Chapter 1 – This poem focuses on the Army of Northern Virginia, led by Robert E. Lee, moving north to break the will of the people in the North to continue the war. A military victory in the North could have achieved this, and they could have marched on to Washington D.C. Originally, they were headed for Harrisburg. Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, was located at the intersection of important railroads. It was an important transportation and supply center. The Confederate troops of Richard S. Ewell, one of Lee’s Generals leading the Second Corps, threatened the area around Harrisburg before they were called south to fight at Gettysburg.

by Christopher Rudolph © 2015

Chapter 1 – Army of Northern Virginia Marches North

 

The third summer

Of the Civil War, June, 1863

Army of Northern Virginia marches north

From Dixie led by Lee

 

Provisions and plentiful food

Robert E. Lee wants to acquire

Political battle victory

Confederacy desires

 

60,000 crack infantry

Equipped for warfare

Move stealthily on the tramp

Behind the Blue Ridge frontier

 

By end of month

Panic, rage, despair

Closes in on Harrisburg

Within North’s own lair

 

The Union Army

They have come to destroy

In the land North of Washington

It’s part of their ploy

 

For then they foresee

The war will cease

On Lincoln’s desk

Place ultimatum of peace

 

From Jefferson Davis

Demanding recognition

Of the Southern Confederacy

Or face total demolition

 

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