Calibre Fifty-four - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
CALIBRE FIFTY-FOUR. By Will Carleton. 
"Say, General, say!" the courier said, (A boy of thirteen years), "Our regiment's scant of powder and lead; Most out, the Colonel fears. The men, they have held the ground, while I This message swiftly bore, Be quick, and send 'em a fresh supply! It's calibre fifty-four." 
"Now you are young." the General said, "To run so stern a race; Some older man might come instead. Through such a dangerous place." "They couldn't be spared," the boy began; "I'm youngest of the corps; And so-but, say, be quick old man! It's calibre fifty-four." 
"Now you are hurt," the General said, "There's blood here on your breast. Go back to the rear and take my bed, And have some needful rest." "Not much! " said the boy, with half-hid sneer; "I can't be spared no more; My regiment's nowhere nigh the rearIt's calibre fifty-four." 
"But where's your horse? " the General said, "Afoot you can not be? " "Oh, a cannon ball tore off his head, And didn't come far from me; And bullets warbled around, you bet, (One through my right arm tore); But I'm a horse, and a colt to let! I'm calibre fifty-four." 
"Your parents, boy?" the General said, "Where are they?-dead, it seems." "Oh, they are what the world calls dead, But come to me in dreams; They tell me to be brave alway, As father was before; Then mother kisses me-but say! It's a calibre fifty-four." 
"They'll soon be there," the General said, "Those cartridges you claim; My staff's best horse you'll ride, instead Of that on which you came." Away the boy, his spurs sharp set, Across the field of gore, Still shouting back, " Nov don't forget! It's calibre fifty-four."-Harper's Weekly.