THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES ORIGINAL ACROSTICS, BY ROBERT BLACKWELL, ON SOME OF THE SOUTHERN STATES, CONFEDERATE GENERALS, AND VARIOUS OTHER PERSONS AND THINGS. ILLUSTEATED. ST. LOUIS: PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR AT SOUTHWESTERN BOOK AND PUBLISHING CO. 1869. Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1869, by ROBERT BLACKWELL, In the Clerk's office of the District Court of the United States lor the Western District of Tennessee. INVOCATION. ADDEESS TO THE SOUTH. My little book adrift I send, And ask the South to be my friend; On her for aid I now depend, And will until my life shall end. In her are those from vices free, And all her scenes are dear to me ; I now reside in Tennessee, And sing her praise with perfect glee. Her men they have but errors few They love the gray and hate the blue ; Her clime is mild, her sons are true, Her daughters learn' d and handsome, too. It was the South that gave me birth, . The richest, dearest spot on earth ; I hear within her songs of mirth, And do adore her sterling worth. For three long years I fought for her, s With General Lee, a man most dear ; Was wounded thrice, and once severe, But still for that I do not care. I only grieve I vainly fought For her I loved, whose good I sought, Which has to her a lesson taught, Although it was too dearly bought. But, in conclusion, I would say, To those with whom I hope to stay, Till I am call'd from earth away, I write to please, expecting pay. Yours, most truly, EGBERT BLACKWELL. ROBERT BLACKWELL'S ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. ACROSTIC. Rhyming is now my occupation, Oft times I write on subjects new, By this I rise to observation, Expecting pay for what I do ; Regarding men of higher station, They read my book, and pay me, too. Burlesque me not, ye wise and knowing, Let me but work and make my rhymes, All I would ask is half a showing, Come, gentlemen, hand o'er your dimes ; Keep them no more in pockets tight, When people work they want their pay. Encourage worth with talents bright Little critics, now clear the way, Learn first to spell before you write. ' ROBERT BLACKWELL'S ACROSTIC. (Composed 1S64-) Generous and noble man, with an iron heart and true, Ever fighting for our cause, with victory full in view ; No Yankee can deter him, for while our lips are speak- in g> Even now his sword so keen, with vandals' blood is reeking, Raised high up to defend us, Abe Lincoln's clan defying, Alarming all the Yankees, from him behold them flying, Leaving their comrades and friends all gory, faint and dying. Renowned for skill in warring, for him our soldiers fight, Each ready, when he gives command, to put our foes to flight. Long has he fought, and bravely, too, to keep our country free ; Exploring regions far and near, the name of General Lee, Endeared to each Southern heart, will live while ages flee. ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 7 ACEOSTIC. Like angels of mercy, God sent them to cheer us As traveling o'er earth, for when they are near us Depression grows lighter while enchanted we view In each of those ladies, patriotic and true, Every grace and charm, which makes them appear Shining stars of perfection, angelic and dear. Our interest consulting, they showed their desire For the triumph of right when the first gun did fire, To put down oppression, loud ringing like thunder, Hot balls, well aimed, rent Sumpter asunder, Enrapturing the South, making Yankees to wonder So see them still feeding maimed soldiers each day, Opposing all tyrants, for our interests they pray, Using money so freely, to aid and to cheer us. They study our good all ye mortals now hear us, How happy we feel when those ladies are near us. ACEOSTIC. Truly kind, Hence we find Each of them Like the moon And stars at night Directing us Into the right; Each of them Shining bright ; Offending none, Firm and true, Conversing free, As ladies do ; Ne'er disposed To act amiss ; Our good they seek, No other bliss. ROBERT BLACKWELL'S ACEOSTIC. The learned and the wise, How I love and I prize Each virtue composing their worth. Like angels they shine, All lovely, divine, Dispelling much darkness from earth. In the days of their youth Embracing the truth, Soothing the high and the low. Observe what I say, For a moment I pray Just view them as onward they go, Adorning each street, Conversing so sweet, Kind-hearted, most noble and free, Sublime are their ways. On them when I gaze, !No blemish nor error I see. ACEOSTIC. Srive on for it, we won't submit To negro lovers, great or small ; .Repulsive, mean, 'tis plainly seen, If let alone they'll crush us all ; Keep them at bay, or soon we may Expect to yield to them our lands. For Freedom's sake we wish to take Our country's weal within our hands ; Eaise then the cry, make traitors fly From seats of trust in every place. Eads on us frown lest voted down Ere long we are a ruined race ; Each living man, with eyes to scan, Discerns a threatening cloud ahead. Our foes are strong, and acting wrong- May yet attempt on us to tread. ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. ACEOSTIC. (Composed 1865.)^ Just think of the woes which he undergoes, Each hour surrounded by the deadliest of foes, Full of malice ; we see they afflict him with glee, Forgetting that God his avenger will be. Each comfort once known from him is now flown Eeligion is left for his solace alone ; So see him now slighted, whose faith was once plighted On the side of the South, in which he delighted, Now dwelling in gloom, with prospects all blighted. Did justice yet reign in the Yankee's domain, At once would she rise and strike off his chain. Villains subduing, who caused all his ruin, Insulted, imprisoned, our friend is now viewing, Scurrilous base foes his footsteps pursuing. 10 ROBERT BLACKWELL'S ACEOSTIC. (Composed on his return home from Canada.') Join, friends, with us, and sing with glee Of one who is of high degree ; He has returned, so joyful be, Now to repeat his praises free. Clothed with each grace and virtue bright, Bow low to him, ye sons of might ; Repelling gloom, when in his sight, Each one we seem to dwell in light. Could we but all his praises tell, Known best to those who do excel In all that's great, we know it well, None would refuse his praise to swell. Round all the earth, from zone to zone, In every clime his name is known Defeat can not his fame dethrone. Great men like him, as can be shown, Exist within a sphere their own. Kentucky's bravest, wisest son, From Yankees ne'er was known to run. His cheerful face, as all agree, None but his foes dislike to see. ACROSTIC. Could I this day but call the mine, A light along my path would shine, Dispersing gloom that round me bide And if thou wilt but be my bride, My greatest aim and chief employ Shall be to soothe thy heart with joy. ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 11 Court House, St. Louis. ACEOSTIC. She's growing larger every hour A place of prayer, a place of mirth Increasing in wealth as well as power ; Now viewing her, ye sons of earth, Through all the land proclaim her worth. Look at her mansions, tall churches, too, Outshining all the cities round ; Uplifted high, her factories view, Imparting wealth and peace profound Shall we refuse her praise to sound ? ACEOSTIC. Leading us right) possessing might, Our hearts and wills controlling ; Viewless, hut still it seems to fill Earth with its darts consoling. 12 ROBERT BLACKWELL'S ACKOSTIC. Think not, ye knaves, that you can scare us, High honors bright we will pursue ; Even our fathers standing near us, Bid each of us our duty do. Like soldiers to our homes we cling, And firmly on our worth repose, Cheered by each friend ; so while we sing, Keep far away, ye Northern foes ! Kuffians ! ye vainly try to bind us ! Ever let the South alone ; Provoke us not, for here you find us Upon the soil which we own. Because of you the people blunder; Lament your crimes and give them up j If you continue our land to plunder, Can you from us our pardon hope ? Arabs and Turks would blush to view Naughty, thieving mortals, who Steal from men and ladies, too. ACKOSTIC. Thieves and base Yankees our ruin designing, Have trodden us down and left us repining ; [field, O, who would have thought, when we march' d to the Men brave as our leaders to vandals would yield ? A people who spoke of never retreating, [beating. Should have fought while hearts in their bosoms were "We look all around us, and what do we see ? Slaves by the thousand, whom the Yankees set free That they may enslave us, the pride of creation ; Envying the South as a people and nation, Each bent on our ruin, both the young and the old : Light-fingered, base monsters, their meanness behold Even entering our grave-yards searching for gold ! ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. ACEOSTIC. (Composed 1864.