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 COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 
 
Cedar Creek 
 
 A POEM 
 
 BY 
 
 w 
 
 H 
 
 POLHAMUS, 
 
 LATE OF THE SECOND OHIO 
 VETERAN VOLUNTEER CAVALRY 
 
 Cbe 3[mpcrtal press, 
 
 CLEVELAND, OHIO, 
 I 90 I . 
 
THE LIBRARY OF 
 CONGRESS, 
 
 Two Copies Received 
 
 SEP. 10 1901 
 
 ^Copyright entry 
 
 CLASS A-/XXC N^. 
 
 COPY B. 
 
 
 ,02- 
 
 ,^oi 
 
 COPYRIGHT, igOI, 
 
 BY 
 W. H. POLHAMUS. 
 
 (<i< • ••••••• 
 
To the many brave boys^ both living and dead^ 
 who struck a blow for liberty and a united country 
 on that memorable igth day of October^ i86^, the 
 following lines are respectfully dedicated. 
 
PRE FAC E. 
 
 When first it was learned the " Grand Army " 
 
 would come 
 To Cleveland this Fall, a wild project was sprung 
 By some of my comrades, that near struck me 
 
 dumb. 
 It spoke of a poem they wished me to write, 
 
 On the battle that's called " Cedar Creek ; " 
 They knew, so it said, that I joined in that fight 
 " With Custer's Division," that charged on the 
 
 right ; 
 And thought I could paint the thing, "just out 
 
 of sight," 
 While they knew of no other to seek. 
 
 The scheme, though well meant, was appalling 
 
 to me ; 
 I never dared hope a real poet to be ! 
 And I told them point-blank, to look some other 
 
 way. 
 But after much thinking on what they had said. 
 
 Some muse to a fancy gave birth. 
 Which haunted my lone, quiet hours in bed ; 
 On the street and in church it would run through 
 
 my head, 
 And sometimes got mixed with the prayers that 
 I said : 
 I give it for what it is worth. 
 
 The Author. 
 
Picked just a trifle too soon. 
 
PRELUDE. 
 
 " When Greek meets with Greek," is a phrase 
 
 often heard 
 From persons who seek to express in a word 
 The fury or vim of some strife which occurred. 
 And yet, it has come to me frequent of late, 
 
 When I think of our own " Civil War," 
 That it hardly is needful now to relate, 
 Or allude to commotions of such early date. 
 And use them as symbols of anger and hate. 
 
 Since we have others stronger by far. 
 
 Long before South Car'lina insulted our flag. 
 And rallied her sons 'neath that secession " rag," 
 A hatred existed, which never had lag'd. 
 'Twas brother 'gainst brother, and clan against 
 
 clan ; 
 The result of a long-standing feud. 
 That had rankled and burned in the heart of each 
 
 man, 
 North and South, East and West, since the nation 
 
 began — 
 Till at last it burst forth, by some cruel breeze 
 
 fan'd, 
 In a flame that could not be withstood. 
 
For three years and over the war had raged on 
 With a fury scarce equal'd under the sun ; 
 Yet peace seemed no nearer than when it begun. 
 Grant fighting near Richmond, while Sherman and 
 
 Hood 
 Were off on their trip to the sea ; 
 And Banks up Red river, the prospect seemed 
 
 good 
 For several years more, of a land drenched in 
 
 blood — 
 And " Copper-Heads " North, doing all that 
 
 they could 
 To keep us from winning the day. 
 
 Then Early came Northward and threatened to 
 
 take 
 The City of Washington, which seemed at stake, 
 On movements that Grant might be able to make. 
 Three corps were dispatched with all haste, round 
 the coast. 
 And Sheridan placed in command ; 
 In forwarding troops not a moment was lost. 
 While they man'd all the works, and strength- 
 ened the " Post " 
 With " Hundred-day Soldiers," who came in a 
 host 
 From each Northern part of the land. 
 
When Early discovered our heavy works there, 
 With guns in position and troops everywhere, 
 He left for " The Valley," and we for his rear. 
 We crossed Harper's Ferry without much de- 
 lay, 
 And moved toward " Tom's Brook " with a 
 will ; 
 We closed in upon them the very next day 
 And took " Snicker's Gap," at the foot ot 
 
 " Luray," 
 Then "Charlestown," and " Winchester," " Kern- 
 town," and " Bley," 
 And next fought and took " Fisher's Hill.' 
 
