Letter Edged In Black

Stonewall Jackson

Written by Hattie Nevada

Key of C · Chords: I IV V

Verse 1

C                                     G7
I was standing by my window yesterday morning
                                 C
Without a thought of worry or of care
                                     F
When I saw the postman coming up the pathway
     G7                          C
With such a jolly face and jolly air

Verse 2

                                    G7
He rang the bell and whistled as he waited
                                       C
He smiled and said good morning to you Jack
                                          F
He little knew the sorrow that he brought me
        G7                             C
When he handed me that letter edged in black

Verse 3

                                            G7
With trembling hands I took the letter from him
                               C
I opened it and this is how it read
                                            F
Come home my boy your dear old father needs you
     G7                                 C
Come home my boy your dear old mother's dead

Verse 4

                                     G7
I’m sorry that harsh words were ever spoken
                                      C
You know I didn’t mean them don’t you Jack
                                        F
My eyes are blurred my poor old hand is shaking
       G7                               C
As I’m writing you this letter edged in black

Verse 5

                                     G7
The last words that your mother ever uttered
                                   C
Was tell my boy I want him to come back
                                   F
The angels bear me witness as I am asking
     G7                                  C
Your forgiveness in this letter edged in black