewise celebrated for his daring feats 
 as an independent fighter. His untimely death was mourned by the 
 entire army, and the people felt that they had lost a brave defender and 
 a stern avenger. 
 
 * A great victory was achieved by Gen. Jackson over the Federal 
 forces under Gen. Fremont at Front Royal, Va. One section of artil- 
 lery and many prisoners were captured. On the next day Gen. Banks' 
 main column, whil.st retreating from Strasburg to Winchester, was 
 
 })ierccd, the rear part retreating towards Stra.sburg, and on the fol- 
 owing day the other part was routed at Winchester. Brig. Gen. Geo. 
 II. Stewart with his cavalry and artillery pursued the flying enemy, 
 capturing many prisoners, and penetrating into Maryland. A large 
 amount of medical, ordnance and other stores fell into our hands. 
 
08 , LEWISbURG. 
 
 Thro' Winchester, Avith honors closely shorn, 
 Onward toward his friends at Washington. 
 The gallant Stewart, with his troopers brave 
 Pursued the racers to Potomac's wave, 
 Pass'd into Maryland — ^gave three loud cheers, 
 And made the Cabinet tremble with their feare. 
 
 At Lewisburg, Hetli with a meagre band * 
 Put Cox to tlight with thousands at command. 
 Here Edgar fell and gallant Thompson too. 
 Both dauntless men and to their country true. 
 And then at Hanover our men attack'd f 
 A Yankee force by proud McClellan back'd. 
 The fight was hard; our brigade under Branch, 
 Contested every inch with foemen staunch; 
 Five hundred fell with feet toward the foe — 
 The field was lost — our flag was stricken low. 
 
 * The battle of Lewisbur{», Va., took place on the 24th May in the 
 streets of the town. Our forces were under the command of General 
 lieth, and numbered about 1,800. The enemy's forces numbered 
 between ;') and G,000. They were driven from two positions, and then, 
 reinforced, gained a position in Heth's rear, which compelled him to 
 fall back, which was done in good order, across (ireenbricr River, the 
 bridge over which they burnt. The Confederates took 7'» jirisuners, 
 and lost none of their own except the wounded, which were Icl't in the 
 hands of the enemy. Major Edgar, of Monroe, waa killed, also Capt. 
 Thompson. Total casualties 200. 
 
 •j" A severe fight occurred at Hanover Court House, Va., on the 27th 
 May, which resulted in disa.ster to the XTonfederates. Our forces were 
 mostly composed of North Carolina troops and one regiment of Creor- 
 gia, under command of (len. Jkanch. After a hard tight of two hours 
 duration, our forces wore driven back, a portion of them being badly 
 cut to pieces. The enemy took pos.'^e.ssion «if the railroad between 
 Hanover Junction and Ashland, ^\'e had only liatham's field battery 
 in use, two of the guns were abandoned on the field. Our loss was 
 variously estimated from 500 to 1^000. 
 
"never despair." 69 
 
 An old man stood upon the battle field 
 
 When all was still, save dying warriors' groans ; 
 The lips of many a gallant youth were seal'd, 
 
 While there lay gaping flesh and shatter'd bones 
 In dread array; skulls riven, limbs torn apart, ^ 
 
 And glassy eyes that told of madden'd brain ; 
 While some would on a pool their glances dart. 
 
 And cry for "water!" o'er and o'er again. 
 A sorrowing youth spoke out to that old sire 
 
 Who mused and ran his fingers thro' his hair, 
 "Our cause is lost, soon will the flame expire, 
 
 . Nought have we now but sorrow and despair." 
 The vet'ran stood erect, with haughty pride 
 He scann'd the doubting youth, and thus replied : 
 
 Tho' our roofs be on fire, tho' our rivers run blood, 
 Tho' their flag 'son the hill, on the plain, on the flood; 
 Tho' their bayonets bristle and shots rend the air. 
 Faint heart ! do not utter the cry of despair. 
 
 The red moon looks down on the field of the slain. 
 The gaunt vulture soars o'er the desolate plain; 
 By the lov'd ones that, mantled in glory, lie there. 
 Arouse from thy stupor and never despair! 
 
 We have mountains that lift their gray peaks to the skies. 
 We have rifles whose crack to the war-yell replies; 
 We have sinewy arms, we have souls that will dare, 
 WJiile these are our safeguards, why, doubter, despair? 
 
 The great God is just, and he blesses the right, 
 He makes the weak rise like a giant in might; 
 
70 BATTLE OF SEVEN PINES. 
 
 When he strikes for his home and the tender ones there, 
 There 's hope in each blow, there is shame in despair ! 
 
