The Heroes Greene County

The following poem was printed in the Eutaw Whig and Observer, Thursday, July 28, 1864:


[For the Whig & Observer]

The Heroes of Greene County

Respectfully dedicated to the families of the deceased.

 

My harp! Breathe thou a solemn strain,

Thru' war's dark cloud and din,

For Heroes brave, in battle slain,

The sons and stars of Greene.

 

In Senate halls, on fields of gore,

A peerless star did shine,

The bland, the brave, the gallant MOORE,

A hero, true, sublime!

 

A twin in fate shone by his side,

of lustre not less pale,

In court and camp with Moore he vied,

The brave, the brilliant, HALE!

 

On Freedom's cause what glories shed,

By BRATTON'S crimson star;

The daring INGE, the dashing WEBB,

All Titans, sons of Mars.

 

Brave MCLEMORE and RICHARDSON,

No brighter, better names,

BRASSFIELD, MAXWELL and MCMILLAN

With martyr glory flame.

 

Like Sparta's youth, Greene's younger sons,

The "Stars and Bars" defend;

And long, shall harp and votive songs

Their youth and valor blend.

 

Their fame a ruby rainbow's made

By South Land's failing tears;

Its sky-born colors will not fade,

With lapse of circling years.

 

July, 1864       Festus