GUS-REEB-L Archives

From: <>
Subject: Henry M. Stilwell
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 13:26:26 -0500

Dear REEB Cousins,
Yesterday I forgot to include the sweetest poem that was given to our
family back around 1986. For those of you on the list I wanted to share
it with you. For those of you in the North don't get your hair up. I
have ancestors, fathers vs sons on both sides of the line! It shows the
emotions of the war so well in America's history. It is written about
Henry Marion Stilwell who was captured in the Battle of Vicksburg, MS, a
great grandson of Henry Rape(Reeb) of Mecklenburg Co, NC.

My Great Grandpa(1843-1921) by Emily Stilwell

My great grandpa was a Southern man
from his head down to his shoes.
He loved his country dearly
but hated the "army of blue".

My great grandpa was a gentle man
full of kindness to all that he knew.
But he cussued like a sailor on leave
when you mentioned "The yankees in blue".

He never would wear blue overalls
nor a shirt nor tie of blue.
And he staunchly declared to all
that to Gray he would always be true.

He fought in the Battle of Vicksburg
and some bloody things he could tell.
Of brave deeds of the men in Gray
who fought and died where they fell.

My great grandpa was a Southern Man
who lovingly talked to me.
His snow white hair and goatee beard
were something special to see.

Things I remember about my grandpa:
He was taken prisoner in the Battle of Vicksburg
He sole an ear of corn from the Captain's horse- the only thing
he ever stole in his entire life.
He tried to catch a mouse to eat--they were staving to death during the
battle.
He hated "The" damn yankees.
He drew $15.00 a month CSA pension.
Every time he got his check he went to town and bought a whole
stalk of bananas!
He always did the churning.
Wouldn't wear or own anything blue in clothing after the battle for the
rest of his life.

The End.
Have a great day!
Janet Burks

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