Mrs. L. H. Washington in 1878 published her book of poetry titled Echoes of Song. She was the mother of four children, one son and three daughters. A devoted Christian, she lived a life of service to her family and God. Lucy married a Baptist minister.
As a poet, Lucy Hall Washington wrote from her experiences in life and of the cause for which she was a public speaker, that being Temperance.
The fourth poem from Poems of Patriotism titled "Our Martyred President" in her book was inspired by the dedication of the final resting place of the martyred president, Abraham Lincoln, on October 15th, 1874. The cost of the monument was $171,000, and begun in 1869, took five years to build. It is located in Oak Ridge Cemetary in Springfield, Illinois. President Lincoln, wife Mary Todd Lincoln, and three of their four children are entombed in the structure. Having gone through two reconstructions, the monument does not appear as shown on this blog today. There are many sites where photographs can be viewed and more in-depth information may be found on the internet. To view one of the sites please CLICK HERE.
Our Martyred President
MOURN for the Chief of the Nation, who perished
By the assassin's demoniac hand;
One whom we had chosen, and honored, and cherished,
Whose blood sealed the clasp o'er Columbia's land.
PRAISE--for oppression is banished forever,
Her dark reign is over from river to sea;
In truth and in spirit, as now, sang we never,
"Of the land of the brave, and the home of the free."
Our God, who in wisdom the dark strife permitted,
Though the bow was obscured in the midst of the storm,
Now war clouds are broken, and vengeance requited,
Shows the wonders he worketh, his will to perform.
Then boast not of conquest, or wisdom, but chided,
In contrite submission and penitence bowed,
Give thanks to the Lord, who our armies hath guided,
For "Why should the spirit of mortal be proud?"
Yet long as our banner shall wave in her beauty,
As long as we sing of the red, white, and blue,
Columbia will honor in pleasure and duty,
The memory of LINCOLN, brave, honest and true.
Assembled to-day are the pride of the Nation,
Surrounding the spot where his hallowed dust lies,
Reviewing his service in grandest oration,
Recording his virtues in loftiest praise.
Though granite and bronze tower high where he sleeps,
A Nation's bereavement and grief to proclaim,
More lasting and precious the love light that keeps,
Enshrined in the hearts of the people, his name.
Transcribed by Mary Katherine May, owner of http://www.qualitymusicandbooks.com/.
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