Wearing of the Gray

The fearful struggle’s ended now and peace smiles on
Our land
And though we’ve yielded we have proved ourselves a
Faithful band
We fought them long, we fought them well, we fought
Them night and day
And bravely struggled for our rights while wearing of
The gray
And now that we have ceased to fight and pledged our
Sacred word
That we against the Union’s might no more will draw the
Sword
We feel despite the sneers of those who never smelt the
Fray
That we’ve a manly, honest right to wearing of the
Gray
Our cause is lost the more we fight 'gainst
O’erwhelming power
All wearied are our limbs and drenched with many a
Battle shower
We feign we rest for want of strength in yielding up
The day
And lower the flag so proudly born while wearing of the
Gray
Defeat is not dishonor, our honor not bereft
We thank God that in our hearts this priceless boon was
Left
And though we weep just for those braves who stood in
Proud array
Beneath our flag and nobly died while wearing of the
Gray
When in the ranks of war we stood and faced the deadly
Hail
Our simple suits of gray composed our only coats of
Mail
And on the awful hours that marked the bloody battle
Day
In memories we’ll still be seen wearing of the gray
Oh! should we reach that glorious place where waits a
Sparklin' crown
For everyone who for the right his soldier life lay
Down
God grant to us the privilege upon that happy day
Of claspin' hands with those who fell while wearing of
The gray