(Sergeant Johnson)
When I enlisted in the army
Then I thought 't was grand
Marching through the streets of Boston
Behind a regimental band
When at Wagner I was captured
Then my courage failed
Now I'm dirty, hungry, naked
Here in Charleston jail

Weeping, sad and lonely
 Oh, how bad I feel!
 Down in Charleston, South Carolina
 Praying for a good square meal

If Jeff Davis will release me
Oh, how glad I'll be!
When I get to Morris lsland
Then I shall be free
Then I'll tell those conscript soldiers
How they use us here 
Giving us an old corn-dodger
They call it prisoners' fare

Weeping, sad and lonely
 Oh,  how bad I feel!
 Down in Charleston, South Carolina
 Praying for a good square meal

We are longing, watching, praying
But will not repine
Till Jeff Davis does release us
And send us in our lines
Then with words of kind affection
How they'll greet us there 
Wondering how we could live so long
Upon the dodger fare

Weeping, sad and lonely
 Oh,  how bad I feel!
 Down in Charleston, South Carolina
 Praying for a good square meal

Then we will laugh, long and loudly
Oh, how glad we'll feel
When we arrive on Morris lsland
And eat a good square meal!