Guiliemus S. Heath (William Solyman Heath): Home

Heath raised a company of volunteers in Waterville, which he was appointed captain.  This company soon merged with the 3rd Maine Volunteers, where he served as Colonel.  He later became Lieut-Colonel of the 5th Maine Volunteers.  He was killed at battle of Gaine's Mill, Virginia in 1862.

The Corporal’s Musket

Take down the Corporal’s Musket, my grand-

            sire brought it back,

From Yorktown, in the winter, on a long and

            weary track;

Though the bivouac was over and the march

            and fight were done;

Through the mire and snow he bore it; for the sol-

            dier loved his gun;

And he hung it by the fireside’mid the branch-

            ing pines of Maine;

Take down the Corporal’s musket, we need it

            now again.

The rust has slowly gathered in the years that

            since have flown,

Upon that good old barrel which once like sil-

            ver shone;

It has a quaint and war-worn look, the fashion

            of the stock

Perhaps is only equaled by the fashion of the

            lock;

But living sparks of Seventy-Six may in the

            flint remain,

Take down the Corporal’s musket, we need it

            now again!