Tumblin' Home

Camp near Culpepper, VA
January 30th, 1864

Dear Mother,
I received your welcome letter and was glad to hear from you all that you are all well which I am at present. I received your box also and they things all came safe and I was happy to see it come so and tell Father that I won’t forget him when I get paid off. I expect to write you a German letter as soon as I learn to write better. I am practis nearly every day. Give my love to all my Friends. I send my love to you all. I have not much to write this time. I will close my letter. I remain still your

Your True Son,
George F. Kline

To my parents George F And Katherina Kline

P.S. Write Soon

Fall leaves crimson gold
Blazin’ on the hill
We came marchin’ in
In the autumn chill

Private George F. Kline
And a hundred more
Captain Suter’s Company G
Out of Baltimore

(chorus)
When the night falls on Harpers Ferry
I’ll lay me down alone
With the memories and dreams I carry
O’re these fields of stone
‘Til I come tumblin’ home

Frozen purple limbs standin’ on the ridge
Imboden’s Calvary is tearin’ up the bridge
“Fire at will”, Suter said, “Aim your rifles high”
Two hours back to camp and we’ll be warm and dry

(chorus)
When the night falls on Harpers Ferry
I lay me down alone
With the memories and dreams I carry
Through these fields of stone
‘Til I come tumblin’ home

Two winters come and gone
The butcher took command
There’s no turnin’ back, cross the Rapidan
Fire, smoke, cannon roar
Drownin’ out the drum
Ball burnin’ through my chest
I never heard it come

(chorus)
Now as the night falls on Harpers Ferry
I lay me down alone
With these memories and dreams I’ve carried
O’re these fields of stone
Now my bounty’s won
As I come tumblin’ home