The Charge Of The Nine Hundred
From The First Maine Heavy Artillery
By Rev. E.F. Davis
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"I heard last night a soldier tell Of what in '64 befell His regiment, On duty sent Down to the front our host to swell That fought Rebellion's power to quell. "Nine hundred men from Maine were we, As brave and true, As hot to do, As any ever wore the blue. Nine hundred men from Maine! Where shall their like be found again ? "Two hours past noon One day in June The 'Forward' came, and on we went - Our regiment, Alone ! alone ! For of that mighty armament, Though still on victory intent, There was not one But deemed in vain, Nay certain death, to charge again And catch the fiery breath That pent up slumbered in that battlement. "The field we gain, And straight we hear The Rebel jeer: 'Ho, come on, Yanks !' They wildly cheer As we draw near, And all along the extended line, Across the crest From east to west, Twice five thousand rifles in the sunlight shine. "A short sharp word The sudden stillness stirred, A blinding flash, A thunderous crash, A deaf'ning and incessant roar, While on us pour In front, in flank, From rank to rank, Such blasts as never fell before, - One minute more And all is o'er; Six hundred daring men and four Lie dead or weltering in their gore. "'Where are my boys' our Colonel cried, As chief in command he sternly eyed; 'Where are my boys who would face the foe When even your veterans dared not go ? See, there is my Regiment stark and low.' And I saw down his cheeks the big tears flow, As sadly he directed the General's view, To a strip of field covered over with blue. "Nine hundred men from Maine ! Shall battle plain E'er behold daring like yours again ? Saw Balaklava or Waterloo Heros more dauntless and brave than you ? " |