FROM THE LIBRARY OF REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON, D. D BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO THE LIBRARY OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Action /t/syj w fc*. ^'OFPBWS SON APR11T936L LOGICAL 8EV ODES, AND OTHER POEMS, ON NATIONAL SUBJECTS; COMPILED FROM VARIOUS SOURCES. BY WM. MCCARTY. PART SECOND — NAVAL. " Don't give up the ship." ' Remote from realms of rival fame, Thy bulwark is thy mound of waves ; The sea, thy birth-right, thou must claim, Or, subject, yield the soil it laves." PHILADELPHIA : PUBLISHED BY WM. McCARTY, NO. 27 NORTH FIFTH STREET. 1842. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1842, by Wm. McCartt, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Stereotyped by L. Johnson, Philadelphia. (Efjfs Volume fs Befcfcatetr To the memory of Captain Nicholas Biddle, who was blown up in the Randolph frigate, of 32 guns, near Bar- badoes, in 1776, bravely fighting the British ship Yar- mouth, of 64 guns. £t ts also BeTucatcti To the memory of Captain James Lawrence, who fell in the engagement between the frigate Chesapeake, of 36 guns, and the British frigate Shannon, of 44 guns, in 1813. "Don't give up the ship!" £t is also BetJtcatetr To the memory of the Officers, Seamen, and Marines, who bravely fell in defence of the rights, liberties, and independence of their country, in the wars of 1776, 1804, and 1812. 3xt fs Itftetofse BefcicateTr To the Officers, Seamen, and Marines of the United States Navy, and to the Apprentices of the Navy, who will yet, should there be occasion, stand as a wall of fire between their beloved country and her enemies. BY THE COMPILER. AMERICAN NATIONAL SONG-BOOK. NAVAL SONGS. 1 THE GASPE. The following prose account of the capture and destruc- tion of the Gaspe tender, is from Cooper's Naval History, and is given to explain the succeeding ballad, which is, as near as maybe, & facsimile of the handbill published in 1772. " One of the first overt acts of resistance that took place in this celebrated struggle, occurred in 1772, in the waters of Rhode Island. A vessel of war had been stationed on the coast to enforce the laws, and a small schooner, called the Gaspe, with a light armament, and twenty-seven men, was employed as a tender to run into the shallow waters of that coast. On the 17th of June, 1772, a Providence packet that plied between New York and Rhode Island, named the Hannah, and commanded by a Captain Linzee, hove in sight of the man-of-war in her passage up the bay. The Hannah was ordered to bring to, in order to be exa- mined ; but her master refused to comply ; and being favoured by a fresh southerly breeze, that was fast sweeping him out of gunshot, the Gaspe was signalled to follow. The chase continued for five-and-twenty miles, under a press of sail, when the Hannah, coming up with a bar with which her master was familiar, and drawing less water than the schooner, Captain Linzee led the latter on a shoal, where she stuck. The tide falling, the Gaspe slewed, and was not in a condition to be removed for several hours. The news of the chase was circulated on the arrival of the Hannah at Providence. A strong feeling was excited among the population, and towards evening the town-drum- mer appeared in the streets assembling the people. A crowd 1* 5 6 NAVA.L SONGS. being collected, the drummer led his followers in front of a shed, when a man, disguised as an Indian, suddenly ap- peared on the roof, and proclaimed a secret expedition for that night, inviting all of " stout hearts" to assemble on the wharf, precisely at nine, disguised like himself. At the ap- pointed hour, most of the men in the place collected in the place designated, when sixty-four were selected for the un- dertaking that was in view. This party embarked in eight of the launches of the dif- ferent vessels lying at the wharves, and taking with them a quantity of round paving-stones, they pulled down the river in a body. — The commander is supposed to have been a Captain Whipple, who afterwards held a commission in the service of Congress, but none of the names were publicly mentioned at the time. On nearing the Gaspe, about two in the morning, the boats were hailed by a sentinel on deck. This man was driven below by a volley of stones. The commander of the Gaspe now appeared, and ordering the boats off, he fired a pistol at them. The discharge was re- turned from a musket, and the officer was shot through the thigh. By this time the crew of the Gaspe had assembled, and the party from Providence boarded. The conflict was short, the schooner's people being knocked down and secured. All on board were put into the boats, and the Gaspe was set on fire. Towards morning she blew up. This bold step naturally excited great indignation in the British officers, and all possible means were taken to dis- cover the offenders. The government at home offered a reward of £1000 sterling for the leader, and £500 to any person who would discover the other parties, with the pro- mise of a pardon, should the informer be an accomplice. But the feeling of the times was too high for the ordinary means of detection, no evidence having ever been obtained sufficient even to arraign a solitary individual, notwithstanding a com- mission of inquiry, under the great seal of England, sat with that object from January to June, during the year 1773. Although this affair led to no immediate results, it doubt- less had its influence in widening the breach between the opposing parties ; and it is worthy of remark, that in it was shed the first blood that flowed in the struggle for xA.merican independence ; the whole transaction being as direct a re- sistance to oppression as the subsequent and better- known fight at Lexington. NAVAL SONGS. King George's Crown — turned upside down ! 'Twas in the reign of George the Third Our public peace was much disturb'd By ships of war, that come and laid Within our ports to stop our trade. In seventeen hundred seventy-two, In Newport harbour lay a crew That play'd the parts of pirates there, The sons of Freedom could not bear. Sometimes they'd weigh and give them chase Such actions, sure, were very base ; No honest coasters could pass by But what they would let some shot fly. And did provoke to high degree Those true-born sons of Liberty, So that they could no longer bear Those sons of Belial staying there. But 'twas not long 'fore it fell out, That William Doddington so stout, Commander of the Gaspe tender, Which he has reason to remember. Because, as people do assert, He almost had his "ust desert NAVAL SONGS. Here, on the tenth day oflast June, Between the hoars of twelve and one — Did chase the sloop call'd the Hannah, Of whom one Linsey was commander; They dogg'd her up to Providence sound, And there the rascal got aground. The news of it flew, that very day, That they on Nanquit point did lay, That night, about half after ten, Some Naragansett Indian men — Being sixty-four, if I remember, Which made this stout coxcomb surrender : And what was best of all their tricks, They in his breech a ball did fix. They set the men upon the land, And burn'd her up, we understand; Which thing provoked the king so high. He said, "those men should sureh T die." So, if he could find them out, The hangman he'll employ, no doubt : For he has declared, in his passion, " He'll have them tried a new fashion." Now for to find those people out, King George has offered, very stout, One thousand pounds to find out one That wounded William Doddington. One thousand more he says he'll spare, For those who say they sheriffs were : One thousand more there doth remain For to find out the leader's name. NAVAL SONGS. Likewise, live hundred pounds per man, Of any one of all the clan. But, let him try his utmost skill, I am apt to think, he never will Find out any of those hearts of gold, Though he should offer fifty fold. From the London Evening Post, March 14th— republished in the Pennsylvania Evening Post, June 8, 1775. 2 THE SAILOR'S ADDRESS. Come listen, my cocks, to a brother and friend, One and all, to my song, gallant sailors, attend; Sons of freedom ourselves, let's be just as we're brave, Nor America's freedom attempt to enslave. Firm as oak are our hearts where true glory depends : Steady, boys, steady, We'll always be ready To fight all our foes, not to murder our friends. True glory can ne'er in this quarrel be won ; If New England we conquer, Old England's undone; On our brethren we then will refuse to fix chains, For the blood of Great Britain flows warm in their veins. Firm as oak, &c. Shall courtiers' fine speeches prevail to divide Our affection from those who have fought by our side 1 And who often have join'd us to sink, in the main, The proud, boasting navies of France and of Spain 1 Firm as oak, &c. 10 NAVAL SONGS. Near relations of some who at court now do thrive, The Pretender did join in the year forty-five; And many in favour, disguised with foul arts, While they roar out for George, are fcr James in their hearts. Firm as oak, &c. Of such men as these let us scorn to be tools Dirty work to perform — Do they take us for fools '] Brave sailors are wiser than thus to be bamm'd : Let them turn out themselves, lads, and fight and be damn'd. Firm as oaks, &e. To the ground may disputes with our colonies fall, And George long, in splendour, reign king of us all: And may those who would set the two lands by the ears, Be put in the bilboes, and brought to the jears. Firm as oak, &c. From the New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, November 25, 1776. A FAVOURITE SONG OF THE REBELS. Tune— "The Watery God." The watery god, great Neptune, lay In dalliance soft, and amorous play, On Amphitrite's breast, When up he rear'd his hoary head, The Tritons sunk, the Nereids fled, And all their fear confess'd. NAVAL SOXGS. Loud thunder shook the vast domain; The liquid world was wrapp'd in flame — The god, amazed, spoke — "Go forth, ye winds, and make it known Who dares usurp my coral throne, And fill my realms with smoke." The winds, obsequious to his word, Sprung strongly up t' obey their lord, And saw two fleets away : Hopkins commanded one brave line ; The other navy, Howe, was thine, In terror and dismay. Appall'd, they view America's sons Deal death and slaughter from their guns, And strike the dreadful blow, Which made ill-fated British slaves Seek life by flying o'er the waves, Or sink to shades below. Amazed, they fly and tell their chief, That Howe is ruin'd past relief — That Hopkins conquering rode : " Hopkins," cries Amphy, " who is he 1 Who dares usurp this power at sea, And thus insult a god 1 The winds reply ; " In distant land A Congress sits, whose martial band Defies all Britain's force ; And when their floating castles roll From sea to sea, from pole to pole, Hopkins directs their course. 12 NAVAL SONGS. "And when their winged bullets fly- To reinstate fair Liberty, And crush oppressive bands, Then, valiant Hopkins, calmly great, Though death and carnage round him wait, Performs their dread commands. Neptune, with vast amazement, hears How great this infant state appears — What feats these heroes do : Washington's deeds and Putnam's fame, Join'd to great Lee's immortal name, And cries, " Can this be true l "A Congress, sure ! — they're brother gods ; Who have such heroes at their nods, To govern earth and sea : I yield my trident and my crown, A tribute due to such renown : These gods shall rule for me." 4 THE DEATH OF CAPT. N. BIDDLE, Commander of the Randolph frigate, which was blown up near Barbadoes. — 1776. What distant thunders rend the skies'? What clouds of smoke in columns rise, What means this dreadful roar 1 ? Is from his base Vesuvius thrown, Is sky-topp'd Atlas tumbled down, Or Etna's self no more? Shock after shock torments my ear, And, lo ! two hostile ships appear— Red lightnings round them glow : NAVAL SONGS. 13 The Yarmouth boasts of sixty-four, The Randolph thirty-two — no more — And will she fight this foe ! The Randolph soon, on Stygian streams, Shall coast along the land of dreams, The islands of the dead : But Fate, that parts them on the deep, May save the Briton, yet, to weep His days of victory fled. Say, who commands that dismal blaze, Where yonder starry streamer plays 1 Does Mars with Jove engage 1 ? 'Tis Biddle wings those angry fires, Biddle, whose bosom Jove inspires With more than mortal rage. Tremendous flash ! — and hark, the ball Drives through old Yarmouth — flames and all : Her bravest sons expire : Did Mars himself approach so nigh, Even Mars, without disgrace, might fly The Randolph's fiercer fire. The Briton views his mangled crew — "And shall we strike to < thirty-two V " Said Hector, stain'd with gore : " Shall Britain's flag to these descend ? Rise, and the glorious conflict end : Britons ! I ask no more !" He spoke — they charged their cannon round ; Again the vaulted heavens resound ; The Randolph bore it all, 2 14 NAVAL SONGS. Then fixed her pointed cannons true : Away the unwieldy vengeance flew — Britain, thy warriors fall. The Yarmouth saw, with dire dismay, Her wounded hull — shrouds shot away — Her boldest heroes dead : She saw, amidst her floating slain, The conquering Randolph stem the main — She saw, she turn'd, and fled ! That hour, bless'd chief, had she been thine, Dear Biddle, had the powers divine Been kind as thou wert brave : But Fate, who doom'd thee to expire, Prepared an arrow, tipp'd with fire, And mark'd a watery grave ; And in that hour, when conquest came, "Wing'd at his ship a pointed flame, That not even he could shun. The battle ceased, the Yarmouth fled, The bursting Randolph ruin spread, And left her task undone ! First published in Mr. Francis Bailev's Freeman's Journal, Philadelphia, August, 1TS1. 5 OX THE MEMORABLE VICTORY Obtained by the gallant Captain John Paul Jones, of Le Bonne Homme Richard, (or Father Richard,) over the British ship of war Serapis, of forty-four guns, under the command of Captain Pearson. BY PHILIP FREXEAU. O'er the rough main, with flowing sheet, The guardian of a numerous fleet, Serapis from the Baltic came; NAVAL SONGS. 15 A ship of less tremendous force Sail'd by her side the selfsame course — Countess of Scarborough was her name. And now their native coasts appear Britannia's hills their summits rear Above the German main : Fond to suppose their dangers o'er, They southward coast along the shore, Thy waters, gentle Thames, to gain. Full forty guns Serapis bore, And Scarborough's Countess twenty-four, Mann'd with Old England's boldest tars What flag that rides the Gallic seas Shall dare attack such piles as these, Design'd for tumults and for wars 1 Now, from the topmast's giddy height, A seaman cried, " Four sail, in sight, Approach with favouring gales." Pearson, resolved to save the fleet, Stood off to sea, these ships to meet, And closely braced his shivering sails. With him advanced the Countess bold, Like a black tar in wars grown old ; And now these floating piles drew nigh: But, muse, unfold, what chief of fame In the other warlike squadron came ; Whose standards at his mast-heads fly. 