The following was found among the hand written letters of James B. Young, 9th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry. It was in his handwriting. It is my understanding that the writing has appeared in print and in song. It is most likely this is not an original writing of James but copied from something he found.

Just After the Battle

Still upon the field of battle
I am lying Mother dear.
With my wounded comrades waiting
For the morning to appear.

Many sleep to waken never
In this land of pain and death.
And many more are faintly calling
With their final dying breath.

Mother dear your boy is wounded
And the night is dread with pain.
But still I feel I shall see you
And that dear old home again.

Oh, that first great charge was fearful
And a thousand brave men fell.
Still amid that dreadful carnage
I was saved from shot and shell.
So amid the awful shower
I had nearly passed the day.
When here the dreaded missile struck me
And I sank beneath the fray.

Oh, that glorious cheer of triumph
When the foe has turned and fled.
Leaving us the field of battle
yet the torture and anguish
That I could not follow on.
But here among my wounded comrades
I must wait till morning dawn.

Mother dear your boy is wounded
And the night is dread with pain.
But still I feel I shall see you
And that dear old home again.

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These letters are the property of Jack Bender. Permission to display them on this Internet site has been given by Mr. Bender. Anyone wishing to use these letters for any purpose must contact Mr. Bender and obtain his permission.

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