} Shed tears o'er his grave, and tune all your lyres, To sing in his praise who fought for our sires, Our wives and our children, and all that is dear, Noble and honored our proud standard to rear, E'er to wave, as we trust, our people to cheer. We ne'er can do justice to his name as we ought, Although for our country many battles he fought ; Language would fail us to speak of each one, Laureled with victories, they shine like the sun. Just think how he fought, with a noble intent, And came off victorious wherever he went, Causing thousands to speak in the praise of his name. Knowing his true valor, we dwell on his fame, So full of glory, elevating and bright. On the day that he fell and sank from our sight, No music had power to give us delight. ACEOSTIC. Dread monster, ruthless foe, Ever traveling to and fro, And causing tears of grief to flow, The good, the loved, and those that be, Hale and strong, must yield to thee. 14 ROBERT BLACKWELL'S ACEOSTIC. With tears of contrition lament thy condition, If thou hopest to 'scape an endless perdition, Long reserved, sir, for thee, with all others that be Low-minded, and trying to enslave Tennesse. Impressed, with thy fate, to the Governor we state, Arch-fiend of creation, all thy actions we hate. Moving downward each hour, and though clothed with power, God on thy head yet his vengeance will shower. Besmeared with disgrace, a curse to thy race, .Reprobate, renegade, go hide now thy face. Our people are dying, 'mid scenes the most trying, While others, oppressed, from tyrants are flying. Now, leaving this day, for thy demise we pray, Lean, hungry scapegrace, what makes thee to stray On thy head be the blame, so covered with shame, We know not one act of thy goodness to name. He has no shame, nor sense of right; Ravenous wolf, of low degree ; Our former slaves, though black as night, No doubt would blush his heart to see. If he was from his seat now hurl'd, Cheers would be heard from thousands 'round, Louder than thunderbolts unfurled Even shaking the very ground. ACEOSTIC. Roll back dark clouds from us we pray, As we don't wish to fight ; Desiring peace, this is the day In which to show your might. Cause wars to rage, but let them be Among yourselves all pent. Licentious knaves, we hope to see Swift vengeance on you sent. ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 15 (Composed in 1864-) Resolved are we to keep her free, In spite of all the fiends that be, Convinced no one beneath the sun Hath power to whip our General Lee. Mounting high, she seeks the sky, Old Lincoln's host she does defy ; No foes she dreads, for still she spreads Defying men with wicked heads. ACEOSTIC. Their course marked out they will pursue Hail to a band of patriots true. Extended light, those worthies do Denounce all wrong and tyrants, too. Earth with their fame is ringing free Make room for those of high degree j On them we trust, with others we Can peace restore from sea to sea. Rads now with them are falling in, And own they have in error been; Those that repent, forsaking sin. Shall crowns of endless glory win. ACEOSTIC. Containing fields with rich attire, Our people should no more desire Northern goods nor books to read, For she can make the things we need Ere long upon her streams that be Daily flowing towards the sea Each Southern man will gladly view Resplendent mills, and factories, too, All running at a rapid speed, Cheering thousands, and will, indeed, Yield us all things we need. 16 ROBERT BLACKWELL'S MISS HAEEIET T. Before we run each other down ' Let us ourselves apply, And study truth, and cease to frown On mortals born to die. The ant, you know, is very small, And yet it makes a hill, Which make to it appear as tall As would to us a mill. The eagle, too, you will admit, Can soar from earth away, But does that make it right for it On smaller birds to prey. And though I never went to school As other folks have done, Should you for this call me a fool, And at me poke your fun. If that be right, then go ahead You can not injure me ; When people try on me to tread, I from their presence flee ; But ere I leave I say to you, Being a graduate ; And having sense to will and do, I must conclude and state It would be vain for silly men To cope, as with an elf, Or think of grasping wisdom when You have it all yourself. Our soldiers fought, and bravely, too, And thousands of wicked Yankees slew j But, after all, upon the field Overpowered, they had to yield. ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 17 [One night at a party a loquacious inebriate, libertine, smoker and chewer, asked me to write some poetry on himself and a couple of snuff-dippers who were sitting byhim. The following lines I then composed and read within their hearing :] Some ladies do delight to joke. And can appreciate The worth of those who drink and smoke, While sober men they hate. They are, they think, of judges best Of course it must be so ; They love the fop, and men detest Who can not make a show. Go to parties where oft they meet, And view them all the while ; The man who talks to them most sweet, Though ignorant, low and vile, He is the man to please them most; While one from vices free, Who will not drink to them a toast, They from his presence flee. The time is not so distant when, If things go on this way, All truly good and virtuous men At home had better stay, Than to be scorned by ladies who, Professing vice to hate, Encourage drunkards not a few By listening to them prate. And while some do of smoking boast, And love to dance and skip ; Of all the things, we hate the most To see one chew or dip. And still we do regret to say, Some use tobacco free ; Perhaps one thousand pounds per day They dip in Tennessee. 2 18 ROBERT BLACKWELL'S Oh ! what a waste of time and wealth, And what else does it do ? It always does impair the health, And kills the user, too. 'Tis dipping brings consumption on This truth none can deny And pales the check, made to adorn The cities in the sky. A curse on those who grind the snuff, Or did it first invent ; It kills its thousands; ain't this enough To wish it from us sent ? Had we the genius to harangue, We would impress on all, That we should make a law to hang Snuff makers great and small. Nor would we pass rum sellers by ; For killing mortals we Would make a law to hang them high Upon the nearest tree, And leave them there for birds to pick- We mean the carrion crow Still some we fear it would make sick To feed on things so low. The Yankees, they are humane men, They set the negroes free, Nor will not rob a dead one when No clothes on him they see. Their feelings were so tender, they Could not on slavery look But Avith disgust ; to make it pay, The negroes part they took. So leaving jails and foetid rooms, Down South they quickly flew, ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 19 All full with zeal they robb'd the tombs Of dead folks not a few. At first they came with sword in hand, And took all they could find, And now they come and praise demand For leaving things behind, Which when first here they could not move, Such as hills and mountains, Therefore, of course, it was but love Which made them leave our fountains, Rivers and plains, so kind were they j All being giants strong, They might have took each State away, Could they have acted wrong. But such low things they could not do j Though once they had the power To kill us all, they spared a few To see this glorious hour, In which we see the negro race, With Rads to cheer and lead, Ruling the South in every place; And must we clothe and feed This hateful, negro-loving clan, Who, ruling with a rod, Let darkies vote, but no white man Who hath a hope in God ? Ain't it a sin and slander, too, Upon the Yankee race, To muke but tools of negroes who Do them in office place ? Had we all power 'neath the sun That we could now desire, We'd take these robbers, every one, And roast them in a fire. 20 ROBERT BLACKWELL'S ACEOSTIC. Just and holy Lamb of God ! Ever may I trust thy blood So long as life remains to me ; Uphold me, now to thy cross I bow, Save me by thy mercy free. ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 21 MY COUNTKY. I boast I was in Georgia born, The land of cotton, wheat and corn, "Where people all were happy once, Till old Abe Lincoln, knave and dunce, Eaised up an army in the North, And sent his thieving vandals forth, At whose command they passed her through, Burning towns and cities, too ; Taking all that they could find That could be moved, of ev'ry kind; And for such acts they think we should Admire them as being good. Most sage conclusion, I declare, The sight of them I can not bear; Still, after all, themselves they force Within our sight, and think, of course, That we to them should homage pay For taking all our wealth away ; But let them learn, though they may scoff, Had I a mighty gun, And them within, I'd touch it off, And kill them ev'ry one. {Composed on seeing Mrs. Surratt Hung, June 6, 1865.) In "Washington city A woman to be hung, A melancholy ditty To be said or sung. A woman to be strangled, The Yankees standing by, They see her body mangled, But lift no voice on high. A brave and warlike nation Now vents its fiendish spite ; A worthy demonstration, A noble, gallant sight. 