April 5, 1863, Peoria Morning Mail (Illinois)
Warning
The following poem contains wording that is offensive to many in the world of today. However, the article is provided unedited for its historical content and context.
Tell Abe Lincoln that he’d better end the war,
Tell Abe Lincoln what we all came out here for,
Tell Abe Lincoln ’twas the Union to restore,
As we go marching on.
Tell Abe Lincoln to send our Hero back,
Tell Abe Lincoln that we mean our little Mac,
Tell Abe Lincoln to put him on the track,
As we go, etc.
Tell Abe Lincoln to let the nigger be,
Tell Abe Lincoln that we don’t want him free,
Tell Abe Lincoln that for this he did agree,
As we go, etc.
Tell Abe Lincoln the Constitution is our guide,
Tell Abe Lincoln by the laws he must abide,
Tell Abe Lincoln to let his proclamation slide,
As we go, etc.
Tell Abe Lincoln with his Conscription Act,
Tell Abe Lincoln that this is a fact,
Tell Abe Lincoln “nary” knapsack on our back,
As we go, etc.
Tell Abe Lincoln and his wooly headed crew,
Tell Abe Lincoln his Suspension Writ won’t do,
Tell Abe Lincoln we are going to put him through,
As we go, etc.
Tell Abe Lincoln on Antietam’s bloody dell,
Tell Abe Lincoln there a thousand heroes fell,
Tell Abe Lincoln and his gang to go to h___,
As we go, etc.