 Then, shoulder to .shoulder, push on with a tread 
 That will shake the loose earth that is hcap'd o'er the 
 
 • dead ; 
 Bear the torch and the sword to the proud tyrant's lair, 
 Let the wild battle shout drown the wail of despair. 
 
 Despair — while the old man can flourish his staff. 
 Despair — while the boy at th' invader can lauLdi; 
 Despair — wliilc our daughters and wives kneel in prayer, 
 And our mothers scream out "don't despair — don't 
 despair!" 
 
 Go, preach to the rock on the lone ocean shore, 
 
 And tell it to battle the billows no more; 
 
 While there 's life, there is hope — for the death-blow 
 
 prepare, 
 It is glorious to battle — it is base to despair. 
 
 The grandest army of the Northern power, 
 
 Equipp'd in splendor, caparison'd complete. 
 Led by the " Young Napoleon " — a tower 
 
 Of strength — a polished chief from head to feet, 
 Came thundering down on Richmond's cai)itol, 
 Thro' miry road and over sandy knoll ; 
 Banners of stars and stripes stream'd in the air. 
 And braying trumpets made the buzzards stare, 
 While saxe-horn, trombone, ophicleide and drum, 
 Proclaim'd aloud in sweUing tones, "We come!" 
 
CHICKAHOMINT. 71 
 
 This monster army, full of pride and pomp, 
 At night cross'd o'er a dark and dismal swamp,* 
 Threw up their works — reserves were at their back. 
 And then received the daring Hill's attack. 
 
 * McClellan's first object on crossing the Chickahominy on his road 
 to Richmond, 31st May, was to throw up entrenchments of fallen trees, 
 turf, &c., near Barker's farm. Our forces under Gen. Johnston, 
 attacked them at that point; Gen. Hill's division led the advance, sup- 
 ported by Gen. Longstreet. With this disposition commenced the battle 
 of " Seven Pines." Featherstone's brigade led the advance. It was 
 commanded on the occasion by Col. Anderson, the General being ill. 
 Garland's brigade commenced the attack on the left, and in a few 
 moments the engagement became general. After two hours fighting 
 the Federals were driven from their camps. Our artillery then opened 
 and made sad havoc among their ranks. The 4th North Carolina, out 
 of 29 officers, had four killed and nineteen wounded. Capt. Bacon, of 
 the 27th Georgia, was killed. 
 
 The 6th Alabama, 6th Georgia and 23d Georgia suffered severely ; 
 the 6th Alabama being nearly decimated. The 6th Georgia lost lUO 
 out of 500 men they took into the field. 
 
 Later in the day Gen. Longstreet's division came into the fight. 
 Although heavily reinforced, the enemy were charged by the combined 
 forces of Longstreet and Hill, and driven ofi" the field, our men taking 
 possession of their camps and fortifications. 
 
 Gen. Whiting, while endeavoring to get in the rear of the enemy, 
 was attacked on the left flank by an overwhelming force, causing him to 
 change front, and engage in a severe and bloody contest. Hampton's 
 Legion lost in killed and wounded over one-half its numbers. The 
 charge of this body of men was gallant and daring beyond all descrip- 
 tion. Col. Wade Hampton wa.s slightly wounded, and Dr. E. S. Gail- 
 lard lost an atm. Col. Giles, of the 5th South Carolina, was killed ; 
 also Col. Lightfoot, of tlje 22d North Carolina. 
 
 On the right, during the night. Gens. Hill and Longstreet were rein- 
 forced by Hugcr's division. The enemy were also largely reinforced. 
 Early in the morning the fight was renewed. Pryor's, Picket's and 
 * Wilcox's brigades stood well up to the front, and were badly jTut up, 
 particularly the 8th and 14th Alabama. I^Lihone also came upon the 
 field in good time, fought hard and lost many men ; one Alabama regi- 
 ment alone lost one hundred and ninety-six, killed and wounded. 
 
 In this battle the losses on both sides were terrible, shewing the deter- 
 mined resistance of the ConfcdcratCB to the approach of the " Young 
 Napoleon " to their Capital. 
 
72 T'OHT KErUBLIC. 
 
 Not quite content to have so many guests, 
 To pusli tliem back our gep'rals thought it best; 
 Hot shot, cold steel, dsed freely by our braves, . 
 Gave the proud foe a treat to Southern graves. 
 Fiercely the tight went on; Longstrect was there, 
 
 And Anderson, and dauntless Johnston too; 
 Jenkins who "knew his boys" was everywhere, 
 
 Walton the brave — Whiting the staunch and true. 
 When morning came the struggle was renew'd. 
 The fiery Pryor the show'r of bullets stood 
 Till order'd back. Picket sustain'd the shock 
 Till Mahone came, as firmly as a rock. 
 Long hours of slaughter 'mid a noonday's sun. 
 Both armies stood, and not an inch was won; 
 The foe was check'd, but sad the tale to tell, 
 Bacon and Giles, two gallant soldiers, fell; 
 Ilatton and Lightfoot also breathed their last, 
 To be renowned in stories of the past. 
 
