Strike for the South

In the music collection of Susan Hopkins is the song "Strike for the South", lyrics by Miss Carrie Bell Sinclair and music by James Pierpont.  There is a Christmas connection here:  James Pierpont is the guy who wrote "Jingle Bells".  "Strike for the South" was published in 1863.  

James Pierpont

You can hear a snippet of the song by Bobby Horton released in 2008 on Amazon.  "Strike for the South" is the 10th song on the album.

Strike for the South

Strike for the South ! let her name ever be 
The boast of the true and the brave; 
Let Freedom' d bright star still shine on her brow. 
And her banner the proudest still wave. 

Strike for the South ! shall the heroes who fell. 
In graves all unhonored repose, 
While the turf o'er each head, and the sword by each side. 
Has been stained with the blood of her foes

Strike for the South! for Liberty's sun. 
In darkness and gloom has not set; 
Her bright beams still shine like a light from above,
And will lead thee to victory yet. 

Strike for the South ! for her weapons are bright. 
And the heroes who wield them are strong; 
Let her name brightly glow on the record of fame. 
And hers be the proudest in song. 

Strike for the South! we will honor her name. 
For the glorious deeds she has done! 
The laurel we'll twine 'around each patriot brow. 
And shout when the battle is won. 

Strike for the South! it must, never be said 
That her banner was furled to a foe; 
Let those stars ever shine in bright glory alone. 
And the pathway to victory show.