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Hackett, William C. (fl. 1862-1865) to Rebecca E. Hackett

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04559.046 Author/Creator: Hackett, William C. (fl. 1862-1865) Place Written: Winston, North Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 March 1865 Pagination: 4 p. Order a Copy

One letter addressed to Rebecca E. Hackett from William C. Hackett dated Winston, North Carolina, March 12, 1865. Includes a printing of a poem entitled, "Invalid Corps."

[Draft Created by Crowdsourcing]
THE INVALID CORPS

Air -As I was walking by the Sea Side
Packages sent by mail; post paid, to any part of the Army of United States. Address ---- R.B. NICOL care Gibson Brothers. Printers, 27' Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C.

A FEW days ago, I was asked to compose
A song of the hardships, the toil, and the woes
Which the poor worn-out Soldier each day undergoes,
Who belongs to the Invalid Corps, sir.

At the first peep of day the "Reveille" sounds,
When a detail is made to "police" all the grounds
In, and about, and a half a mile round
The Camp of the Invalid Corps, sir.

All their arms and accoutrements, buttons and brass,
And shoes, must be polished like diamonds or glass-
White gloves they must wear, in order to pass
In the style of the Invalid Corps, sir.

Then "Guard Mount" and "Drills," "Dress Parade" every day;
"Inspection" and "Muster," and all the display
Of many more "Details" in "Marshal Array,"
Required of the Invalid Corps, sir.

This Corps is composed of men from all towns,
Who have served in the "Field" until crippled with wounds;
And then are "Transferred" to go these "Grand Rounds"
Which they find in the Invalid Corps, sir.

CLIFFBURNE BARRACKS is where the "Headquarters" are "at,"
With "Detachments" all round in this place and that;
And but for these "Guards" our case would be flat,
Then success to the Invalid Corps, sir.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1864, by R.B. NICOL, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the District of Columbia.

Hackett, William C., fl. 1862 -1865
Hackett, Rebecca E., fl. 1862-1865

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