John Bull, Esquire, my jo John,
Since we were linked together,
Full many a jolly fight, John,
We've had with one another.
Now must we fight again, John?
Then at it let us go!
And God will help the honest heart,
John Bull, Esquire, my jo.
John Bull, Esquire, my jo John,
A century has gone by,
Since you called me your slave, John,
Since I at you let fly.
You want to fight it out again—
That war of waste and woe;
You'll find me much the same old coon,
John Bull, Esquire, my jo.
John Bull, Esquire, my jo John,
If lying loons have told
That I have lost my pluck, John,
And fight not as of old;
You'd better not believe it, John,
Nor scorn your ancient foe;
For I've seen weaker days than this,
John Bull, Esquire, my jo.
John Bull, Esquire, my jo John,
Hear this my language plain:
I never smote you unprovoked,
I never smote in vain.
If you want peace, peace let it be!
If war, be pleased to know,
Shots in my locker yet remain,
John Bull, Esquire, my jo!
CHAPTER IV
THE GRAND ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
The defeat at Bull Run showed the necessity for a thorough reorganization of the Army of the Potomac, and George B. McClellan, who had made a successful campaign in Western Virginia, was summoned to Washington and placed in command. At the end of two months, he had under him a splendidly equipped and disciplined force of over a hundred thousand men. The pickets were gradually extended, and little skirmishes with the enemy took place almost daily.
CIVIL WAR
"Rifleman, shoot me a fancy shot
Straight at the heart of yon prowling vidette;
Ring me a ball in the glittering spot
That shines on his breast like an amulet!"