The solider in this poem has been identified by Chuck Ten Brink and Jim Gindlesparger as Lt. Franklin Butler Crosby. Lt. Crosby took a commission in Battery F of the Fourth U.S. Artillery in 1861, when he was only 20. He first commanded the battery in action on May 2, 1863, at the Battle of Chancellorsville; he was killed by a sniper the following morning. Found among his effects was a copy of "The Imitation of Christ," with the following passage marked: "Fight like a good soldier; and if thou sometimes fall through frailty, take again greater strength than before, trusting in my more abundant grace."

The poem first appeared in "Harper's Weekly" in June 1863.

This poem was contributed by Chuck Ten Brink.

"One Day's Command"