H. Harrison Wayman, "Chicamauga" (1905)
And there's a dusky hero in the Tenth Cavalry.
A littie pickaninny was scared almost to death,
And of a thousand troopers, most all held their breath,
On the field of Chickamauga, this little native strayed,
Where the government, in manoeuvers, its troopers had arrayed.
He was looking at the soldiers on the famous battlefield,
When he was seen a few yards off by the the Tenth as it swiftly reeled,
Of course you know they won't relent, when ordered to a charge,
Nor a child, unless by Providence, escapes a troop so large.
That Providence was in the Tenth 'mongst soldiers trained for strife,
It proved their training taught them save, as well as take a life.
A trooper spurred his steed just a litlle in advance,
As he muttered meekly and grabbed his only chance,
Then he just leaned in his saddle and gave a hasty scoop;
He saved the pickaninny, and his comrades gave a whoop.
Envenoi
There is music in a cabin way down in Tennesee
And there's a dusky hero in the Tenth Cavalry.
Published in Colored American Magazine, January 1905