History Forum / War History / US Civil War / May 2006

What was the requirement for service to become a citizen? In the 1860s an
immigrant had to be in the U.S. for five years, but I believe there was a
process whereby an immigrant could acquire citizenship after three years
in the Union service.  Does anyone know for sure?

A patron at the library where I work has heard this poem and is sure
this is the title, but, naturally, that's all he can remember of it....
Does anyone know of a Civil War era poem of this name or is he thinking
of The Vacant Chair, a song of the era by George Frederick Root?

I have heard in the civil war that there was a historical episode that
mentioned the Forlormn Hope. What was this and where does the term come
from?
Mabon Dane