  BY ELIZA B. SEDGWICK. [In the summer of 1863 an attack was made on Fort Wagner, in South Carolina, by the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, composed of colored troops. Their leader, Colonel Shaw, belonging to one of the best white families in Boston, was killed. When his friends asked for his body, the reply of the Rebels was, "He is buried with his niggers."] Buried with a band of brothers, Whom for him would fain have died; Buried with the gallant fellows Who fell fighting by his side. Buried with the men God gave him,— Those whom he was sent to save; Buried with the martyred heroes, He has found an honored grave. Buried where his dust so precious Makes the soil a hallowed spot; Buried where by Christian patriot He shall never be forgot. Buried in the ground accursed, Which man's fettered feet have trod; Buried where his voice still speaketh, Appealing for the slave to God. Fare thee well, thou noble warrior! Who in youthful beauty went On a high and holy mission, By the God of battles sent. Chosen of Him, "elect and precious," Well didst thou fulfil thy part; When thy country "counts her jewels," She shall wear thee on her heart. |
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