I happen to know a little about this verse. I believe it to be written for Gordon B. Meldrum, born in Caledonia, NY who volunteered for the 100th NY Infantry during the Civil War. His beautiful memorial (I believe he is not buried there as he died in Libby Prison in 1862 as a POW) was commissioned by his brothers Norman and John. The verse is on the side of the memorial stone, which is surmounted by an Italian sculpture of Gordon (crafted from a photo) in his uniform. It is a very, very, beautiful and touching site. I had thought the verse to be a poem written by a family member...but now I know! Libby Prison was infamous for it's poor treatment, horrible overcrowded conditions, and lack of food and care for the POWs of the Civil War. You can feel this in the words of the verse MacNaughton created for the younger brother of the elder Meldrums.