In 2001, I discovered a poem in the handwriting of my great, great grandfather, Joseph D. Whitson,.of Jackson County, IL. He served in Company H of the 27th IL Inf. during the Civil War. The poem was attributed to Mr. George W. Cross of Company G (Mercer Co., Illinois) of the 27th. The document was in very poor condition when I found it, having been folded many times and stuffed in my great grandmother, Pruella Whitson Richardson's, famiy bible for Lord knows how long. Through the help of some friends, the document has been restored. It is still in bad condition but at least it's now completely readable. The poem is about the Battle of Belmont, Missouri which took place in May of 1861. I hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as I enjoyed discovering it. The Battle of Belmont By G. W. Cross Company G, 27th IL Volunteer Infantry Came all my friends both far and near A song I'll sing for volunteer And also for the timid ones That stay home in sixty one. The best of our men are far away Drilling and maneuvering every day To learn to whip the southern hounds And make their rebel kingdom sound. On the Seventh of November, Sixty One The battle we fought and victory won Twas on that day we did them haunt And took their cannon at Belmont. Our Colonel was as brave a man As ever in battle did command For thru the fight that lasted long We cheered the 27th on. The fight that day began at ten Our force was twenty eight hundred men And ere that night we did return Their property and tents did burn. We fought them hard from ten till four And many a poor man we passed o'er But could not stop to ease his pain For on we went victory to gain. Hot was the fight that day with all For many a brave man there did fall And as the dead and wounded fell Huzza, my boys were going well. The balls flew hot and fast around When Lieutenant Lytle their flag hauled down And when it fell, we gave three cheers For all the union volunteers. And on that night when we returned On board the Tyler an' Lexington Kind were the men with their scant fare And passed the water everywhere. The men on these boats so true Should be remembered by all of you For their kindness to us that night May God assist them in every fight. And when they are sent down the river They'll make the Southern rebels quiver For shot and shell that day will fall Till loud for quarters they will call. On that these days were fast and gone Contented would I end my song And on my couch would repose And pray to God to save my foes. This song is credited to G. (George) W. Cross. A handwritten transcript was done by my great, great grandfather, Joseph D. Whitson on an unknown date. Joseph served in Company H of the same Infantry unit. The document was found in 2001 in my great grandmother, Pruella Whitson Richardson's family bible. Mary Riseling, November 18, 2002