Unknown In Memoriam
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02744.289 Author/Creator: Unknown Place Written: s.l. Type: Poem Date: July 1863 Pagination: 3 p. ; 12.3 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Note at top indicates it was most likely written for William Goodell, killed at Gettysburg.
[Draft Created by Crowdsourcing]
[text added at later date]
[illegible]
William Goodall,
Kiled [sic] at gettysburg
[original text]
In Memoriam
Hark! I hear the canon rattle,
The bells, sound forth a merry chine
For victory on the field of battle
On freedom's banner victory shines
While all are glad, can I rejoice?
Can I, take up th'exulant strain,
Unknowing, but my eldest born
Doth sleep in death on yonder plain?
Another sound: a war-horse tread
A soldier stops beside my door
He comes to say my boy is dead
That I shall see him nevermore.
[2]
He fell where fiercest battle raged
With armor on he met the foe
And bravely in the fight engaged
'Till fatal bullet laid him low.
My hero boy! thy life's the price
In part; of this great victory.
Do I regret the sacrifice
I made dear son, in giving thee?
Methinks not; tho' my heart will bleed
While paining o'er life's darkened way
I gave thee, in my country's need
And God Himself, shall be my stay.
[3]
We've laid him gently 'neath the shade
To peaceful rest. His toils are o'er
The weary march; the earthy bed
Hard life in camp, are his no more.
No battle din shall reach the place
Where now, his happy spirit rests
He sees his Savior 'face to face'
And chants the anthem of the blest.
July 1863
[envelope]
[text added at later date]
1863-4
Miscellaneous
Aunt Louisa [Goodall]
Mrs Tracy
[original text]
Lieut Col Thos F. Burpee
21st Reg Conn Vol. Inf'y
Portsmouth
Va
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