 All honor to the gallant men who fought 
 
 At Port Republic under Jackson's lead,'-' • 
 
 * On June 0th Gen. Ewell's command, with a part of Jnokson's, 
 attacked Fremont near Cross Ki'ys, fiye mijcs from l*ort lU-puhlic. 
 Fremont was repulsed with considerable loss. On the ne.\t d;iy .lack- 
 son crossed the north brancli of the Shenandoah, above I'ort Hepublic, 
 and burnt the bridjre. He then went in pursuit of Shields, who was 
 encamped at Jjowistuwn, two miles below Fort llepiiMie, on the east 
 side of the Shenandoah. JIc attacked him at sunrise, and, ailer a 
 terrible battle of four hours, eoniplitely routed bini, capturing six 
 pieces of artillery (all Shields had) and a number ol" prisoners. The 
 rout was as complete as in the case of JJanks. Siiicjds had4l,000 men, 
 and Jack.son about the sauie number. Fremont was reiiil'orceil, and on 
 the same day appeared on the west bank of the Shenandoah, but could 
 not get over to aid Shields, as the bridge liad leen burnt. 
 
Stuart's expedition. 73 
 
 Sustain'd by Ewell, Taylor — chiefs who ought 
 
 To know the foeman's strength — or speed. 
 A briUiant fight — charge upon charge was made, 
 Squadrons assailed, contending blade to blade. 
 Hundreds fell grappling in uncertain strife, 
 Holding the vict'ry dearer than their life. 
 For hours the conflict raged, till Shields gave way, 
 And "Stonewall" once more won a glorious day. 
 Anon, the hero turn'd ^is sinewy arm 
 Toward Fremont — he : fame down like a storm ; 
 Sent the scar'd traitor, like a beaten cur, 
 Not back to Mariposa- -Winchester ! 
 
 Stuart, Virginia's pride, with his brigade 
 Performed a gallant feat, some call it raid,* 
 Bej^ond McClellan's lines in front of Lee, 
 A polish'd son of Southern chivalry. 
 
 * A military manoeuvre unparalleled in the history of war was accom- 
 plished about this time. In brilliancy and success it eclipsed the 
 dashing exploits of Morgan, Ashhy, Scott or G. II. Stewart. 
 
 On the 12th June, Gen. J. E. B. Stuart, with the 1st and 9th 
 regiments of Virginia cavalry, under Col. Lee, one regiment from the 
 Jeff Davis Legion, under Col. Martin, the cavalry from Cobb's Legion, 
 and two pieces of artillery, set out from Ashland on a daring and 
 hazardous adventure. Pursuing a circuitous route, they passed the 
 right of McClellan's lines, and, on the following morning, fell upon a 
 cavalry encampment at Old Church, in Hanover County, about twelve 
 miles from Richmond, and four from the rear of the main forces of the 
 enemy. After a brief contest, the Federal cavalry, consisting of two 
 squadrons, finely mounted and equipped, was rogted, and 175 taken 
 prisoners, the remainder fled, leaving tbeir dead and wounded on the 
 field; their encampment was also taken, with a large amount of stores, 
 which were burnt. There being no way of sending the prisoners back 
 to Ashland, their only resort was to carry them on with them. That 
 evening the gallant band, consisting in all of about 2,. 500 men, reached 
 Hauovcrtown, on the Pamunkey, where they took four transports by 
 10 
 
74 STrART's EXrElMTIOX. 
 
 He led his squadrons bold o'er hill and dale. 
 
 With sabre drawn and banner in the gale, 
 
 Round to the Yankee's rear for many a mile, 
 
 Swept over gully, stony hill and stile. 
 
 Capturing scouts and pickets everywhere, 
 
 Destroying camps and dealing out despair. 
 
 Their ride from Ashland to Pamunkey's Hood 
 
 Was a long chain of victory and blood. 
 
 They burnt three transports with' their heavy freight. 
 
 Attacked the train, nwdc camp gi^unds desolate; 
 
 Then, Mith their trophies and a trumpet strain. 
 
 They galloped on and reached tlii]^r home again. 
 
