Dreaming in the Trenches
William Gordon McCabe wrote "Dreaming in the Trenches." William was a soldier in the Civil War. I assumed that McCabe wrote this poem from his thoughts and experiences during the war. The narrator in this poem tells us his great love for his girl at home and how much he misses her.
I picture her there in the quaint old room, Where the fading fire-light starts and falls, Alone in the twilight's tender gloom With the shadows that dance on the dim-lit walls. Alone, while those faces look silently down From their antique frames in a grim repose-- Slight scholarly Ralph in his Oxford gown, And stanch Sir Alan, who died for Montrose. There are gallants gay in crimson and gold, There are smiling beauties with powdered hair, But she sits there, fairer a thousand-fold, Leaning dreamily back in her low armchair. And the roseate shadows of fading light Softly clear, steal over the sweet young face, Where a woman's tenderness blends to-night With the guileless pride of a knightly race. Her hands lie clasped in a listless way On the old Romance--which she holds on her knee-- Of Tristram, the bravest of knights in the fray, And Iseult, who waits by the sounding sea. And her proud, dark eyes wear a softened look, As she watches the dying embers fall: Perhaps she dreams of the knight in the book, Perhaps of the pictures that smile on the wall. What fancies, I wonder, are thronging her brain, For her cheeks flush warm with a crimson glow! Perhaps--ah! me, how foolish and vain! But I'd give my life to believe it so.Well, whether I ever march home again To offer my love and a stainless name, Or whether I die at the head of my men, I'll be true to the end all the same.
The whole poem gives a vivid description of the narrators’ girl. Imagery is used vigorously throughout, which gives you a good idea of what the girl looks like, how she acts and her surroundings. In the first stanza, the room in which she sits is described. "I picture her there, in the quaint old room," "fading fire light starts and falls," "shadows that dance on the dim-lit walls." From reading this, the reader can get amazing idea of what her surroundings are like. You can assume that it is night out because the fire is lit and shadows are on the walls since the room is very dim. Further on in the poem, the girls eyes are described as being "proud, dark eyes, that wear a softened look." Also, how "her cheeks flush warm with a crimson glow." From this, I picture the girl being very beautiful.
The poem also has a very mysterious mood to it. It gives descriptions that seem very creepy. "Alone, while those faces look silently down," "From their antique frames in a grim repose." In these lines, it suggests that the people in the picture frames are looking down on the girl. This leaves you with an overall peculiar feeling. At the end of the poem the mood is a mixture of happiness and sadness. The narrator is wondering if the girl loves him and is thinking about him as much as he loves and thinks about her. It also told of how his love would stay true to her. However, in a contrasted way, it was depressing to think that the man might never see his girl again.
Lastly, There is a definite rhyme scheme in the poem. It is continuous, kind of, like how his love for his girl is constant; it stays the same.
Resources I used to find my poem.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
The Journal of Martin Van Buren Oldham
I read Martin Van Burner Oldham's journal that he wrote while he served in the civil war. Oldham was a private for the Confederate Army, in company G of the 9th Tennessee Infantry. Martin was a heroic figure because he risked his life to help his country. I read the entries he wrote in September 1863. This when they were getting ready for the battle of Chickamauga.
Tuesday, September 1
We have cooked three days rations and are ready to move at a moments warning. I do not know what to do about
the clothes I have at Gillespies. If we are going to evacuate, I should carry them for such clothing cannot be had in
the winter but there are so many I cannot carry them.
Wednesday, September 2
The 1st Tenn[essee] went in the city yesterday and I do not know for what other reason. We cooked rations unless
it was to be in readiness to support them. I went to a man's corn field and pillaged some corn today the first time I
ever did the like. I was hungry.
Thursday, September 3
I wish this suspense was over for we cannot absent ourselves from this regiment without reason. Several of us have
[weaved] brush above for protection against the sun and dew. The nights are so cold we have had to take down our
blanket for coverage.
Friday, September 4
Cooked 3 days rations and are picketing the river above the city. The enemy pickets [are on] the opposite side.
Each party has orders not to shoot. The enemy move freely. While I'm writing I am in plain view of quite a number
of Yanks. One of our boys has mentioned them in the middle of the stream and [saw their] encampment.
