Description: Lt. Charles Monroe of the Maine 8th regiment wrote this poem to his mother before a civil war battle. This is written on his own letterhead as you can see from the photos. This is written in pencil. He was killed at the battle of Cold Harbor, VA 1864 and made his writing become reality. Charles F. Monroe resided in Livermore, Maine when he enlisted as a Sergeant in Company C, 8th Maine Infantry on September 7, 1861. At the time of his enlistment Monroe was 27 years old. The 8th Maine was assigned to the Department of the South and served in the 10th Corps. The regiment took part in the siege of Fort Pulaski and then served near Jacksonville, Florida and Beaufort, South Carolina. Sometime in 1862 Sergeant Monroe was promoted to 2nd and then 1st Lieutenant. In May of 1864 the regiment was assigned to the 18th Corps of the Army of the James and was engaged at Drewry’s Bluff. The 8th was next engaged at Cold Harbor. During that fight on the 3rd of June Lieutenant Monroe fell wounded while leading his Company. He died of his wounds on June 6, 1864. His remains were returned home where they were buried in Waters Hill Cemetery, Livermore, Maine. Just Before the battle Mother Just before the battle MotherI am thinking most of youWhile upon the field of battle marchingWith the enemy in view Comrads brave around me lyingFilled with thoughts of home and GodFor well they know upon the morrowSome will sleep beneath the sod O I long to see you motherAnd the loving ones at homeBut I'll never leave our bannerTill in honor I can come Tell the traitors all around youThat their cruel words we knowIn every battle kill our soldiersBy the help they give the foe Hark I hear the bugle soundingTis the signal for the fightNow may god protect us MotherAs he ever goes the night Hear the battle cry of freedomHow it smells upon the aireO yes we rally round the standardOr we will parish nobly there But .... will not forget me Mother if I am numbered with the slain. The section above the last line looks kinda like doodles but he wrote a large first letter and then small letters within the larger. I can make out "Chorus Farewell Mother You May Never See Me ? Your Heart Again But You Will" Measures 7 7/8 inches by 9 3/4 inches. Very nice condition except for rip shown. Check my other auctions for a letter from him to home also. I will also be listing another amazing poem from one of the Caldwell boys from Maine while in the Civil War as well.
Price: 350 USD
Location: Stacyville, Maine
End Time: 2025-02-03T03:16:53.000Z
Shipping Cost: 8 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Conflict: Civil War (1861-65)
Original/Reproduction: Original
Theme: Militaria