 The brave Latane, a noble captaioi, fell 
 
 And. with a war-shout, bade the world farewell. 
 
 surprise, and destroyed three (the fourth escaping) with their contents, 
 each being heavily hidcn with army sup])lic's. They continued in a 
 south-eastern direction, and reached the York River liailroad, above 
 the White lluuse, in tiuie to meet the train coming from the rear of 
 the Federal army ; and as it ai>proafhcd, they fired into it, killing, it 
 wa.s believed, the engineer and fireman. The train sped on at an 
 incredible speed, and went headlong toward the I'amunkey. After 
 tearing up a portion of the railroad track, they directed their line of 
 march to Charles City County, and began their homeward circuit, the 
 enemy in jmrsuit. Arriving at tlie I'urd over the Chickahominy, they 
 swam the river, patched up an old bridge and passed over the artillery, 
 and were soon out of danger. They arrived in llichmond tlie day 
 following, bringing with them all tlieir prisoners, about 2r)U horses 
 and mules, and a <|uantity of firc'-jirm.< and sabres. They only lost 
 one man, the brave ('apt. JiUtane, of the Essex cavalry, who was 
 killed in the engagement at Old Church, wliere also two men were 
 Wounded. 
 
 Large quantities of morphine, opium and quinine, were taken from 
 the Federal hospitals. It was estimated that at least one million 
 dollars worth of stores, wagons, tents and other property were destroyed. 
 A portion of the 4th Virginia cavalry were engaged la this brilliant 
 affair. 
 
JAMES ISLAND. 75 
 
 Now, turn we to James Island, where the foe * 
 
 Had ladg'd five regiments of sturdy men, 
 Who made unhicky haste to strike a blow, 
 
 But soon found out they 'd struck a tiger's den. 
 Our dauntless soldiers, led by brave Lamar, 
 Charleston behind — in front the dogs of war. 
 Stood the assault — rush'd on with ardor bold, 
 And gave them back their blows a hundred fold. 
 'T was a hard fight, the Highlanders pour'd in, 
 Hot as their fire, with shot and cannon's din. 
 But vain their efforts, like sear leaves they fall, 
 And there repose with bonnets, kilts and all. 
 Vict'ry was ours — a glorious victory ; 
 Again shone bright our star of destiny ! 
 But, mourn we Reed and King, two noble braves. 
 And Edwards too. Plant laurel on their graves. 
 
 McClellan's army met a bloody check 
 At Williamsburg, again at Seven Pines ; 
 
 * On the 16th June a severe battle took place on James Island, five 
 miles from the city of Charleston, S. C. It is known as the battle of 
 Seccssionvillc. Five regiments of Federals, reinforced by artillery, 
 attacked the batteries at Sccessionville. Col. Lamar commanded the 
 Confederates, and with a few hundred troops, repulsed the enemy 
 three times with great slaughter. The Federals fought bravely — but 
 were defeated. Our loss, as near as could be obtained, was about 40 
 killed and 100 wounded, that of the enemy by far heavier, as our men 
 buried for them 150 left dead on the field, and captured about 70 
 prisoners. Col. Lamar was wounded. Captains Kecd and King and 
 Lieut. Edwards were killed. The Confederate troops engaged were 
 the entire regiment irom Charleston, a battalion of (he 47th Georgia 
 ( Ilagood's regiment), Lamar'.s battery, and a detachment of the Chat- 
 ham Artillery, of Savannah. Themo.st conspicuous regiment among the 
 enemy, and the onc^hat suffered mo.st, was thb New York 79th, the 
 Highlanders — they were badly cut up. 
 
76 BATTLE OF RICHMOND. 
 
 And, tlio' he conjurd "victories" from the wreck 
 
 Of batter'd works and decimated lines, 
 He learnt a lesson — saw a stubborn foe 
 
 Who'd give up all for sacred Liberty ; 
 Before their wrath his power liad fallen low. 
 
 And then he made defeat a '' strategy ! " 
 Rix;hmond, the goal of his an\bitious schemes, . 
 
 Was still unconquer'd; there his brilliant dreams 
 Of proud success concentered — there, thought he. 
 He 'd make the " rebels " bend- the pliant knee ; 
 The capital of the Confederate States, 
 The Rubicon which led to Gkry's gates. 
 But Lee had plann'd, and Longstreet, Jackson, Hill. 
 Endors'd that cunning plan with right good w^ill ; 
 The cause hung on the issue of the fight. 
 In God our trust, he would protect the right. 
 
 The fra}' commenced. Steady and firm the tread 
 Of Southern troops as up the hill they sped * 
 
 * The bloody checks which the Northern army, in its memorable 
 advance up the l*enin.«ula toward Riehniond, h:ul received at Williaiiis- 
 burjr and Seven I'incs, had tautrht McClellan the desperate character 
 of the conflict, without which he could never hope to reach, in triuin])h, 
 the capital of -the Confederate States. The importance of the series of 
 Confederate victories will be acknowledged by historians, and as a 
 summary of the war may here prove interesting, 1 will engraft one in 
 these notes. 
 
