Dear Mother I know that thou wilt weep
When of my death thou dost hear
That I am sleeping, the last deep sleep
And thou, my mother was not near
But let this a consolation be
Though on a prisoners bed I died
True and faithful friends were with me
When I crossed the swelling tide
Now my soldiers life is over
With its many toils and cares
For my country I can do no more
With resignation my fate I bear
My mother for me do not grieve
For it was my CountryÂ’s call
Caused me home and families to leave
And who would not for his Country fall
My mother, I hope someday youÂ’ll meet
In heaven your "daling boy Milt"
I shall for you reserve a seat
Bought by the blood of Jesus, spilt
I shall meet you at the gate
A golden harp in my hand
And mother, how long must I wait
To welcome you to that happy land
-Stm. Thomas Oakes-
(Kaveri palveli Valtojen sisällissodassa Konfederaatiota kahdeksannessa Kentuckyn ratsuväessä ja kirjoitti runonsa Unionin sotavankeudessa, ilmeisesti Point Lookoutissa, joskus vuoden 1864 tienoissa...)