PREFACE.

The object of this Poem is two-fold; first, to photograph a phase of human depravity incredible, had we not witnessed it; and to hand down its subjects to eternal infamy: and, secondly, to paint the beauty and power of goodness and loyalty in the sacred cause of God and of Country. “Sir Copp” represents the element of mean servility exhibited in those whom duty called in vain to the support of their invaded liberties; the most venomous “copperheads” being those who, under a loyal mask, betrayed their trust, starved our soldiers, robbed their widows and orphans, and, like Benedict Arnold, sold themselves to the enemy. Contrasted with this dark side of the picture the patriotism of our loyal citizens stands out in bold relief. Our army, like a torrent, sweeps away the strongholds of the rebels and restores peace and happiness to the nation. But this glimpse of light is clouded by the murder of Mr. Lincoln, and, in “Abel Misraim,” the people bewail the irreparable loss of their martyred chief. A digression on certain British poets, and a

severe criticism on “Enoch Arden,” are followed by a discussion demonstrating the impossibility of sustaining liberty, unless founded on the basis of popular virtue and intelligence; and that no man, whatever be his[4] color, is entitled to the privileges, unless he be prepared to discharge the duties of a citizen. The abuse of this principle caused all our troubles in the past, and, unless a speedy and a radical reform shall be effected, we can expect nothing better for the future.

“Sir Copp,” having undergone a severe physical and moral dissection, is finally introduced into hell, whence Satan, unwilling to entertain him, sends him back to earth to be punished there according to his deserts.

This is the first of a series of works, chiefly on the war, by the same author, which will be issued in due course, if “home production” shall receive here, at the West, a sufficient patronage to justify the undertaking.

It is proposed, also, to republish here, from the London editions, the most popular of the author’s published works, to which the opinions of the best English critics will be appended, according to him a high rank amongst the first poets of our day.

Perhaps it may not be deemed out of place to give here a few brief extracts from those criticisms:

The London Athenæum says: “Mr. Clarke is highly successful in his management of blank verse, and the following passage from his “Day in May,” is worthy of praise for the happy arrangement of its cadences, and the pure and natural feelings contained in it.” [Here follows a quotation of over 40 lines.]

The London Spectator speaks of the same poem in the highest terms; so do the Court Journal, Indian Review, Morning Post, &c.

Blackwood says of “Donna Rosa,” that “it cannot[5] be surpassed for elegance of style and correctness of metre.” Tait’s Edinburgh Magazine coincides, and Bell’s Messenger says: “This is the best and most musical poem which the present season has produced.”

Much more might be quoted, had we space. The above must suffice for the present.

With regard to this new poem, “Sir Copp,” the author relies entirely on the good sense and judgment of the people of the Great West, for an impartial decision of its claims to public favor; and he will rest satisfied with that decision, whatever it may be; for he cannot but believe, that those who have been able to appreciate the best political, military and legal talent in the country, will also be able to discriminate, and reward, literary merit, when it is fairly and candidly presented for their consideration.

Chicago, Illinois.

[6]

[7]

DEDICATION TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES.

INVOCATION TO THE MUSE.

[9]

CANTO II.

THE EVE BEFORE THE BATTLE.

SONG OF THE SPIRITS.

PARTING FOR THE BATTLE.

“DELENDA EST CARTHAGO.”

ILLINOIS TO GEN. GRANT AND HIS COMRADES.

(In the Great Hall of the Sanitary Fair, Chicago.)

ABEL MISRAIM.

CANTO IV.

[91]

CANTO V.

THE BATTLE OF MURFREESBORO.

CANTO VI.

THE BIRTH OF FREEDOM, JULY 4, 1776.

(An Ode.)

A DREAM OF EREBUS.

THE END.

Transcriber’s Note: It is not known what these letters/numbers were intended to represent. There are no footnotes in this or multiple other copies of the book.

“SIR COPP:”

A Book for the Times, in Six Cantos. By Thomas Clarke, Author of “A Day in May,” “Donna Rosa,” “The Silent Village,” “Life in the West,” &c., &c.

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.

From the Chicago Tribune

In this work we welcome another home production. It is written in Hudibrastic verse; but the genius of the author is by no means confined to this form of composition. The object of the author is praise-worthy, and he exhibits much talent for versification. We must, injustice, commend the work for many striking and some admirable passages. “Sir Copp,” is of course, Sir Copperhead; and the venomous creature is dissected by an artist who has a true scientific enthusiasm for so fine a specimen of morbid anatomy. The invocation to the muse is especially striking, (here it is quoted in full.) Mr. Clarke is not an untried poet. He has, in fact, produced a number of poems, for which the best English critics have accorded to him a high rank amongst the first poets of our day.

From the Chicago Evening Journal

Under the title of “Sir Copp,” is depicted the character of a copperhead, whose career closes at the gates of hell. The story is a contrast of patriotism with disloyalty; the theme growing out of the late rebellion. The poetry is lively in measure. The author’s former works drew down the encomiums of several good authorities in literary matters. The volume is highly creditable to the publishers.

From the Chicago Republican.

Mr. Clarke is favorably known to the reading public as the author of several poems published in England, which have received warm praise from the leading English reviews. The purpose of this effort of his muse is to contrast a dark phase of human depravity, as exhibited by the copperhead rebels of the northern states, with the beauty and power of loyalty to God and country. Incidentally, he satirises Tennyson, mourns over the grave of Lincoln, and celebrates the heroes of Murfreesboro, and many another bloody field. He writes with a sharp pen, and shows no mercy to the traitors. “Sir Copp,” having undergone a severe moral and physical dissection, is introduced by the author into hell, whence Satan, unwilling to entertain him, sends him back to earth to be punished according to his deserts.

From the Staats Zeitung (German.)

Mr. Thomas Clarke, a celebrated British Poet, who lives here in the West, has produced a poem under the title of “Sir Copp,” in which he shows forth the copperheads and their actions during the war. He is amongst the warmest friends of America, extols liberty and patriotism, and does ample justice to our German American citizens.

New Work, by the Author of “Sir Copp,”

(WILL BE READY IN THE SPRING, ’67,)

ENTITLED THE TWO ANGELS Or, LOVE-LED.

A POEM, IN SIX CANTOS.

The story is of Heaven and earth, and is one of the deepest interest. It is a book of great merit, and no doubt will be extensively read.

The volume will contain upwards of two hundred pages small octavo, printed with clear, readable type, on fine paper, and will be neatly bound.

GEO. W. CLARKE, Publisher, 215 ILLINOIS ST., CHICAGO.