To One Mortally Wounded at Gettysburg

Occupation: student, Age: 20 years,

3^rd Georgia (2^nd 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.

4^th 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.