The last battle of the Civil War was at Brazos, Texas, May 13, 1865, resulting in the surrender of the Texan army. Recite this in a conversational tone, as you would tell any story.
Well, yes, I’ve lived in Texas, since the spring of ’61;
And I’ll relate the story, though I fear, sir, when ’tis done,
’Twill be little worth your hearing, it was such a simple thing,
Unheralded in verses that the grander poets sing.
There had come a guest unbidden, at the opening of the year,
To find a lodgment in our hearts, and the tenant’s name was fear;
For secession’s drawing mandate was a call for men and arms,
And each recurring eventide but brought us fresh alarms.