 A Confederate writer (Clarke) brought hi.« historyrlown to the battle 
 of 8hiloh, and gave the total number of battles up to April 8th, 1862, 
 at or\c hnndrnl mid four tern ; eighty-one of which were Confederate, 
 and thirty-three Federal victories. 1'he losses of the Confederates in 
 all the engagements, sum up as follows: Killed 3,-42, wounded 14,53U, 
 captured 21,387. The Federal loss is thus stated: Killed 12,023, 
 wounded 20,43('», captured 14,279. Recapitulation — total number of 
 Confederates killed, wounded and ])risoncr8 .')!Mf>'.» ; total number of 
 Federals killed, wounded and prisoners, 4ti,72S. Number against the 
 Federals, 7,oG0. The largest figures atrainst the Federals are at Shiloh, 
 viz : 2,500 killed, 9,000 wounded, and '3,700 captured. 
 
BATTLE OF RICHMOND. 77 
 
 Toward entrenchments arm'd on every side 
 With monster guns that sent a plunging tide 
 Of canister and shell into their ranks, 
 While riflemen from pits annoy'd their flanks. 
 A cloud of smoke obscur'd Mechanicsville — 
 Onward, still onward, led by fearless Hill, 
 
 Fort Donelson is stated thus: Confederates, killed 231, wounded 
 1,007, captured 3,780. Federals, killed 1,200, wounded 2,000. 
 
 Island No. 10 is thus stated : Confederates, killed 3, wounded 3, cap- 
 tured 5,000. Fed.erals, killed 160, wounded 3,000. 
 
 The complex character of the movements of hoth armies in front of 
 Richmond on the three days preceding the great victory of 27th 
 of June, renders a description very difficult to readers who are not 
 familiar with the geography of the country occupied. 
 
 On Thursday, June 2Gth, at 3 o'clock, Major General Jackson took 
 up his line of march from Ashland, and proceeding down the country 
 between the Chickahominy and Famunkey Rivers, he uncovered the 
 front of Brig. Gen. Branch by driving off the enemy collected on the 
 north bank of the Chickahominy, at a point where it is crossed by the 
 Brook Turnpike. Gen. Branch, who was on the south bank, then 
 crossed the river and wheeled to the right, down its northern bank. 
 Proceeding in that direction. Gen. Branch, in like manner uncoverpd, 
 at Meadow Bridge, the front of Major Gen. A. P. Hill, who imme- 
 diately crossed. 
 
 The three columns then proceeded en echelon — Gen. Jackson in 
 advance and on the extreme left. Gen. Branch (who was now merged 
 with Gen. A. P. Hill) in the centre, and Gen. A. P. Hill on the right, 
 immediately on the river. Jackson, bearing away from the Chicka- 
 hominy in this part of the march, so as to gain ground toward the 
 Pamunkey, marched to the left of Mechanicsville, while Gen. Hill, 
 keeping well to the Chickahominy, approached that village and engaged 
 the enemy there. 
 
 Driven from the immediate locality of Mechanicsville, the enemy 
 retreated during the night down the river to Powhitc Swamp, andTiight 
 closed the operations of the 2Gth. 
 
 On Friday, 27th, early in the morning the general advance en echelon 
 again began ; Gen. Jackson in advance far to the left, gradually con- 
 verging to the Chickahominy again; Gen. A. P. Hill in the centre, 
 and bearing toward New Coal Harbor; Gen. Longstreet and Gen. D. 
 H. Hill, coming down the ('hickahominy to New Bridge. Arrived at 
 Hogan's Hou.'-c, near New Bri<lge, Gen. Lee awaited the consummation 
 of his magnificent strategy; courier after courier arrived, inform- 
 ing him of the approach of each division. As soon as Jackson's arrival 
 
78 BATTLE OF RICHMOND. 
 
 Our cohorts dasb'd, exposed to raking sliot 
 That plow'd the earth .and made the still air hot. 
 The enemy fell back ; their works were ours ; 
 Won by stout hearts 'mid deadly bullet-showers. 
 
 at Coal Harbor wa.s announced, Gens. Lee and Longstreet, accompanied 
 It}' their rcspcctivo Htiiflfs, nidc to Gaines' Mill and halted at New Coal 
 Harbor, here they joined (Jen. A. P. Hill. 8oon the welcome sound 
 ot" Jackson's guns announced his arrival, and the battle beiran. 
 
 The enemy now occupied a sinirular position, one ]>ortion of his army 
 on the south side of" the Chiekahomiiiy, fronted Iliclnuond, and was 
 eiiufronted by (Jen. Ma;^ruder j the other portion on the north side, had 
 turned their backs on Richmond, and fronted destruction in the persons 
 of Lee, Longstreet, Jackson and the Hills. 
 
