Mr. George F. Root, of Chicago, was both the author and composer of the three following war songs:
- Tramp, Tramp, Tramp; the Boys are Marching.
- The Battle Cry of Freedom. This was often ordered to be sung as the men marched into action. More than once its strains arose on the battlefield and made obedience more easy to the lyric command to rally round the flag. With true American humor the gentle lines of “Mary had a Little Lamb” were fitted snugly to the tune; and many a regiment shortened a weary march, or went gayly into action, singing,
“Mary had a little lamb,
Its fleece was white as snow,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom;
And everywhere that Mary went
The lamb was sure to go,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom.”
- Just before the Battle, Mother.
When Johnny comes marching Home. Written by P. S. Gilmore, in 1863.