 A few days thereafter 1 had to report 
 With troop at Headquarters, to act as escort 
 To Sheridan, who was about to depart ; 
 Being called away from his place on the line, 
 
 On some mission to Washington bent : 
 So, for a few days his command he resigned, 
 And placed General Wright at its head for the 
 
 time. 
 But judging from actions, would leave one in- 
 clined 
 To believe that few knew where he went. 
 
The most of our army was lying in line 
 
 At or near Cedar Creek, the scene of my rhyme ; 
 
 Where camp-rumor said, it would stay for some 
 
 time. * 
 For three days and nights it had lain there the 
 same 
 As it was the morning he left ; 
 What news of importance the enemy gained i 
 What work of destruction it there may have 
 
 planned ! 
 Or hope of success for the scheme entertained, 
 Perhaps you already have guessed. 
 
Oh! flag, that would make us bankrupt, 
 But that thy folds are priceless." 
 
n r 
 
 4 ' Vw\ Pr'¥/ 
 
 
 !1 
 
 3 
 
CEDAR CREEK. 
 
 Confronting each other hke tigers at bay, 
 Two war-battered armies in grim silence lay, 
 •Crost the Shenandoah Valley that October day. 
 These veterans were all that that word can 
 
 imply ; 
 And as brave as the bravest ot men. 
 When duty demanded, they feared not to die, 
 But faced the dread monster with colors flung 
 
 high, 
 And a firm martial tread and undaunted eye 
 They had done it again and again. 
 
 The flower of this nation met there that day, 
 In that army in blue and army in gray. 
 And took their position in battle array. 
 Of every advantage each sought to make most. 
 
 And wheel'd into their places full soon ; 
 But as evening closed in, 'round each battle-scar'd 
 
 host, ^ u f 
 
 And drew down its shades, with the stealth ot a 
 
 ghost. 
 All semblance of enmity seemed to be lost. 
 While they slept 'neath a pale waning moon. 
 
 15 
 
There, prone on the ground, 'neath the stars of 
 
 the night, 
 Lay the sturdy and brave in dream-visions bright, 
 Nor reck'd what might come, ere the dawn's 
 
 early Hght. 
 " Twelve o'clock and all's well," the sentinels say. 
 
 And the answering call comes again ; 
 But look ! From their right, a long column in 
 
 gray, 
 'Round our union left-flank, is feeling its way 
 To a bend in the river that to our rear lay. 
 By a bridle-path rugged and dim. 
 
 With that feat accomplished, the stream is soon 
 
 crossed 
 By these daring rebels, who take up their post 
 At a point where they hope to harm us the 
 
 most. 
 Then charge on the lines of our slumbering 
 men, 
 Who hurriedly rise to their feet. 
 And an unequal contest wage with great vim, 
 'Gainst the on-coming foe, but darkness and din, 
 Confusion of orders, and ranks growing thin. 
 Compel their reluctant retreat. 
 
 i6 
 
But look! From their right, a long column in gray, 
 'Round our union left -flank, is feeling its way. 
 
A battery hailing from some place " out West," 
 
 Disrobed for the night, and were found thus un- 
 dressed. 
 
 When Early invaded our lines on the left. 
 
 A fierce rebel yell the still morning air rent, 
 And told that the foemen had come : 
 
 With clothing abandoned, but purpose intent, 
 
 A scene from " Black Crook " to the drama was 
 lent 
 
 While these boys tried hard to explain what 
 they meant. 
 But spoke through the mouths of their guns. 
 
 Our left being broken, fall sullenly back. 
 
 With dead and dying bestrewing their track, 
 
 But give blow for blow to the ones that attack. 
 