'Twas Jones, brave Jones, to battle led As bold a crew as ever bled Upon the sky-surrounded main ; 16 NAVAL SONGS. The standards of the western world Were to the willing winds unfurl'd, Denying Britain's tyrant reign. The Good Man Richard led the line ; The Alliance next : with these combine The Gallic ship they Pallas call ; The Vengeance, armed with sword and flame ! These to attack the Britons, came ; But two accomplish'd all. Now Phcebus sought his pearly bed : But who can tell the scenes of dread, The horrors of that fatal night ! Close up these floating castles came : The Good Man Richard bursts in flame : Serapis trembled at the sight. She felt the fury of her ball : Down, prostrate, down the Britons fall ; The decks were strew'd with slain : Jones to the foe his vessel lash'd, And, while the black artillery flash'd, Loud thunders shook the main. Alas ! that mortals should employ Such murdering engines, to destroy That frame by heaven so nicely join'd ; Alas ! that e'er the god decreed That brother should by brother bleed, And pour'd such madness in the mind. But thou, brave Jones, no blame shalt bear ; The rights of men demand your care ; For these you dare the greedy waves. NAVAL SONGS. No tyrant, on destruction bent, Has plann'd thy conquests : thou art sent To humble tyrants and their slaves. See ! dread Serapis flames again ! And art thou, Jones, among the slain, And sunk to Neptune's caves below 1 He lives : though crowds around him fall, Still he, unhurt, survives them all ; Almost alone he rights the foe. And can your ship these strokes sustain 1 Behold your brave companions slain, All clasp'd in ocean's cold embrace ! " Strike or be sunk," the Briton cries : " Sink if you can," the chief replies, Fierce lightnings blazing in his face. Then to the side three guns he drew, (Almost deserted by his crew,) And charged them deep with wo ; By Pearson's flash he aimed hot balls ; His mainmast totters — down it falls, O'erwhelming half below. Pearson had yet disdain'd to yield, But scarce his secret fears conceal'd, And thus was heard to cry : — "With hell, not mortals, I contend : What art thou — human, or a fiend, That dost my force defy 1 "Return, my lads, the fight renew!" So call'd bold Pearson to his crew, But call'd, alas ! in vain : 2* 18 NAVAL SONGS. Some on the decks lay maim'd and dead ; Some to their deep recesses fled, And hosts were shrouded in the main. Distress'd, forsaken, and alone, He haul'd his tattered standard down, And yielded to his gallant foe ; Bold Pallas soon the Countess took — Thus both their haughty colours struck, Confessing what the brave can do. But, Jones, too dearly didst thou buy These ships, possess'd so gloriously ; Too many deaths disgraced the fray : Your bark that bore the conquering flame, That the proud Briton overcame, Even she forsook thee on thy way : For when the morn began to shine, Fatal to her — the ocean brine Pour'd through each spacious wound : Quick in the deep she disappear'd ; But Jones to friendly Belgia steerM, With conquest and with glory crown'd. Go on, great man, to scourge the foe, And bid these haughty Britons know They to our " Thirteen stars" shall bend The Stars that, clad in dark attire, Long glimmered with a feeble fire, But radiant now ascend. Bend to the Stars that, flaming, rise On western worlds, more brilliant skies, Fair Freedom's reign restored : NAVAL SONGS. 19 So, when the Magi, come from far, Beheld the god-attending star, They trembled and adored. 6 AN ODE. BY THE LATE MR. BLAUVELT, Commemorative of the deaths of Lieutenants Somers of the American navy, and his brave companions, before Tri- poli, in the summer of 1805. Commodore Preble, with a view as much as possible to harass the enemy, ordered the ketch Intrepid to be filled with materials for a destructive explosion, and gave the con- duct of her to Lieutenants Somers, Wadsworth, Israel, and a few others. Their orders were, to approach, under cover of the night, as near as they could to the town and batteries, and, after firing a train provided for that purpose, to make their escape to the fleet in boats. A premature discovery of them by the enemy, rendered it impossible for them either to reach the station which they contemplated, or to make their escape ; and these brave men, with an intrepidity almost beyond parallel, preferring death to an ignominious servitude, set fire to the train, and were blown, with their enemies, into the air. This catastrophe is made the subject of the following ode. Evenit ad deos — Aget Penna metuente solvi Faiua superste — — ibi tu calentem Debita sparges, Lachryma faviliam. Horace. Recitative. Dark is the night, and deep and lowering Hang its shadows o'er the main ; On the billow awful towering, Yonder glide the warrior train. Not a star betrays their motions, Hush'd, unseen, they hold their way 20 NAVAL SONGS. Sullen as the calm of ocean, At the lurid close of day. Lo ! the fleet with valour teeming, Dimly skirts the westward sky ; Hope and doubt alternate beaming From the war-instructed eye. Preble there, serene, presiding, Distant marks the floating death, Toward the castle darkly gliding, Aided by the breeze's breath. Air. Chief of daring! thine is glory Far beyond the reach of Fate : Slain — immortalized in story, Living — valorous and great. Thine the calm, heroic spirit, Firm to act, and bold to dare, Or to grasp the meed of merit, Or the hero's grave to share ! Recitative. Now the bark, in distance fading, Glooms beneath the turret-steep, Not a sound the ear invading, Save the murmur of the deep. Surely she has gain'd her station, Lost in distance and in gloom : 'Tis the pause of expectation — 'Tis the silence of the tomb. Warriors ! rue the gale that bore them : Rue the gloom that wrapp'd the skies NAVAL SONGS. Never shall the sun restore them To your valour-weeping eyes ! Shield them, Heaven, amid the explosion Quickly waft them from the shore. Who can bear the swift concussion 1 Who can list the sudden roar ? Recitative. See, the flash ! one moment shining, Ocean, earth, and heaven illume ! Now, again, 'tis lost — resigning Heaven, and earth, and sea to gloom. Horror all, and wild commotion — Shrieks of millions from the shore — Gleaming on the sulphurous ocean, Cannons burst with rapid roar : Atlas, trembling, hears the thunder Bellow through his shores below ; Sees his tawny sons of plunder, Frighted, fly without a foe. Air, (by the Turks.) Allah ! whence this dire undoing Rushing through the troubled air "? Save, save thy race from ruin ! Shield the faithful from despair ! Recitative. O'er the scene, at length, reposing, Wrapp'd in desolation's reign, Morn, reluctantly disclosing, Faintly gilds the eastward plain. Chorus, (by the Crew.) Rise in haste, God of splendour ! Valour bids thee swiftly rise : 22 NAVAL SONGS. Triumph to the deeds we'll render Veil'd by midnight from our eyes. Hail, the wave that, to our wishes, Proudly wafts the daring few ! Hail, the dawn that bears, propitious. Fame and Somers to his crew ! Recitative. Morning breaks — but, ah, to languish ! Lurid was the light it shed O'er the inquiring eye of anguish ; For the warrior train are fled. Air, First. Gallant warriors ! well attended Rush'd. your valour to its grave; Many a foe, convulsive rended, Grimly sank beneath the wave. Well aveng'd, ere long, you'll number Victims, weltering pale and low : Many a Turk, in icy slumbers, Soon shall knit the savage brow. Generous youths your story telling, Though a sigh suspend the breath ; Every nerve to frenzy swelling, Claims a victory from death. Air, Second. Heralds of your country's glory, Dawning on the path of time, Age shall kindle at your story, Cherish'd oft in future rhyme. For, the bard on Fame attending, Shall, enraptured by the tale, NAVAL SONGS. O'er his harp of legends bending, Give your glories to the gale. Beauty too, a wreath bestowing, Bids it flourish round your bier — Ever in remembrance glowing, Ever water'd by her tear. Air, Third. Often shall the Arab wander From his hills of sunny sand, On your deeds of fame to ponder, Circled by his listening band — " Perish'd here," he'll say, " the stranger, When the star of night was high : Like thee, Christian, braving danger, Be it mine like thee to die !" SONG On Captain Barney's victory over the ship General Monk, April 26, 1782. O'er the waste of waters cruising, Long the General Monk had reign'd ; All subduing, all reducing, None her lawless rage restrain'd. Many a brave and hearty fellow, Yielding to this warlike foe, When her guns began to bellow, Struck his humbled colours low. But, grown bold with long successes; Leaving the wide watery way, 24 NAVAL SONGS. She, a stranger to distresses, Came to cruise within Cape May. "Now we soon," said Captain Rogers, "Shall their men of commerce meet; In our hold we'll have them lodgers. We shall capture half their fleet. " Lo ! I see their van appearing — Back our topsails to the mast : They toward us full are steering With a gentle western blast. I've a list of all their cargoes, All their guns, and all their men : I am sure these modern Argos Can't escape us, one in ten. "Yonder comes the charming Sally, Sailing with the General Greene : First we'll fight the Hyder Ali : Taking her is taking them. She intends to give us battle, Bearing down with all her sail : Now, boys, let our cannon rattle ; To take her we cannot fail. " Our eighteen guns, each a nine-pounder, Soon shall terrify this foe ; We shall maul her, we shall wound her, Bringing rebel colours low." While he thus anticipated Conquests that he could not gain, He in the Cape May channel waited For the ship that caused his pain. NAVAL SONGS. Captain Barney then preparing, Thus address'd his gallant crew : — « Now, brave lads, be bold and daring, Let your hearts be firm and true ; This is a proud English cruiser, Roving up and down the main : We must fight her — must reduce her, Though our decks be strew'd with slain. " Let who will be the survivor, We must conquer or must die : We must take her up the river, Whate'er comes of you or I : Though she shows most formidable, With her eighteen pointed nines, And her quarters, clad in sable, Let us balk her proud designs. " With four nine-pounders and twelve sixes We will face that daring band ; Let no dangers damp your courage, Nothing can the brave withstand ; Fighting for your country's honour, Now to gallant deeds aspire ; Helmsman, bear us down upon her : Gunner, give the word to fire." Then, yard-arm and yard-arm meeting, Straight began the dismal fray, Cannon mouths, each other greeting, Belch'd their smoky flames away. Soon the langrage, grape, and chain-shot, That from Barney's cannons flew, Swept the Monk, and cleared each round-top, Killed and wounded half her crew. 3 26 NAVAL SONGS. Captain Rogers strove to rally : But they from their quarters fled, While the roaring Hyder Ali Covered o'er his decks with dead. When from their tops their dead men tumbled, And the streams of blood did flow, Then their proudest hopes were humbled By their brave inferior foe. All aghast, and all confounded, They beheld their champions fall ; And their captain, sorely wounded, Bade them quick for quarter call. Then the Monk's proud flag descended, And her cannon ceased to roar; By her crew no more defended, She confess'd the contest o'er. Come, brave boys, and fill your glasses, You have humbled one proud foe : No brave action this surpasses ; Fame shall tell the nations so. Thus be Britain's woes completed, Thus abridged her cruel reign, Till she, ever thus defeated, Yields the sceptre of the main. 8 TRUXTUN'S VICTORY. Constellation and L'Insurgent. — 1799, Come, all you Yankee sailors, with swords and pikes advance, 'Tis time to try your courage, boys, and humble haughty France. NA.VAL SONGS. 27 The sons of France our seas invade, Destroy our commerce and our trade: 'Tis time the reckoning should be paid To brave Yankee boys. On board the Constellation, from Baltimore we came, We had a bold commander, and Truxtun was his name : Our ship she mounted forty guns, And on the main so swiftly runs, To prove to France Columbia's sons Are brave Yankee boys. We sail'd to the West Indies, in order to annoy The invaders of our commerce, to burn, sink, and destroy. Our Constellation shone so bright The Frenchmen could not bear the sight : Away they scamper'd, in a fright, From brave Yankee boys. 'Twas on the ninth of February, at Monserrat we lay, And there we spied the Insurgent, just at the break of day. We raised the orange and the blue, To see if they the signal knew, The Constellation and her crew Of brave Yankee boys. All hands were call'd to quarters, and we pursued the chase, With well primed-guns, our tompions out, and well spliced the main brace. 28 NAVAL SONGS. Then soon to France we did draw nigh, Compell'd to fight they were, or fly : These words were pass'd, " Conquer or die," My brave Yankee boys. Loud our cannons thundered, with peals tremendous roar, And death upon our bullet's wings, that drench'd their decks in gore; The blood did from their scuppers run, Their chief exclaimed, "We are undone!" Their flag was struck, the battle won By brave Yankee boys. Then to St. Kitts we steered, we brought her safe in port; The grand salute was fired, and answered from the fort: Now sitting round the flowing bowl, With hearty glee, each jovial soul, Drink, as you fought, without control, My brave Yankee boys. Now here's a health to Truxtun, who did not fear the sight, And those brave Yankee sailors, who for their country fight: John Adams in full bumpers toast, George Washington, Columbia's boast, And now to the girls that we love most, My brave Yankee boys. NAVAL SONGS. 29 9 CONSTITUTION AND GUERRIERE— 1812. I often have been told, That the British seamen bold Could beat the tars of France, neat and handy, ; But they never found their match, Till the Yankees did them catch — For the Yankee tars for fighting are the dandy, ! 0, the Guerriere so bold, On the foaming ocean roll'd, Commanded by Dacres the grandee, ! With as choice a British crew As a rammer ever drew, They could beat the Frenchmen two to one, so handy, ! When this frigate hove in view, " 0," said Dacres to his crew, " Prepare ye for action and be handy, : On the weather-gauge we'll get her, And to make the men fight better We will give to them gunpowder and good brandy, 0." Now this boasting Briton cries, " Make that Yankee ship your prize, You can in thirty minutes do it handy, : Or in twenty-five I'm sure ; If you'll do it in a score, I'll give you a double share of good brandy, 0. When prisoners we've made them, With switchel we will treat them ; We'll welcome them with Yankee Doodle Dandy, : 3* NAVAL SONGS. 0, the British balls flew hot, But the Yankees answered not, Until they got a distance that was handy, 0. " 0," cries Hull unto his crew, " We will try what we can do : If we beat those boasting Britons we're the dandy, 0." The first broadside we pour'd Brought the mizen by the board, Which doused the royal ensign quite handy, 0. O, Dacres he did sigh, And to his officers did cry, ! I didn't think the Yankees were so handy, 0. The second told so well, That the fore and main-mast fell, That made this lofty frigate look quite dandy, 0. ! says Dacres, we're undone : So he fires a lee gun, And the drummers struck up Yankee Doodle Dandy, . W T hen Dacres came on board, To deliver up his sword, He was loth to part with it, it look'd so handy, 0. " You may keep it," says brave Hull ; " What makes you look so dull ] Cheer up and take a glass of good brandy, 0." 0, Britons now be still, Since we've hook'd you in the gill : Don't boast upon your Dacres, the grandee, 0. Come, fill your glasses full, And we'll drink to Captain Hull, And so merrily we'll push about the brandy, 0. NAVAL SONGS. 