Iowa During the Civil War

THE STRAGGLER

Written by a Friend of Company E. 22nd Iowa

"He seizes every straggling soul,

As his own lawful prey", Wesley

I have sung of the charge upon Vicksburg, so sad

But the charges of Sutlers are awful, bedad;

Well, the charges on which Im now going to sing

Are the charges of Soldiers upon everything.

That eats good, and drinks good, and looks good, my lad,

As yellow-legged chickens and turkeys, bedad.

Yea! Geese, goats, and sheep, too are all in the line,

And sometimes a fat beef is charged very fine.

Well, yes,theres the deer too, though hes a fleet scamp,

Is charged by the soldiers, and brought into camp.

Yes! Theres sweet potatoes, youll see soldiers go

From hill to hill charging, without any hoe.

Yea! And the apples and peaches, which we like so good,

And sometimes the fences are charged quick for wood.

Yes! Pumpkins and squashes, and oranges too,

And green corn, and ripe corn and hay, it is true.

Pecans and black walnuts are charged by the way,

And the great alligator sometimes falls a prey.

Cucumbers and melons (I like them so well)

And figs and tobacco are charged for a spell.

Yea! Sometimes the Suts Goods are charged in a minute

And then the bold charger is most sure to win it.

Yes, theres Mr. Pedler is charged by the way

And pies, cakes and goodies, he screams out, "Boys pay".

Yea! Beer, wine and whiskey are all in this line

And sometimes good bitters, are charged very fine.

But theres old porker I must not leave out

With her great lapping ears and tremendous long snout.

Yea! Rabbits and ducks too I might mention here,

And oysters and fish, and crabs rather queer.

Well now Im done with my song charging story,

Thought of its author Ill not claim much glory.

So, now fellow soldiers are you charge me by,

Ill pleasantly say to you all, ho, good bye!

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