 Jackson having begun the contest, it was taken up b}' the Hills, and 
 raged with great fury and display of the utmost daring and intrepidity 
 by the Confederates from 4 o'clock until 8. The enemy's lines were 
 linally broken and his strong positions alL carried, and night covered 
 the retreat of McClellan's broken and routed columns to the south side 
 of the Chickahominy. This retreat continued through Friday night 
 and i>aturday morning. Closely watched and pressed by our army, 
 he held his fortified camp on the south side of the Chickahominy 
 during Saturday, 28th, but evacuate<l it during the night, and resumed 
 his retreat, taking direction toward James River. 
 
 The retreat which began from the north side on Friday night, on 
 Sunday changed into a flight, and the fool races of the army of the 
 Potomac were run down toward James River, through Charles City 
 county. 
 
 On Sunday, June 29th, the battle of Savage Station took place. It 
 was a severe and lively fight, the enemy wa.s easily driven back with 
 loss, Uiany jirisoners falling into our hands. The troops engaged on 
 our side were the division of (Sen. McLaws, consisting of Gens. Ker- 
 shaw's and Semmes' brigades, supported by (Jen. Griffith's brigade from 
 JMagruder's division. (Jen. Griflitii fell in this fight, which raged 
 furiously until darkness put an end to the contest. 
 
 J)ffring Sunday, the mortifying fact became known to our Generals 
 that iMcClellan liad in a nleasure succeeded in eluding us, and was 
 retreating toward James River, having st<jlen a march of twelve hours 
 on (jcn. Huger, who had been placed in a.positiou on his flank, to watch 
 his movements. 
 
 On -Monday, June 30th, Longstreet, ITuger and Magrudcr pursued 
 the enemy by the Charles City road, with the intention of cutting him 
 off. Tiiey overtook him at White Oak Swamp, but they had crossed 
 the stream and burnt the bridge behind them. An artillery tight, 
 
 %• 
 
BATTLE OF RICHMOND. 79 
 
 Still forward rushing, in a solid mass, 
 Our gallant soldiers thro' the village pass, 
 Assail the second work, by Pender led, 
 O'er rijQie-pits, abattis, heaps of dead. 
 
 however, took place ; the casualties on both sides are said to have been 
 severe ; indeed it is said to have been the heaviest artillery fight during 
 the war. 
 
 At about 4 o'clock on the same day, Gen. A. P. Hill, having com- 
 mand of Longstreet's division and his own, encountered tjic enemy, 
 jvho was in position about five miles north of Darbytown, on the New 
 Market road. The fight was desperate, and lasted until half past ten 
 o'clock in the night. President Pavis was on the field during the day. 
 During the night the enemy retreated down the Quaker road toward 
 Malvern Hill ; here he took a strong position, about two miles and a 
 half from his gunboats on James River. 
 
 On Tuesday morning, July 1st, P. H. Hill's division, on the right 
 of Jackson, Whiting, Ewcll and Jackson's own division on the left, 
 crossed the White Oak Bridge. Longstrect, A. P. Hill, Magruder and 
 Huger, on the right wing, pushed down the Long Bridge road in pur- 
 suit, and took position on the left and front of the enemy, under fire 
 of all his artillery on land and water. 
 
 The battle commenced with skirmishers, and soon the entire corjis 
 (Varmee were engaged. The indomitable Jackson assailed the enemy 
 with great energy on the right of their position, and soon drove them 
 from the field. The dusk of evening, deepened into darkne.<^s, favored 
 the retreat of the Federals, who succeeded in carrying off their pieces, 
 though with a loss in killed and wounded equal to, if not greater than 
 our own. 
 
 On Wednesday, July 2d, the main body of McClellan's grand army 
 reached the much coveted positions in the neighborhood of Berkeley 
 and Westovor, on the James Kivcr, where they took a rest of more 
 than a month — and then sought a new banc. 
 
 In this series of sanguinary battles, the Federal loss is said to have 
 amounted to over 25,000 killed, wounded and missing. The total of 
 the Confederate loss was 12,989. 
 
 Truly does a Northern writer say : "The soil -of Virginia is now 
 sacred. It is fcathed with the reddest blood of the broad land. Every 
 rood of it, from upper ChickaliDminy to the base of Malvern Hill, is 
 crimsoned with blood. The dark forests — fitting canopy for such woful 
 sacrifice — echo with the wails of wounded and dying men. There is 
 a bloody corp.ic in every copse, and mangled soldiers in every thicket of 
 that ensanguined field." 
 
bU l.ATTLE OF niCIIMONI). 
 
 Sons of the old North, (leorgia's heroes, too, 
 Charged side by side and cut their patlnvay through ; 
 Till Night, in mercy, drew her veil around, 
 And sent her dews to cool the fever'd ground. 
 