22 ROBERT BLACKWELL'S All ready for the banging, Bullets, steel and lead, Brave fellows at the hanging To see a woman dead. Revealing in slaughters The yankee's deep disgrace, Crushing freedom's daughters Oh, what a manly race ! Aghast and craven hearted, On the Yankees he the stain Sons and daughters parted, Women rudely slain. Time was in history's pages When chivalry would fly, And when our sons and sages Strove for beauty's sigh. Are we backward streaming In the lapse of time, Idly gazing, dreaming Amid triumphant crime ! Sons of the South, now, forward ! Avenge this woman's death, Strike those Northern cowards, Stay not your parting breath. Think of Washington city, A woman to be hung, No one to help or pity The knell of freedom rung. An old writer gives the following as the amount of sleep demanded : Nature requires five, Custom gives seven, Laziness takes nine, And wickedness eleven. ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. ACEOSTIC. (Composed in 1858.} My darling, I fain would cross the deep sea, And quickly return with riches to thee ; .Rubies and diamonds and pearls from the main, Yet being so poor all my wishes are vain. Thine eyes are stars which gladden the heart, Bidding all gloom and sorrows depart ; Laughing and blushing, thy smiles they are balm And hover around my passions to calm ; Consuming their dross, and making me be Kindly disposed, especially to thee, With whom I do hope to spend a long life, Exultingly, too, caressing my wife, Laughing at want, defying all pain, Living in hopes of living again. 24 ROBERT BLACKWELL'S ACROSTIC. (Composed on her death, May 28, 1859.) 'Mid pains and convulsions, thy soul passed away And rose, as I trust, to the realms of bright day ; Reviving the thought, though thy death I record, Yet thou art now happy and praising the Lord. To win me to Jesus thou seemed to he sent, But, strange to relate, I refused to repent, Loving those pleasures which last but a day j All thy fond pleadings I threw them away, Crushing thy hopes, and giving thee pain, Knowing that all thy efforts were vain ; "While kindness and love yet beamed in thine eyes, Earth was exchanged for a home in the skies, Leaving me here, without friends, without home, Loaded with sorrows, 'mid strangers to roam. But could tears of anguish wake thee From the dark and lonely grave, In my arms I now would take thee, And bless the Lord who died to save. But in that grave in which thou sleepeth, No sun on thee will ever rise ; And though thy husband o'er thee weepeth, Never canst thou hear his cries. Deaf to all that now would greet thee, Cold thy brow and still thy heart, Yet in heaven I hope to meet thee, Never more from thee to part. ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 25 ACEOSTIC. (Composed I860.} Judicious and wise, wherever lie went, On doing his duty he seemed to be bent ; He labored and struggled, yet never repined, Nor thought of the joys for the faithful designed. Concerning his greatness our people can tell, Commenting on one who loved us so well, And desired to see us grow mighty and strong, Like the hills and firm mountains, defying all wrong. His singleness of heart, the loss of our choice, Our tongues can best tell, since we hear not his voice, Urging us all like soldiers to stand, Nerved for the dangers which threaten our land. ACEOSTIC. Giving lessons, Each bright and new, Ne'er swerving from, Each good pursue. Eenowned for sense And learning, too ; Lawyer, statesman, Just, wise, and true. A hero, brave, Men love to view ; Each man around Speaks well of you. Yet life is short, Earth's glories few, Live not for fame Like others do. ROBERT BLACKWELI/8 ACEOSTIC. Mouldering though thy body be, Yet in my dreams thy form I see. My tears in torrents daily fall O'er thee ; I would, but can't recall. Thou art gone to Christ, thy God, He who bought thee with his blood, Enabled thee to run thy race, Raised thee now to see his face ; Exalted thee to hear his voice, Lifted thee with saints rejoice In holy songs of perfect love Zion and her walls above, And all the beauties of the skies Before thee now in grandeur lies. Expansive view of love divine, Thine to view, forever thine, Happiness without one sigh, Precious fruits forever nigh, Beheld by thee, by thee enjoyed, Lasting, ne'er to be destroyed ; All thy cares and troubles o'er, Christ thy praise for evermore. King and Priest, be him my stay, While here I dwell in flesh and clay Ever knowing death is nigh, Let me but live, let me but die Like thee, and meet thee in the sky. (Died in 1858.) ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 27 ACEOSTIC. Sweet smiles, more bright than rays of light Adorn those lovely cheeks of thine ; Looking so neat, with charms complete, Lady, now say, wilt thou be mine ? If thou art free, by marrying me, Each day I'll try to comfort thee, And make thy life quite free from strife, Justly acting towards my wife, Expecting her my heart to cheer, Never to scold, but call me dear. Now hear me through, believe me, too, I love thy smiling face to view. No mortal man here living can Give unto thee a heart so free, So full of love as mine for thee. 28 ROBERT BLACKWELL'S ACEOSTIC. (Composed on its refusing to Operate.) There are some who of thy future doubt ; Hast thou one word ? Now speak it out Ere thy name be lost to fame. Already certain men are saying, Thy vital chords they are decaying j Lion of the sea, awake, And make those babblers fear and quake ; Now we beseech, if thou art able To prove thyself a talking cable, Interchange one word or so, Concerning of thy present woe ; Cleave each rock beneath the sea, And prove thyself indeed to be Beneficial to the free ; Like a king from slumber wake, Exulting, and thy sceptre take. ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 29 ACEOSTIC. (My youngest Brother.'} John, dear brother, onward go, Overcoming every foe ; Heavy tnough thy burdens be, Never cease to pray for me. Look at what we have to do Before we can bright Canaan view ; Love for God we must possess, And pray the Lord our foes to bless Conscious we are born to die, Keep thine eyes uplifted high ; With confidence to Jesus pray Every hour throughout the day ; Loving him who died for thoe, Let me repeat, now pray for me. 30 ROBERT BLACKWELI/S ACEOSTIC. Turn this book and at us look, Heed our features, too, Expressive, fine, our faces shine, To please such folks as you ; With heads but four, we want no more, Our eyes give us no light ; Our ears are deaf, but yet no grief Disturbs us day or night; Deprived of feet we can not walk In houses where we go ; The reason why we do not sigh, Is left for you to know. Ever free from care are we, So turn this book, and at us look. ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 81 ACROSTIC. Through all thy days give God thy praise, He made the sun on which we gaze, Of wondrous height ; 'twas by his might Millions of worlds sprang into sight, And as they turn with pure concern, Strive, youth, with me, their names to learn. Dick bids us view yon sky so blue, In which are systems, not a few, Cloudless and free, methinks I see Kingdoms prepared for saints that be. But ere we climb to heights sublime Our souls must all be free from crime, Unsullied by sin's deepest dye, Redeemed and fitted for the sky. Love, then, to pray to Christ the way j And since there is a judgment-day Ne'er let thy heart from truth depart, Desiring rest for glory start. (A youth of a Romantic and Contemplative Turn of Mind.") ACROSTIC. It matters not though poor I be, Scorn me not, nor look at me As one who would thy smiles implore ; All low down words t do despise, Coming from the rich or poor. Shall a man, though poor, be forced to bow His head to one, though wealthy, now, Exaggerates and lies; Let my views be known to all, Let mo stand or let me fall, I do all whisky bloats despise, Existing now beneath the skies. 32 ROBERT BLACKWELL'S ACEOSTIC. Make truth thy study day and night, Impressed with subjects shining bright; Christ, the Lord, the source of light, Always cheering guide thee aright. Just think upon his love so free, All men he bids from sin to flee ; He took our place and died, that we, Both young and old, might angels be. Love so great was never known, Around the earth his glories shone ; Coming from his Father's throne, King Jesus did our sins atone. We should not, then, forget to pray, Exposed to death, without delay, Let us now both in earnest say, Lord Jesus, take our sins away. (My dear Brother.