from the bright sunny south to the war i was sent e er the days of my boyhood i scarcely had spent from it s cool shady forests and deep flowing streams ever fond in my mem ry and sweet in my dreams oh my dear little sister i still see her tears when i had to leave home in our tender years and my sweet gentle mother so dear to my heart it grieved me sincerely when we had to part said my kind hearted father as he took my hand as you go in defence of our dear native land son be brave but show mercy whenever you can our hearts will be with you til you turn again in my bag there s a bible to show me the way through my twelfth year on earth and to heaven some day i will shoulder my musket and brandish my sword in defence of this land and the word of the lord 