 At early dawn the drum, with lengthend roll. 
 Woke the tired soldier — fir'd the drooping soul ; 
 Forward again, more hatt'ries to be won, 
 ;More blood to ilow before the set of sun. 
 The Hills, brave Longstreet and stern Lee were there ; • 
 
 Pryor and Gregg had huslTd tiie Yankee's fire; 
 Our men rush'd on with shouts that rent the air. 
 
 Driving th' invading hordes thro' uiud and mire. 
 Till they reach'd Gaines' Mill, where breastwork.-* frown'd, 
 And monster guns commanded all around. 
 How cheap was life upon that awful day! 
 Humanity looked on, then turned away 
 And wept — for man his savage nature sliow'd ; 
 In strife slay all .you can — that 's Honor's code. 
 
 On with your firm brigade, brave Prj'or, on ! 
 Wilcox, advance ! yon hatt'ries must be won ! 
 Heed not the storm of grape and canister. 
 Or shells that pierce the air with fearful blir; 
 Wave your proud colors — give your war-shout free, 
 Your country calls — you hold her destiny. 
 
 Up the steep hill, with bay'net glist'ning bright, 
 The brigades rush, then deadly is the fight; 
 They stagger — halt — brave Wilcox shouts aloud, 
 ^'Forward, my boys !" then, 'mid the sul[)iairous cloud 
 They disappear, the sod can only tell 
 How many gallant souls that morning fell. 
 
BATTLE OF RICHMOND. 81 
 
 Yet, onward, tho' a mighty host oppose, 
 
 With gallant Featherstone in front, the}'- rose 
 
 Above all fear; fainting, tho' fighting still. 
 
 They made theiji' journey up the bloody hill, 
 
 When, from the,: wood, burst forth the gladsome cheer, 
 
 "Jackson's come up — he's on their right and rear!" 
 
 Terrific now th©' fight; with furious dash 
 
 The columns now in double anger clash ; 
 
 Hood with his Texans, Whiting, Pender — sweep 
 
 Over the field in blood and carnage deep. 
 
 Double the hurricane of fire that shakes 
 
 The solid earth — -its deaf 'ning echo wakes, 
 
 Rolls from the foemen's dread artillery, 
 
 Sweeping along, like tempest o'er the sea. 
 
 Onward we press, and backward fall the foe, 
 
 Till their ranks break and their proud flag is low. 
 
 Then comes a roar from Jackson's angry guns 
 
 That sends a. thrill of terror thro' the mass 
 Of flying Dutchmen, Puritans and Huns 
 
 Who have permits to leave without a pass. 
 Arms, cannon, baggage, colors — all are lost ; 
 Stores and munitions, that had millions cost, 
 Are left to us — their gory heaps of dead. 
 And, with their hosts, their glory, too, has fled ! 
 
 Another day set in ; more blood must flow 
 
 Our forces still pursued the flying foe ; 
 
 Moody pour'd in his fire near Garnett's farm," 
 
 When up came Georgia's vet'rans fresh and warm. 
 
 They charge the breastworks, drive the foe beyond, 
 
 And, \^ith a cheer, to their faint fire respond — 
 11 
 
82 • BATTLE OF RICHMOND. 
 
 Yet many a gallant soul fell on that day, 
 And many a widow weeps her life away. 
 
 The holy Sabbath came. Worn, mcu. with blood, 
 Our men push'd on thro' paths of miro^and nuid; 
 McLaws in front, Kershaw and Semmes' men, 
 Sustained by Griflith,' filed thro' wood aud glen. 
 More grinning bastions barr'd their onward way, 
 With hot and deadly fire — but what card they? 
 Kemper brought up his deatli-diflusiug dogs. 
 And ran the Hessians further thro' the lx)gs. 
 'Twas here that Griffith fell; as brave a soul 
 As ever courted fire or war-drum's roll ; 
 Mourn'd by the fearless Mississippi band 
 Who fought at Leesburg under his command. 
 As the sun set upon the crimson field 
 
 Magruder reach'd the Hying Ibeman's rear;. 
 Attacked his ranks, while Kershaw's brigade peal'd 
 
 A fire that scatter'd them like frighted deer. 
 Meanwhile the dashing Stuart made a raid 
 
 Toward the White House, captur'd all their stores ; 
 Burnt transports, hosts of prisoners made, 
 
 Who mourn'd the day they reach'd Virginia's shores. 
 
 With the next morn 't was — up and on again 
 Toward the White Oaks, o'er a stubbled plain; 
 There stood the foe with fifty cannon bared, 
 All loaded, capp'd and lor the charge prc})ar'd. 
 Our batt'ries open'd, quickly theirs replied. 
 Death revell'd in the ranks of either side, • 
 
BATTLE OF RICHMOND. 83 
 
 Till night closed in. The enemy fell back 
 And left their dead and wounded on their track. 
 
