The Union boys are moving on the left and the right,
The bugle call is sounding, our shelters we must strike,
Joe Hooker is our leader, he takes his whisky strong,
So our knapsacks we will sling, and go marching along.
chorus:
Joe Hooker is our leader, he takes his whisky strong,
So our knapsacks we will sling, and go marching along.
Marching along, marching along,
With eight days' rations we'll go marching along.
The soft-tack days are over, our beef is on the foot,
The pork, hard-tack, and coffee we've in our knapsacks put;
The extra clothes are heavy, but on our shoulders strong,
We'll sling our eight days' rations, and go marching along.
chorus:
The extra clothes are heavy, but on our shoulders strong,
We'll sling our eight days' rations, and go marching along.
Our overcoats and dresscoats are strewn along the road.
They crowded them upon us — we couldn't tote the load,
Contractors put the job up, and we must foot the bill ;
But, Sam, our dear old uncle, we know it's not your will.
chorus:
Contractors put the job up, and we must foot the bill ;
But, Sam, our dear old uncle, we know it's not your will.
The graybacks are on us, increasing each day,
Heavy are our rations, but small is our pay;
Our spirits are light, but our cause it is strong,
With eight days' rations we go marching along.
chorus:
Our spirits are light, but our cause it is strong,
With eight days' rations we go marching along.
The Virginia hills are high, and the mud roads are long,
But we'll liven the way with a bit of home-made song ;
Then join the chorus, comrades, with voices full and strong,
While with our eight days' rations we go marching along.
chorus:
Then join the chorus, comrades, with voices full and strong,
While with our eight days' rations we go marching along.
The Johnnies are before us, their bullets buzz like bees,
They're down among the brushwood, and hid behind the trees ;
Now, keep cool, boys— there ! steady ! just give it to them strong !
And when the fight is over we'll go marching along.
chorus:
Now, keep cool, boys— there! steady! just give it to them strong!
And when the fight is over we'll go marching along.
The war won't last forever, some day we will be done
With drill, and march, and battle, and cartridge-box and gun,
We'll tramp up North from Richmond to drum and fife; and then,
Oh, won't our folks be tickled to see us home again !
chorus:
We'll tramp up North from Richmond to drum and fife; and then,
Oh, won't our folks be tickled to see us home again !
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Union marching song:
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Maj. Gen. Robert E. Lee,
re: Fredericksburg (2)
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
Near Fredericksburg, Va,, December 16, 1862.
Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON,
Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.
SIR: I have the honor to report that the army of General Burnside re crossed the Rappahannock last night, leaving a number of his dead and some of his wounded on this side. Our skirmishers again occupy Fredericksburg and the south bank of the river. Large camps and wagon trains are visible on the hills of Stafford, and his heavy guns occupy their former position on that bank. There is nothing to indicate his future purpose. I have sent one brigade of cavalry down the Rappahannock, and have put Jackson's corps in motion in the same direction. I think it probable an attempt will be made to cross at Port Royal. Another brigade of cavalry has been sent up the Rappahannock, with orders, if opportunity offers, to cross and penetrate the enemy's rear and endeavor to ascertain his intention. I learn from prisoners that the three grand divisions of General Burnside's army, viz, Hooker's, [E. V.] Sumner's, and [W. B.] Franklin's, crossed this side, and were engaged in the battle of the 13th. They also state that the corps of Generals [S. P.] Heintzelman and Sigel reached Fredericksburg Sunday evening. Should the enemy cross at Port Royal in force before I can get this army in position to meet him, I think it more advantageous to retire to the Annas and give battle than on the banks of the Rappahannock. My design was to have done so in the first instance. My purpose was changed not from any advantage in this position, but from an unwillingness to open more of our country to depredation than possible, and also with a view of collecting such forage and provisions as could be obtained in the Rappahannock Valley. With the numerous army opposed to me, and the bridges and transportation at its command, the crossing of the Rappahannock, where it is as narrow and winding as in the vicinity of Fredericksburg, can be made at almost any point without molestation. It will, therefore, be more advantageous to us to draw him farther away from his base of operations.
The loss of the enemy in the battle of the 13th seems to have been heavy, though I have no means of computing it accurately. An intelligent prisoner says he heard it stated in the army to have amounted to 19,000, though a citizen of Fredericksburg who remained in the city computes it at 10,000. I think the latter number nearer the truth than the former.
I hope there will be no relaxation in making every preparation for the contest which will have to be renewed, but at what point I cannot now state.
I have learned that on the side of the enemy Generals Bayard and Jackson were killed, and Generals Hooker and [John] Gibbon wounded; the former said to be severely so.
I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,
General.