"THE BLUE AND THE GRAY"212. JAMES MCCORMICK DALZELL (1838-1924). Prolific writer whose pen championed the cause of the soldiers of the Civil War. He originated Soldiers' Reunions in 1873 in Ohio which quickly spread nationwide. Handwritten copy of the lyrics for "The Blue and The Gray" on lined 8.5"x 4" sheet with integral leaf. Five stanza poem is signed at conclusion "J. M. Dalzell, Private Dalzell," with the notation: "Published, first in Washington, D.C., 1867 and republished , Soldiers' Home, O[hio] 1916..." A moving tribute regarding the Civil War, in part, "The song of Hate is changed today / To sorrow's sweet refrain / As reverently we come to pay / Our homage to our slain. / Their dust, commingled where they fell / In Battle's fierce array - / The very angels cannot tell / Which was the Blue or Gray!....Let minute guns today intone / The nation's common loss. / The North and South forever one / Beneath our Savior's Cross: / United now from sea to sea, / Forever and a day / O Brothers let us ever be / At peace, like Blue and Gray!" General light toning; else Fine. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA. Est: $300-500

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