Raynors HCA 2017-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2017
A rare, perhaps unique, war-date Union soldier's poem, ca. 1865, field printed, 1p. 4 1/2" x 15", entitled: "Exploits of COL. YATES AND MAJ. RHODES of the First Michigan Engineers During The March Through Georgia, and The Carolinas," penned by a disgruntled member 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics warning the men that their corporal actions during Sherman's campaign will not be forgotten when the regiment returns home after the war, reading, in part: "…we're the far-famed Engineers…a major and a colonel like ours will not be found…our colonel's name is Johnny Yates, a man as a brick…to march through all the rebel states. All on the double-quick…what matter if he kill the men? He rides his prancing steed…if he thinks there's any sight, for a star to swap his eagle, he'll wake them in the dead of night…at Bentonville he led his men, and spades he there made trumps; Dig, dig! so cried…Col. Yates, "load shovels and load guns…but laurels there he did not reap. The rebels did not come…when to Raleigh Sherman went…Kilpatrick's cavalry, he followed in the wake…he ran the Engineers as if a locomotive chasing…how the boys did wish in hell he were a blazing. Our Major's name is J. J. Rhodes, "Old Grizzly"…for tying men up by the thumbs…when near Cheraw he fortified…"thumbs up" was his favorite game, he played it day and night…if Nature's callings were obeyed…he'd give them men…an elevated station. O ! how the old "cuss" raved and swore…"I'll break this regiment or kill, every man, by thunder!"…now Yates and Rhodes one word to you…as a kind reminder…these verses do intend…who home once more…we what you well to understand, this ducking men must cease…for very nigh is now at hand, the end of this cruel war…when officers and privates will…all be at par, Sirs." The first and only one we have ever seen or encountered in the marketplace! The text is a bit weak in spots, fold and fold splits, else VG
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