To Mrs. Genl. U. S. Grant.
Six
Gems of War Ballads
Composed by
Eldridge G. B. Holder.

1. I CANNOT BID THEE GO, MY BOY.
2. KISS ME AS OF OLD MOTHER.
3. TELL ME MOTHER CAN I GO.

4. OUR BOY'S A WARRIOR NOW.
5. LET ME DIE, FACE TO THE FOE.

[No. 5]
"Let Ne Die Face to the Foe" [2 Jan 1864; 27 Oct 1864)
(The Last Words of Brigadier Gen. James G. Rice.)

NEW YORK
Published by Wm, HALL & SON, 543 Broadway
Chicago. ROOT & CADY.
New Haven, Conn. SKINNER & SPERRY.
Hudson, N.Y. J. LITTLE WOOD.
[26594]
[347.]
[COPYRIGHT
27 Oct 1864
LIBRARY]
[M 1640
  .H]
[June 2, 1864]
[Plate no.] 5962
[Source: civilwardigital.com]

NOTE.  Brigadier Gen. James C. Rice was placed in Command of 
the 2nd Brigade, of the Fourth division of the gallant fifth 
corps.  Army of the Potomac, and after passing through the 
perils of nearly all the battles of the war, he me his death 
May 10th 1864, at the head of his command in the vicinity of 
Spottsylvania Court House Va., a short time before dying he 
indited a telegram to his wife the closing word were "I've 
been true unto my country"His dying words, being__"Turn me 
over, let me die face to the fioe?"  His last words being 
the same as the great Greek General "Epaninondas"

1. I am wounded, soldiers, dying,
  “Fight on! our cause is just.”
List! the cannon roaring, firing,
  Crushing traitors’ hopes to dust;
Firmly trust your brave commander—
  Press on!  nobly to the last.
*He’ll win “if it takes all summer,”
Be you true— “the die is cast!”

2. I am wounded, soldiers, dying,
  Here upon the battle field,
Soldiers, charging you while dying,
  Your country’s name to shield;
Fight if hope seems to expire.
  Do not falter on the way
North’ern’s! heed not rebel fire,
  Press you on, boys! win the day!”

3. I am wounded, soldiers, dying,
  Press you on and win the day—
Dry your tears, and cease your sighing,
  Do not falter by the way.
Death “Bravehearts” can ne’er appal you.
  Let me hear your battle cry.
Farewell soldiers, and God bless you
  ’Tis glorious thus to die.

4. I am wounded, soldiers, dying,
  Send this word unto my wife
“I’ve been true unto my country”
  “In her cause I yield my life.”
Hark! the drums beat— victr’ys ours!
  Let me ask you ere I go
Comrades “turn me t’wards the traitors!
 Let me die face to the foe?”