“Stack Arms!”

By Joseph Blynth Alston

Written in prison at Fort Delaware, Del., on hearing of the surrender of General Lee.

“STACK Arms!” I’ve gladly heard the cry

When, weary with the dusty tread

Of marching troops, as night drew nigh,

I sank upon my soldier bed,

And calmly slept; the starry dome

Of heaven’s blue arch my canopy,

And mingled with my dreams of home

The thoughts of Peace and Liberty.

“Stack Arms!” I’ve heard it when the shout

Exulting ran along our line,

Of foes hurled back in bloody rout,

Captured, dispersed; its tones divine

Then came to mine enraptured ear,

Guerdon of duty nobly done,

And glistened on my cheek the tear

Of grateful joy for victory won.

“Stack Arms!” In faltering accents, slow

And sad, it creeps from tongue to tongue,

A broken, murmuring wail of woe,

From manly hearts by anguish wrung.

Like victims of a midnight dream,

We move, we know not how nor why;

For life and hope like phantoms seem,

And it would be relief—to die!