 Shot and shell, grape and shrapnel are filling the 
 air. 
 Ere the earliest streak of the dawn ; 
 
 While the rattle of drums and the trumpet's wild 
 blare, 
 
 And resounding of arms can be heard every- 
 where ; 
 
 And the swift charging columns are seen here and 
 there, 
 By the fiash of each hot panting gun. 
 
 i8 
 
The fight became general along the whole way 
 From North Mountain pike to the vale of 
 
 Luray, 
 Before the sun rose o'er the hill-tops that day. 
 On the right and right-center the battle was 
 
 waged 
 With a valor no mortal can tell ; 
 In hand to hand struggles they fiercely engaged, 
 Surpassing the fury of lions uncaged. 
 And charged back and forth in their unbridled 
 
 rage, 
 While brave men like autumn leaves fell. 
 
 Our left, and left-center, are fast losing ground ; 
 Their guns have been taken, their lines are swept 
 
 down 
 Before that wild whirl-wind, whose zeal knows no 
 
 bound. 
 Some break for the rear in the wildest dismay. 
 
 While others seem losing their head, 
 As generals and staff in the broad light of day. 
 Leave others to care for themselves as they may, 
 And ride from the field, swiftly making their 
 way 
 To join with the rest that have fled. 
 19 
 
The sight was appalling to those who remained 
 And struggled so bravely their lines to maintain 
 Against such great odds, on that gore slippery 
 
 plain. 
 The ground was all furrowed with shot and with 
 
 shell, 
 And garnished with wounded and dead ; 
 That lay in profusion, the story to tell. 
 Of hail which swept hill-side, and woodland, and 
 
 dell. 
 Till that gory field seemed one mighty page 
 
 fell 
 Ruled thick with the blue and the red. 
 
 The rebels elated at what they have done. 
 
 Brave all opposition and swiftly rush on, 
 
 Till they come to the Sixth Corps ; stalwart and 
 
 strong. 
 Then like huge ocean billows that sweep the low 
 shore. 
 
 But break on the reefs they submerge. 
 Receding in haste, to repeat o'er and o'er, 
 The mad, hopeless conflict the same as before. 
 They mass whole divisions, which steady and sure. 
 
 Come charging in surge upon surge. 
 
The ground was all furrowed with shot 
 And garnished with wounded and dead. 
 
 md with shel 
 
But they might as well think of forcing their way 
 Up Gibraltar's rock front, with her guns at full 
 
 play, 
 As hope to break through the " old sixth corps " 
 
 that day. 
 Our left being broken, this corps had to form 
 
 With one wing swung back like a gate 
 From where it was located, early that morn. 
 To a low wooded ridge near a large field of corn. 
 Where grimly it waited the on-coming storm. 
 
 And met it as stubborn as fate. 
 
 The smoke becomes stifling, the battle more 
 
 loud. 
 Like the roar of Niagara, stately and proud, 
 Or the foot-fall of God on the ledge of a cloud. 
 Our left fight like demons, but somehow they 
 
 learn 
 That Sheridan is not on the field. 
 Their ranks are all broken, their lines have been 
 
 turned, 
 Their bravest resistance the proud foemen 
 
 spurned ; 
 And on through their scattered bands fiercely it 
 
 burned, 
 Compelling great numbers to yield. 
 
 22 
 
But way down the pike, leading off to our rear, 
 A swift riding horseman is seen to appear. 
 While waves of commotion are filling the air. 
 His steed seemed to know what the union troops 
 
 lacked. 
 And what he was commissioned to do. 
 For with nostrils distended and ears lying back, 
 His neck well stretched out and his rein hanging 
 
 slack. 
 With rider poised low on that sinewy back, 
 Like a strong well shot arrow he flew. 
 
 He charged to the front, then his rider drew 
 
 rein, 
 'Midst storms of applause, which again and again 
 Rent the air, as they shouted Sheridan's name. 
 He paused just a bit, ere he dashed down the 
 line. 
 To tighten his hot charger's girth ; 
 And with an assurance that's simply sublime. 
 He turned to those standing near by on the 
 
 line. 
 And swore that he'd show them in four hours 
 time 
 The worst beaten army on earth. 
 24 
 
'"'" ""^^^^^^"^^^^^^^^^^^^ 
 
 He charged to the front, then his rider drew rein 
 M,dst stores ofappla.se, which again and a^n 
 Rent the air as they shouted Sheridan's name 
 
The thrill was magnetic ; as soon as they learned 
 That Phil had got back, all the stragglers returned ; 
 The lines straightened out, and our left was re- 
 formed. 
 Like a withering cyclone they then charge the 
 foe, 
 And each column its formation kept ; 
 They carry the earth-works wherever they go, 
 The gains of the rebels they quickly undo. 
 Who are forced to fall back, and they reel to and 
 fro 
 By a huge broom of bayonets swept. 
 
