Little Willie's Grave

http://www.alplm-cdi.com/chroniclingillinois/files/uploads/301000.pdf

Title

Little Willie's Grave

Subject

Lincoln, William Wallace, 1850-1862
Lincoln, Abraham 1809-1865
Lincoln, Mary Todd, 1818-1882
Wallace, William Ross, 1819-1881
Thomas, John Rogers 1830-1896
Sheet music

Description

Ballad dedicated to Mrs. Lincoln in memory of the death of her son, Willie, the thiird child of Abraham and Mary, who died, most likely of typhoid fever, at the White House on February 20, 1862.

Creator

Wallace, William Ross and Thomas, J. R.

Publisher

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Date

1863

Contributor

Wm. Hall & Son

Format

pdf

Language

en

Identifier

301000
828686549

Coverage

New York

Transcription

To Mrs. Abraham Lincoln Washington, D.C. Little Willie's Grave Ballad Poetry by Wm. Ross Wallace. Music by J. R. Thomas 3 New York Published by Wm. Hall & Son 543 Broadway Entered according to Act of Congress [illegible] by Wm. Hall & Son in the [illegible] Office of the District Court of the [illegible] District of [illegible]


Little Willie's Grave+. Ballad. Poetry by Wm. Ross Wallace. Music by J. R. Thomas.

I. All things beauteous for his slumber! Lillies, lift your cups of love, Brimm'd with morning's dewy nectar, For the tender guardian-dove! Roses, here like benedictions In the breath of summer wave; Symbol rainbows, linger gently Over little Willie's grave!

II. He was ever beauteous, gentle, In his ways and in his eyes, Fill'd with a prophetic splendor Streaming in them from the skies; But we did not note the warning-- Saw not what the angels gave; Therefore, there is quenchless sorrow Over little Willie's grave!

III. Shall earth try to soothe that sorrow? For the reft ones words are vain; Smiles awhile may wreathe the spirit, But the tear will flow again; Comfort only comes from Heaven: Still we hear the words He gave-- "Come unto me little children"-- Over little Willie's grave!

+In memory of William Wallace Lincoln.


  • Tender mother, glorious father, Keeping still out Nation true On the Constitution's mountain, Here the Nation weeps with you. We have also lost our kindred, Yet the immortal amaranth wave, Blest by His sweet consolation, Over little Willie's grave!
  • This verse may be omitted at the pleasure of the singer.

Status

Complete

Percent Completed

100

Weight

20

Original Format

4
34 cm

Document Viewer