Greycoats firing and filling the gap,
Blues lines faltering, men screaming ‘Fall back!’
Up came the Rebels, no Union in site,
Then Hancock did ride and saw with fright,
Sixteen hundred Alabamians, marching with might.
The lines here could falter, who could move on ahead?
Only the First from Minnesota, numbered under 300
“My God,” said Hancock, “Are these all the men we have?”
Under 300 men to stay Death’s hand?
“Minnesota,” he ordered, “go now! we need but 5 minutes!”
At once charged Minnesota, with fixed bayonets.
Surrounded, outnumbered, no air but shot and shell
Stood brave Minnesota at the maw of Hell,
Sacrificing their lives so that others may be free,
Minnesota charged and that held the ravine,
The flag of the 1st, 5 times did it stall,
but not once to the ground did that honored flag fall.
Five minutes was needed to hold that ravine,
Minnesota gave all, and remained for fifteen
When after the horror and relief finally came,
Only 47 sons of Minnesota remained.
Hancock later wrote:
‘no soldier on any field or country,
Displayed grander sacrifice, heroism or gallantry’