Thoughts in Verse :: :: University of Virginia Library

“The First Louisiana Regiment of colored soldiers, recruited in New Orleans, was about to take its departure for the front. The Colonel, who for some reason could not accompany his men, presented the regimental flags to the color-sergeant. After a brief speech, full of patriotic feeling, he concluded with these words: “Color-guard, protect, defend, die for, but do not surrender these flags.” The sergeant, upon receiving them, made this simple but noble response: “Colonel, I will bring back these colors to you in honor or report to God the reason why.” And when, a few days afterward, during an assault on Port Hudson, he fell defending the flag, and his dying blood crimsoned its folds, another took his place and saved it from falling into the hands of the enemy. The brave standard-bearer kept his word, and in failing to return the colors to the hands that had committed them to his care, he ‘reported to God the reason why.’”

It is the eve of battle;
The soldiers are in line;
The roll of drum and bugle's blast
Marshal that army fine.

The hour is fraught with mystery—
A hush pervades that throng,
And each one thinks of home and friends,
And says at heart, “How long?”

The colonel rides before his men,
His thoughtful brow is bare;
He calls the color-sergeant,
And tenders to his care

The nation's pride, the dear old flag—
The loved red, white and blue,
And says, with earnest tones and grave:
“I intrust this now to you.

“Yes, color-bearer, take in charge
Your country's flag to-day,
And to the conflict bear it—
The thickest of the fray.

“Bear it with lofty courage,
And to it faithful be;
This flag has inspired thousands,
And led to victory.

“Take it and never leave it,
'Tis a solemn charge to thee;
Bring back to me this banner,
This ensign of the free!”

“Colonel,” the color-sergeant said,
Holding the flag on high;
“I'll bring it back or else report
To God the reason why!”

Away to the front he bears it,
Cheered on by comrades brave,
Anxious to liberate his race,
Bring freedom to the slave.

They charge upon Port Hudson,
Where, sheltered by a wall,

The foemen cut them down like grass.
They bravely charge—but fall.

Yes, on that field, where thousands
Unheeding the tumult lie,
He left the flag, reporting
To God the reason why.

Another bears that flag along,
Holding it proud and high:
But the sergeant has reported
To God the reason why.

Oh, Christian soldier, going forth
To battle for the Lord,
Be filled with manly courage,
And proudly bear God's word.

It is the standard of your King,
Who rules the earth and sky;
You must win, through it, the vict'ry
Or tell Christ the reason why.

The war will soon be ended:
In the dust you soon will lie;
Go forth and conquer, or report
To God the reason why.

March, 1885.