Franklin County, Alabama - "Remember Me" Daniel Bolton - Confederate Memorial Service 2006

I was just a young man with many hopes and dreams.
I had planned a future with a home and family.
I had a good life in northwest Alabama.
I never thought I’d ever leave my home in Franklin County.

But a dark cloud arose and was spreading through the land.
And I knew I must rise up and bravely take a stand.
I joined a group of brothers, cousins and lifelong friends.
As we each one vowed our homeland we must defend.

I left behind my family and bid them all goodbye.
I watched them as I rode away, tears streaming from their eyes.
I rode night and day. I traveled long and far.
As I began my long journey in that dark Civil War.

I suffered many hardships, with pain and great fear
But I stood tall and strong, through danger was always near.
I stared in the face of my enemies, young men much like me.
For they had left their homeland and they suffered just like me.

I asked God to keep me within his loving arms
And keep me through each battle safe from any harm.
To let me once again awake to see another dawn.
To give me strength and courage to keep marching on.

I felt my mother’s fervent prayers, I knew she loved me so.
I knew her prayers would follow me wherever I might go.
The battles rage on and on, Oh will they ever cease?
Will I once again see this land filled with love and peace?

I’ve fought beside my brothers, I saw them fall one by one.
I asked God why I was left, but I knew I must go on.
I was so tired and hungry, I grew sick and very weak.
My body was cold and shivering and how I wanted to sleep.

What would tomorrow hold, would I see the morning light?
Or, would I die there on the ground sometime through the night?

The enemy found me there on Missionary Ridge.
They marched me across the Tennessee River Bridge.
They put me on a train to take me far away.
I wondered what tomorrow held, would I see another day?

Here I am with other men at Rock Island Prison Camp.
I’m very sick and weak and it’s so cold and damp.
I know Mama is still praying as she thinks about her son.
But I know God has decided my life here is done.

And as I lay here dying, Lord, one thing I ask you please.
Keep all my family safe at home and may they always
“Remember Me” Daniel Bolton.

Written by Betty (Bolton) Starnes
For the Confederate Memorial Service of Daniel Bolton
April 29, 2006.

The information above is from the program
of the Confederate Memorial Service for these two men.
Photo and information contributed by
and used with permission from:
Betty (Bolton) Starnes.