31 John Bull may toast his fill, Let the world say what it will, But the Yankee boys for fighting are the dandy, O. 10 OLD IRONSIDES ; OR, THE U. S. FRIGATE CONSTITUTION. BY WILLIAM HENRY KING. Hail ! Lion-tamer of the seas, Thrice victorious in the fight ! Long float thy starr'd flag in the breeze, Conqueror of England's might. Thou art our navy's brightest star, Our country's boast besides; What name's so dear to each brave tar, As thine, " old Ironsides?" For when our country's cause seem'd dark, And clouds portentous hung, " Broadsides of glory" from thy bark A halo round it flung. The Guerriere's and Java's red-cross'd flags Submissively came down : Dacres and Lambert — boasting brags — Thy prowess had to own. A trinal triumph has been thine, Old cruiser of the seas : Fame brightest wreaths for thee will twine, Proud victor of victories ; For sons of freedom serve thy guns, And valorous chiefs command ; NAVAL SONGS. Columbia's flag floats o'er her sons — A bold, chivalrous band. Cyanne and Levant's scuppers ran With Britain's bravest blood, "When, battling 'gainst the " rights of man," Her sons so reckless stood. But, tired at last, fired their lee gun, Resistance was in vain. Brave Stewart laurel-wreaths had won, Amid a heap of slain ! 0, may thy course be "onward" still, Thy fate be glorious yet ! The past assures us that it will : The dazzling sun's not set ! And future days again see Hull Enveloped in victory's smoke ; Thy Bainbridge conquer'd "old John Bull," And spurn' d his slavish yoke. Thou bearest the image of a chief, Whose name, and fame, like thine, Midst others stands in bold relief, And brilliantly doth shine. Brave Jackson is his country's boast, A victor in war, like thee : He vanquish'd Britain's choicest host — Great champion of Liberty ! God speed thy dashing prow among The wild surf's laving foam ! Our harps to sound thy praise are strung, When thou returnest home. NAVAL SONGS. 33 For where's the ship can boast a name So glorious on the wave 1 Thy crew's adopted sons of Fame, The bravest of the brave. 11 HALIFAX STATION.— 1812 From Halifax station a bully there came, To take or be taken, call'd Dacres by name : But 'twas who but a Yankee he met on his way — Says the Yankee to him, " Will you stop and take tea?" Then Dacres steps up, thus addressing his crew : — " Don't you see that d — d flag that is red, white, and blue? Let us drum all to quarters, prepare for to fight, For in taking that ship, boys, it will make me a knight." Then up to each mast-head he straight sent a flag, Which shows, on the ocean, a proud British brag ; But Hull, being pleasant, he sent up but one, And told every seaman to stand true to his gun. Then Hull, like a hero, before them appears, And with a short speech his sailors he cheers, Saying, " We'll batter their sides, and we'll do the neat thing : We'll conquer their bully, and laugh at their king." Then we off with our hats and gave him a cheer, Swore we'd stick by brave Hull, while a seaman could steer ; 34 NAVAL SONGS. And at it we went with mutual delight, For to fight and to conquer's a sailor's free right. Then we crowded all sail, and we ran alongside, And we wellfed our bull-dogs with true Yankee pride . 'Twas broadside for broadside we on them did pour, While cannon's loud mouths at each other did roar. Says Dacres, "Fight on, and we'll have her in tow, We will drink to Great Britain, and the cans they shall flow ; So strike, you d — d Yankee, I'll make you with ease :" But the man they call Hull, says, " no, if you please." Then Dacres wore ship, expecting to rake ; But quite in a hurry, found out his mistake; For we luff'd. round his bow, boys, and caught his jib-boom, And, in raking them aft, we soon gave him his doom. Then Dacres look'd wild, and then sheath'd his sword, When he found that his masts were all gone by the board, And dropping astern cries out to the steward, " Come up and be d — d, fire a gun to the leeward." Then we off with our hats, and we gave them three cheers, Which bitterly stung all those Englishmen's ears ; Saying, " We'll fight for our couniry, do all things that's right, And let the world know, that green Yankees can fight." NAVAL SONGS. 35 12 CONSTITUTION AND GUERRIERE. Tune — "Derry down." " By the trident of Neptune," brave Hull cried, " let's steer, It points out the track of the bullying Guerriere : Should we meet her, brave boys, ' Seamen's rights' be the cry : We fight to defend them, to live free or die." The famed Constitution through the billows now flew, While the spray to the tars was refreshing as dew, To quicken the sense of the insult they felt, In the boast of the Guerriere's not being the ' Belt.' Each patriot bosom now throbb'd with delight, When, joyful, the cry was, "A sail is in sight!" "Three cheers !" cried the captain : "my lads, 'tis the foe; British pride shall be this day by Yankees laid low." Behold now the Guerriere, of Britain the boast, Her topsails aback, and each tar to his post: While Dacres a flag did display from each mast, To show that, as Britons, they'd fight to the last. The American stars now aloft were unfurl'd, With her stripes to the mizen-peak; a proof to the world, That howe'er British pride might bluster or fret, The sun of her glory should that day be set. Now, primed with ambition, her guns loaded full, The Guerriere's broadsides roar'd tremendous at Hull; Not only the hero, ship, and crew to annoy, But the Hull of our freedom, our rights to destroy. 36 NAVAL SONGS. As the brave Constitution her seamen drew nigh, Each heart beat with valour, joy glisten'd each eye; While Hull, whose brave bosom with glory did swel , Cried, " Free trade — Seamen's rights ! now let even- shot tell." Quick as lightning, and fatal as its dreaded power, Destruction and death on the Guerriere did shower, While the groans of the dying were heard in the blast. The word was, " Take aim, boys, away with her mast." The genius of Britain will long rue this day. The Guerriere's a wreck in the trough of the sea : Her laurels are wither'd, her boasting is done; Submissive — to leeward she fires her last gun. Now brilliant the stars of America shine, Fame, honour, and glory, brave Hull, they are thine ; You have Neptune amazed, caused Britain to weep. While Yankees triumphantly sail o'er the deep. The sea, like the air, by great Nature's decree, Was given in common, and shall ever be free : But if Ocean's a turnpike, where Britain keeps toll, Hull, Jones, and Decatur will pay for the whole. 13 ON THE CAPTURE OF THE GUERRIERE, Captain Dacres, August 19, 1812, by the American frigate Constitution, Captain Hull. AN IRREGULAR ODE. Long, the tyrant of our coast, Reign'd the famous Guerriere; Our little navy she defied, Public ship and privateer : NAVAL SONGS. 37 On her sails, in letters red, To our captains were display 'd Words of warning, words of dread, " All who meet me, have a care ! I am England's Guerriere."* On the wide Atlantic deep (Not her equal for the fight) The Constitution, on her way, Chanced to meet these men of might On her sails was nothing said : But her waist the teeth display'd That a deal of blood could shed ; Which, if she would venture near, Would stain the decks of the Guerriere. Now our gallant ship they met — And, to struggle with John Bull — Who had come, they little thought, Strangers, yet, to Isaac Hull ; Better, soon, to be acquainted, Isaac hail'd the Lord's anointed — While the crew the cannon pointed, And the balls were so directed With a blaze so unexpected ; Isaac did so maul and rake her, That the decks of Captain Dacre Were in such a woful pickle, As if death, with scythe and sickle, With his sling or with his shaft Had cut his harvest fore and aft. * Female Warrior, or Amazon. 4 NAVAL SONGS. Thus, in thirty minutes, ended Mischiefs that could not be mended : Masts, and yards, and ship descended, All to David Jones's locker — Such a ship in such a pucker ! Drink about to the Constitution ! She perform'd some execution, Did some share of retribution For the insults of the year When she took the Guerriere. May success again await her, Let who will again command her, Bainbridge, Rodgers, or Decatur : Nothing like her can withstand her With a crew like that on board her Who so boldly call'd " to order" One bold crew of English sailors, Long, too long, our seamen's jailors — Dacres and the Guerriere ! 14 CONSTITUTION AND GUERRIERE. A naval victory, obtained by the American frigate Consti- tution, Captain Hull, over his Britannic majesty's frigate Guerriere, of forty-nine guns, Captain Dacres. Tune— "Tally Ho." Ye tars of Columbia! who seek on the main Redress for the wrongs which your brothers sustain ; Cheer up and be merry, for Mr. John Bull Has got a sound drubbing from brave Captain Hull. Sing, smithero, didero, smithero whack, Let an enemy come, and we'll trundle him back; NAVAL SONGS. 39 While the lads of the ocean shall tell the proud elf, He may " Go to the devil and shake himself." The bold Constitution, a ship of some fame — Sure each jolly sailor remembers her name — On the nineteenth of August o'ertook the Guerriere, A frigate once captured by John from Monsieur. Sing, smithero, &c. At five, post meridian, the action begun, For she found 'twas in vain any longer to run, So back'd her maintopsail, prepared for the fray, As a stag, when he's hunted, will oft stand at bay. Sing, smithero, &c. Our drum beat to quarters, each jolly tar hears, And hail'd the glad signal with three hearty cheers : All eager for glory, to quarters we fly, Resolved for to conquer, or bravely to die. Sing, smithero, &c. Proud Dacres commanded the enemy's ship, Who often has sworn every Yankee to whip ; Who has always boasted, "'twould be his delight, To meet an American frigate in fight." Sing, smithero, &c. This boasting commander his crew now address'd, (Which was partly composed of Americans "press'd,") Says he, "My brave lads, now our wish is fulfill'd, For 'tis better to capture a ship than to build. Sing, smithero, &c. " And you who are tired of our boatswain's mate's whip, And wish to return to some d d Yankee ship, 40 NAVAL SONGS. Twenty minutes, or less, of our fierce British fire Will gain me their ship, and you your desire." Sing, smithero, &c. Then at it they went, in a deluge of fire, Each party too stubborn an inch to retire : Balls, grape-shot, and langrage promiscuously fly, W T hile the thunder of cannon shakes ocean and sky. Sing, smithero, &c. At a quarter past six, Yankee shot told so well, The enemy's mizenmast totter'd and fell : While, eager to board him, the order we wait, His foremast and mainmast both shared the same fate. Sing, smithero, &c. Our cabin had now from his guns taken fire, Yet danger but kindled our courage the higher : 'Twas quickly extinguish'd, while Dacres' lee gun Proclaimed his ship ours, and the bloody fight done. Sing, smithero, &c. Our prize we then boarded, all arm'd, in a boat, But found her so riddled she'd scarce keep afloat: Fifteen of her seamen lay dead in their gore, Where, wounded and groaning, lay sixty-four more. Sing, smithero, &c. Our loss was but seven, who died in the cause Of liberty, glory, religion, and laws ; While the like little number will bear to their grave Indisputable marks that the Yankees are brave. Sing, smithero, &c. Now finding our prize lay along on the main, A wreck that ne'er could be refitted again, NAVAL SONGS. 41 We took out the prisoners, then set her on fire, And soon put an end to the famous Guerriere. Sing, smithero, &c. Now fill up your glasses, my lads, to the brim, And toast noble Hull till in toddy you swim : Here's a health to that hero, and all his ship's crew, For a braver commander no navy e'er knew. Sing, smithero, &c. 15 THE CONSTITUTION. It is said that the following Song was written by an American gentleman at St. Bartholomews- Tune— "The Arethusa." Columbia's sons, prepare, unite, Now for your country's freedom fight, And with your sword maintain her right, 'Gainst pride and persecution; And while you scourge our haughty foes, I'll sing the martial deeds of those, Whose metal tried, Soon lower'd the pride Of Dacres, who brave Hull defied, On board the Constitution. Nineteenth of August, half past two, And past meridian, came in view The Guerriere frigate, with her crew, All fired with resolution : The boasting chieftain bent his course, Resolved to put his threats in force, 4* NAVAL SONGS. And with his guns, Subdue the sons Of Yankees, who no danger shuns, On board the Constitution. Our gallant ship now swiftly flies, And every man his gun supplies, While our commander cheerly cries, " Evince your resolution." With ardour each to action springs, Whilst with three cheers the welkin rings ; Our foes, amazed, With wonder gazed, To see Columbia's standard raised On board the Constitution. The Guerriere's balls flew thick and hot Around us, which we answer'd not, But steer'd till within pistol shot, Resolved on execution. Our first broadside like thunder roar'd And brought her mizzen by the board ; Her mainmast too, And foremast flew In pieces, while our jovial crew Huzza'd the Constitution. When Dacres first received this check, And saw the Guerriere a wreck, Himself a prisoner on the deck, His ship's crew in confusion — Perceived the Yankee boys on board, With grief beheld the union lower'd : NAVAL SONGS. 43 All hope now fled, He, sighing, said, The god of war to victory led The frigate Constitution. This Briton oft had made his boast, He'd with his crew, a chosen host, Pour fell destruction round our coast, And work a revolution ; Urged by his pride, a challenge sent, Bold Rodgers, in the President, Wishing to meet Him tete-a-tete, Or one his equal from our fleet — Such was the Constitution. Columbia's sons ! each jovial soul "Whose glowing breast contemns control, Rejoice around the sparkling bowl, While wine flows in profusion : First Washington — our country's boast ; The Congress next, shall be our toast, One third is due Brave Hull and crew; Then all who hold our rights in view, And guard the Constitution. 16 THE CONSTITUTION AND GUERRIERE. A sail ! all hands ! the boatswain pipes, And, instant, at the signal sound, Beneath the waving stars and stripes Each sailor at his post is found. 44 NAVAL SONGS. Due south, close haul'd, in trim array, A gallant frigate's on our lee — She hoists her flag — my hearts, huzza ! Huzza ! the English ensign see. O'er all the crew, with heart elate, Our captain glanced his eagle eye, And saw each tar impatient wait, To meet the veteran enemy. And see ! with topsail to the mast, The foe destructive fires prepare, As ship to ship, approaching fast, All calm and silent, down we bear. But when yard-arm and yard-arm met, Our cannon swept his decks amain, In vain that boasted flag he set, Which long had awed the subject main. In vain to every mast he nails That flag; for, carried by the deck, Like shatter'd oaks in wintry gales, Each, crashing, falls — a lumbering wreck. No Frenchmen now the conflict wage — The Briton finds another foe; And learns, amidst the battle's rage, Columbia's hearts and hands to know. What shall the desperate chieftain do? Around, his bravest men expire ! No hope is left ! he speaks — his crew A leeward gun, reluctant, fire. NAVAL SONGS. 45 Columbia ! from your fatal sleep Arise, your tars, your "rights to save! Thus guard their freedom on the deep : Thus claim your empire on the wave. 17 HULL'S VICTORY. O'er the trident of Neptune, Britannia had boasted, Her flag long triumphantly flew, Her fleet, undisturb'd, round America coasted, Till Hull taught the foe what our seamen could do. Let the trumpet of fame tell the story, And our tars give to honour and glory. Hark ! hark ! how the cannon like thunder does rattle ! Our hero's quite cool in the uproar of battle. See the bold Constitution the Guerriere o'ertaking, While seas from her fury divide, The all-conquering foe, boys, our thunder is raking — See ! her mizenmast falls in the deep o'er her side. See ! her hull now our bullets are boring, The blood from her scuppers is pouring ! See! see! she's aboard — shall we yield, boys'? — no never : We'll fight for our rights on the ocean forever. Brave Hull gave the order for boarding, but, wonder, By the board main and foremast both go ; A lee-gun proclaims she submits to our thunder, Which drowns the vain boast of our now humble foe ; Huzza now the conquest proclaiming, Our tars see the Guerriere flaming. 