Chapter 1 – This poem focuses on the Army of Northern Virginia, led by Robert E. Lee, moving north to break the will of the people in the North to continue the war. A military victory in the North could have achieved this, and they could have marched on to Washington D.C. Originally, they were headed for Harrisburg. Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, was located at the intersection of important railroads. It was an important transportation and supply center. The Confederate troops of Richard S. Ewell, one of Lee’s Generals leading the Second Corps, threatened the area around Harrisburg before they were called south to fight at Gettysburg.
by Christopher Rudolph © 2015
Chapter 1 – Army of Northern Virginia Marches North
The third summer
Of the Civil War, June, 1863
Army of Northern Virginia marches north
From Dixie led by Lee
Provisions and plentiful food
Robert E. Lee wants to acquire
Political battle victory
Confederacy desires
60,000 crack infantry
Equipped for warfare
Move stealthily on the tramp
Behind the Blue Ridge frontier
By end of month
Panic, rage, despair
Closes in on Harrisburg
Within North’s own lair
The Union Army
They have come to destroy
In the land North of Washington
It’s part of their ploy
For then they foresee
The war will cease
On Lincoln’s desk
Place ultimatum of peace
From Jefferson Davis
Demanding recognition
Of the Southern Confederacy
Or face total demolition