To One Mortally Wounded at Gettysburg
Occupation: student, Age: 20 years,
3rd Georgia (2nd State Line)
Hair: Auburn, Complexion: florid,
Five feet eleven; blue eyes
The historian’s favor has always been partial
To the charge that Pickett’s men made,
But because of young Walker, I’ll ever remember
That of Ambrose Wright’s Georgia Brigade
Only to find no support on the flanks
They took turnpike, and stone fence, and crest
Compelled to retire; killed, wounded, or missing
Make six hundred eighty-six less.
4th Sergeant Walker, whose mother’s half-brother
Has long been a hero of mine
In the number of wounded, with bare remark “gunshot”
I sorely regret that I find
He clung to his life for fourteen days
- To the fifteenth day of July -
All through the arduous, dismal retreat
To the Potomac’s Virginia side
I’ve oft addressed lines to the Texian martyr,
To the uncle that he never knew.
But I feel, as we’re passing this great anniversary
I owe this young Georgian a few.