 They rally and charge with a blood-curdling yell 
 That rolls and re-echos, and adds to the swell 
 Of the roar of the cannon and shrieking of shell. 
 Men are stricken and fall in great groups on each 
 side, 
 And are left to the death Angel's care ; 
 While the red waves of war, like some storm-rid- 
 den tide. 
 Or stream from volcano, down steep mountain- 
 side. 
 Bent on havoc and caring for naught else beside. 
 Burns its way, right and left, near and tar. 
 26 
 
Like a withering cyclone they then charge the foe 
 And each column its formation kept. 
 
The fight which was furious has now grown sub- 
 
 Hme ; 
 The mad screaming shell to the bugles keep 
 
 time 
 As they charge and re-charge along the whole 
 
 line. 
 George Custer's bold horsemen sweep round on 
 
 the right 
 And land square on the enemy's flank 
 That lay near the river, then plainly in sight, 
 And using their sabres with all of their might, 
 We soon had the whole rebel army in flight 
 'Crost the stream to the opposite bank. 
 
 Nine full rebel batteries stopped over there 
 And took up position with painstaking care, 
 As if urged by motives akin to despair. 
 Our riders quailed not at this desperate prank, 
 
 They knew that their moment had come ; 
 So quicker than magic they close up each rank, 
 And driving the spur in their weary steed's 
 
 flank. 
 They charge through the stream, up the opposite 
 bank, 
 
 And sabre the men at their guns. 
 
That feat was accomplished at terrible cost, 
 When counting the number of lives that were 
 
 lost 
 Ere the river was reached, and the water was 
 
 crossed. 
 God comfort the mothers, God pitv the sons 
 
 That were out in that murderous rain ; 
 For ere we could form, fifty-four rebel guns 
 Sent grape-shot and canister, shrapnel and 
 
 bombs, 
 In volley on vollev which through our ranks 
 plunged, 
 Till the way was strewn thick with our slain. 
 
 The charge was most brilliant, and v/ell it de- 
 serves 
 An honorable mention in historic verse ; 
 'Twas never surpassed by another on earth. 
 The sweep of their fire can scarcelv be known — 
 
 'Twas like swarms of bees rudely unhived. 
 And were I to speak from impressions alone, 
 Vd say that a million of missiles were thrown 
 At each trooper crossing that hot torrid 
 zone ; 
 And 1 marvel that any survived. 
 32 
 
The scene that ensued beggars language to tell ; 
 Twas a wild frightful orgie, depicted quite well 
 In Dante's Inferno by "The Break-up in 
 
 Hell." 
 Like a storm-swollen river, when bursting its 
 
 banks, 
 Leaves wreckage strewn thick in its path ; 
 So most of their army, now broken in ranks. 
 With rear unprotected and unguarded flanks, 
 Were flying pell-mell from the on-coming 
 
 "Yanks," 
 As if swept by some besom of wrath. 
 
 The things which they took from us early that 
 
 day 
 Together with theirs were strewn thick in the 
 
 way. 
 Like wind-driven leaves on an October day. 
 Their arms and equipage were seen everywhere, 
 
 And their wagon trains blocking the way. 
 Deserted by teamsters and left to the care 
 Or hindrance of whoever next might be there. 
 While they, with their arms and legs sawing the 
 
 air. 
 Like the rest, swiftly hurried away. 
 
 33 
 
With their army stampeded and no seeming 
 
 head, 
 A few fiercely fighting, but most of them fled, 
 'Twas not hard to recall what Sheridan said. 
 We followed them fast, over field and through 
 
 glade. 
 Till after the set of the sun ; 
 Then just as the day was beginning to fade. 
 And all nature take on that strange evening 
 
 shade. 
 On their staggering column our last charge was 
 
 made. 
 And the memorable battle was won. 
 
