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Unknown [poem] "To the Ladies of Portland"

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08913.16 Author/Creator: Unknown Place Written: s.l. Type: Printed document Date: no date Pagination: 1 p. ; 17.7 x 10.9 cm. Order a Copy

Inspired by the reception the 20th Connecticut received upon departing for war. The women of Portland, Connecticut gave the men a warm send-off.

[Draft Created by Crowdsourcing]
TO THE LADIES OF PORTLAND.
Suggested by the reception given to the Portland Volunteers, on their return from Camp, before leaving for the seat of war.

BY A MEMBER OF THE COMPAFY. [sic]

Yes, the bugle note has sounded,
That summons us away :
One sad farewell, and then we haste
To harness for the fray.
We go not forth with joyous hearts,
To brave the iron storm,
But with high determination
Our stern duty to perform

For we know that in the future,
When our shattered ranks again
Shall be gathered here before you.
Full many an eye, in vain
Shall strain to catch the loved ones,
With hearts that madly yearn
For the gallant and true hearted,
Who shall never more return.

Where the winding Rappahannock,
And the Shenandoah flow,
Fathers, brothers, husbands, lovers,
Then in Death will slumber low
Yet their memories immortal,
With the greenness of the spring,
Round your hearts most inner portal,
Will forever, ever cling.

We will treasure up your keepsakes,
And your memories, ''still more dear'',
Far away, your sweet "God speed you,"
Will the weary soldier cheer.
When the battle roll is sounded,
And death's diapasons peal,
Then your mingled prayers and blessings,
Souls will fire, and nerves will steel.

Then farewell, each knightly bosom,
Pants to brave the fiery blast,
While the beacon fires of Freedom,
Beam from all the glorious past.
Ages watching, woman smiling,
While she twines the victor's crown;
On! brave hearts! and strike for freedom,
Hurl the vaunting traitors down!

Bell, Grove L., 1844-1863

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