Page:Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War.djvu/47

Donelson. No blankets, overcoats, or tents.

Coats thrown aside on the warm march here—

We looked not then for changeful cheer; Tents, coats, and blankets too much care. No fires; a fire a mark presents;

Near by, the trees show bullet-dents.

Rations were eaten cold and raw.

The men well soaked, came snow; and more—

A midnight sally. Small sleeping done—

But such is war;

No matter, well have Fort Donelson.

“Ugh! ugh!

Twill drag along—drag along,”

Growled a cross patriot in the throng,

His battered umbrella like an ambulance-cover

Riddled with bullet-holes, spattered all over.

“Hurrah for Grant!” cried a stripling shrill;

Three urchins joined him with a will,

And some of taller stature cheered.

Meantime a Copperhead passed; he sneered.

“Win or lose,” he pausing said,

“Caps fly the same; all boys, mere boys;

Any thing to make a noise.

Like to see the list of the dead;