Thomas Buchanan Read, poet and artist, was born in Chester county,
Pennsylvania, March 12, 1822. After a roving youth, he settled in
Philadelphia, in which town and various Italian cities most of his
life was spent. He died in New York City, May 11, 1872. The lyrics
“Drifting” and “The Closing Scene “ show Read at his best as a
poet.
Sheridan (Philip, generally known to army men as “Little Phil,”
1831-1888), was the most distinguished Federal cavalry leader in the
Civil War. Serving in the early part of the war with the Army of the
Cumberland, during the latter portion of the conflict he was with the
Army of the Potomac, and rendered Grant important aid in crushing Lee.
His own version of his famous ride (October 19, 1864,) may be read in
his memoirs. It has been said of Sheridan that he was never defeated,
but often plucked victory from the jaws of defeat.
=Line 2.= =Winchester.= The capital of Frederick county, Virginia, and the
key to the Shenandoah valley.