Raynors HCA 2017-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2017
A great (possibly unique) war-date field printed Union soldier's poem, 1p. 8vo., entitled: "SONG OF THE TECHE, composed by J. R. Coolbrith, Company C, Twelfth Maine Vols.", reading, in small part: "Come all you bold New England sons…we struck our tents at Baton Rouge…we marched up to Port Hudson; 'twas near the battle field. We met the Rebel forces and turned the right half wheel…then got marching orders, issued by General Dwight. We marched to a bog swamp-no whacky to be found…by a sad misfortune 'twas split upon the ground…we then sailed up the river where the shot and shell descend. We had a tight engagement 'twas there to Irish Bend. Full thirty of our gallant men lay dead upon the ground and two hundred and fifty more were bleeding of their wounds. We then skirmished the woods all through, the Diana was to be seen; about one hour after off went her magazine…went to the salt works and did them all destroy…the Twelfth Maine to deploy. One of our men was injured by springing of his knees; they put him on board an ambulance and sent him New Orleans. Our officers and soldiers they play their part quite well; give them plenty of whisky , there is none can them excel. There is GENERAL WEITZEL…if GENERAL BANKS lets him alone he will drive the Rebels to Hell…these lines I have composed…all myself…if you want to know my name I belong to Kimball's [William Kimball future brevet brigadier general] Twelfth." Found among the letters of Assistant Surgeon William C. Towle 12th Maine Vols. As for Coolbrith, [Coolbroth CW database] he deserted while his comrades were engaged with the enemy during the third battle of Winchester, Va., on Sept. 19, 1864. Near fine.
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