His name was Jonas Haggerty,
A politician’s son.
A wealthy young aristocrat
Who was second to none.

At least, that’s what his peers believed,
But Jonas knew the score.
He was still in daddy’s shadow,
And the boy wanted more.

He attended many functions,
And met the president.
But not even Mr. Lincoln
Could ease his discontent.

The war broke out in sixty one,
And Jonas saw his chance.
He called upon his father’s friend,
One Coronal Richard Vance.

He was given a commission,
A Captain’s starting rank,
He would serve beside the Coronal,
At his battalion’s flank.

They won some minor skirmishes,
Though Jonas never fought.
He barked his orders from the rear,
And let his men get shot.

For they were only common men,
Not wealthy or refined.
Each one of them…expendable,
At least, within his mind.

But then one fateful July day,
The country came undone.
Near the City of Manassas:
The Battle Of Bull Run.

The Rebs stood like a wall of stone,
And pushed the Yankees back.
But Jonas stumbled as he ran,
Just as the Rebs attacked.

He broke his ankle when he fell,
And he could not retreat.
Until one courageous Corporal,
Helped Jonas to his feet.

But he was not able to run,
And he could barely stand.
He said: “I think I broke my leg.
Now this is my command…”

“You’ll never make it to D.C.
With me slowing you down.
Just leave me here, I’ll be alright!
Get to the nearest town!”

“No SIR!” the Corporal then replied.
“You will not be alright!
I’m going to see you safely to
The capitol tonight!”

He took the Captain on his back,
Then bolted for the trees.
He ran, and ran, and ran until
The weight buckled his knees.

But Jonas made it safely home,
Before his savior fell.
And all would listen to the tales
That Jonas loved to tell.

Of a young courageous Corporal,
Who risked his all that day.
How he saved a wounded Captain,
And carried him away.

The Corporal listened quietly,
Each time the tale was told.
And Jonas was still telling it,
When they were both quite old.

The two were friends through all those years,
Like brothers they became.
The experience changed Jonas,
He was never the same.

He learned, the measure of a man
Is not defined by gold.
The greatest treasure in this life
Cannot be bought or sold.

And when the Corporal passed away,
Jonas laid him to rest.
His headstone read “Of all my friends,
Here lies the very best.”

The two are buried side by side,
On the site where they met.
Their story etched upon a plaque...
So no one will forget.

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