46 NAVAL SONGS. See! see ! as she burns sinks the battle's commotion, She blows up and scatters her hull on the ocean. With equal force let Britannia send out her whole navy, Our seamen in bondage to drag, Our heroes will send them express to old Davy, And conquer or die in defence of their flag. Let the trumpet of Fame tell the story, And our tars give to honour and glory : Death ! death ! they'll prefer, e'er from danger they sever : Then glory to Hull and our navy forever. 18 THE FRIGATE CONSTITUTION A new song, sung before the Corporation of the citv of New York, the Fourth of July, 1815. BY FRANCIS ARDEN, ESQ. Tune — "Maggy Lauder." Argo of Greece, that brought the fleece To the Thessalian city, As we are told, by bards of old, Was sung in many a ditty. But Yankees claim a prouder name To spur their resolution, Than Greece could boast, and do her most — The frigate Constitution. When first she press'd the stream's cool breast, Hope hail'd her pride of story; Now she o'erpays Hope's flattering praise, By matchless deeds of glory. NAVAL SONGS. Of all that roam the salt sea's foam, None floats to Neptune dearer, Or fairer shines in Fame's bright lines, Or more makes Britain fear her. 'Neath Hull's command, with a tough band, And naught beside to back her, Upon a day, as log-books say, A fleet bore down to thwack her. A fleet, you know, is odds, or so, Against a single ship, sirs : So, cross the tide, her legs she tried, And gave the rogues the slip, sirs. But time flies round, and soon she found, While ploughing ocean's acres, An even chance to join the dance, And turn, keel up, poor Dacres. Dacres, 'tis clear, despises fear — ■ Quite full of fun and prank is — Hoists his ship's name in playful game, Aloft, to scare the Yankees. On Brazil's coast she ruled the roast, When Bainbridge was her captain : Neat hammocks gave, made of the wave, Dead Britons to be wrapp'd in : For there, in ire, midst smoke and fire, Her boys the Java met, sirs ; And in the fray, her Yankee play Tipp'd Bull a somerset, sirs. Next, on her deck, at Fortune's beck, The dauntless Stewart landed : 48 NAVAL SONGS. A better tar ne'er shone in war, Or daring souls commanded. Old Ironsides, now once more rides, In search of English cruizers; And Neptune grins to see her twins, Got in an hour or two, sirs. Then raise amain, the joyful strain, For well she has deserved it, Who brought the foe so often low, Cheer'd freedom's heart, and nerved it; Long may she ride, our navy's pride, And spur to resolution ; And seamen boast, and landsmen toast, The "Frigate Constitution.'* 19 CONSTITUTION AND JAVA. A new song, upon the victory obtained by the American frigate Constitution, over the British frigate Java. Tune— "Five la!" Yankee tars, come join the chorus, Shout aloud the patriot strain ; Freedom's flag, again victorious, Floats triumphant o'er the main. Hail the gallant Constitution : Hull immortalized her name, Bainbridge, round it, in profusion, Pours the golden blaze of fame. Scarce had Fame her Hull rewarded, Ere intrepid Bainbridge rose, NAVAL SONGS. Eager, while the world applauded, To subdue his country's foes. Hail, the gallant Constitution, &c. Hull, on board the Constitution, Sunk his foe beneath the flood ; Fired with equal resolution, Bainbridge sought the scene of blood. Hail, the gallant Constitution, &c. Lambert met him in the Java, Fierce the hot contention rose : Like the streams of Etna's lava, Fell our vengeance on the foes. Hail, the gallant Constitution, &c. Neptune shunn'd the fierce commotion, Saw his realm with carnage spread — Saw our fire consume the ocean, Cover'd with the floating dead. Hail, the gallant Constitution, &c. Twice had Time his glass inverted, While the strife deform'd the flood ; Ere the fiend of death, diverted, Ceased to glut on human blood. Hail, the gallant Constitution, &c. See, our foe, upon the billow, Floats, a wreck, without a spar ! Lowly lies, on ocean's pillow, Many a brave and gallant tar. Hail, the gallant Constitution, &c. Hark! his lee-gun speaks submission; Bid our vengeful tars forbear : 5 50 NAVAL SONGS. Mercy views the foe's condition, Sees a bleeding brother there. Hail, the gallant Constitution, &c. Man the boats! the foe, confounded, Yields to our superior fire; Board the prize ! relieve the wounded ! Ere in anguish they expire. Hail, the gallant Constitution, &c. Ah ! the fight was hard contested, Groaning there, a hundred bleed : Sixty-nine has death arrested, From their floating prisons freed. Hail, the gallant Constitution, &c. Clear the wreck ! she cannot swim, boys ; See ! she follows the Guerriere ! Now your cans fill to the brim, boys : Sing our navy's bright career. Hail, the gallant Constitution, &c. Toast the heroes famed in story — Hull, Decatur, Rodgers, Jones : Bainbridge, chief in naval glory, Smiling Freedom joyful owns. Hail, the gallant Constitution, &c. 20 THE BATTLE OF VALPARAISO. Proeliis audax, neque te silebo. — Hot. From the laurel's fairest bough, Let the muse her garland twine, To adorn our Porter's brow, Who, beyond the burning line, NAVAL SONGS. 51 Led his caravan of tars o'er the tide. To the pilgrims fill the bowl, Who, around the southern pole, Saw new constellations roll, For their guide. » Heave the topmast from the board, And our ship for action clear, By the cannon and the sword, We will die or conquer here. The foe, of twice our force, nears us fast : To your posts, my faithful tars ! Mind your rigging, guns, and spars, And defend your stripes and stars To the last." At the captain's bold command, Flew each sailor to his gun, And resolved he there would stand, Though the odds was two to one, To defend his flag and ship with his life : High on every mast display'd, " God, Our Country, and Free Trade." E'en the bravest braver made For the strife. Fierce the storm of battle pours: But, unmoved as ocean's rock, When the tempest round it roars, Every seaman breasts the shock, Boldly stepping where his brave messmates fall. O'er his head, full oft and loud, Like the vulture in a cloud, As it cuts the twanging shroud, Screams the ball. 52 NAVAL SONGS. Before the siroc blast From its iron caverns driven, Drops the sear'd and shiver'd mast, By the bolt of battle riven, And higher heaps the ruin of the deck — As the sailor, bleeding, dies, To his comrades lifts his eyes, " Let our flag still wave," he cries, O'er the wreck. In echo to the sponge, Hark ! along the silent lee, Oft is heard the solemn plunge, In the bosom of the sea. 'Tis not the sullen plunge of the dead, But the self-devoted tar, Who, to grace the victor's car, Scorns from home and friends afar To be led. Long live the gallant crew Who survived that day of blood : And may fortune soon renew Equal battle on the flood. Long live the glorious names of the brave O'er these martyrs of the deep, Oft the roving tar shall weep, Crying, " Sweetly may they sleep 'Neath the wave." NAVAL SONGS. 53 21 THE OCEAN-FIGHT. The nocturnal engagement between the Wasp and Avon , gave rise to this poem. The sun had sunk beneath the west, When two proud barks to battle press'd, With swelling sail and streamers dress'd, So gallantly. Proud Britain's pennon flouts the skies : Columbia's flag more proudly flies, Her emblem stars of victories, Beam gloriously. Sol's lingering rays, through vapours shed, Have streak'd the sky of bloody red, And now the ensanguined lustre spread Heaven's canopy. Dread prelude to that awful night When Britain's and Columbia's might Join'd in the fierce and bloody fight Hard rivalry. Now, lowering o'er the stormy deep, Dank, sable clouds more threatening sweep: Yet still the barks their courses keep Unerringly. The northern gales more fiercely blow, The white foam dashing o'er the prow; The starry crescent round each bow Beams vividly. 5* 54 NAVAL SONGS. Near and more near the war-ships ride, Till, ranged for battle, side by side, Each warrior's heart beats high with pride Of chivalry. To see brave warriors round each gun, While thoughts on home and carnage run, Stand silently. As death-like stillness reigns around, Nature seems wrapp'd in peace profound, Ere fires, volcanic, mountain bound, Burst furiously. So, bursting from Columbia's prow, Her thunder on the red-cross foe, The lurid cloud's sulphuric glow Glares awfully. Re-echoing peals more fiercely roar, Britannia's shatter'd sides run gore, The foaming waves that raged before, Sink, tremulous. Columbia's last sulphuric blaze, That lights her stripes and starry rays, The vanquished red-cross flag betrays, Struck fearfully. And, hark ! their piercing shrieks of wo! Haste, haste and save the sinking foe : Haste, e'er their wreck to bottom go, Brave conquerors. NAVAL SONGS. 55 Now, honour to the warriors brave, "Whose field of fame, the mountain wave, Their corses bear to ocean's cave, Their sepulchre. Their country's paeans swell their praise ; And whilst the warm tear, gushing-, strays, Full many a bard shall chant his lays, Their requiem. 22 BATTLE— A NAVAL ODE.— 1815. Of Columbia in her might, Sing again of naval war, "When, in fierce and bloody fight, Our gallant, favour'd tar, Brave Biddle, met the foe on the wave : Then thrice Brazilian shore Heard her guns triumphant roar, And its waves drank deep of gore Of the brave. 'Twas March the twenty-third When the Hornet's eager crew The cheering signal heard, And the word as lightning flew, When the seaman, from aloft, cried, " a sail Then glanced each stripe and star As, on board, each dauntless tar Gave three cheers, that floated far On the gale. Now steady gales from west Proudly swell'd the crowded sails, 56 NAVAL SONGS. And glow'd each warrior's breast, While through the ship prevails Deep silence, like the sleep of the dead — Save, at intervals, is heard, The captain's mandate word, " Keep her steady, thus aboard, Mind her head !" Ranged broadside to broadside, For the close decisive fight, Waved the St. George in its pride : But our victor stars, more bright, Beam'd defiance to the might of the foe : Soon their shouts that swell the gale, Shall be changed to sounds of wail, And their " meteor-flag" wane pale In their wo. Then fore and aft each gun O'er and o'er its thunders peal'd, Till the war-clouds veil'd the sun, And each gallant ship conceal'd. Yet o'er the deep the battle loudly roar'd : Now another broadside given As by lightning-blast of heaven, The Briton's mast is riven By the board. Now yard and yard engaged, O'er the Penguin havoc spread; Yet the battle fiercely raged Till her deck was strew'd with dead : And as the swelling ocean made her heel, By sulphureous blaze reveal'd, NAVAL SONGS. 57 As each thundering broadside peal'd, The shatter'd Red-cross reel'd On her keel. Then sunk Britannia's pride ; Waved her haughty flag no more; But, o'er the troubled tide, The proud Britons aid implore, And quarters from the valiant victors crave. Ceased the fierce and bloody fray, And the dun clouds roll'd away, When, a wreck, the Briton lay On the wave. Now laud we that good Power Who our gallant hero saved, When danger's darkest hour On the deck of fame he braved, And the victor's eagle perch'd upon his crest — And the fame shall spread afar Of each true patriot tar Who has triumph'd 'neath the star Of the west ! 23 ENTERPRISE AND BOXER.— 1813. Again Columbia's stripes, unfurl'd, Have testified before the world, How brave are those who wear 'em ; The foe has now been taught again His streamers cannot shade the main While Yankees live to share 'em. 58 NAVAL SONGS. Huzza ! once more for Yankee skill ! The brave are very generous still, Bat teach the foes submission : Now twice three times his flag we've gain'd, And more, much more, can be obtain'd Upon the same condition. The gallant Enterprise her name, A vessel erst of little fame, Had sail'd and caught the foe, sirs; 'Twas hers the glory and the gain, To meet the Boxer on the main, And bring her home in tow, sirs. Huzza ! once more for Yankee skill, &c Fierce lightnings gleam and thunders roar, While round and grape in torrents pour, And echo through the skies, sirs; When minutes forty-five had flown, Behold the Briton's colours down ! — She's yielded up a prize, sirs. Huzza ! once more for Yankee skill, &c. The victory gain'd, we count the cost, We mourn, indeed, a hero lost! Who nobly fell, we know, sirs ; But Burrows, we with Lawrence find, Has left a living name behind, Much honour'd by the foe, sirs. Huzza ! once more for Yankee skill, &c. Arid while we notice deeds of fame, In which the gallant honours claim ; As heroes of our story, NAVAL SONGS. 59 The name of Blyth a meed demands, Whose tomb is deck'd by freemen's hands, Who well deserve the glory. Huzza! once more for Yankee skill, &c. Then, while we fill the sparkling- glass, And cause it cheerly round to pass, In social hours assembled ; Be Hull, Decatur, Bainbridge, Jones, Lawrence and Burrows — Victory's sons, With gratitude remember'd. Huzza ! once more for Yankee skill, &c. 24 HORNET AND PEACOCK.— 1813. Ye Demo's, attend, and ye Federals, too ; I'll sing you a song that you all know is true, Concerning the Hornet, true stuff, I'll be bail ; That humbled the Peacock, and lower'd her tail. Sing hubber, 0, hubber, cries old Granny Weal, The Hornet can tickle the British bird's tail ; Her stings are all sharp, and they'll pierce without fail, Success to our navy, cries old Granny Weal. This bird it was bred in the land of King George, Her feathers were fine, her tail very large ; She spread forth her wings, like a ship in full sail, And prided herself in the size of her tail. Sing hubber, &c. King George then says, " To America go, The Hornet — the Wasp is the British king's foe ; 60 NAVAL SONGS. Pick them up, my dear bird, spread your wings to the gale, But beware of those insects," cries old Granny Weal. Sing hubber, &c. Away flew this bird at the word of command, Her flight was directed to Freedom's own land ; The Hornet discover'd her wings on the sail, And quickly determined to tickle her tail. Sing hubber, &c. So at it they went, it was both pick and sting, The Hornet still working keen under her wing ; "American insects," quoth she, " I'll be bail, Will humble the king-bird, and tickle her tail." Sing hubber, &c. The Peacock now mortally under her wing, Did feel the full force of the Hornet's sharp sting ; She flatten'd her crest like a shoal on the wail, Sunk down by her side, and lower'd her tail. Sing hubber, &c. Here's success to brave Lawrence, who well knew the nest, Where the Hornet and Wasp with honour still rest, We'll send them with force, and with skill, I'll be bail, Will humble King George, and tickle his tail. Singf hubber, &c. 25 THE GENERAL ARMSTRONG— 1814. Come, all you sons of Liberty, that to the seas belong, It's worth your whole attention to listen to my song ; NAVAL SONGS. 61 The history of a privateer I will detail in full, That fought a » six-and-thirty " belonging to John Bull. The General Armstrong she is called, and sailed from New York, With all our hearts undaunted, once more to try our luck ; She was a noble vessel, a privateer of fame : She had a brave commander, George Champlin was his name. We stood unto the eastward, all with a favouring gale, In longitude of fifty we spied a lofty sail : Our mainsail being lower'd and foresail to repair, Our squaresail being set, my boys, the wind it proved fair. We very soon perceived the lofty ship to be Bearing down upon us while we lay under her lee; All hands we call'd, and sail did make, then spliced the main-brace, Night coming on, we sail'd so fast, she soon gave up the chase. Then to Barbadoes we were bound, our course so well did steer ; We cruised there for several days, and nothing did appear : 'Twas on the 11th of March, to windward of Surinam, We spied a lofty ship, my boys, at anchor near the land ; All hands we call'd to quarters, and down upon her bore, Thinking 'twas some merchant-ship then lying near the shore. 