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This acrostic[1] poem was composed by Henry Clegg for his wife, Ann Lewis Clegg, while he was stationed in Echo Canyon, during the time Johnston’s Army was advancing on Utah in 1857-1858.
* * * * * November 15, 1857
Ann my dear and faithful wife the chosen of my heart
No time can wear my love from thee though we be apart
No earthly goods or worldly price could tempt me to roam
Except I had thee by my side along with these at home.
Long may you live with health to bless your greatest treasure spare[ed]
Eternal life you may obtain and with me stand prepared.
When God the righteous judge of all rewards his faithful saints
In giving them a hundred fold for all their sore complaints
Stand faithful then and pray for me that I may faithful prove.
Consenting to no evil way but serve the God I love
Let not your heart be broken down but look with steadfast hope
Each passing day may bring relief and gain the blessings sought
God grant that day may quickly come Gods people freed - the battle won. The reply by Ann Lewis Clegg
* * * * * Salt Lake November 20, 1857
Henry, thou art my Lord in thee I can confide
Earth would no joys afford if I were not thy bride
No language can express the love I feel for thee.
Rest then assured my dear, that I will constant be
Yes, constant, faithful, kind and true forever I’ll remain to you.
Cast not your spirit down, but to the end endure
Let every action shine, keep faithful, firm and pure.
Earths troubles soon will cease, times quickly fly away.
God will his saints release the enemy’s power he’ll stay.
God bless thee then, my Henry dear thou wilt again my presence cheer. [1]A poem or series of lines in which certain letters, usually the first in each line, form a name, motto or message when read in sequence.
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