Letter Edged In Black Lyrics - Stonewall Jackson

I was standing by my window yesterday morning 

Without a thought a worry or of care 

When I saw the postman coming up the pathway 

With such a jolly face and jolly hair 

He rang the bell and he whistled as he waited 

He smiled and said good morning to you Jack 

He little knew the sorrow that he brought me 

When he handed me that letter edged in black 

With trembling hands I took the letter from him I opened it and this is how it read 

Come home my boy your dear old father needs you 

Come home my boy your dear old mother's dead 

I'm sorry that harsh words were ever spoken 

You know I didn't mean them don't you Jack 

My eyes are blurred my poor old hand is shaking 

As I'm writing you this letter edged in black 

The last words that your mother ever uttered 

Was tell my boy I want him to come back 

The angels bear me witness as I'm asking 

Your forgiveness in this letter edged in black