From victory of Buena Vista on
Around the old walled town of Vera Cruz,
The Mississippi Valley's soldiery
Proved heroes truly. Not the least was he
Whose deeds won virile praise from General Scott.

At Cerro Gordo over mountain trails,
Turning the Mexican defenders' flank,
Crossing the lava tract of Pedregal,
Guiding his troops to triumph at Contreras,
Passing the Cherubusco Bridge in state,
Pursuing to the City of Mexico
Fierce Santa Anna's whelmed battalions —
These were among his renderings of service.

'Twas up Chapultepec's strong castled heights
That side by side climbed Johnston, Longstreet, Grant,
McCellan, Jackson, Pickett, Armistead, —
Youths friendly, comrades close, but later on
Arrayed as foes in fratricidal strife.
Among those heroes, under Stars and Stripes,
Fearless and faithful and distinguished oft,
Rode Lee, exalted at the Army's front,
Pronounced the Nation's greatest battle-chief.