 Hurrah for Phil Sheridan, gallant and brave. 
 Who could turn back defeat in that great tidal 
 
 wave ! 
 Cheers and tears for each hero who found there a 
 
 grave ! 
 Mounds may subside o'er their mouldering clay 
 
 And rust may destroy sword and gun ; 
 But here in conclusion permit me to say, 
 That whoever took part in that battle that day. 
 Whether wearing the blue or wearing the gray, 
 
 Will never forget Cedar Run. 
 
 34 
 
From Harpers Magazine, Copvrigh 
 
 ,- Hariior Krotlifrs. 
 
 Then just as the day was beginning to fade, 
 And all nature take on that strange evening shade, 
 On their staggering column our last charge was made, 
 And the memorable battle was won. 
 
The boys who contended so grandly that day, 
 In response to a summons which all must obey, 
 Are descending life's river and passsing away. 
 But they close up their ranks and together keep 
 step, 
 While they look the dread foe in the eye ; 
 Knowing well that a harvest is sure to be rept. 
 From the seed which they've sown, and the books 
 
 which are kept 
 Will reveal their true worth : but the world, we 
 regret. 
 Grows poorer when such brave men die. 
 
 36 
 
The bovs who contended so grandly that day, 
 Are descending life's river and passing away. 
 
SIDE LIGHTS. 
 
 Tv/o mounted troops meet at full run, 
 
 Contending o'er a rebel gun ; 
 
 Swift plies the blade, fast fall the slain, 
 
 Until at last our end we gain : 
 
 But mingled there in common cast. 
 
 Lie blue and gray in numbers vast. 
 
 A color guard upon our left. 
 Forced to fall back, is hotly pressed ; 
 Our color sergeant strips the flag 
 From staff, as if it were a rag; 
 Conceals it 'neath his coat some way. 
 Runs like the wind and gets away. 
 
 A comrade stoops by side of one 
 Who's day fast nears its setting sun ; 
 And midst those scenes of carnage rare. 
 Receives the soldier's dying prayer : 
 Then quickly says a last goodby. 
 And leaves the boy alone to die. 
 
 39 
 
A rebel battery ably manned, 
 A union squadron well in hand, 
 A flash, a roar, a sheet of flame ; 
 A shout, a charge across the plain. 
 Six splendid guns the foemen lost, 
 Six guns we took at frightful cost. 
 
 These scenes were easy multiplied. 
 Were one disposed to turn aside 
 And paint in detail every face 
 Of that vast fight from place to place 
 But with the few before your minds. 
 We'll let you read between the lines. 
 
 40 
 
A comrade stoops by side of one 
 Who's day fast nears its setting sun. 
 
AFTER THE BATTLE 
 
 Here sank two foemen, face to face, 
 With the dread bayonet still in place 
 Where plunged by each when first they met 
 With purpose grim and features set, 
 Unyielding at their latest breath, 
 The ruling passion strong in death. 
 
 A wounded soldier crawls away 
 
 To sheltered spot and there he lay 
 
 With frozen smile upon his face. 
 
 While clutching tight in death's embrace, 
 
 A type of girlish beauty rare ; 
 
 And lock, it's said, of mother's hair. 
 
 Two shattered forms 'neath broken gun, 
 
 With faces upturned to the sun ; 
 
 One dressed in blue, one dressed in gray. 
 
 Yet duplicate in every way ; 
 
 So much so, that no one on earth 
 
 Would doubt that they were twin'd at birth. 
 
 43 
 
Two shattered torms 'neath broken gun. 
 
 Stern cruel fate, didst thou demand 
 A brother's blood at brother's hand ! 
 Or broughtst thou kinsmen face to face. 
 At such a time and such a place, 
 And on that blood-besprinkled plain 
 At the same spot let each be slain ? 
 
 L.ofw. 
 
 44 
 
A rebel colonel aged and giciy, 
 
 Beside a Union soldier lay, 
 
 While from each ugly gaping wound 
 
 Their life-blood mingled on the ground ; 
 
 Stern foes, while tossed on war's rough tide, 
 
 Yet dropped their anchor side by side. 
 
