The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1906-05-24
DEFEAT OF THE REBS
In searsport, July 4, 1866. Told by one q
the Union Survivors.

A sham fight celebration,
By citizens of the town,
Was to be the leading feature
By doing the Rebs up "broWn."
Things went on about this way,
If we remember Alright,
For twill never be forgotten
By survivors of the fight,
Twas to be battle royal,
of men who did and dared,
Who grew fierce at smell of powder,
Nor of bullets were they scared.
The Union troops assembled
At the Town House on the hill,
Major Biather their commander,
Who put them through the drill.
The Rebel troops were stationed
Back of Johnny Collins shed,
And from this historic spot
Went forth with martial tread.
The gallant Major Biatherr,
Like "Scott at Lundy's Lane"
The Union troops behind him,
Sought the battle PLAIN.
Joe Fowler with the "Johnnies"-
A tougher looking set
Was never seen in Searsport,
Nor any where else, you bet.
A little diminishing at first,
With now and then shot,
Till they met at Leach'S Corner,
Where fight ragged sharp and hot
The battle now WaXed mercer,
Neither side gave way,
Back and forth the volleys flew,
Both sides eager for the fray.
The ,Johnnies made an onslaught,
Bold Joe Fowler led the way,
With Lieutenant LOring Fields,
Who won dandelions that day.
On they came like Pickett's charge,
Till the Unions lines they meet
When those valiant Smut-grmmeq
warriors
Began their grand retreat.
Back they steadily fought their way
To where the final stand was made,
Near the Wiswell blacksmith shop
In double lines arrayed.
Joe Fowler with his cannon,
A stove pipe set on wheels.
Full to the muzzle with powder
To make Yankees show their heels.
forward" Major Biather shouts,
"Boys, we've got them on the rum
But Joe, like valiant soldier,
Stood bravely by his gun.
w I'LL lighted tudlLL SloOd NaltliSs
Nor e'er a word he spoke,
He touched the powder wish,
Bang, flash, "What fearful smoke"
When up to the lannon's mouth,
Or where once the cannon roared,
Ote Barney rushed with sabre
AS the paper bullets poured
A few bits of sheet iron,
Some spokes lying round,
Two hubs, some burning grass,
And Joe stretched fiat upon the ground
His whiskers, blinkerS, moustache,
All gone, and minus part OF an ear,
And above the awful din
Arose the Union cheer.
When Joe came to his senses
And heard his side had lost
He said, "Boys, I've had lots of fun today
Darned if | mind the cost"
"You see meant to blow you up,
"Bnt Ia had little Ticker,
Thought | was quick enough myself
But the powder was a darned sight
quicker
The number wounded far as known,
Though rather large to mention,
| have no doubt if proof were shown
Would entitle all to pension.
CIe0. Myers NIL III tne shoulder
From the bursting of his gun,
Fred Geary pricked by bayonet
Because he couldn't run,
John Blake shot off his ramrod,
Which stuck fast in his gun,
As through the battle smoke
He saw the JOhnnies run.
Ote Barney, wounded in the foot,
Considered rather slight,
In hand to hand encounter
In the thickest of the fight.
Bob Colcord in his frontispiece
In the charge at Leach'S store
Hit with the butt of a musket,
Looks as we'll as he did before.
This is the list as reported,
Of the missing We'll never know,
The rest were present or accounted for
Which the orderly's book should show.
And thus the contest ended,
A success in every way,
Hoping this may reach the eye
OF some enc who fought that day.
| remain,
Yours very truly,
E. B. &.
LYNN. Mass,