For much of the war Cumberland was held by the Union
And support for the South stopped in June 1861
As the Federal troops occupied the place
But in June ’63 control went to a new face.

Colonel Lew Wallace had been in control for a while
But his desire to take his men to the field
Led to a petition to see some action
Because some real work to him had real attraction.

His wish was granted and in July ’62 they headed it out
Replaced by two regiments of volunteers.
These were the occupiers controlling the town
When the defeat of the Union in Winchester went down.

In response the troops stationed around town
Evacuated knowing the Confederates were on their way
And with the soldiers at hand they simply should not stay.
With expediency they left without delay.

The very next day the Confederates showed up
Demanding the surrender from those left in control.
With 350 soldiers they took over for a while,
Making the town the easiest target on the pile.

The Confederates stayed for just a few hours at most
Because they were too vulnerable, not enough allies around,
So they took what they needed and put the town to their backs
For the next thing to come were building to the Gettysburg attacks.

admin

Comments