As the .22John Brown.27s Body.22 song Battle Hymn of the Republic
as published 1862 in atlantic monthly
finally ditties composed of nonsensical, doggerel rhymes, setting fact john brown dead , body undergoing process of decomposition, began sung music of hymn above given. these ditties underwent various ramifications, until lines reached,—
john brown s body lies a-mouldering in grave,
his soul s marching on.
and,—
s gone soldier in army of lord,
his soul s marching on.
these lines seemed give general satisfaction, idea brown s soul marching on receiving recognition @ once having germ of inspiration in it. sung on , on again great deal of gusto, glory hallelujah chorus being added.
some leaders of battalion, feeling words coarse , irreverent, tried urge adoption of more fitting lyrics, no avail. lyrics prepared publication members of battalion, publisher c. s. hall. selected , polished verses felt appropriate, , may have enlisted services of local poet polish , create verses.
the official histories of old first artillery , of 55th artillery (1918) record tiger battalion s role in creating john brown song, confirming general thrust of kimball s version few additional details.
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