The Iowa Civil War Site
Iowa During the Civil War

THE BATTLE OF MAGNOLIA HILLS

BY T. ANDERSON, COMPANY E.22^ND IOWA

Twas on the first of May, we tried the Rebels skill,

And that before twas day, with our batteries on a hill;

But their skill could not excel our noble heroes sons,

Although they did quite well in handling battery guns.

At one oclock the fray commenced, continuing until four;

Our forces lay behind a fence, all silent and secure.

At four oclock they ceased to fire, until the break of day,

And then our hearts were all on fire to commence anew the frey.

Just as the sun began to shine, with courage on the field,

Our scouts in front began to find the Rebels all concealed.

Our forces then were ordered on, to drive them from the cane,

And many a Rebel Southern son was marked among the slain;

And oer the cane rose a dark smoke, and formed a cloud up higher,

As if it were to make a cloak, to conceal the deadly fire.

But soon we drove them from the cane unto a neighboring hill,

Excepting those that did remain, stopped quick by Yankee skill.

A battery next we had to take, which took us but a minute;

We only had a charge to make, and lo! How they did skin it.

And through the cane in every place they seemed all in a hurry.

We lost some noble men, I know, in this first battle slain,

Shot by a wicked, haughty, foe, which gives our hearts much pain.

Now I will bring this to a close, without a sob or sigh,

For you have read this all in prose, so soldiers all, goodbye.

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