As war broke between the Union and Confederacy
He was a volunteer serving on the side of the Union
Hated the cause of slavery, morally offended by it
He had worn the uniform blue of the Union Army
A natural leader, fine soldier, leading men in battle
He reached his sad last day of life June 1, 1864
The Army of Northern Virginia ready, protected
General Grant's Army of the Potomac forward
Drawn to the front, into the deadly defensive fire
After battle, dead men could be stacked like wood
As the battle was lost, the Union moved quickly
The dead were buried, gravediggers set to work
The toll taken was enormous at Cold Harbor
The dead soldier's documents, possessions saved
For the next of kin, with a letter from officials
Thanking the family for the service of their son
Cold Harbor was near Mechanicsville, Virginia
The battle fought from May 31 to June 12, 1864
