Whig and tribune. [volume] (Jackson, Tenn.) 1870-1877, 1873-10-18
LISTEN 40 THE MocKIxG BIRD

Ia tAIis RANK NJ. DLfFEf.
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Who that is native Of the South
has not, with feelings of peculiar
pleasure, listened to the music of the
Mocking Bird Superior to all other
harmOnics, it has been from my earli-
est recollection associated with all
that / can feel, appreciate, or imagine
Of the beautiful and often / have
wished for the power to express in
words the thoughts, feelings, memo
RIGS and association of ideas called
up by listening, during one moon
light night this summer, 10 the music
Of my faYoritc wildwood warbler.
Bringing mp remembranccs of home,
the first notes of his song fixed my
attention, aud following the strangely
arranged melody in all its variations
and expressivencss, ] lost sight of the
identity of all local surroundings and
gave myself up to the thrilling infu-
ences Of the music with which this
hcaven-inspired singer was vocalizing
the summer air until it seemed as if
all nature was listening to a purer
and higher revelation from the bright
Evangel.
Long years ago the South was fa-
miliar with the air of a sad, sweet
melody, and in almost every Southern
home was heard the simple refrain
"Ah well do l remember"
and so much was the spirit Of the aiI
in harmony with the style Of South
crn plantation life that "the Mocking
Bird' became, as song, familiar to
all ages and classes Of our people
The child at play could sing the sim
pie song; the accomplished young
lady often sang it to friends in the
brilliantly lighted parlor; it was
equally popular in the young gentle
mans serenade, aud the happy Negro
cheercd his toll with "Listcn to the
Mocking Bird" as he ploughed the
cotton and corn.
Years passed by and seemed only to
fix more firmly this favorite air in the
affections of our people. Indeed il
was so fixed that, when our bravcS'
and best were called from the walks
of peace to assume the soldiers duty
and mingle in scenes of death upon
the battle-felds of the South, the
notes Of the knocking Bird found q
thousand echoes through the ear.
piercing fife and spirit-stirring drum
anu i4ittlN u gOtlHB BUAiASV 'AN Pr
proudly into the Confederate ranks Il
the music of this air, which carried
with it to his heart all the proud
daring and devotion that ever thrilled
the Frenchman's soul as be listened
to the Marseilles.
/ have heard it in the camp and on
the march during four years of terri
BILE and unrelenting war; have
heard.it at tattoo when our weary ana
wounded sank down to rest in Tho
midst of their murdered friends;
have heard it ut reveiIle as those w2r
worn patriots were awakened to The
duties and the dangers of anOthe
dayl But then, o then, there wa
something inspiring in the music o
the Knocking Bird !" each note of it,
trembling refrain was a wall for the
fallen brave each thrilling strain wa
arcnewal of the vows of the thful-
each tone of sadness was broker
hope-each joyous peal a renewed in
spiration-each falling cadence {
mourning dlrge of defeat, and eacl
rising strain of eXultation was thu
bounding spirits pealing hymn o
victory, for our armies were confront
ing the foe-valor might yet triumph
the golden and purple of Hope
flushing heaven hung over us, ant
seemed nearer then than now.