Chapter 9

Chamberlain July 1st

by Christopher Rudolph © 2015

Chapter 9 – This poem, Chamberlain July 1st First Day Battle of Gettysburg, focuses on Colonel Chamberlain’s actions on the first day as the 20th Maine marches to Gettysburg.

Chamberlain July 1st Colonel Joshua Chamberlain

Chapter 9 – Chamberlain July 1st First Day Battle of Gettysburg

 

Chamberlain rode slowly forward

Underneath the blistering sun

Some people came out to cheer

But most were silent and glum

 

At noon they reached Pennsylvania

Friendlier than Maryland

Fifes and drums resounding

By the Union Army Band

 

Ladies handed out

Freshly baked bread

“Better fill the bellies now

Will be late when again fed”

 

Mounted in his saddle

Eating the bread fresh baked

Took a look back

And saw a huge blue snake

 

He was at the head

Of the Union V Corps

Flags tilted floating

Band playing tunes adored

 

Arriving in Hanover at 3 PM

Dead bodies lay in rows

J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalry had been there

“Where now?” They didn’t know

 

The people were delighted

To see the men of Blue

Waving and cheering, “Hurrah for the Union!”

As they wearily passed through

 

The V Corps had now marched

One hundred miles in five days

There was fighting ahead in Gettysburg

The horizon held dark haze

 

A mix of smoke and dirt

Hovered high in the air

Wagons of suffering wounded

Gave everyone a scare

 

Gloomy news came

The Rebels did beat and pound

The I and XI Corps

Retreated to hills south of town

 

The day passed

The moon was now high

It was well past midnight

When they finally arrived

 

They saw a Gettysburg hill

Troops and tents were spread

The battle would resume at dawn

Creating more piles of the dead

 

Go to Chapter 10

What do you think of this poem?