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.
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