thanks- corrected:

IN MEMORY OF THE HARTLEY CATASTROPHE

January 16th, 1862.

By which 204 Mm and Boys were buried alive in New Hartley Pit.

By the watch-fire's glow, 'mid the falling snow,
There reigns a death-like gloom,
Whilst prayers are murmured for those below
Immur'd in a living tomb.

With a tearless eye, and despairing sigh,
Too sad, too griev'd to weep,
The watcher's wild and heart-rending cry
Is heard on the cold pit-heap.

'Mid the shaft's foul air, the brave searchers dare
Its dangers to defy;
"Have mercy, 0 God!" is the last sad prayer
Of the miners doom'd to die.

Again from below, to the scene of woe
The searchers bold appear,
Their words breathe hope, while their glances show
Dread signs of desponding fear.

Seven days have pass'd, they are found at last,
Too LATE, sweet life to save,
For death's mighty spell is o'er them cast,
In that dark and fearful grave.

Breathe forth a prayer for bereav'd ones there,
Whose peace of mind hath fled,
Good Lord, soothe with thy heav'nly care
Those who mourn the hapless dead.

-Source: Joe Wilson,(author) Songs and Drolleries, 1890