62 NAVAL SONGS. She quickly weighed anchor and from us did steer, And setting her top-gallant sail as if she did us fear, But soon we were alongside of her, and gave her a gun, Determined to fight, my boys, and not from her to run. We hoisted up the bloody flag and down upon her bore. If she did not strike, my boys, no quarters we would show her; Each man a brace of pistols, a boarding-pike and sword, We'll give her a broadside, my boys, before we do her board. All hands at their quarters lay, until we came along- side, And gave them three hearty cheers, their British cou- rage tried. The lower ports she had shut in, the Armstrong to decoy, But quickly she her ports did show, to daunt each Yankee boy. The first broadside we gave them true, their colours shot away, Their topsail, haulyards, mizen rigging, main and mizen stay, Two ports we did knock into one, his starboard quarter tore, They overboard their wounded flung, while cannons loud did roar. She wore directly round, my boys, and piped all hands on deck, For fear that we would board and serve a Yankee trick ; NAVAL SONGS. 63 To board a six-and-thirty it was in vain to try, While the grape, round, and langrage, like hailstones they did fly. Brave Champlin on the quarter-deck so nobly gave command : " Fight on, my brave Americans, dismast her if you can." The round, grape, and star-shot so well did play, A musket-ball from the maintop brave Champlin low did lay. His wound was quickly dress'd, while he in his cabin lay; The doctor, while attending, these words he heard him say, " Our Yankee flag shall flourish," our noble captain cried, " Before that we do strike, my boys, we'll sink along- side." She was a six-and-thirty, and mounted forty-two, We foaght her four glasses, what more then could we do; Till six brave seamen we had kill'd, which grieved us full sore, And thirteen more wounded lay bleeding in their gore. Our foremast being wounded, and bowsprit likewise; Our lower rigging fore and aft, and headstay beside; Our haulyards, braces, bowling, and foretop sheet also, We found we could not fight her, boys, so from hei we did go. Our foremast proving dangerous, we could not carry sail, Although we had it fish'd and welded with a chain; 64 NAVAL SONGS. It grieved us to the heart to put up with such abuse, For this damn'd English frigate has surely spoil'd our course. Here's success attend brave Champlin, his officers and men, That fought with courage keen, my boys, our lives to defend ; We fought with much superior force, what could we do more? Then haul'd our wind and stood again for Freedom's happy shore. 26 THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.— 1813. " To clear the lake of Perry's fleet, And make his flag his winding-sheet, This is my object, I repeat," Said Barclay, flush'd with native pride, To some who serve the British crown; But they, who dwell beyond the moon, Heard this bold menace, with a frown, Nor the rash sentence ratified. And royal smiles had so combined With skill, to act the part assign'd, He for no contest cared a straw ; The ocean was too narrow far To be the seat of naval war ; He wanted lakes, and room to spare, And all to yield to Britain's law. NAVAL SONGS. 65 And thus he made a sad mistake ; Forsooth he must possess the lake, As merely made for England's sake, To play her pranks and rule the roast; Where she might govern uncontroll'd, An unmolested empire hold, And keep a fleet to fish up gold, To pay the troops of George Prevost. The ships approach'd, of either side, And Erie, on his bosom wide, Beheld two hostile navies ride, Each for the combat well prepared : The lake was smooth, the sky was clear, The martial drum had banish'd fear, And death and danger hover'd near, Though both were held in disregard. From lofty heights their colours flew, And Britain's standard, all in view, With frantic valour fired the crew That mann'd the guns of Queen Charlotte. "And we must Perry's squadron take, And England shall command the lake ; And you must fight for Britain's sake," Said Barclay: "sailors, will you not?" Assent they gave with heart and hand ; For never yet a braver band To fight a ship, forsook the land, Than Barclay had on board that day ; The guns were loosed the game to win, Their muzzles gaped a dismal grin, And out they pull'd their tompion-pin, The bloody game of war to play. 6* 66 NAVAL SONGS. But Perry soon with flowing sail Advanced, determined to prevail When from his bull-dogs flew the hail, Directed full at Queen Charlotte. His wadded guns were aim'd so true, And such a weight of ball they threw, As, Barclay said, he never knew To come, before, so scalding hot ! But still, to animate his men, From gun to gun the warrior ran, And blazed away and blazed again, Till Perry's ship was half a wreck: They tore away both tack and sheet; Their victory might have been complete Had Perry not, to shun defeat, In lucky moment left his deck. Repairing to another post, From another ship he fought their host, And soon regain'd the fortune lost, And down his flag the Briton tore : With loss of arm and loss of blood Indignant, on his decks he stood To witness Erie's crimson flood, For miles around him, stain'd with gore ! Thus, for dominion of the lake, These captains did each other rake, And many a widow did they make; W T hose is the fault, or who to blame 1 The Briton challenged with his sword, The Yankee took him at his word, With spirit laid him close on board, They're ours — he said — and closed the game. NAVAL SONGS. 67 27 JOHNNY BULL'S BIG GUNS. Tune — "Shamrock so green." Sure, have you not heard of that pesky John Bull, "Who eternally quarrels and acts like a fool, With his big guns and rockets, and pumpkin-shell bombs 1 The prints they all tell us, you know they won't lie, They 'press'd all our seamen, gave no reason why ; Took all the fine vessels our carpenters made, And they scared us so deucedly that no one dare trade, With their big guns and rockets and pumpkin-shell bombs. Our Jemmy he bore it, though grit to the bone. Saying, " You'd better be easy, and let us alone, With your big guns and rockets and pumpkin-shell bombs. Why, what in the world do you mean by this fuss 1 We don't trouble you, why put upon us 1 You had better be easy, and mind what you're about, Or a slap in your blubber-chops will make you look out, With your big guns and rockets and pumpkin-shell bombs." Then at it we went, as they gave us no peace, And we flogg'd them a dozen times, sleek, sir, as grease, With our long guns and muskets and pumpkin-shell bombs. A twelvemonth ago you got nicely beat; On some tarnal big pond, Perry took your whole fleet, 68 NAVAL SONGS. And then on another pond, not quite so big, M'Donough has run you another such rig, With his long guns and muskets and pumpkin-shell bombs. And now, as I said, 'twas a year and a day Since Perry he show'd you such true Yankee play, With his long guns and muskets and pumpkin-shell bombs. That famous M'Donough poked into your muns, W T hat you could not swallow, right out of our guns; Gave your whole fleet a whipping and caused them to strike, And I guess that's a joke that you did not much like, With your big guns and rockets and pumpkin-shell bombs. Why can't you be easy and let us alone 1 We Yankees want nothing but what is our own, With our long guns and muskets and pumpkin-shell bombs. We have rusty old muskets and bayonets enough, And our dads had a chance of trying their stuff; They fought like Old Nick for our freedom and fame, And d n the mean coward that won't do the same, With his long guns and muskets and pumpkin-shell bombs. At length Johnny Bull he got tired of such fun, And concluded 'twas best to pack up and run With his big guns and rockets and pumpkin-shell bombs. If he comes here again on another such game, He'll find that the Yankees are still the same ; NAVAL SONGS. 69 They'll kick him, and cuff him, and knock him about, That he'll scarcely be able to get out of port, With his big guns and rockets and pumpkin-shell bombs. 28 PERRY'S VICTORY ON LAKE ERIE 1813. From hill-tops to valleys, where rush'd the rude foun- tain, Reverb'rating echo descends to the plain ; A messenger sent by the maid of the mountain, To hail her brave children, her sons on the main. She flies, and the caves utter forth their devotion, The forest in silence reclines on the air, She waits by the side of a hill-border'd ocean, And greets thus those heroes, who won laurels there. Rejoice, O, my heart, it is time to make merry ; For each, in his turn, has had at Britain a blow : The last, though not least, is the name of our Perry, Who lately has swept from the ocean the foe. By Maiden protected, the union was soaring, On Erie a visit she durst not to make, Until a ground in Superior, the fleet slipp'd her mooring, Thus Perry was posted, who watch'd on the lake. Six boats trimm'd for battle, the red cross displaying, Commanded by Barclay, with wings wide out- spread ; Forsook her strong-hold, on broad Erie a straying, To meet with the foe she so lately did dread. But Perry in union Jack joyfully greeting, Address'd thus his tars, who, impatient, stood by : 70 NAVAL SONGS. My boys, they have come ! let us welcome the meeting ! Remember we conquer — we conquer or die. The stripes and the stars on our banners were waving ; The eagle was perch'd in the noon-beaming sun : The battle ten minutes at us had been raging, E'er Perry thought proper to give them a gun; Then, like a strong lion disturb'd in his quarters, Destruction and carnage from slumber arose ; And death, in a flame, walk'd abroad on the waters, In council deciding the fates of the foes. Their dooms were promulged in the voice of the thunder: The flash and the sword did enforce the decree; Astonishment stood, with his eyes stretch'd in wonder, To witness the will of the almighty three. Half-hid in the smoke the fleets were contending, The jaws pour'd fire, whilst the wide waters shake : " My tars, we have conquer'd ! see the union de- scending, The eagle, triumphant, shall soar on the lake." Here's success to the name that shall long live in story, It is Perry who pleads with such force for our rights ; His manners won art, whilst his valour won glory — Now pledge him a brother, approved by the fight. Whilst Perry, in conquest, so modestly glowing, May Yankee tars ever receive their renown : And now, whilst in bumpers we have honours that's flowing, Remember, the union we conquer'd came down. NAVAL SONGS. 71 29 THE BATTLE OF ERIE.— 1813 Avast, honest Jack ! now, before you get mellow, Come tip us that stave just, my hearty old fellow, 'Bout the young commodore, and his fresh-water crew, Who keelhaul'd the Britons, and captured a few. » 'Twas just at sunrise, and a glorious day, Our squadron at anchor snug in Put-in-Bay, When we saw the bold Britons, and clear for a bout, Instead of put in, by the Lord we put out. Up went union-jack, never up there before, * Don't give up the ship' was the motto it bore ; And as soon as that motto our gallant men saw, They thought of their Lawrence, and shouted huzza ! " ! then it would have raised your hat three inches higher, To see how we dash'd in among them like fire ! The Lawrence went first, and the rest as they could, And a long time the brunt of the action she stood. " 'Twas peppering work — fire, fury, and smoke, And groans that from wounded lads, spite of 'em, broke. The water grew red round our ship as she lay, Though 'twas never before so till that bloody day. "They fell all around me like spars in a gale; The shot made a sieve of each rag of a sail ; And out of our crew scarce a dozen remain'd ; But these gallant tars still the battle maintain'd. 72 NAVAL SONGS. "'Twas then our commander — God bless his young heart, Thought it best from his well-pepper'd ship to depart, And bring up the rest, who were tugging behind — For why — they were sadly in want of a wind. " So to Yarnall he gave the command of his ship, And set out, like a lark, on this desperate trip, In a small open yawl, right through their whole fleet, Who with many a broadside our cockboat did greet. "I steer'd her, and damme if every inch Of these timbers of mine at each crack did'nt flinch : But our tight little commodore, cool and serene, To stir ne'er a muscle by any was seen. " Whole volleys of muskets were levell'd at him, But the devil a one ever grazed e'en a limb, Though he stood up aloft in the stern of the boat Till the crew pull'd him down by the skirt of his coat. " At last, through Heaven's mercy we reach'd t'other ship, And the wind springing up, we gave her the whip, And run down their line, boys, through thick and through thin, And bother'd their crews with a horrible din. "Then starboard and larboard, and this way and that, We bang'd them and raked them, and laid their masts flat, Till, one after t'other, they haul'd down their flag, And an end, for that time, put to Johnny Bull's brag. NAVAL SONGS. 73 "The Detroit, and Queen Charlotte, and Lady Prevost, Not able to fight or run, gave up the ghost: And not one of them all from our grapplings got free, Though we'd fifty-four guns, and they just sixty-three. " Smite my limbs ! but they all got their bellies full then, And found what it was, boys, to buckle with men, Who fight, or, what's just the same, think that they fight For their country's free trade and their own native right. " Now give us a bumper to Elliott and those Who came up, in good time, to belabour our foes : To our fresh-water sailors we'll toss off one more, And a dozen, at least, to our young commodore. "And though Britons may brag of their ruling the ocean, And that sort of thing, by the Lord, I've a notion, I'll bet all I'm worth — who takes it — who takes ? Though they're lords of the sea, we'll be lords of the lakes." 30 AMERICAN PERRY— 1813. Tune— "Abraham Newland." Bold Barclay, one day, to Proctor did say, "I'm tired of Jamaica and Sherry; So let us go down to that new floating town, And get some American Perry — 7 74 NAVAL SONGS. 0, cheap American Perry ! Most pleasant American Perry ! We need only all bear down, knock, and call, And we'll have the American Perry. "The landlady's kind, weak, simple, and blind ; We'll soon be triumphantly merry ! We've cash in the locker, and custom shall shock her, And we'll soon get a taste of her Perry — O, American Perry ! The sparkling American Perry ! No trouble we'll find, your orders to mind, So away for American Perry." All ready for play, they got under way, With heart and hand right voluntary : But when they came there, they quickly did stare, At the taste of American Perry : O, the American Perry ! Sparkling American Perry. How great the deception, when such a reception They met from American Perry. They thought such a change was undoubtedly strange, And rued their unlucky vagary : Your liquor's too hot, keep it still in the pot, ! cork your American Perry — O ! this American Perry — Fiery American Perry : In my noddle 'twill work ; it's a dose for a Turk — ! ! this American Perry. Full surely they knew the scrape would not do; 'Twould ruin his majesty's ferry : NAVAL SONGS. 