Saturday, September 5
After being assured they may return three of our boys crossed the river and spent several hours with the Yanks. I
went to the middle of the river to meet some of them but they would not come. I would not cross cause I was not a
good swimmer and it was contrary to orders. We are relieved and at camp.
Sunday, September 6
It seems we men stand under a misconception of orders. We have been ordered back and are now in front. Men
have been sent to camp [and] to cook three days rations. Our boys still continue to visit Yanks but they are afraid
to come to our side of the river.
Monday, September 7
Last night we evacuated our pickets very quietly and returned to camp. We found rations cooked and everything in
readiness for a march. I went to Gillespie's and brought my clothes. Bill Finch is driving Gen[eral] Maney's H[ead]
Q[uarter] wagons and will haul them for me.
Tuesday, September 8
Last night I went to see my two old women who gave me supper and some biscuits for my haversack. We have
evacuated Chattanooga which felt like giving up all. I feel unwell. Lose many men by desertion. They despair when
we retreat.
Wednesday, September 9
We are at Lee's Mills [Georgia] on the railroad where we have cooked two days rations. The Yankees have
crossed the mountains from Wells Valley and are in Chattanooga. Gov[ernor] [Isham G.] Harris made a little talk
to our regiment. He says if we win the impending battle Tenn[essee] is ours if not she is almost lost to us.
Thursday, September 10
There was considerable commotion among the troops today but we have not moved yet. Our cavalry has gone in
the direction of Chattanooga. The enemy is reported falling back with the design of massing his forces at
Chattanooga by crossing the mountains near that place.
Friday, September 11
Gen[eral] Cheatham had us know last night that it was the design of our army to attack the enemy at two points
today. That we would make forced marches to prevent the enemy from meeting his forces. We have marched all
night and are now near LaFayette [Georgia] cooking two days rations.
Saturday, September 12
The scene changes. We have marched back to Rock Springs Church and formed in line to meet the enemy who has
come out from Chattanooga. The battle will certainly open in the morning. Some prisoners are being brought in and
skirmishing is going on.
Sunday, September 13
We have moved this morning toward the left and formed. Soon moved again and have taken provisions in the rear
of Gen[eral][Preston] Smith. Gen[eral] [Otho French] Strahle's brig[ade] went out and had been skirmishing to
bring on the attack. We started out but stopped. The Yankees will not attack.
Monday, September 14
Instead of fighting as many had anticipated, we have marched back to LaFeyette. The enemy would not attack and
I do not suppose it was the design of our generals to fight him in his position. The dust over the roads we have
traveled was very disagreeable. I have boils which are very painful.
Tuesday, September 15
The boys, notwithstanding our retreat, are in fine spirits and the woods been made to echo with their shouts. It is
said we are receiving reinforcements from V[irgini]a. Late last evening, I saw Mr. Cooksey of [McLemore's]
Cavalry, my old fellow prisoner.
Wednesday, September 16
The messes have been consolidated and the surplus cooking utensils [were] turned over to our wagon for the
regiment which was understood to be [used] for reinforcements. We are ordered to keep two days cooked rations in
hand. It is thought we will move.
Thursday, September 17
We only cooked one days rations and are now marching in the direction of Rock Springs. We marched off in some
hurry and Gen[eral] Maney told us as [that if] we passed him that we would get shot this time before we came back.
Some of the boys were sent when we started back but we came up.
Friday, September 18
We stopped near the spring last night. This morning we moved up near an old inn and formed. Soon advancing and
shelling as we advanced. We are not far from Lee's Mill where the Yankees are posted to prevent our crossing.
Saturday, September 19
Crossed the mountains without opposition. After double quickening some distance we entered the fight in a charge.
Some halted and lay down when after firing. When after firing several rounds I was wounded in the face. I thought
at first I was killed. I am now on my way to the hospital.
Sunday, September 20
Our brigade having no support fell back yesterday after I was wounded. The fight was continued with much spirit
until after dark. My wound was from the fragment of a shell. The loss in my company is severe. I went on the
battlefield today while the fight was being renewed.
