Seth Kaller, Inc.

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PRIVATE PHILIP LIVINGSTON (Co. A, 121st Ohio Volunteers). Autograph Manuscript Poem Signed. “When Sherman Marched down to the Sea.” Circa 1865, pencil. The song was published during the war, credited to Samuel Hawkins Byers. 3 pp., 5 x 8⅛ in.

Inventory #20524       Price: $500

“Our camp-fires shine bright on the mountain/ That frown on the river below,/ While we stood by our guns in the morning, that eagerly watched for the foe!/ When a horseman rode out from the darkness/ that hung over mountains and tree,/ And shouted `Boys, up and be ready,/ For Sherman will march to the Sea.

When cheer upon cheer for bold Sherman/ Went up from each valley and glen/ And the bugles reach out the music/ That came from the lips of the men,/ For we know that the stars on our banners/ More bright in their splendor would be,/ And the blessings from Northland would greet us when Sherman marched down to the sea.

Then forward boys! Forward to battle!/ We marched on our wearisome way/ And we stormed the wild hills of Resaca,/ God bless those that fell on that day!/ Then Kennesaw dark[?] in its glory... frowned down on the flag of the free,/ But the East and the West had[?] her standard when Sherman marched down to the sea,

Still onward we pressed till our banners swept out from Atlanta’s grim walls,/ And the blood of the patriot dampened the soil where the traitors flag falls;/ But we paused not to weep for the fallen/ Who slept by each river and tree,/ Yet we twined them a wreath of the laurel/ And Sherman marched down to the sea.

Proud, proud was our army that morning/ That stood by the cypress and pine./ Then Sherman said “Boys you are weary,/This day fair Savannah is mine!”/ Then sang we a song for our chieftain/ That echoed over river and sea,/ And the stars on our banners shone brighter/ When Sherman marched down to the sea,
                                                            P. Livingston

Historical Background

Livingston survived the campaign, and the war, and was discharged on June 19, 1865.

Condition

Some spotting, else very good.