In November 1861, the 48th Pennsylvania was ordered to Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina, and there spent the first winter of the war. As the winter passed into spring 1862, the 48th remained in North Carolina, attached to General Ambrose Burnside's Expeditionary Force that helped secure the eastern part of the Tarheel State for the Union.
Early in 1862, David Hamilton, a private in Company E, composed a few songs and poems for the regiment. At age 44, Hamilton was among the older members of the 48th Pennsylvania, and was a farmer before enlisting in December 1861. He was listed as "Sick, in the Hospital" on 12/5/1862; unfortunately, I have not been able to discover what ultimately became of Private Hamilton. His "Song for the 48th P.V.V.," however, is transcribed below. Keep in mind he wrote this in the early spring of 1862 while stationed in North Carolina. I will add Hamilton's other pieces in the future.
By David Hamilton, Private, Company E
The stars they do twinkle the moon is in the shade
The pickets on Hatteras feel no way dismayed
The sea does surround us on this sandy isle
Though the night may seem dreary, the morning will smile
Then let us be brave our country to save
Let us put down rebellion or welcome a grave
To put down rebellion we do take delight
We will put down the rebels and do what is right
Secession is strong but their pluck we will try
For our Star Spangled Banner they cannot defy
Then let us be brave our country to save
Let us put down rebellion or welcome a grave
We fought them at Hatteras and soon made them run
We whipped them at Roanoke until they gave in
We beat them at Newbern and made them to cry
Then they burned down the bridge and away they did fly
Then let us be brave our country to save
Let us put down rebellion or welcome a grave
Burnside's expedition clearing its way
Wherever they go they are causing dismay
In terror the rebels prepare for the fly
For our Star Spangled Banner they cannot defy
Then let us be brave our country to save
Let us put down rebellion or welcome a grave
Fort Macon is taken we do understand
Four hundred new prisoners new in our hand
We hope such good success will always attend
The arms of all those whom the Union defend
Then let us be brave our country to save
Let us put down rebellion or welcome a grave
May heaven inspire us our armor to wield
And fire us with courage when led to the field
Our freedom is sanctioned by power that is high
Four our Star Spangled Banner will conquer or die
Then let us be brave our country to save
Let us put down rebellion or welcome a grave
And if in the conflict we chance to fall
Never mind brother soldier it is but a call
To take us away to a land that is blessed
Where our Star Spangled Banner forever will rest
Then let us be brave our country to save
Let us put down rebellion or welcome a grave
The time is at hand when Jeff Davis must yield
He must either surrender or fly from the field
We hope some brave soldier will soon cut him down
Then his country with laurels his memory will crown
Then let us be brave our country to save
Let us put down rebellion or welcome a grave
From the ladies we love we are parted afar
But when we return at the end of the war
In our arms will enfold them and true to them prove
All that's charming we'll keep for the lady we love
Then let us be brave our country to save
Let us put down rebellion or welcome a grave
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