July 28, 2023

The Boys of '61

I was reading East Windsor, Through the Years by East Windsor Historian Michael C. DeVito, and came across a poem that I thought I would share.  It was written in 1904 by Octavvius W. Bartlett of East Windsor, in honor of those who had fought in the Civil War, also known as the War of Rebellion.   

The Boys of '61

Where are the boys of '61 Who sprang to arms at Sumter's gun? Who rallied at the swift alarm From factory, the store, or farm? Where are the braves whose youthful feet

With martial step, tramped down the street In quick response to Lincoln's call And bade farewell to loved ones all?

Erastus W. Burnham in his Civil War uniform 

A hundred thousand were laid low By cruel weapons of the foe.They died of sickness by the score, Two hundred thousand - yes, and more. They starved in dungeons damp and vile Some thirty thousand, rank and file; Or, crowded in a prison pen, Met death like patriotic men.

Corporal Oliver Dart, Jr.

Two million men survived the fray;  Not half the victors live today. Death calls their names, they answer, "Here." Their ranks grow thinner every year, For they are falling, falling fast; A few short years will claim the last. So give them courage and good cheer And honor them while they are here.

Colonel Albert W. Drake Civil War 

Forget not then that silent corps Whose ranks are swelling ever more; Who've rallied at the last long roll. Through camps eternal they patrol. No foe can harm these sleeping braves While glory guards their silent graves. For here, lie those who fought and won; The Volunteers of '61.  -Octavvius W. Bartlett East Windsor, Conn., 1904