MISSISSIPPI RIFLES HYMN - 1861
by J. C. RIETTI, PRIVATE,
10TH MISSISSIPPI VOLUNTEER REGIMENT
AIR- THE IRISHMAN SHANTY
Did you ever hear tell of the bold rifle boys,
who lately left Jackson their homes and their joys
who came to this gopher and flea-ridden town
to whip out the yankees and old Harvey Brown
In Bivouac 4 miles from Ripley,
Wednesday 1st Oct. 1862.
Dear Sister Mat. [Martha Jane Banks]
Here’s a piece of paper I have carried in my pocket several days thinking to write a line or two whenever I could.
I wrote day before yesterday and mailed my letter at Ripley — a beautiful place, the county seat of Tippah.
September 28, 1862
Sister you have no idea of the sufferings that I have endured in the last two weeks —
Head Quarters Dist. Dept. No. 1
Tangipahoa, La. July 4, 1862
General Orders
No. 4