Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Poetry and Incidents., Volume 1.
Frank Moore, Ed.

174. the soldier's Hymn.

O God of our fathers, on the earth,
     Girt for the fight, Thy servants stand;
Oh, bless us, ere the trumpet sound,
     With strength from Thy almighty hand.

The cloud of war comes from the South;
     The battle-storm bursts o'er our heads;
Our starry flag a rainbow bright,
     A glory round our pathway sheds.

[141] Our fathers' spirits watch that flag,
     They left to us without a stain;
We take their motto in our hearts--
     “To die for Liberty is gain.”

And when victorious we return,
     Oh, may those folds be pure and free,
As when our father Washington
     Gave us our Flag and Liberty.

Thou God of Battles, hear our prayer!
     From Western plains to Eastern coasts,
Strong in Thy blessing forth we march,--
     Our trust is in the Lord of Hosts.