Don Jose de Saltillo.
These brilliant victories served to kindle enthusiasm for the war throughout the whole country. Congress authorized the enlistment of fifty thousand volunteers, and reinforcements were promptly started to General Taylor at Matamoras.
TO ARMS
[1846]
Awake! arise, ye men of might!
The glorious hour is nigh,—
Your eagle pauses in his flight,
And screams his battle-cry.
From North to South, from East to West:
Send back an answering cheer,
And say farewell to peace and rest,
And banish doubt and fear.
Arm! arm! your country bids you arm!
Fling out your banners free—
Let drum and trumpet sound alarm,
O'er mountains, plain, and sea.
March onward from th' Atlantic shore,
To Rio Grande's tide—
Fight as your fathers fought of yore!
Die as your fathers died!
Go! vindicate your country's fame,
Avenge your country's wrong!
The sons should own a deathless name,
To whom such sires belong.
The kindred of the noble dead
As noble deeds should dare:
The fields whereon their blood was shed
A deeper stain must bear.