Classic Poem

Old Early's Camp at Fisher's Hill
Resolved some Yankee's blood to spill.
He chose the time when Phil was gone,
The Yankee's Camp to fall upon;
“Get out of the way,” said General Early,
“We've come to drive you from the valley.”

With Sheridan twenty miles away,
Old Early did not brook delay;
But struck at night to show his scorn,
Of Union soldiers weak and worn;
“Get out of the way,” said General Early,
“We've come to drive you from the valley.”

The cannon's roar attracted Phil,
In conference he had lingered still,
He made a dash upon his steed,
No mortal man had made such speed;
His columns now were torn asunder,
The dead and dying trampled under.

“Turn, boys, turn,” was his command,
“Grant not the villain his demand:”
When the eighteenth corps had time to form,
They checked Old Early and his throng;
“Now change your tune,” said Phil to Early,
“You've come too late to gain the valley.”

Old Early knew by the Yank's brave stand,
That Sheridan was in command;
Such awful oaths he did repeat,
While Rebel soldiers did retreat;
“Get out of the way,” said Phil to Early,
“You've come too late to gain the valley.”