John Marr and Other Poems

Chattanooga

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November, 1863

A kindling impulse seized the host

Inspired by heaven's elastic air;

Their hearts outran their General's plan,

Though Grant commanded there--

Grant, who without reserve can dare;

And, "Well, go on and do your will,"

He said, and measured the mountain then:

So master-riders fling the rein--

But you must know your men.

On yester-morn in grayish mist,

Armies like ghosts on hills had fought,

And rolled from the cloud their thunders loud

The Cumberlands far had caught:

To-day the sunlit steeps are sought.

Grant stood on cliffs whence all was plain,

And smoked as one who feels no care