75 So they tried to turn tail, with a rag of a sail, And quit this American Perry — O, the American Perry ! Flushing American Perry. But the crossing the lake was all a mistake — They had swallow'd so much of the Perry. Then Barclay exclaim'd, "I cannot be blamed — For well I've defended each wherry : My men are so drunk, and some so defunct — If I strike to American Perry. 0, this American Perry ! Thundering American Perry. Such hot distillation would fuddle our nation, Should it taste the American Perry." The stufT did so bruise his staggering crews, That some with their feet were unwary ; While some had their brains knock'd out for their pains, By this shocking American Perry : 0, American Perry ! Outrageous American Perry ! Old, tough British tars, all covered with scars, Capsized by American Perry. The Indians on shore made a horrible roar, And left every ground-nut and berry ; Then scamper' d away, for no relish had they For a dose of American Perry — 0, American Perry ! Confounding American Perry, While General Proctor looked on like a doctor, At the deadly American Perry. 76 NAVAL SONGS. The Briton was sick, being- pcar'd to the quick, And his vessels were quite fragmentary ; So, scolding his luck, he prudently struck To a stream of American Perry — 0, American Perry ! Persevering American Perry ! A whole British fleet, ship to ship, has been beat, By an American commodore — " Perry !'' On American ground, where such spirit is found, Let us toast the brave " Heroes of Erie ;'' And never forget those whose life-sun did set, By the side of their Commodore Perry — O, brave American Perry ! Triumphant American Perry ! Let us remember the " Tenth of September," When a fleet struck to Commodore Perry. 31 PARLIAMENT OF ENGLAND. You Parliament of England, you Lords and Commons too, Consider well what you're about, and what you mean to do; You're now at war with Yankees : I'm sure you'll rue the day You roused the sons of Liberty in North America. You first confined our commerce : you said our ships shan't trade, You then impress'd our seamen, and used them as slaves ; NAVAL SONGS. 77 You then insulted Rodgers, while cruising on the main, And had we not declared war, you'd done it o'er again. You thought our frigates were but few, and Yankees could not fight, Until bold Hull the Guerriere took, and banish'd her from sight. The Wasp next took your Frolic — you nothing said to that: The Poictiers being off the coast, of course you took her back. Next your Macedonian, no finer ship could swim, Decatur took her gilt-work off, and then he took her in. The Java by a Yankee ship was sunk, you all must know ; The Peacock, in all her pride, by Lawrence down did go. Then you sent your Boxer, to beat us all about, We had an Enterprising brig, that beat the Boxer out; Then boxed her up to Portland, and moor'd her off the town, To show the sons of Liberty this Boxer of renown. Then up upon Lake Erie brave Perry had some fun : You own he beat your naval force, and caused them to run ; While Chauncey, on Ontario, the like ne'er known before, Your British squadron beat complete — some took, some run ashore. 7* 78 NAVAL SONGS. Then your brave Indian allies, you call'd them by that name, Until they turn'd the tomahawk, they savages be- came ; Your mean insinuations they despised from their souls, And join'd the sons of Liberty, that scorn to be con- troll'd. Now remember, you Britons, far distant is the day That e'er you'll gain by British forceyour lost America; Go tell your king and parliament, by all the world it's known, That British force, by sea and land's by Yankees over- thrown. Use every endeavour, and try to cause a peace, For Yankee ships are building fast, their navy to in- crease. They will enforce their commerce: their laws by Heaven were made, That Yankee ships, in time of peace, to any port might trade. Grant us free trade and commerce, don't you impress our men; Give up all claims to Canada, then we'll make peace again. Then, England, we'll respect you, and treat you as a friend; Respect our flag and citizens, then all these wars will end. Our Rodgers, in the President, will burn, sink, and destroy, The Congress, on the Brazil coast, your commerce will annoy. NAVAL SONGS. 79 The Essex, in the South Sea, will put out all your lights, The flag she wears at mast-head, is " Free trade, and sailor's rights." 32 TOM JUNK. Tune — "Thy Blue Waves, O Carron." " The wave of old Ocean's the field for the brave, D'ye see, Jack," thus says the old song as it goes ; "And, somehow or other, if one meets a grave, Why, it comes in the shape of our country's foes. And to die in the cause of mankind, and our own, Is the pride and the joy of a true-hearted tar ; While the cherub of light sweetly sings his renown, Which flies to the land of his home from afar." 'Twas thus as we swung in our hammocks one night, Tom Junk to his messmates so gallantly spake, We heard him with joy, and our bosoms beat light, In the hope that we stood in the enemy's wake. Next day was the battle — our foes they were bold, But American sailors to conquer were sworn ; And though fiercely the tide of the conflict was roll'd, The wreath from the brow of Britannia was torn. In the midst of the fight, when the scuppers ran blood, Bold Tom, like a lion, the contest maintain'd ; At his gun, undismay'd and collected, he stood, While the bullets on deck like a wild tempest rain'd. He stood at his gun, with a soul so serene, That he jested and laugh'd to his messmates around ; But the moment that victory lighted the scene, He fell, like the oak, in full majesty crown'd. 80 NAVAL SONGS. He fell — but the soul of the sailor was strong : His eyes to the flag of Columbia rose, And he smiled to his friends, as it floated along From the top of the conquer'd, but proudest of foes. He smiled, but the cheek of the hero grew pale: Huzza ! and his eyes were no longer so bright ; His soul on the pinions of glory set sail, And Victory bore him aloft in our sight. 33 ON VIEWING THE NAVAL PROCES- SION AT NEW YORK, September 15, 1813. Where slowly moves the warrior's laurell'd bier In all the pomp of wo — its sad array; Why Nature there refuse the tribute tear, Which still to W T orth, to Genius she will pay? Why, Sympathy, didst sleep within thy coral cell, As pass'd Columbia's fallen hero by : And no fond looks his deeds of valour tell, Nor crystal tear-drop fill the trembling eye! Such were not Nature in that lofty hour, When patriots feel the hero gone from earth ; The soul, enchanted by a bolder power, Gives to each passion yet a nobler birth. A sacred fire burns in every vein, O'er every limb — through every nerve it steals ; Thrills through the heart with unresisted reign, Refines the spirit that sublimely feels ! Upward is raised the soul-expressing eye, Flash'd with its generous, its exulting fire; NAVAL SONGS. Follows the hero to his kindred sky, And hears the requiem of celestial choir! The solemn scene, less eloquent of woes, Tells of heroic worth, of deeds in arms; A kindling joy through every life-pulse glows- Passion is clad in more than mortal charms. And as he pauses 'bove the array of earth, The soul is busied in its proud employ; 'Tis there it feels — it owns immortal birth — The hallow'd scene is redolent of joy ! But onward — follow to the silent grave, Where the cold clods with solemn music blend; O ! Nature there her tender tribute gave, And wept the Christian, father, and the friend. The sterner warrior melts with willing wo, Nor shames to feel the kindred pulse of earth ; A small, fond relic, that we still may know, How the celestial was of mortal birth. Each loftier passion left its wonted throne, And from the trembling soul a moment fled ; Dear Sensibility then claims her own, He who in victory Pity captive lead ! The paeans swell, with solemn musings fraught, Nor raised the heart, nor tranquillized the soul — Back to the world that fleeting form it brought; Of him endear'd by Virtue's soft control. Columbia long for such a son shall mourn; The stranger oft shall pause upon his grave ; And many a hand shall decorate his urn, And love to stay where sleeps the fallen brave 82 NAVAL SONGS. The patriot here his votive wreath shall twine, Long shall he glory in the warrior's name — The name of Lawrence purity enshrine, Who fought for freedom, hallow'd is by fame. 34 PERRY'S VICTORY. Ye tars of Columbia, give ear to my story, Who fought with brave Perry, where cannons did roar; Y r our valour has gain'd you an immortal glory, A fame that shall last till time is no more. Columbian tars are the true sons of Mars, They rake fore and aft, when they fight on the deep ; On the bed of Lake Erie, commanded by Perry, They caused many Britons to take their last sleep. The tenth of September, let us all remember, So long as the globe on her axis rolls round ; Our tars and marines, on Lake Erie were seen, To make the proud flag of Great Britain come down. The van of our fleet, the British to meet, Commanded by Perry, the Lawrence bore down. Her guns they did roar with such terrific power, That savages trembled at the dreadful sound. The Lawrence sustained a most dreadful fire; She fought three to one, for two glasses or more ; While Perry, undaunted, did firmly stand by her, The proud foe on her heavy broadsides did pour. Her masts being shatter'd, her rigging all tatter'd, Her booms and her yards being all shot away; And few left on deck to manage the wreck, Our hero on board her no longer could stay. NAVAL SOXGS. In this situation, the pride of our nation Sure Heaven had guarded unhurt all the while, While many a hero, maintaining his station, Fell close by his side, and was thrown on the pile. But mark you, and wonder, when elements thunder, When death and destruction are stalking all round, His flag he did carry on board the Niagara; Such valour on record was never yet found. There is one gallant act of our noble commander, While writing my song, I must notice with pride ; While launch'd in the boat, that carried the standard, A ball whistled through her, just close by his side. Says Perry, « The rascals intend for to drown us, But push on, my brave boys, you never need fear !" And with his own coat he plugg'd up the boat, And through fire and sulphur away he did steer. The famed Niagara, now proud of her Perry, Display'd all her banners in gallant array ; And twenty-five guns on her deck she did carry, Which soon put an end to this bloody affray. The rear of our fleet was brought up complete, The signal was given to break through the line ; While starboard and larboard, and from every quarter, The lamps of Columbia did gloriously shine. The bold British Lion roar'd out his last thunder, W T hen Perry attacked him close in the rear; Columbia's eagle soon made him crouch under, And roar out for quarter, as soon you shall hear. 0, had you been there, I now do declare, Such a sight as you never had seen before ; Six red bloody flags, that no longer could wag, All lay at the feet of our brave commodore. 84 NAVAL SONGS. Brave Elliot, whose valour must now be recorded, On board the Niagara so well play'd his part, His gallant assistance to Perry afforded, "We'll place him the second on Lake Erie's chart. In the midst of the battle, when guns they did rattle, The Lawrence a wreck, and the men 'most all slain ; Away he did steer, and brought up the rear, And by this manoeuvre the victory was gain'd. 0, had you but seen those noble commanders Embracing each other when the conflict was o'er; And viewing all those invincible standards, That never had yielded to any before. Says Perry, " Brave Elliot, give me your hand, sir ; This day we have gain'd an immortal renown ; So long as Columbia Lake Erie commands, sir, Let brave Captain Elliot with laurels be crown'd." Great Britain may boast of her conquering heroes, Her Rodneys, her Nelsons, and all the whole crew; But none in their glory have told such a story, Nor boasted such feats as Columbians do. The whole British fleet was captured complete, Not one single vessel from us got away ; And prisoners some hundreds, Columbians wondered, To see them all anchor'd and moor'd in our bay. May Heaven still smile on the shades of our heroes Who fought in that conflict, their country to save, And check the proud spirit of those murdering bravoes, That wish to divide us and make us all slaves. Columbians sing, and make the woods ring, We'll toast those brave heroes by sea and by land ; While Britains drink Cherry, Columbians, Perry, We'll toast him about with full glass in hand. NAVAL SONGS. 85 35 CAPTAIN JOHN PAUL JONES'S VICTORY Over the British frigate " Serapis," and " Countess of Scar- borough," sloop of war, on the 23d of September, 1779. An American frigate — a frigate of fame, With guns mounted forty, " Good man Richard" by- name, Sail'd to cruise in the channel of "merrie England;" With a valiant commander ; Paul Jones was the man. He had not cruised long before he espies A large forty-four, and a twenty likewise ; Well mann'd with bold seamen, well laid in with stores, In consort to drive us from old England's shores. About twelve at noon, Pearson came alongside. With a loud speaking-trumpet, " Whence came you ?" he cried ; " Return me an answer ! — I hail'd you before — Or if you do not, a broadside I will pour." Paul Jones then said to his men, every one, " Let every true seaman stand firm to his gun ; We'll receive a broadside from this bold Englishman, And, like true Yankee sailors, return it again." The contest was bloody, both decks ran with gore, And the sea seem'd to blaze, while the cannon did roar; "Fight on, my brave boys," Paul Jones then he cried, " And soon we will humble this Englishman's pride. " Stand firm to your quarters — your duty don't shun; The first one that shrinks, through the body I'll run. 8 86 NAVAL SONG: Though their force is superior, yet soon they shall know "What true brave American seamen can do." We fought them eight glasses, eight glasses so hot, Till seventy bold seamen lay dead on the spot ; And ninety brave seamen lay stretch'd in their gore, While the pieces of cannon most fiercely did roar. Our gunner in a great fright to Captain Jones came — " We gain water quite fast, and our side's in a flame;" Then Paul Jones he said, in the height of his pride, "If we cannot do better, boys, sink alongside." The Alliance bore down, while the Richard did rake, Which caused the bold heart of poor Pearson to ache. Our shot flew so hot, they could not stand us long, And the undaunted union of Britain came down. To us they did strike, and their colours haul down: The fame of Paul Jones to the world shall be known; His name shall be rank'd with the gallant and brave, Who fought like a hero our freedom to save. Now, all valiant seamen, where'er you may be, Who hear of this combat fought on the broad sea, May you all do like them when call'd to the same, And your names be enroll'd on the pages of fame. Your country will boast of her sons that are brave, And to you she will look her from danger to save ; She'll call you dear sons — in her annals you'll shine, And the brows of the brave shall green laurels entwine. So now, my brave boys, have we taken a prize — A large forty-four, and a twenty likewise. Then God bless the mother whose doom is to weep The loss of her sons in the ocean so deep. NAVAL SONGS. 