The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1896-12-11
SOUTH FAIRLEF.
f. w. ABBOTT & CO.,
Druggists, Fairlee, VT.

Verses written by Mrs. VIM. Bond,
and read at the w. r. G. sociable.
NV dear friends would you like to know
Why we are here? Well endeavor to show
AS we'll can, and explain to you
Our object in coming, and give you view
OF our good Corps, although but few here
They are found ever ready the veterans to cheer.
By sisters and daughters, mothers and wives
OF Union Veterans who offered their lives
In the of the rebellion which they helped to
put down,
This order was formed, and ever was known
AS the soldiers friend the w. r. C.
Is to the G. A. II. an auxiliary.
To assist the veterans who need our care
And the widows and orphans found everywhere.
To give help, employment, sympathy and cheer
To the nurses and soldiers who served in the war.
To inculcate lessons of patriotism in all,
The children and youths, both great and small
To show due respect to U. S. laws,
And dignation towards those who pick flaws,
Or trail in the dust the flag of our country
That proudly has waved for than century.
We believe in equal rights to all men,
And a helping hand whenever we can.
Now place we must have, as all agree
For the once month meetings of the w. X. c.
We want nothing grand, but simple and plain,
And we must raise money our object to gain.
We will raise some funds at our camp fires you
know,
Where stories are told of what happened below
Mason and Dixie's line, when the soldiers so
Were fighting the battles our country to save.
Our fee is the very small sum of one dime,
But II YOU SnOulQ happen TO drop TWO at lllIlc,
We will not complain, but thank one and all,
Who kindly help us to furnish our hall.
We do not believe in asking too much
Without some RETURN we serve nice lunch
OF coffee and cake and good social cheer,
And story from every veteran here
How well we remember the battle of Bull Run,
Twas our first realization that war had begun.
We remember the letters received in our home
From the brave boys, telling of duty well done.
Then the anxious waiting and watching to hear,
Those were perilous times and our hearts quaked
with fear,
For the climate, the ague, long marches for days.
Were as bad for the boys as the balls from the
grays.
Then the fathers and mothers and sweet hearts so
fair
For everyone nearly, had friend there,
Can you not recall how sorely they grieved
And were anxious for fear the next letter received
Would say, "Gone, dead wounded or fell by the
way"
For example: IL Regiment Private, Co. A.
So we searched through the lists, "Thank God"
our prayer.
When no name of our loved ones was found there.
Yet hearts throbbed with pity for those that
would mourn
For the dear ones who never more would return
We had at that time relief corps at home,
Scraping lint and preparing for cuts to come
Making clothing and jellies to send down to you,
Away down in Dixie our brave boys in blue.
We had rallies and musters patriots will,
AT our old meeting house Tunbrdge E. Hill
A large flag made and unfurled to the breeze
And how loudly we cheered as it waved meath the
trees.
Then the speeches and toasts every hand,
"The Union Forever" was the cry OF our land.
Again recall when Thanksgiving came,
OF a very large box that filled at our home,
With cheese, sugar, cake, jam, and even red
Some of the atterwa sent in most every letter,
To put in the water the boys had to drink,
To prevent the vile stuff from making them sick.
Then the letters gotwhen the box arrived there
Howthey passed round thegood things so that all
had share.
| remember hearing one of them say
He should never forget that Thanksgiving day.
Il h.art
To Know how well they relshed that food.
And the clothing was Just as acceptable too
For their garments were under uniforms blue,
And of course twas out of the question to send
Their torn garments home for mother to mend.
We remember the delicate dainties that went
From dear mothers hand, in that box that we
In season twas sent that their supper too
Might come on Thanksgiving for the brave boys
in blue.
Then Phillip, our friend, like brother dear,
Was stricken with sickness and watched DER with
fear.
But no power could save him, nor tenderest love,
But he answered the roll call he heard from above
But Tve said enough of those days of old,
Although one-half can never be told.
But we leave it all, and expect something grand
From those who belong to that brave noble band.
of what happened in camp to those boys in blue,
Hard times, sad times and good times too,
And your rations, boys, was it mouldy hard tack,
Or something carried to camp on your back.
Come, Veterans, now story, if you please,
i remember OF a soldier who drew a large cheese.
And many more things from suffers tent,
Perhaps you can tell where some of them went.
Now did any of you ever carry to your tent
Anything that really for you not ment?
If we do not blame YOU, no, not at all,
For those who would not, their number is small.
Now we thank you for your attention good,
We would have done better if we only could.
Now come my young sisters in f. {. x L.
And this order Join and you will do well.
And we will greet you in true sisterly love,
And work together here till we join the Corps
above.