This simple little poem was written by Sgt. James Thornhill (Company F, 38th Mississippi Infantry) on May 18,1862, in a letter to his wife Jane. Sgt. Thornhill died July 3, 1862, of measles, having never heard a shot fired in anger.
Thanks to Jeff Giambrone of the Old Court House Museum in Vicksburg, Mississippi, for sharing this poem from the museum's collection. If you're ever in Vicksburg, be sure to stop in for a visit:
1008 Cherry Street
Vicksburg, MS 39180
