Part 11 (1/2)

[Sidenote: 1861]

Loaded with gallant soldiers, A boat shot in to the land, And lay at the right of Rodman's Point With her keel upon the sand.

Lightly, gayly, they came to sh.o.r.e, And never a man afraid; When sudden the enemy opened fire From his deadly ambuscade.

Each man fell flat on the bottom Of the boat; and the captain said: ”If we lie here, we all are captured, And the first who moves is dead!”

Then out spoke a negro sailor, No slavish soul had he; ”Somebody's got to die, boys, And it might as well be me!”

Firmly he rose, and fearlessly Stepped out into the tide; He pushed the vessel safely off, Then fell across her side:

Fell, pierced by a dozen bullets, As the boat swung clear and free;-- But there wasn't a man of them that day Who was fitter to die than he!

”HOW ARE YOU, SANITARY”

BRET HAUTE

[Sidenote: 1861-1865]

_Early in the war was organized the U. S. Sanitary Commission, to supply comforts to the soldier in the field from the voluntary contributions of the men and women at home. Out of this grew the Red-Cross a.s.sociations of Europe._

Down the picket-guarded lane Rolled the comfort-laden wain, Cheered by shouts that shook the plain, Soldier-like and merry: Phrases such as camps may teach, Sabre-cuts of Saxon speech, Such as ”Bully!” ”Them's the peach!”

”Wade in, Sanitary!”

Right and left the caissons drew As the car went lumbering through, Quick succeeding in review Squadrons military; Sunburnt men with beards like frieze, Smooth-faced boys, and cries like these,-- ”U. S. San. Com.” ”That's the cheese!”

”Pa.s.s in, Sanitary!”

In such cheer it struggled on Till the battle front was won, Then the car, its journey done, Lo! was stationary; And where bullets whistling fly, Came the sadder, fainter cry, ”Help us, brothers, ere we die,-- Save us, Sanitary!”

Such the work. The phantom flies, Wrapped in battle clouds that rise; But the brave--whose dying eyes, Veiled and visionary, See the jasper gates swung wide, See the parted throng outside-- Hears the voice to those who ride: ”Pa.s.s in, Sanitary!”

SONG OF THE SOLDIERS

CHARLES G. HALPINE

[Sidenote: 1861-1865]

Comrades known in marches many, Comrades, tried in dangers many, Comrades, bound by memories many, Brothers let us be.

Wounds or sickness may divide us, Marching orders may divide us, But whatever fate betide us, Brothers of the heart are we.

Comrades, known by faith the clearest, Tried when death was near and nearest, Bound we are by ties the dearest, Brothers evermore to be.

And, if spared, and growing older, Shoulder still in line with shoulder, And with hearts no thrill the colder, Brothers ever we shall be.

By communion of the banner,-- Crimson, white, and starry banner,-- By the baptism of the banner, Children of one Church are we.

Creed nor faction can divide us, Race nor language can divide us Still, whatever fate betide us, Children of the flag are we.

JONATHAN TO JOHN