By Way of Appomattox

 I left my home in Alabam,
To fight with the boys of the 60th.
Like other natives of Pike County,
Who too fought against invaders galore.

 I never knew if I would make it back,
To the place I loved and called home.
Or like others, be buried in a burlap sack.
But now I’m on my way, by way of Appomattox.

We spent some time at Chickamauga,
And picnicked at Snodgrass Hill.
The main course was Union lead,
And canister shot was dessert.

I never knew if I would make it back,
To the place I loved and called home.
Or like most, be buried in a canvas sack.
But now I’m on my way, by way of Appomattox.

Present at Knoxville’s siege, Gracie’s boys in reserve.
We watched Ole Miss fall,
while General Braggs stood alone.
We never should have left his side.

Not knowing if I would make it back,
To where my loved ones back home,
Or would I be buried in a burlap sack.
But now, I’m on my way, by way of Appomattox.

When General Longstreet saw the mistake,
We rushed off to join with Braggs.
The enemy tried to stop us at Bean’s Station,
We paid their toll at a mighty high price.

 I never knew if I would make it back,
To the place I loved and called home.
Or be buried in a burlap sack.
But now I’m on my way, by way of Appomattox.

Wounded in a skirmish around Richmond,
Caused me to sit out Drury’s Bluff.
Then returned to Company A,
To fight our way to the courthouse.

I knew then that I would make it back,
To the place I loved and called home.
I did not die or get myself buried in a burlap sack.
But now I’m on my way, by way of Appomattox.

It was a long, long walk from Virginia to Alabam.
Caught a train and wagon when I could.
The cause was dead but I was alive.
I prayed I would make it back to the ones I love.

Making it back to my loved ones dear,
Remembering the trials the Lord had brought me through,
Knowing He also walked a long, long way to the cross,
Made my walk seem not near so hard.

Now I’m fighting another battle, One I know I’ll win.
Because He won the fight on the cross to set me free.
Now I’m on my way home to the Savior I love so dear.
Not by way of Appomattox, but by way of Calvary.

 In memory of: Private Edward Y.Martin
60th Alabama Regiment. Company A, 3rd Battalion Hillary’s legion.
And all of those who made the long trek back to their homes after the Civil War.