| GETTYSBURG TO APPOMATTOX These shores of such promise were now bloodsoaked and charred, And their once vibrant spirit darkened, battered and scarred. But the contest pressed on, as no one would yield, Even as thousands now grew cold in the field. And the South moved their fight onto enemy soil, To thus spring a surprise and Union plans foil. And at Gettysburg, PA, these weary armies did clash, As Lee summoned his boys for a move bold and brash. They did storm at their foe, in what's called Pickett's Charge, -- Merely to be slain, alas, in numbers so large. Yes, ghastly heaps were there left, shorn of young life, Upon Cemetary Ridge, the grim site of this strife. The graves of those fallen now stretch as far as can see, On earth deeply hallowed in the land's memory. And Lincoln there spoke and did so profoundly express The dear cause of freedom in The Gettysburg Address. Which spoke of ideals, with words mighty yet plain, And that those lying dead shall not have died in vain. And to end this affair and fulfill this desire The North did much more than trade fire for fire. All ports were blockaded, former slaves taught to fight, To set the South reeling into a terrible plight. As food became scarce and their divisions did thin, Their hopes followed suit and began to cave in. And 'twas Grant for the North who was now hounding Lee, While Sherman did lead his famous "march to the sea", Setting flame to all Dixie as he took his troops through: 'Twas total warfare indeed; the first the world knew. And at Appomattox Courthouse, Lee could struggle no more, He there surrendered to Grant to close this great war. -- Which was fought in the end as a purgation of sin, A long trip through all hell to be a nation again. |
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| Worksheet # 72 |
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