} ACEOSTIC. Armed with all power and with love, Look down on me from heaven above My only hope, my only plea, Is that Jesus died for me. Gracious Father, Heavenly King, Hear me while thy praise I sing ; Though so sinful, though so vile, Yet in mercy on me smile. Give me grace from day to day On Thee to trust, and when I pray Disperse my gloomy doubts away. ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 33 ACEOSTIC. (Composed 1864-} Great is thy name of which we sing, Earth with thy many victories ring ; Nerved with courage, our land to save, Each danger thou dost gladly brave. Renowned on many a battle field, A tower of strength our foes must yield, Legions against thee, though they wield. Justly by thy friends revered, And by our foes how greatly feared ; May thou upon each battle plain Escape, amid the thousand slain, Scathless the lead and iron rain. Long after death, yes, ages long, On history's page, in poet's song ; Nor dimmed by times' despoiling hand, Great deeds like thine in Southern land Shall live, and patriot's latest breath Tell how, amid the cries of death, Rang out thy voi ce in stern command, Encouraging all thy men to stand, Even at the cannon's blazing mouth To save our native land, the South ! 3 34 ROBERT BLACKWELL'S ACEOSTIC. Moments fast are gliding by us ; In procession on they hie, Speechless, yet proclaiming loudly That we are mortal, and must die ; Ere another day has fled, Remember, sir, we may be dead. How short our life, at longest, here ; Upon this subject let us think, Make efforts for to win the skies, Ere to endless pain we sink. ACEOSTIC. "While now In youth, Love God, Love truth ; In strength All glorious, March on Victorious. May the God Of the free, Overruling, Nourish thee. (A boy about nine years old.) ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 35 ACEOSTIC. Sweet music round this place is ringing, Einging softly stop and hear j Childs has come, just hear him singing, He was made our hearts to cheer ; It is a piano he is playing Let us go and near him stand, Detain us not, for we must buy it, Since he keeps the best on hand. ACEOSTIC. May Heaven inspire me now with rhyme, A power to write some pleasing line ; Kich in love, and rich in grace, Your beauty and many charms to trace. 36 ROBERT BLACKWELL'S ACEOSTIC. More pure than the gems of Olympian stream, Inclining to good, of beauties the Queen ; "Seductive her charms, as a poet's young dream/' Supremely beloved is the maid of my theme. Many beauties I've seen, North, South, East and "West, Acrosticised hundreds, in earnest and jest, Respected and loved some, flattered the rest, Yet she, and she only, reigns Queen of my breast. High above others her accomplishments soar; An anthem of praise might be sung of her lore, Never written by Byron, Scott, Shakspeare, or Moore ; Nor dreamed of by poets or painters of yore ! And her wit sparkles bright amid pleasure's throng, Heart-thrilling her accents, as love's ardent song. Thus wisdom, and beauty, and virtue unite Harmonious in her, as dreams of the night. O, could I depict that transcendent delight My heart felt when first she enraptured my sight I All trembling with transport, I gazed on her face, Seraphic she seemed, as an angel of grace. ACEOSTIC. (Composed I860.} Just read the name of him to be Our President ; most wise is he, His cheerful face, as all agree, None but his foes dislike to see. Both parties can in him repose, Every man, including foes ; Law-abiding man, he shows Love for truth where'er he goes. Born near Nashville, Tennessee, '7 J 743- President from 1801 to 1809 eight years. Died July 4th, 1826. 7 98 ROBERT BLACKWELL S ANDBEW JOHNSON. ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. ACROSTIC. All honest men from sea to sea, Now view thy course with true delight, Depending on thy counsels we Regard thee, sir, as clothed with might : Each praying God to give to thee "Wisdom to guide our people right. Justly, oh, then thy power extend, Opposing wrong of ev'ry kind, Hold to the right, each State defend, North and the South together bind ; Secession rose but had an end, Overpowered, as was designed, No more an advocate to find. Seventeenth President of the United States. Born in North Car olina, December 29, 1808. Succeeded to the Presidency on the assas sination of Abe Lincoln, April 14, 1865. PRESIDENT JOHNSON. love thy flowing words to hear, In accents soft, in accents clear, Like balm they fall upon the ear, Making us all to persevere. Then proudly, sir, thy course pursue, A learned man with much to do, All honors bright, with riches, too, Eeward thee for thy conduct true. 100 ROBERT BLACKWKLL'S ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. Wi (Composed on seeing him start off for the war, 1862.