Thanks, Allan C., for the thought that the lines might refer to a Civil War or other battle, I hadn't considered that. (My mother sort of implied that her dad said the lines were from the war with Mexico, but she could easily be wrong, as it was nearly 70 years ago she heard him sing them) I skimmed the Twain site, found it interesting and plan to go back later tonight for a good intensive read. I'd forgotten how funny he was and how well he wrote!