87 36 THE SHIP. Cheer up, my gallant band ! Fare thee well, dear native land, Our pendant waves, the anchor is a-trip; For free trade and sailors' rights, The Columbian seaman fights, And his watchword — Don't surrender the ship, &c. Wide rolls the mountain-wave, But it frightens not the brave, With joyous hearts the cables we will slip ; When the boasting foe appears, Each brave tar his comrade cheers, And his watchword — Don't surrender the ship,&c. A sail ! the boatswain cries, Her proud pendant sweeps the skies ! Perhaps its waving honours we may clip — Our brave captain draws his sword, Whilst we echo to the word, Gallant lads, O ! — Don't surrender the ship, &c. Now o'er the affrighted deep How the glowing bullets sweep ! We've got the daring vaunters on the hip ! Though their colours nail'd so fast, Floated proudly on the mast, Yet full gladly they surrender'd their ship, &c. The free-born seaman knows How to spare the fallen foes, And cheer their souls with friendship's noble grip, The high prize for which he fights, Is free trade and sailors' rights ; And to tyrants ne'er surrenders his ship, &c. 88 NAVAL SONGS. Now to our native shore Safe arrived, my lads, once more, Full bumpers raise to every lip ; To the memory of the brave Who now sleep beneath the wave, Who could die — but ne'er surrender the ship. 37 THE AMERICAN TAR. The Goddess of Freedom, borne down by oppression, In Europe's famed regions no longer found rest; She wept at the heart-rending, wide desolation, And languishing look'd for relief from the west; She heard that Columbia was rearing a temple, Where she would be worshipp'd in peace and in war, Old Neptune confirm'd it — cried, " Here is a sample," Presenting with pride — an American tar. Cease weeping then, goddess, to thee I've consigned him, He loves thee, and he thy protector will be ; Believe me, a more gallant youth you will find in him, Than e'er bore your banners through ocean and sea ; When his galley he trims — firm, resolved for the onset, Wo, wo to that foe who his prowess shall dare, Long will his country lament that he e'er met And braved the avenging American tar. He boasts not — but firm as the oak of his forest ; Serene as a calm ; but as fierce as a storm, W T hen wild roars the battle, you'll see him the foremost, When victor, the prostrate protecting from harm ; NAVAL SONGS. 89 And I have decreed — he's so gallant a fellow. O'er my wide dominion he shall be a star, To light you in safety o'er every billow, His name — listen, nations — American Tar. The proud, turban'd Turk my dominions infested, And piracy ranged uncontroll'd on the wave; His courage the tar of Columbia tested, And taught him that freemen, though peaceful, are brave ; The power that affects the control of the ocean, And unfurls her cross-flag for destruction and war; Who, vaunting her strength, threw the world in com- motion, The trident resign'd to the American Tar. For the rights of his country he fights — not for plunder : No longer injustice shall harass the deep; I give my trident — and Jove gives his thunder, And well he the sacred deposits shall keep ; Beneath his mild sway, sailors' rights well protected Shall be, and free trade shed its blessings afar; The praises of nations shall greet the respected, The daring, heroic American Tai 38 JONES'S VICTORY. Ye brave sons of Freedom, whose bosoms beat high For your country, with patriot pride and emotion, Attend whilst I sing of a wonderful Wasp, And the Frolic she gallantly took on the ocean. This tight little Wasp, of the true Yankee stuff, From the shores of Columbia indignant paraded; 8* 90 NAVAL SONGS. Her eye flash'd with fire, and her spirit flamed high, For her rights they were basely by Britons invaded. Swift over the wave for the combat she flew, By a sting keen and terrible arm'd and defended ; Her broad wings were white as the rough ocean-spray, And sixteen long arms from her sides she extended. The winds waft her gayly — but soon on the way The foe of her fathers for battle array'd him ; From his forehead were waving the standards of Spain, But the proud step and stare of his nation betray'd him. Like the fierce bird of Jove, the "Wasp darted forth, And — be the tale told with amazement and wonder — She hurl'd on the foe, from her flame-spreading arms, The firebrands of death, and the red bolts of thunder ! And, O ! it was glorious and strange to behold What torrents of fire from her red mouth she threw, And how from her broad wings and sulphurous sides Hot showers of grape-shot and rifle-balls flew ! The foe bravely fought, but his arms were all broken, And he fled from his death-wound, aghast and af- frighted : But the Wasp darted forward her death-doing sting, And full on his bosom, like lightning, alighted. She pierced through his entrails, she madden'd his brain, And he writhed and he groan'd as if torn with the colic; And long shall John Bull rue the terrible day He met the American Wasp in a Frolic. NAVAL SONGS. The tremors of death now invaded his limbs, And the streams of his life-blood his closing - eyes drown ; When, lo ! on the wave this colossus of pride, The glory and pomp of John Bull, tumbled down. Now drink to the navy ; and long may its sons, Like the heroes of Rome, and of Carthage, and Greece, Midst the downfall of nations triumphantly bear The barque of our country to freedom and peace. And drink to Decatur, and Rogers, and Hull, And to every brave heart to his country that's true ; And never forget, whilst the glass circles round, The fame of the Wasp, her commander and crew. 39 HAIL TO THE HEROES. Hail to the heroes from ocean returning, Welcome their offering at Liberty's shrine ; Proud, gallant warriors, with ardour still burning, For Columbia to conquer — 'tis her they entwine. Their own native vales for danger forsaking, Still for Columbia bright laurels to gain ; Guardians of freedom, to glory yet waking, Dauntless in deeds — ye are guarded by Fame ! List to the paean ! now loudly it swells, Dear is the land where Liberty dwells ! Yet are the laurels of victory blooming, Columbia, thy arm is destined to save : 92 NAVAL SONGS. Bright in thy glory, thy star is illuming Shores where thy glory is borne on each wave ! Hail to the heroes thy rights still maintaining Against haughty Albion, so proud on the sea; (Already the star of her glory is waning :) Columbia, they live, and they conquer for thee ! List to the peean ! now loudly it swells, Dear is the land where Liberty dwells ! 40 THE HERO OF ERIE. At Columbia's loud call my dear William consented, And to my fond arms bade a tender adieu, In hopes to return with the laurels of glory, And reap all the fruits of affection so true ; "While Fortune, who laughs at the purpose of mortals, Had said that I ne'er should behold him again ; In the cold, silent grave, my sweet William, neglected, Lies far from his love, among heaps of the slain. When bravely he fell, in the front of the battle, Contending with Britons by Erie's dark wave, ! had I been there to expire with my lover, Nor lived thus a victim to wo for the brave. Yet cease, my poor, widowed heart, from thy sorrow, A few years, at most, shall thy William restore ; In the pure land of heroes with transport I'll join him, Where war and where death shall divide us no more. NAVAL SONGS. 93 41 CAPTAIN DAVID PORTER. When Grecian bands lent Persia's legions aid, On Asia's shores their banners wide display'd, Though Heaven denied success, their leader's name Has still rank'd foremost in the rolls of fame ; Hence the "Retreat," the theme of every tongue, Through every age and clime incessant rung ; With Xenophon the bard adorn'd his lays, And gave the mighty chief immortal praise : With him the historian graced his proudest page, And bade his glories live through every age. — Thus thine, O Porter, shall, in lays sublime Of future poets, live through endless time. Thy noble daring, though with adverse fate, The rich historic page shall long relate, And the glad voice of freemen's loud acclaim, Teach lisping infancy thy honnur'd name. may, great chieftain, that almighty Power, Whose shield was o'er thee in the battle hour When round thee fell thy brave, heroic band, Still guard thee safely with protecting hand, In future conflicts ! — and in health restore Thee to thy friends, and happy native shore. 42 NATIONAL SONG. Ye tars of Columbia, whose glory imparts New charms to the blessings your valour secures, ! high be your hopes, and undaunted your hearts, For the wishes and prayers of a nation are yours. 94 NAVAL SONGS. For your deeds on our foes, The smile of joy glows. And the wine-cup of pleasure in bumpers o'erflows : For the loud trump of triumph swells high with your fame, And the deeds of your might have ennobled our name. The tyrant of ocean, the giant of war, Whose crimson-tinged sceptre spread wide o'er the wave : Whose mandate spake laws to the nations afar — Whose will gave to commerce her mart or her grave. Joy ! joy to the world ! From its awful height hurl'd, No more shall his banner be proudly unfurl'd; The sceptre of Albion shall tremble and fall, And the highway of nations be open to all. 0, God of our fathers ! the spirit that glow'd In the breasts of our heroes for freedom who died, When the might of thy arm on our eagle bestow'd, Tamed the lion of Britain, array'd in his pride, Again, on the main, Where his pride, wont to reign, Tells the lord of the ocean his boasting is vain, That Neptune's wide realms must be free to the brave, As the swift breeze of evening that ruffles his wave. The deeds of our heroes, with grateful emotion, Long, long shall the nations delight to proclaim ; Whose valour has tamed the proud tyrant of ocean, And spoil'd of its glory the boast of his name. Proud Albion shall cower When our battle ships lower, That wither'd the uplifted arm of his power — NAVAL SONGS. 95 That bade the proud boast of his sovereign sway cease, And quell'd his "omnipotent thunder" to peace. Now joy to the hero in battle who bleeds : Now peace to the hero in battle who bled : Old Time shall delight to embalm his high deeds, And Glory's bright halo encircle his head. Earth's sordid son dies, And no aching heart sighs — Unlamented he falls, unregarded he lies ! But the hero's last pang shall by angels be blest, And the tears of a nation shall hallow his rest. Weep, daughter of Beauty ! remembrance of worth Long, long shall awaken your patriot woes, When your pensive steps rest on the canonized earth Where Lawrence, and Ludlow, and Burrows re- pose ! But, ! from the tomb, Where their laurel trees bloom, A bright ray of glory disperses our gloom — On the swords of our heroes its radiance shall dwell, Whose hearts are the shrines of their 'brothers who fell! Columbia! though now in thy battle's fierce fires, The sword of thy Lawrence no longer shall flame : Raise high the glad voice to the God of our sires, That heroes still live who have rivall'd his fame. Let Triumph's loud songs Now employ our glad tongues, In the praise to Hull and Decatur belongs : 96 NAVAL SONGS. And shouts for our Jones and our Bainbridge be given, Till they ring through the air like the thunders of Heaven. Ye tars of Columbia! whose glory imparts New charms to the blessings your valour secures — ! high be your hopes, and undaunted your hearts, For the wishes and prayers of a nation are yours. Where the flag of the foe O'er the ocean shall flow, Your prowess shall still lay his haughty pride low, Till Neptune's wide realms shall be free to the brave, As the swift breeze of evening that ruffles his wave. 43 ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUR NAVAL HEROES. But who can paint the bright, effulgent flame, Which shines, eternal, round our naval name? Who can describe our honour'd, gallant tars, The dauntless heroes of our marine wars? No bard of earth, unless Apollo's fire Has kindled halos round his veteran lyre, Can mark the prowess of our infant fleets — Unknown to terror — strangers to defeats. See conquering Hull his flag in triumph wave, The sea his field of glory, or his grave ! See brave Decatur bare his dauntless arm, And still the fury of the raging storm ! See Britain's boasted lion fall, and die, And Bainbridge wave his trophied flag on high! NAVAL SONGS. 97 See Jones in thunder seize the high command, Old Neptune's trident grasping in his hand ! While all mankind with wondering eyes behold The " infant navy" mount above the old ! The lawless savage of the western wood Has view'd his inland ocean dyed with blood ; The warrior's shout, the thundering cannon's roar, Have broke the solemn silence of its shore, And rode in triumph o'er the azure wave, Where bled the hero, and where sleep the brave ! Perry ! the waves of Erie proudly claim The first effulgence of thy naval fame : And future cities, towering on the shore, Shall claim their honour from the deeds of yore: Our "children's children" glow with kindred fire, And, taught by thee, to noble deeds aspire, Till proud Columbia's standard is unfurl'd, And waves, unrivall'd, by the conquered world. M'Donough's name and thine eternal live, With all the honour that this world can give : And when translated from this busy stage, Be traced with dazzling flames on History's page. But does no mournful, envious thought intrude ? Is Pleasure's cup with not a tear imbued 1 Does mirth alone sound o'er the glittering main, And leave no solitary thought of pain 1 Yes, gallant Lawrence ! o'er thy honour'd bier Has dropp'd the real sympathizing tear : A nation's gratitude — a nation's grief, Have mark'd the downfall of a noble chief! A foe, too just to press misfortune down, Has added incense to thy mortal crown — 9 98 NAVAL SONGS. A foe, too great to trample on the brave. Has bent in sorrow o'er a hero's grave. The flag he honour'd was his winding-shroud — The land that bless'd him was his last abode. Long ! long Columbia's weeping tars shall mourn The fall of Burrows, and revere his urn : He rush'd to meet the willing foe, and fell ! The cannons' thunder was his dying knell; And Death, in terror hovering o'er the scene, Destroy'd his life to make his laurels green : While Victory, perching on his fleeting soul, Bade Fame's loud blasts o'er Ocean's billows roll, And sound his enterprise from pole to pole. 44 FATE OF THE U. S. SLOOP OF WAR L'EPERVIER. Before the stars of liberty The crescent hid her head, The thunders of their victory She heard afar with dread ; And when the foe she dared was near, In tame submission quell'd her fear. But where is that brave bark that bore The tidings of success? She left behind the failing shore On ocean fathomless — Joy bade the welcome breezes blow, And Rapture sat upon the prow. NAVAL SONGS. The wheels of time have ceaseless roll'd, That mock the dreams of man, Majestic, as in days of old, When erst their march began. Why does that gallant bark yet stay 1 Why stops she on her gladsome way ? Days, weeks, and months have fled, to join The years beyond the flood, Nor mortal might, nor power divine, Can call them where they stood. That gallant bark has heard her doom — She comes not — and she may not come. Thou who hast seen, when, in the hour That tried the dauntless brave : That mock'd the boast of human power, All impotent to save, The sailor cast a hopeless eye, To threatening waves and frowning sky. The ties of friendship — nature — love — All, all have own'd thy might : They cried aloud, but could not move, And sunk in one dark night. Despair around her mantle flung : Their dirge, the storms that whelm'd them sung. For them, no dear and honour'd hand Shall close the failing ball, When gathering round, the gloomy band Of death, the soul appal : Nor earth, by Christian footsteps hallow'd, Receive the corse the deep has swallow'd. 100 NAVAL SONGS In caves, dark, desolate, and drear, The gallant and the gay, The forms so loved and cherish'd here, Are ravening monsters' prey. Each bond of love and sorrow burst, Yes, tyrant, thou hast done thy worst ! Yet, is thy power almighty, then, Omnipotent on earth ? Destroyer of the sons of men, Of beauty and of worth ! And shall Oblivion's sable cloud, That hid their fate, their memory shroud 1 0, no ! the gem that in the beds Where slumber all the brave, In vain its mellow lustre sheds Upon the envious wave: Transplanted to a royal shrine, With brighter lustre ne'er shall shine. Brave bird ! thy wings have fail'd to soar, Thine eyes were closed for e'er, The shades of death came blackening o'er, And horror brooded near : But she, whose pinions never tire, Shall bear thee on her winsrs of fire! 45 THE SAILOR'S LIFE AT SEA. When the anchor's weigh'd and the ship's unmoor'd. And landsmen lag behind, sir, The sailor joyfully skips on board, And, swearing, prays for wind, sir: NAVAL SONGS. 