On February 14, 1880 the Taylor’s Battery Association
held a dinner commemorating the 18th anniversary of their
participation in the Battle of Fort Donelson.
The following poem comes from the inside cover of the book that was
published for the purpose of commemorating this dinner.
The poem was written by Mrs. Mary J. Peckham who is a relative of one of
the original members of the battery.
By: Mrs. Mary J. Peckham
Batavia, Illinois
Chicago, Queen
City of the West,
We hail thee
with Delight
And thanks to
thee most cordially,
For welcome
here tonight;
Where comrades
once again can meet
Each well known
face to see
And clasp once
more the friendly hand
Of the boys of
Battery B
Long years have
passed since last we met
Bearing the
colors true
With canteen
black and old knapsack
And our
uniforms of blue
Which told the
noble story
That Artillery
boys we are,
And belong to
Captain Taylor’s
Chicago Battery
B
Our Brave and
gallant Captain
The man of Will
and Might
Who ever found
a place for us
In the thickest
of the fight
And ever
flinched from duty
Whatever it
might be
And victory
crowned the efforts
Of the boys of
Battery B
Three years we
fought together
In the great
and bloody strife,
And save our
Country’s Honor
We each laid
down our life.
To defend our
starry emblem,
The banner of
the free
None quicker
rallied to her aid
Than the Boys of Battery B.
Led on by
Captain Taylor,
Who did the
rebels face.
Was promoted to
Major,
Then Barrett
took his place.
And so they
climbed the ladder
Of fame’s
most high decree,
And Rumsey last
was Captain
Of Chicago Battery B
Our Colonel has crossed the river
In his frail and phantom Barge.
Our ranks are growing thinner boys,
From the great and last discharge.
And while we live upon this land
We struggled to make free,
Let’s meet as long as there remains
A boy of Battery B
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