[35358]
TO MISS FANNIE WATKEYS
(BROOKLYN N. Y,)
"Kiss Me As of Old, Mother." 
[13 Oct 1863; 28 Apr 1864]
or the
Dying Soldier.
Written by
Tho[ma]s. Mackeller Esq.
Composed by
E. G. R. Holder.

New York, NY: WILLIAM HALL & SON, 543 Broadway
  (Between Spring & Prince Sts.)
SLINNER & SPERRY, New Haven.
J. F. ELLIS, Washington.
G. A. BARLOW, Cleveland.
ROOT & CADY, Chicago.
W. C. ABBOTT, Rome, N. Y.
[32]
[Deposited Oct 13, 1863]
[COPYRIGHT
28 Apr 1864
LIBRARY]
[M `1640
  .H]
[Plate no.] 4819
[Source: civilwardigital.com]

1. On the field of battle, Mother,
All the night alone I lay,
Angels watching o’er me, Mother,
’Till the breaking of the day;
I lay thinking of you, Mother,
And the loving ones at home,
’Till to our dear cottage, Mother,
Boy again I seem’d to come.

CHORUS 1-4.
Kiss for me my brother, sister,
When I sleep beneath the sod,—
Tell I died to save my Country,
All for love of her and God.

2. I must soon be going, Mother,
Going to the home of rest,
Kiss me as of old, my Mother,
Press me nearer to your breast;
Would I could repay you, Mother,
For your faithful love and care,
God uphold and bless you, Mother,
In this bitter woe you bear.

3. Kiss for me my little brother,
Kiss my sister lov’d so well;
When you sit together, Mother,
Tell them how their brother fell:
Tell to them the story, Mother,
When I sleep beneath the sod,
That I died to save my Country,
All from love to her and God.

4. Leaning on the merit, Mother,
Of the One who died for all,
Peace is in my bosom, Mother,
Hark! I  hear the angels call!
Don’t you hear them singing, Mother?
Listen to the music’s swell!
Now I leave you, loving Mother,
God be with you, farethee-well!