Friday, October 9, 2026

Diary of Lieutenant-Colonel John Beatty, February 4, 1862

We closed up the day with a dress parade, the Colonel in command. The camp is more boisterous than usual. No more petitions have been presented.

The Major received a package from home to-night containing, among other articles, a pair of slippers, which, greatly to my advantage, were too small for him. They were turned over to me, and it happens that no little thing could have been more acceptable.

The bright moonlight of to-night enlivens our spirits somewhat, and fills us with new courage. The days have been dark and gloomy, and the nights still more so, for many days and nights past.

From the band of the Tenth Ohio, half a mile away, come strains mellow and sweet. The air is full of moonlight and music. The boys are in a happier mood, and a round, full voice comes to us from the tents with the words of an old Scotch song:

March, march, Ettrick and Teviotdale!

Why, my lads, dinna ye march forward in order?

March, march, Eskale and Liddlesdale!

All the blue bonnets are over the border.

Many a banner spread flutters above your head,

Many a crest that is famous in story;

Mount and make ready, then, sons of the mountain glen!

Fight for the King and the old Scottish border!

SOURCE: John Beatty, The Citizen-soldier: Or, Memoirs of a Volunteer, p. 102

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