Monday, September 21
Last night the enemy was driven from the field. I have walked to Ringgold [Georgia] and am in the cars to go to a
hospital. My cloths are all with the wagons and I am afraid will be lost. The loss in my company was thirty-five in
all.
Tuesday, September 22
I am now at Fairgrounds Hospital No. 2, Atlanta. I have heard nothing from the fight. Wires show there was heavy
losses on both sides. We have taken many prisoners and have possession of the entire field. Seven of my old
company are with me wounded.
Wednesday, September 23
We have traveled as far as West Point [Georgia]. On the route a box of tobacco was found and broken into. I took
six plugs. The city council is preparing supper for the wounded. The bars are open and whiskey selling at $1.00 per
drink. There are near three hundred of us together.
Thursday, September 24
Reached Montgomery [Alabama] where we found no preparations made to receive us. Breakfast was procured at
the hotel and we were than moved to Stonewall Hospital. The tobacco I had taken was stolen by someone, not
however before I have repented taking it.
Friday, September 25
All my squad was fortunate enough to get bunks in the barracks but many who have come in since have no beds or
shelter. We get scarcely anything to eat and there is much complaint. The d[octo]rs have announced furloughs. I
went to the city on pass.
Saturday, September 26
The apology for not giving us enough to eat is that they have not enough cooking vessels to cook in. I went to the
city again today. I have made out a descriptive roll and signed Lieut[enant] Dew's* name to it, knowing he would
not care. Some wounded from this hospital are to be sent to Mobile.
*1st Lieutenant R. J. Dew of Company G 9th Tennessee Infantry
Sunday, September 27
I intended going to Mobile but I had fever last night and was unwell. Besides there was too large a number going
for the trip to be pleasant. We had preaching in our ward this morning. Rations get no better.
Monday, September 28
Mrs. Knox, a lady of Montgomery, is very attentive to the wants of the wounded soldiers. She visits the hospital
every day and dresses wounds. I went to the city and from the effects of the "itch" I could hardly walk back. Mrs.
Knox stirs things about [in] the cook house.
Tuesday, September 29
I visited the city again today to get my money. Failing [to be] on the roll I am now making out another kind for
myself and all of my company. My legs are very thin and I never was so tired in my life.
Wednesday, September 30
Went back today but failed to get my money. My glands are very much swollen and painful. We have had a small
shower of rain which was very much needed. We can get no news from the army that is reliable.
From reading these entries, I found out exactly what the "soldier life" is all about; it was not pleasant. The soldiers had to endure long marches, bad food, hot days, cold nights, and the pain of missing love ones. I have great respect for these men that risked their lives to help make the world better.
Several things that I helped me better understand how awful a soldiers life was were what he wrote about the food and how cold it was. Martin wrote about how he often had to prepare his rations (food) several days before he would eat it. I think soldiers hardly ever had a nice warm food, instead they had old cold food to eat. Martin also wrote about how cold it was one night and all he had to cover up with was one blanket.
Throughout the entries you could tell that Oldham was very uneasy. His company and him had to be prepared to fight at a minutes notcie.They had to march long distances to get to the battle ground. Martin kept writing "a battle is surely going to happen today." But it always got delayed.
During the battle of Chickamauga, Oldham got wounded in the face from a fragment of a bombshell. He at first thought he got killed. Martin didn't get the hospital treatment that we get when we are in it. There was barely enough food and hardly any beds because so many soldiers got wounded in the battle. Oldham also wrote about getting a fever. This tells me that maybe he had an infection in his wound that kept him from getting better. From reading these passages you can conclude that the medical advancements we have now, where obvisouly not present in 1863.
One thing that he wrote about in his journal left me confused. That thing was about the clothes he constantly wrote about. In the entry written on September 1st he wrote, "I do not know what to do about the clothes I have at Gillspies. If we are going to evacuate I should carry them for such clothing cannot be had in winter but there are so many, I cannot carry them!" In later entries he writes about who keeps his clothes for him and his concerns for the clothes while he is being transported to a hospital. I think he is so concerned for his clothing because he has a lot of it and doesn’t want it lost.
After the war, I found out that Martin went to medical school and became a doctor. He died when he was 44 in 1884.
Bibliography
1.)
http://www.utm.edu/~dullrich/vboldham.htm