[written for the Richmond Dispatch]
The battle of Bethel Church!
June 10th, 1861.
by Nettie C. McL.
‘ As hurtles the pest. Proclaiming the storm,
The Northern invaders
Tumubuously swarn.
Loudly rings their battle cry,
Glarea with fury every eye;
Virginia's sons they swear shall die,
Or wear their chains of slavery.
As meets he chafed ocean
The immutable rock,
The brave southern freemen
Await the stern shock.
Firm is every lip compressed,
Front to toe is every brutal
While's lent prayers to Heaven attest
Reserve for oath or victory.
They number by thousands,
The men that assail;
The hundreds that wait them,
Oh, can they prevail ?
Spoils and bounty urge the tray,
Hearts and homes contest the day.
And fiercely mends the bats lets pray.
While Right with Might strives valiantly.
Down swep the invaders,
Like billows of storm--
Dead, wounded and dying.
They backward are borne.
Vain they rally, value return;
Lead and steel and graves they earn,
While angels guard their ranks from harm
Who fight for homes and liberty.
see !see ! they are flying !
Quick, up and pursue !
And mere out the measure
The bire ings' du
Wolves as brave, to sheep-folds hie;
Lambs less swift, from it us fly;
While thanks ascend to Him on high,
Who gave our arms the victory.
’
