The Legend Of Jennie Wade 3:16 Lonesome River Band

The Legend of Jennie Wade – Lonesome River Band
(Paula Breedlove, Brad Davis)
Paulajon MusicASCAP/Brad Davis Music BMI

“If there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath. And as the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for me, for we shall meet again.” -Sullivan Ballou in a letter to his wife.



Jennie Wade lived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania with her husband and childhood sweetheart Johnston “Jack” Skelly, until Jack left to fight for the Union in the 87th Pennsylvania Infantry. He was injured in the Battle of Winchester and taken to a nearby hospital where he ran into a childhood friend fighting for the South, Wesley Culp. He gave Wesley a letter to take to Jennie if he ever was in Gettysburg again, not knowing that two weeks later, Wesley would be there along with the entire Army of Northern Virginia. Before he was able to deliver the message, Wesley was mortally wounded, and his body never identified. Meanwhile, Jennie did her part for the Union baking bread for the soldiers until a stray bullet traveled through the kitchen door and killed her instantly. She never knew the fate of her friend Wesley or her dear Jack. Jennie was the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg.