89.
Escape of Floyd;
or, the fall of Fort Donelson.
by Sergeant Ed. C. Clark, Thirty-Second regiment, N. Y. S. V.
Off Donelson, when the sun was low,Were gunboats running to and fro,
Preparing fast to strike the blow
That ended so triumphantly.
E'er the sun had fairly passed
The horizon, a tremendous blast
Of artillery, that swept them fast
From life into eternity!
[81]
Our boys stood bravely to the fight,
And in their hearts was burning bright
The fire of patriotism, shedding light
That led them on victoriously!
On our decks the carnage raging,
Plainly told the war was waging--
Still we were the foe engaging,
McClernand fighting manfully.
If Floyd and Pillow did but know
The power of their determined foe,
To whom we all great praise bestow,
For whipping them so shamefully!
Bravely fought that little fleet,
Till the distant tramp of many feet
Convinced them of the foe's retreat,
And Floyd was trembling violently!
“Pillow,” says he, “what shall we do?
My legs to me have yet been true,
And I can run as fast as you!
So call your guards immediately!”
Our conquering braves were following fast,
The rebels shuddered as they passed,
And on the ground their arms they cast,
Saying: “You fight most desperately!”
The guard had come, five thousand strong,
And far ahead of the cowardly throng,
More spurs than oats to hurry him along,
Floyd was flying rapidly!
The traitor now is out of reach,
But if in our plans there is no breech,
We soon will make the rascal screech,
When by the neck he's hanging naturally!
