Raynors HCA 2017-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2017
Unique war-date Union soldier's poem, entitled: "Composed and sung by John H. Bailey, Co. D, 3rd R. I. Artillery, Morris Island, S. C.", dated March 8, 1863, this poem was sent home by Pvt. Daniel D. Barrows. As he recalled in his above letter, Barrows mentioned that Pvt. Bailey composed his ten stanza, 2pp. 4to., poem at Fort Gregg, Morris Island, reads, in very small part: "…I am a jolly soldier…as I am growing older, I think of liberty…I don't think I'll enlist again for soldiering is played out…O' split peas and herring…the soldiers in the army are living mighty nice…O' I swear I'll never enlist again…when I first enlisted I thought it was but fun…[to] follow the fife and drum…at the upper end of Folly we had a little fun. The Rebs they said by golly I guess we'll have to run. When we charged upon their rifle pits they darted like a trout, but I don't think I'll enlist agin for soldiering's played out…when this war is over and we all get home again, no more I'll be a rover for President Abraham. If he asks me to come again I'll take him by the snout for I don't think I'll enlist again for soldiering's played out…". Minor spotting, else VG
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