Lucian B. Watkins, "These" (1918)
"Thirteen members of the 24th Infantry found guilty of complicity in the riot and mutiny at Houston, Aug. 23, were hanged on the military reservation at Fort Sam Houston, at 7:17 a.m. Tuesday.
"Without a tremor they stepped out with soldierly terad and singing a hymn they walked to their places.
"Resuming their song they stood erect and displayed the greatest fortitude while the ropes were adjustced." -- News item, December 11, 1917
7:17 A.M. December 11, 1917
Lord, these are Thine! With soldierly tread--
Without a tremor--they go their way--
Singing a hymn--they march ahead--
Singing a song-- of peace today!
Lord, these are Thine who pay their price
For what a freeman's soul is worth--
Whose madness is their sacrifice
That what they love may live on earth!
Lord, these are thine!
Published in The Crisis, January 1918