*) ACEOSTIC. Discussing subjects most important, and the road before him viewing, On his road to the batle-field to save our glorious South from ruin, Charming us all now looking at him, mounted on his horse so high, The Yankees they had better scatter, if they do not want to die On the gory field of battle, for should he meet the treacherous horde, Rushing upon them he will slay them with his keen and glitering sword. Just view him with such noble soldiers, onward to Virginia going, And a more brave and skillful leader never lived among the knowing. Armed with the newest and best repeaters, and the strongest arm we know, Possessing power and skill to use it, clear the way each Northern foe. Please go with him to the battle-field, see him when there mid smoke and fires, Laboring hard to perpetuate that freedom bought by sainted sires. * . Every man should laud his virtues, conscious he is act ing right, We should follow him with gladness, and praise him, too, when we see him fight; His eyes they flash, his sword is drawn, and the Yan kees are falling near him, Insidious foes, though they be strong, they need not hope to scare him ; Though bullets fall thick on every hand he does not think of dying, Exulting, see his sword now wave, while the Yankees they are flying. CONTENTS. PAGE. Invocation, addressed to the South 3 Likeness of Robert Blackwell 4 Robert Blackwell 5 General R. E. Lee 6 The Ladies of Canton 7 Ladies of the South 7 Strike for Freedom 8 The Ladies of Jackson 8 Jefferson Davis 9 C. Adams 10 John C. Breckinridge 10 Love 11 St. Louis 11 Thomas W. Steele 12 The Black Republicans 12 Death 13 Stonewall Jackson 13 Radicals 14 William G. Brownlow . 14 Confederacy 15 The Democrats 15 Richmond 15 Poetry Miss Harriet T 16 Poetry On Smoking and Dipping 17 Poetry The Yankees 18, 19 Jesus 20 Poetry My Country 21 Poetry On Seeing Mrs. Surratt Hung 21, 22 Mary T. Blackwell 23, 24 General James Yell , 25 John C. Calhoun 25 My Mother Elizabeth P. Blackwell ^ 26 Sallie A. Jennings 27 The Atlantic Cable 28 John L. Blackwell..., ... 29 11 PAGE. The Two Oddities 30 Isaac Shellie 31 Thomas Dick Bourland 81 Almighty God 32 Mieajah Blackwell 32 General James Longstreet 33 William V. Moon 34 Mister Hume 34 Mary 35 S. R. Childs 35 John Bell 36 Miss Mary Hannah Thomas 36 Martin Van Buren 37 Likeness of Logan D. Dameron 38 Eddie '. 39 Logan D. Dameron 39 Marriage 40 Laura Isabel Bragg 41 Revelries 42 Whisky. 42 Charles Cosgrovc 43 The Ladies at the Chalybeate Acid Spring 44 Stars 45 The Chase 45 Picture of Jerusalem 46 Fame 47" Atlanta, 47 Jerusalem 47 Phil Chew 48 Honorable Daniel Webster 48 Brandy ; 49 Rum 49 Likeness of John Quincy Adams 50 President John Quincy Adams 51 Likeness of Andrew Jackson 52 General Andrew Jackson 53 Likeness of James K. Polk... , 54 Ill PAGE. James K. Polk , 55 Take Warning.. 56 Doctor W. A. Cheatham 56 Maggie C. Fox 57 Hope 57 Mist 58 Doctor Isaac K. Cole 58 Augusta 59 Tea 59 Maryland 60 Ruth 60 Mary Serena Dameron 61 George Knapp 61 Elizabeth Dean 62 Delaware 63 The Selfish 63 Washington Crossing the Delaware 64 George Washington 65 Sons of Tennessee 66 Tennessee , 66 S. A. Douglas 67 Rev. T. M. Finney 68 Honorable Henry Clay 68 Virtue 69 Sarah P. Moon 69 Sun 70 Sarah Ann Titsworth 70 Sympathy 71 Ann Howard 71 Arkansas 72 California 72 Georgia 72 Spencer Croge 73 Emma Thomas 73 Likeness of Zachary Taylor 74 Moral The Two Rivers and Application 75 Zachary Taylor 75 IV PAGI. Light 76 Comet 76 Doctor J. L. Cole 76 George H. Clinton 77 Napoleon Bonaparte 78 Mistress Martha Prince 79 Fanny Smith 80 Nancy Reves 80 Springfield 81 New Orleans 81 "War 82 John 82 News 82 Mary E. Campbell 83 Mrs. Col. Acklin . 83 Marquis De Lafayette 84 James Buchanan 85 Likeness of Christopher Columbus 86 Christopher Columbus 87 Dear Miss 88 Virginia 88 North Carolina 88 Annie E. Crenshaw 89 Susan A. Terry 89 William Bell 90 Earth 90 Ambrosial Oil 91 Cars : 91 B. S. Bell 92 Ellen Florinne Bourland 92 Nebraska 93 Bible 93 South Carolina 94 Elizabeth H. Dameron 94 The Ladies of Springfield, Mo 95 Nashville .'. 96 "Washington City 97 Thomas Jeflerson , 97 Likeness of Andrew Johnson 98 Andrew Johnson 99 Doctor J. A. Applewhite 100 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. FormL9 15m-10,'48(B1039)444 JNTVERSITY erf CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES E179 B56o