Quartermaster

Quartermaster (After "Hiawatha" by our Own Poick) I'm a faithful Quartermaster Master of flour and bacon; Master of the corn and fodder, And I live in peace and plenty, With my sergeant who lives with me, Sleepless partner of the profits. If you would learn more about me, Learn my life and useful mission; Hear the stories contradicted That are circulated of me, Listen to my truthful story, True as gospel in the Bible, And then if you don't believe me, I can do no more than tell you That I am the injured mortal, Much abused by those who envy Peace and quiet, and the plenty That I every day enjoy. I have seen the army fasting On the banks of Rapid Ann. Fasting like the best of Christians, In their log-built huts of winterHuts of every kind of wood built, Built of oak and pine and hickory, With the north wind howling loudly, Howling through the crack and crevice Of those log-built huts of winter. I have heard the charge of battle, Heard the roar of mighty cannon, Seen the soldiers brought out wounded, Seen the graves of many warriours, Seen the battle-field of carnage, Just as cleared the bloody drama But not all these sacrificesSacrifices which are offered On the altar of their fameHalf deserve a simple mention When against my cares and duties 55 56 And the nature of my mission, They are placed in balance true. If I do enjoy the comforts Which my lot has cast about me; Spend my thousands, tens of thousands, I do show that I am grateful To my blessed guardian angel Who is perched above my tent-pole; Guardians of the good and faithful, Hovering o'er my flock of cattle, O'er the corn, hard tack and bacon, Well provided by my foresight For the soldier and his knapsack; Well provided all by me 'Gainst the time of quarter rations. When hereafter peace and plenty Make the evenings of our days Calm and beautious as the sunset In a glorious autumn sky, Then a heartfelt benediction Shall descend from grateful lips On the faithful Quartermaster, Who shall live when men forgotten On the field of glory moulder; Live to tell the bloody story To the children of the soldiers, To the orphan and the widow, Who will smile, the while invoking Blessings on the Quartermaster. Richmond Examiner, Feb. 26, 1864 ...