 Meanwhile the dauntless Hill his corps advanc'd, 
 Near Darbytown; their bristling bayonets glanc'd 
 In the bright sun, as firmly on they went 
 In one huge mass, on victory intent. 
 The shell and shot whirl'd, whistling, thro' the air, 
 Devouring fire spread carnage every where ; 
 Mad shrieks and shouts scar d the wild bird of prey. 
 And grim Death frolick'd on that awfbl day. 
 Still on the victors press'd o'^r pools of gore', 
 Driving with yells the scatter'd foe before. 
 Night spread around, yet sheets of vengeful flame 
 Pour'd from the guns, as if from Heav'n they came ; 
 The foe had made a stand, and, reinforc'd, 
 Essay 'd to gain the ground that they had lost. 
 The shock came on our men with stunning power, 
 They struggled, 't was a dark and fearful hour. 
 Hill dash'd in front of Wilcox's weak brigade, 
 Bade them cheer loud, the order was obey'd ; 
 The foe was check'd, they thought 't was Jackson's men. 
 And so commenc'd their retrograde again. 
 
 Another day set in, and still went on 
 The carnival of Death ; the noonday sun 
 Saw tjie two armies drawn up face to face. 
 One flush'd with hope, the other with disgrace. 
 The Howitzers and Grimes' batteries 
 Open'd the Ijall with cannon melodies, 
 That made old Earth shake to the very corc, 
 While Heav'n sent back the fierce and doubling roar. 
 
84 BATTLE OF RICHMOND. 
 
 Then came up Pegrani, with his veterans bold. 
 
 His guns their track of desolation told, 
 
 But, one by one they fell, till Davidson 
 
 His iron tempest on the foe l>egun. 
 
 Up charg'd a column of our dauntless men. 
 
 Like leaves they ft'H to rise no more again; 
 
 Death's whirlwind swept them from the hot plateau; 
 
 Cheer upon cheer sent up the haughty foe. 
 
 Now the brisk musketry, with fiendish ire, 
 
 Sent forth a galling ilood of lead and fire; 
 
 Appalling thunder Icap'd from batteries 
 
 That rent the earth and tore the forest trees; 
 
 Shells quiver'd in the air from gunboats far. 
 
 Death-dealing ofierings at the shrine of War ; 
 
 Squadrons were swept from off the quaking earth. 
 
 Carnage and Havoc laugh'd in ver}^ mirth. 
 
 Our fainting ranks gave way, when, hark, a peal 
 
 Of cannonry upon the foeman's right ! 
 'T is Jackson with his braves ! the vaunters reel — 
 
 Break in confusion, then resort to llight ! 
 The veil of night came slowly gath'ring round. 
 Wounded and dead lie scatter'd o'er the ground ; 
 Zephyrs came dancing o'er the field of gore. 
 Kissing the dead and whisp'ring — " This is War ! " 
 Fainter and fainter th' hum of fiying hosts, 
 
 Louder the cheers of our resistless men ; • 
 
 Where now the "Young Napoleon's" mighty hosts? 
 
 Will they reduce the Capital — and when? 
 He reach'd his " new base " on James river shore 
 With half an army — that half sick of war. 
 
BATTLE OF RICHMOND. 85 
 
 Shelter'd by gunboats, spread bis canvass out. 
 And set to work on breastwork and redoubt. 
 Alas ! for tbat grand bost wbicb cost so much, 
 Alas ! for princely staff — Frencb, Irisb, Dutch ! 
 
 Seven long days of battle — nights of woe 
 Had thinn'd our ranks, but still they watch'd the foe. 
 Those gallant souls ! self-sacrificing braves ! 
 Who at their thresholds found their honor'd graves ; 
 Peace be with them. The poet's harp shall sound 
 Praise to the dead who fell by Glory crown'd. 
 Among the many, was the high-ton'd Wheat, 
 A hero born — a gentleman complete; 
 Inured to war — he'd been in many a fight, 
 Ever unflinching, always for the right. 
 At Gaines' Mills his engle-eye was seal'd — 
 His last request — "Boys, bury me on the field!" 
 
 Now, rest thee, muse — but half thy task is done. 
 War's barbed chariot still rolls madl}^ on ; 
 His cry is heard all o'er the groaning land. 
 And armies melt beneath his blazing wand. 
 
 Note. — The 2d Canto of the poem of " War" is in course of com- 
 pletion, and will be issued as soon as circumstances will permit. 
 
JOSffN RUZICKA 
 BOOKBlNOrRS 
 
 BALI IMCRI.XD