Great Fire in Michigan

Many a homestead it was burned,
And many a family sadly mourned,
The death of those were near and dear,
But fire the tangled bush did clear.

And soon our country was more wealthy,
Now already ’tis more healthy;
’Twas cheap way matted brush to clear,
But for the loss of friends so near.

We lost our houso and barn and corn,
But for long we did not mourn;
For there came quick to our relief,
The nation’s aid to soothe our grief.

It seems to me now but a dream,
How our lives were saved in a broad stream;
Our cattle and horse there we drove,
And bears and wolves were there, by jove.

Though all were huddled in a jam,
Each wild beast was as quiet as lamb;
And there we were for three whole days,
Surrounded by the furious blaze.

Worse than the fire the awful smoke,
To death by hundreds it did choke;
Many thought it was judgment day,
When Heaven and earth would pass away.