One of the most popular songs of the War, "Just Before the Battle, Mother" enjoyed great success overseas as well -- the British, in fact, believed that the song was about the Crimean War and had been authored by an Englishman!

The "traitors" mentioned in the second verse of the song were Northern Copperheads, who wished to see the War end through a negotiated peace and recognition of a new Confederate nation. Astute readers will also notice that Root indulged in a bit of shameless self-promotion by mentioning his own "The Battle Cry of Freedom" in the song as well.

"Just Before the Battle, Mother"