Jenny, I'Ll Be Home To Tend the Crops This Fall
Private Joshua Bronson wrote this letter by the camp fire where he lay,
Nigh a place called Gettysburg where a great battle loomed next day.
He'd bid farewell to Jenny and his children at their humble cabin door,
Nearly two years ago to join his regiment to do battle in the Civil War.
"My dear Jenny", he wrote, "How I miss you and the children tonight.
My sarjint is a-gittin' us ready to face Johnny Reb fer another fight.
I jes wanted to write a few lines to let you know I love ya'all,
And that I'll be alright and be home to tend the crops this fall."
I'm a-thankin' ye fer the pies and chicken you sent the other day.
That shore beats the hardtack and rancid bacon which is our mainstay.
Jenny, I don't want you and the children a-worrin' about me a-tall.
Jes pray fer me 'cause I'm a-fixin' to be home to tend the crops this fall."
"I jes want you to know I read my Bible, 'specially the Twenty-third Psalm.
It rests my weary soul and when things git rough it gives me calm.
I hope the wheat and corn is gittin' lots of rain and is a-growin' tall.
How I look forward to comin' home to tend the crops this fall."
"I reckon I'll git some rest 'cause I hear rebel cannons a-startin' to roar.
My love to you and the children 'til we next embrace at our cabin door."
Sadly, the Scythe of Death reaped Private Bronson in that awful brawl.
Alas, he won't be coming home to tend the crops this fall.
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
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