AN UNKNOWN HERO
By Wm. Gordon M'Cabe
(After the battle of Malvern Hill, a soldier was found dead fifty yards in advance of any officer or man,
his musket firmly grasped in the rigid fingers, name unknown, simply "2 La." on his cap.)
I
Sweet Malvern Hill is wreathed with flame,
From serried ranks the steel is gleaming;
Our legions march to death and fame,
With battle-flags right wildly streaming.
Each hero bares his manly breast,
And gallant hearts are fiercely beating;
With steady tramp they line the crest,
O'er which an iron hail is sleeting.
II
Up loom the bastions, grim and large,
Thro' battle-smoke that's low'ring near them;
The little drummers roll "the charge,"
And dying comrades raise to cheer them.
Twice forty guns, with deadly aim,
Strike down our lines in tones of thunder;
Yet still they press, with eyes aflame,
Til Valor's self looks on in wonder.
III
But now the human tide rolls back--
A ghasly remnant grim and gory--
And countless heroes mark the track
Which led them up the heights to Glory.
But one still presses on amain,
Where double-shotted guns are frowning;
Alone, amidst the iron rain,
He nobly wins a hero's crowning.
IV
Through all the battle-smoke he'd seen
The saintly forms of angels bearing
The laurel crowns, forever green,
To wreathe the foreheads of the daring.
And eager for this priceless crown--
The bastions scarce a length before him--
The stalwart form at length goes down,
With Death and Honor bending o'er him.
V
Brave soldier of our Southern clime,
No stately song nor brilliant story
Shall hand thy name to future time
As one who gained immortal glory.
But Freedom, with her mailed hand,
Has paused to brush a tear of sorrow,
And placed thee with that chosen band
Who freely pour their life's blood for her.
VI
And Valor, with her royal brow,
And Honor, with her stately bearing,
Have surely felt a prouder glow,
When musing on thy peerless daring.
O gallant soldier, all unknown,
Though noisy Fame, we know, shall never
Proclaim thy deeds through every zone,
A hero's crown is thine forever.
Camp near Richmond
Written for the Southern Illustrated News
Volume I. Richmond, Saturday, February 21, 1863 No. 24
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