Gallantly Defending the Line

Noah Hinton has written a poem in honor of the 35th Ohio Infantry's ("The Persimmons") action at Chickamauga. Noah presented the poem on April 18, 2015 at the site of the regiment's effort to stabilize the Union left on September 20, 1863.

Gallantly Defending the Line

The Persimmons in their blues
Through the war they paid their dues
Chickamauga was their pride and glory
Many lived to tell the story
Reliable, reliable, the 35th Ohio

When Helm’s men came up strong
The Union Line was not too long
Van Derveer with men in tow
Kept Rebs from dealing a crushing blow
Reliable, reliable the 35th Ohio

Helm with men would never shirk
They were blasted for their work
Helm attacked at half past 10
Surprise had sided with blue then
Steadfast, steadfast Helm until his last

Helm attacked but thrice
Not successful so he paid the price
On the third his life forfeit
He and his horse were split
Steadfast, steadfast Helm until his last

After Helm failed in his stand
The Rebs still had to push their hand
Breckinridge he launches in
But luck would not help him win
Forward, Forward Breckinridge pushes on

Breckinridge, Adams, and Stovall
Barely managed to push at all
The lines of men followed the charge
But the reinforcements were far too large  
Forward, Forward Breckinridge pushes on

Persimmons, onward towards the gap!
Rebels prime for the Blues to trap
Push them back, ever farther back
Let no man stop the forward attack
Stronger, stronger leaders for the cause

Like on training grounds the 35th fought
They marched as they were taught
Breckinridge cold not hold them back
Van Derveer would never crack
 Stronger, stronger leaders for the cause

The 35th did well that day
They rose to meet the fray
With bayonets and shells galore
They kept their line and e’en more
Persimmons strong none could ignore

The line was held by Van Derveer
With strength they did persevere
And the Ohioan Persimmons
Glory won with blasting guns
 Persimmons strong none could ignore

© 2015 Noah Hinton

Strickland on the 12-pound "Napoleon"

Jessica Strickland has authored an entry on the 12-pound "Napoleon" artillery piece, one of the workhorses of both armies at the Battle of Chickamauga.

Battlefield Excursion 3

Posted by The River of Death: The Battle of Chickamauga in History and Memory on Saturday, April 18, 2015

The Legend of Ol' Green Eyes

Adam Gilbert has written an entry on Chickamauga's resident ghost, "Ol' Green Eyes," which can be found here.

John Clem, the Drummer Boy of Chickamauga

Adam Gilbert's entry on John Clem, the "Drummer Boy of Chickamauga," is now available here.

Thomas J. Duckett and the Battle of Chickamauga

Thomas J. Duckett in 1913 wearing the hat he had at the Battle of Chickamauga 50 years earlier. During the battle, a...

Posted by Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park on Thursday, April 2, 2015

Captain Alfred Fielder of the 12th Tennessee Infantry

Captain Alfred Fielder of the 12th Tennessee Infantry was old for a soldier at 43. Fielder and his men went into action...

Posted by Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park on Friday, April 3, 2015

Marcus Toney of the 1st Tennessee Infantry

This spring, many people are commemorating the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War. But for the men who...

Posted by Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park on Monday, April 6, 2015

The Future President Who Earned his Chops at Chickamauga

Thanks goes to Scott Longert from James A. Garfield National Historic Site! (cy)

Posted by Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park on Monday, April 6, 2015

The itinerary for the final battlefield excursion on April 18, 2015 is now available on its own page, located here.