 As we go all pale with the boatman, o'er 
 On our final voyage across the tide, 
 'Midst the terrible din of the breakers' roar, 
 As the wild waves dash on that unknown 
 
 shore. 
 Sometimes you know that friend and foe 
 Will crouch and cuddle down side by side. 
 
 But why seek further to portray 
 The sights that met our eyes that day : 
 To give them all might not be best 
 At such a time, hence we desist : 
 We've kept you now too long, I fear, 
 So let us draw the curtain here. 
 
 t". 
 
GOODNIGHT! 
 
 Goodnight, comrades, day is waning, 
 Evening shades will soon have come ; 
 Fast our shadows' length are gaining. 
 As recedes the sinking sun. 
 And life's march will soon be done. 
 Hark ! There goes the sunset gun ; 
 But on fame's eternal pages 
 Graved in living lines of light. 
 There to stand through all the ages, 
 Read by peasants, kings and sages^ 
 You have said, " 'Twas not for wages, 
 Nor for conquest, but for right. 
 That we joined that bitter fight." 
 Goodnight, " Old Boys," goodnight ! 
 
 
 
 >=!»,■( s»w; 
 
 THE END. 
 
Congratulatory Order from Gen- 
 eral Custer. 
 
 to those boys who charge on the right. 
 
 Appomattox Court House, 
 
 April 9th, 1865. 
 
 Soldiers of the Third Cavalry Division : 
 
 With profound gratitude toward the God of 
 battles, by whose blessings our enemies have been 
 humbled and our arms rendered triumphant, your 
 commanding General avails himself of this, his 
 first opportunity, to express to you his admiration 
 of the heroic manner in which you have passed 
 through the series of battles which to-day resulted 
 in the surrender of the enemy's entire army. 
 
 The record established by your indomitable 
 courage is unparalleled in the annals of war. Your 
 prowess has won for you even the respect and 
 admiration of your enemies. During the past 
 six months, although in most instances confronted 
 by superior numbers, you have captured from the 
 enemy in open battle, one hundred and eleven 
 pieces of field artillery, sixty-five battle flags, and 
 upwards often thousand prisoners of war, includ- 
 
ing seven General officers. You have never lost 
 a gun — never lost a color — and have never been 
 defeated. And notwithstanding the numerous 
 engagements, in which you have borne a promi- 
 nent part, including those memorable battles of 
 the Shenanhoah, you have captured every piece 
 of artillery the enemy has dared to open upon 
 you. The near approach of peace renders it im- 
 probable that you again will be called upon to 
 undergo the fatigues of the toilsome march or 
 the exposure of the battle-field ; but should the 
 assistance of keen blades, wielded by your sturdy 
 arms, be required to hasten the coming of that 
 glorious peace for which we have so long been 
 contending, the General commanding is proudly 
 confident that in the future, as in the past, every 
 demand will meet with a hearty and willing re- 
 sponse. Let us hope that our work is done, and 
 that, blessed with the comfort of peace, we may 
 soon be permitted to enjoy the pleasures of home 
 and friends. 
 
 For our comrades who have fallen, let us ever 
 cherish a grateful remembrance. To the wounded 
 and those who languish in Southern prisons, let 
 our heartfelt sympathies be tendered. 
 
 And now speaking for myself alone, when the 
 48 
 
war is ended and the task of the historian begins ; 
 when those deeds of daring which have rendered 
 the name of the Third Cavalry Division imper- 
 ishable, are inscribed upon the bright pages of 
 our country's history, I only ask that my name 
 may be written as that of the commander of the 
 Third Cavalry Division. 
 
 G. A. Custer, 
 
 Brevet Major General. 
 
 A. Adj. Gen. Earnhardt. 
 
When foemen flaunting a foreign rag, threatened 
 
 this land to quell, 
 An Eagle perched upon our flag and screamed 
 
 like a scream from Hell ; 
 And our sturdy sires with a purpose grim thronged 
 
 to the battle-field 
 And swore by The Everliving God, that they 
 
 would never yield 
 Tho they waded thro gore till the crack of doom, 
 
 till not a man was left 
 To redden his sword in the foeman's blood ; it 
 
 was " Liberty or death." 
 
Oct 2 1901 
 
^6 5- SfMOWO. 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 018 348 842 9 ^