Chapter XXX: Appendix: NOTE J: Page 151

In proof that the hanging of young Harmon before his father’s eyes, while the latter awaited death by the same method, was not, as a grave judicial procedure, without censorious comment at the time, are these satirical lines by one who was more of a wag than a poet. Necessarily, they had a very limited circulation in _M. S._ among friends.

To General ----

Plentiful heroes from this War will spring,
With praise of whom shall Fame’s proud arches ring,
And unborn generations with pains be taught,
At mother’s knee and school, what deeds they wrought.
But thou, as Jupiter excels in light
Planets and stars which deck the robe of night,
Shalt for thy courage and milit’ry skill
Above compeers, historic pages fill.
They have won battles,--strong batteries storm’d,
And such small deeds, common in War, perform’d:
But thou, with soaring aim, hast hung three men,
Sentenced by Martial Court and thy brave pen.
These loved their country; one, in prime of life
Bequeathed it all he had, children and wife;
The second, gray with age, the third, his son,
Whom thou didst order,--by no pity won,
Should to life’s closing scene together go,
And while one died, the other see his woe!
Brave General! goodness ever is allied
With greatness. Be thou, thy country’s pride!