Classic Poem

DEDICATED TO MAJOR GENERAL ROSECRANS, WHO INSTITUTED
THE ORDER OF THAT NAME IN THE ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND .

Like the lordly Mississippi, we are sweeping to the South,
A mighty Union river, and the gulf shall be its mouth;
O'er our front wave floats our banner, boys, that leads to glory's goal,
And at its side, in martial pride, is borne the Honor Roll.
On the Roll of Honor, boys; on the Roll of Honor, boys;
Oh, let us see our names shall be on the Roll of Honor, boys.

Like a great wind we drive Southward, with a storm of Northern hail,
And our banner rides before us, as a cloud upon the gale;
We will tear from out the rebel's hold his stolen stars and bars,
And fame shall see our names enrolled beneath the stripes and stars.
On the Roll of Honor, boys; on the Roll of Honor, boys;
And fame shall see our names will be on the Roll of Honor, boys.

With this great gale sweeping Southward, daily come the gentle airs
Of our fathers' words of courage, and our mothers' constant prayers;
With them our wives and sweethearts, with a love beyond control,
Are reading in their fancy, boys, the names on Honor's roll.
On the Roll of Honor, boys; on the Roll of Honor, boys;
Oh, let them see our names will be on the Roll of Honor, boys.

And when the last armed rebel falls, and bites his native dust;
When waves o'er every mile of land the banner of our trust,
We'll return to those whose images are shrined within the soul,
And proudly listen while they read our names on Honor's roll.
On the Roll of Honor, boys, on the Roll of Honor, boys;
Oh, let them see our names will be on the Roll of Honor, boys.

When the twilight settles round us in life's evening cool and gray,
Among our children's children we'll describe the battle day;
They'll cluster to our knees to hear the story never old,
And watch our trembling veteran hands point out the names enrolled
On the Roll of Honor, boys; on the Roll of Honor, boys;
And they shall see our names will be on the Roll of Honor, boys.

And when at last Death's night comes on and stops the battle din,
And we have conquered in our hearts the rebel hosts of sin,
To the fields of Peace above us, may we march there soul to soul,
And find our names emblazoned on the great Celestial Roll.
On that Roll of Honor, boys; on that Roll of Honor, boys;
Oh, let us see our names will be on that Roll of Honor, boys.