Iowa During the Civil War

BATTLE OF CEDAR CREEK, OCT. 19^TH 1864

BY C.A. SAVAGE

CO. "K" 8^TH INDIANA

Old Early camped at Fisher Hill,

Resolved some Yankee blood to spill;

He chose his time when Phil was gone

The Yankee camp to fall upon.

At night, like thief, of sense bereft,

He marched his troops around our left,

With orders strict unto his boys,

To nothing take twould make a noise.

Get out of the way says Gen. Early,

Ive come to drive you from the valley.

While they were on their mission bend,

We Yanks were sleeping in our tents,

Until the Rebs with rousing volley,

Warned us that sleep was death and folly.

Old Early carried out his plan,

Surprising Crook and his command,

Who had not time their lines to form,

So sudden came the rebel storm.

Now, at the rising of the sun,

Old Early thought it jovial fun,

But Gen. Grover, (God bless his name)

Said he would help them play the game.

He formed a line the pike along,

To check Old Early and his throng;

And here he held the Rebs at bay,

Til he was flanked from every way.

This gave the sixth Corps time to form,

Who bravely faced the leaden storm;

Till the other Corps had time to rally,

To stop the rebels in the Valley,

The Johnnies thought the victory won,

And their usual pillaging begun;

Robbing the dead and wounded too,

As none but Southern bloods can do.

Now when the day was almost lost,

God sends a reinforcing host;

The host he sends is but a man,

But thats the noble Sheridan.

On, on he comes with lightning speed

Crying, who hath done this awful deed,

Hed better fare neath Southern skies,

Who dares my sleeping camp surprise.

Get out of the way says Phil to Early,

Youve come too late to get the Valley.

Ah, there another sound is heard,

And libertys the rallying word;

And every heart is filled with pride,

To see their gallant leader ride.

Saying "Form quickthe fight renew,

And see what right with wrong can do,

By night our camp we will regain,

And vengeance have for those thats slain."

Then orders flew from left to right,

And glorious was the evening sight;

The rebels fled mid the cannons roar,

Losing all theyd gained and thousands more.

Round their flank brave Custer flew,

As other Cavalry neer could do;

Capturing guns, well nigh three score,

Including those wed lost before.

Three cheers for Emory , Crook and Wright,

Torbett, Merret, and General Dwight,

Three for Custer and his command,

Our union and General Sheridan.

God Bless our Nation and her sons,

And may this bloody war be done,

May North and Souths united stand,

As once they were a happy band.

Contributed by