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Jackson, Richard H. (fl. 1861-1864) to Father

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07705.122 Author/Creator: Jackson, Richard H. (fl. 1861-1864) Place Written: Fredericksburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 January 1863 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 20.2 x 12.2 cm. Order a Copy

Poem about New Years'.

[Draft Created by Crowdsourcing]
New Years
I think of you all, dear Father
How often we've met together For many a bright year past,
Till it seemed to one as if every one
Was merrier than the last.
I greet you all, though so far away That your face I cannot see; I remember each with a sacred joy -
Do you also remember me? Looking up to the dear old flag With loyal hearts and true, Do you smile to think for freedom's sake I am absent to day from you?
Yes, I know who namd me every day When they kneel to God in prayer - I know who search every paper through To see if my name be there.
And now in this good New Years' time, When the old house rings with glee There will be one toast to "Our absent one" And then you will think of me

[2]
You always called one "wild" you know, Wondered what would be my fate -
"So giddy and mischievous, what will he do When he reaches man's estate?"
Well, here I am, nearly through my teen And my holy day life is through: I face death calmly day by day - How strange it must seem to you! As I sit in my tent by this moonlight I hear your voices fall Like distant music, upon my ear, And your names I softly call How long before we shall meet again For the homestead far away?
No matter, we yet live - and God is good And this is New Year's day."
Dec. 26 1862.
Though this is not original. I think it is very appropriate + selected it to send to you
Your aff. Jn, Richard

[3]
Mr. Mederecksburg Va
January 1. 1863.

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