101 Towing here, Yeoing there, Steadily, readily, Cheerily, merrily, Still from care and thinking free Is a sailor's life at sea. When we sail with a freshening breeze, And landsmen all grow sick, sir, The sailor lolls with his mind at ease, And the song and the can go quick, sir — Laughing here, Quaffing there, Steadily, &c. When the wind at night whistles o'er the deep, And sings to landsmen dreary, , The sailor fearless goes to sleep, Or takes his watch most cheery. Boozing here, Snoozing there, Steadily, &c. When the sky grows black and the wind blows hard, And landsmen skulk below, sir, Jack mounts up to the topsail yard, And turns his quid as he goes, sir. Hauling here, Bawling there, Steadily, &c. When the foaming waves run mountains high, And landsmen cry, " All's gone ! sir :" The sailor hangs, 'twixt sea and sky, And jokes with Davy Jones, sir. 9* 102 NAVAL SONGS. Dashing here, Splashing there, Steadily, &c. When the ship, d'ye see, becomes a wreck And landsmen hoist the boat, sir, The sailor scorns to quit the deck, While a single plank's afloat, sir — Swearing here, Tearing there, Steadily, readily, Cheerily, merrily, Still from care and thinking free, Is a sailor's life at sea. 46 THE LIEUTENANT'S COMPLAINT.— 1815. As, pensive, this night on my sea-chest I lay, Which serves me for bed, chair, and table : I mourn'd the sad hour I was placed on half-pay, Without tow-line, or anchor, or cable. My money is gone, and my credit not good ; My heart swells with anguish and sorrow : No messmate is near to supply me with food, And honour forbids me to borrow. Now I think on the time when, all snugly aboard, In the ward-room assembled together, With plenty of wine and a table well stored, We laugh'd at dull care and foul weather. NAVAL SONGS. 103 Round, round went the song, and the jest, and the glance, While we drank good success to the Ocean ; And secretly toasted a favourite lass, Or talk'd about future promotion. Then happiness smiled — I'd a plentiful purse, And slept sweetly when laid on my pillow : My cradle the ship, and the sea-boy my nurse, While rock'd on old Neptune's proud billow. And when, safe in port, with my much-adored maid, Who look'd like a goddess or fairy, How blest was my heart as we joyously stray'd, And I breathed forth my love to my Mary. How changed is my fate! All my messmates are gone, And perhaps are, like me, doom'd to perish : By my Mary — 0, horror ! — now treated with scorn, Though she vow'd long to love and to cherish. Now I grasp my last cup — hard, hard is my lot, And my mind like the billows of Biscay : You may think it is poison — indeed, it is not, But a special good jorum of whisky ! 47 PARODY OF AN OFFICIAL LETTER FROM SIR PETER PARKER. In the year 1776, an attack was made on Sullivan's Island, in the harbour of Charleston, by the land and naval force of Great Britain, under the command of Sir Henry Clinton and Sir Peter Parker. After much time and labour in lightening the heavy ships, they anchored opposite fort 104 NAVAL SONGS. Moultrie, and commenced a tremendous cannonade. Gene- ral Clinton had landed his troops to the eastward of the har- bour, with the intention of fording the channel, and attack- ing the fort in the rear, while the ships attacked it in front ; but from some mistake or want of knowledge of the depth of water in the channel, he was unable or unwilling to attempt any thing. In the mean time the fort, by a regular and well-directed fire, nearly demolished the British fleet, and Sir Peter was fain to escape with the loss of half his men killed and wounded ; among the latter himself, the seat of his breeches having been shot away. — The following hu- morous paraphrase of his official letter to the Lords of the Admiralty, was written by one of the wits of those days. My lords, with your leave, An account I will give, Which deserves to be written in metre ; How the rebels, and I Have been pretty nigh, Faith, 'twas almost too nigh for Sir Peter ! De'il take 'em! their shot Came so swift and so hot, And the cowardly dogs stood so stiff, sirs, That I put ship about And was glad to get out, Or they would not have left me a skiff, sirs. With much labour and toil Unto Sullivan's Isle I came, swift as Falstaff, or Pistol ; But the Yankees, od rat 'em — I could not get at 'em, They so terribly maul'd my poor Bristol. Behold, Clinton, by land, Did quietly stand, While I made a thundering clatter; NAVAL SONGS. 105 But the chanaal was deep, So he only eould peep, And not venture over the water. Now, bold as a Turk, I proceeded to York, Where, with Clinton and Howe, you may find me I've the wind in my tail, And am hoisting my sail, To leave Sullivan's Island behind me But, my lords, do not fear, For, before the next year, Although a small island should fret us, The continent, whole, We will take, by my soul, If the cowardly Yankees will let us. 48 THE VETERAN TAR. Tune— "The Old Commodore." Split my seams ! 'tis no time for a seaman to shy, And to stand shilly-shally on shore ; Let a shark seize his hulk who would go to deny His support to the old commodore ! Gallant old commodore, Tough old commodore, Hardy old commodore, he — Let a shark seize his hulk who would go to deny His support to the old commodore ! When War blew a gale, and his thunder's alarm Bade the top-lights of Hope shine no more ; 106 NAVAL SONGS. Would you know who contended, my lads, with the storm ? Do you see, 'twas the old commodore! Gallant old commodore, Tough old commodore, Hardy old commodore, he — Would you know who contended, my lads, with the storm 1 Do you see, 'twas the old commodore. Douse my glim ! hardy tars, here's old Truxtun — a berth The hero shall have on the shore; The freemen he honour'd shall honour his worth, And support still the old commodore. Gallant old commodore, Tough old commodore, Hardy old commodore, he — The freemen he honour'd shall honour his worth, And support still the old commodore. The insurgents he tickled, and then taught our foes With a vengeance their fate to deplore: He axes our aid — no insurgents oppose With a vengeance the old commodore ! Gallant old commodore, Tough old commodore, Hardy old commodore, he — He axes our aid — no insurgents oppose With a vengeance the old commodore ! The main-brace we'll splice, and our glasses we'll fill, Till the stingo, my boys, shall run o'er; Here's our navy and Truxtun — and heartily still We'll support, lads, the old commodore ! NAVAL SONGS. 107 Gallant old commodore, Tough old commodore, Hardy old commodore, he — Here's our navy and Truxtun — and heartily still We'll support, lads, the old commodore ! 49 NAVAL ODE. BY JAMES G. PERC1VAL. Our walls are on the sea, And they ride along the wave, Mann'd with sailors bold and free, And the lofty and the brave Hoist their flag to the sport of the gale : With an even march they sweep O'er the bosom of the deep, And their orders trimly keep, As they sail. Though so gallantly we ride, Yet we do not seek the fight; We have justice on our side, And we battle in our right, For our homes, and our altars, and sires ; Then we kindle in our cause, And a while a solemn pause — When the cannon's iron jaws Spout their fires. We abhor the waste of life, And the massacre of war ; We detest the brutal strife In the van of glory's car ; 108 NAVAL SONGS. But we never will shrink from the foe : This, when battle's lightning runs Through his horror-speaking guns, And his brazen thunder stuns, He shall know. We have met them on the deep, With Decatur and with Hull, Where our fallen comrades sleep In their glory's proudest full ; For our homes, we will meet them again : Let their boasted navies frown, As they proudly bear them down ; We will conquer, burn, or drown, On the main. We, too, have hearts of oak, And the hour of strife may come With its hurricane of smoke, Hissing ball and bursting bomb, And the death-shot may launch through our crew ; But our spirits feel no dread, And we bear our ship ahead, For we know that Honour's bed Is our due. Then, come on, ye gallant tars ! With your matches in your hand, And parade beneath our stars With a free and noble stand, As you wait for the moment of death : Hark the word — the foe is nigh, And at once their war-dogs fly, But with bosoms throbbing high, Yield your breath. NAVAL SONGS. 109 Do your duty, gallant boys ! And you homeward shall return To partake your country's joys, When the lights of triumph burn, And the warm toast is drank to the brave ; Then, when country calls again, Be your march along the main, And in glory spread her reign O'er the wave. 50 LOSS OF THE HORNET. Ye seamen and ye landsmen all, Ye mothers and widows too, Attend unto my story, About the Hornet's crew. She sail'd from New York harbour, Bound to the Spanish main, There to protect our commerce, But ne'er returned again. She convoy'd many vessels, And was the pirate's dread ; Still more than death they hated The Hornet's boats, 'tis said. For Norris, her commander, Would send his gallant men To scour the coast by sea and land And find each pirate's den. Our merchants they protected, And their little gain 10 110 NAVAL SONGS. They snatch'd with brave exertion, From the hands of Spain. Our merchants they protected, And would have brought them home, But, ah ! her brave commander, For dismal was his doom. On the tenth day of September, She offTampico lay; And many well remember The gale that blew that day. She had to slip her cables, She had to put to sea ; The deadly blast, it is the last, Brother, I'll hear from thee. The widow's heart is breaking, Hope no more can charm ; The mother's breast is aching, And, love, why her alarm I She sees the proud ship sinking Beneath the hungry wave, Her love death's cup is drinking, She shrieks, but cannot save. " My Henry was on board of her," The weeping mother cries, " He was my youngest, dearest son, The one I did most prize. " He was too proud to stoop or crawl To men of low degree ; He lost his fortune on the land, And sought it on the sea. NAVAL SONGS. Ill " But he is dead ! the gallant boy, And why should I repine ? There many a mother lost a son As proud and fair as mine. " And many a youthful, blooming bride, With her infant at her breast, Sheds o'er the orphan child a tear, And feels as much distress'd." The Hornet's lost, the good and brave Are in the ocean deep ; No arm was nigh her crew to save, She sunk, and thousands weep. In Congress now we must repose Our only hope to gain ; A remedy, though small, for those Who lost all on the main. 51 THE DYING AMERICAN TAR. His couch was his shroud — in his hammock he died, The shot of the Briton was true ; He breathed not a sigh, but faintly he cried, » Adieu ! my brave shipmates, adieu ! " Away to your stations ! it ne'er must be said Your banner you furl'd for a foe ; Let those stars ever shine at your mizen-mast head, And the pathway to victory show. "Remember the accents of Lawrence the brave, Ere his spirit had fled to its rest ; 112 NAVAL SONGS. 1 Don't give up the ship !' let her sink 'neath the wave, And the breeze bear her fate to the west. "0, swear that your banner shall never be furl'd, Let me hear the words, « Struck has the foe !' And contented my soul bids adieu to the world, To its pleasures, its pain, and its wo." He said — and a gun to the leeward was heard, 'Twas the enemy's gun well he knew ; He raised up his head, and three times he cheer'd, And expired as he utter'd " Adieu !" 52 THE BATTLE OF STONINGTON, An attack upon the town and a small fort of two guns, on the sea-board of Connecticut, by the Ramillie9 seventy-four gun ship, commanded by Sir Thomas Hardy ; the Pactolus thirty-eight gun ship ; Despatch brig, of twenty-two guns, and a razee, or bomb-ship. — August, 1814. Four gallant ships from England came Freighted deep with fire and flame, And other things we need not name, To have a dash at Stonington. Now safely moor'd, their work begun ; They thought to make the Yankees run, And have a mighty deal of fun In stealing sheep at Stonington. A deacon then popp'd up his head, And parson Jones's sermon read, In which the reverend doctor said That they must fight for Stonington. NAVAL SONGS. 113 A townsman bade them, next, attend To sundry resolutions pennM, By which they promised to defend With sword and gun, old Stonington. The ships advancing different ways, The Britons soon began to blaze, And put the old women in amaze, Who fear'd the loss of Stonington. The Yankees to their fort repair'd, And made as though they little cared For all that came — though very hard The cannon play'd on Stonington. The Ramillies began the attack, Despatch came forward — bold and black, And none can tell what kept them back From setting fire to Stonington. The bombadiers with bomb and ball, Soon made a farmer's barrack fall, And did a cow-house sadly maul That stood a mile from Stonington. They kill'd a goose, they kill'd a hen, Three hogs they wounded in a pen — They dash'd away — and pray what then 1 This was not taking Stonington. The shells were thrown, the rockets flew, But not a shell of all they threw, Though every house was full in view, Could burn a house at Stonington. To have their turn they thought but fair — The Yankees brought two guns to bear, 10* NAVAL SONGS. And, sir, it would have made you stare, This smoke of smokes at Stonington. They bored Pactolus through and through, And kill'd and wounded of her crew So many, that she bade adieu To the gallant boys of Stonington. The brig Despatch was hull'd and torn — So crippled, riddled, so forlorn, No more she cast an eye of scorn On the little fort at Stonington. The Ramillies gave up the affray And, with her comrades, sneak'd away — Such was the valour, on that day, Of British tars near Stonington. But some assert, on certain grounds, (Besides the damage and the wounds,) It cost the king ten thousand pounds To have a dash at Stoningfton. 53 THE BRIGANTIXE PRIVATEER, PRI>'CE DE NEUFCHATEL, Ordonneaux, commander, which arrived at Boston some time since, from a cruise of three months, chiefly in the Eng- lish and Irish channels, in which she captured thirteen or fourteen valuable prizes, to the amount, it was said, of more than a million of dollars. Quid petis hie est. Martial. BY PHILIP FRENEAf. What is wealth? that men will roam, Risk their all, and leave their home, Face the cannon, beat the drum, And their lives so cheaply sell ? NAVAL SONGS. Let them reason on the fact Who would rather think than act : Their brains were not with morals rack'd. Who mann'd the Prince of Neufchatel. Having play'd a lucky game, Homeward, with her treasure, came This privateer of gallant fame, Call'd the Prince of Neufchatel. Are the English cruisers near? Do they on the coast appear To molest this privateer 1 — She shall be defended well. Soon a frigate hove in sight : — As the wind was rather light, She, five barges, out of spite, Sent, to attack with gun and blade. On our decks stood rugged men, Little more than three times ten ; And I tremble while my pen Tells the havoc that was made. Up they came, with colours red, One astern, and one ahead : Shall I tell you what they said ? " Yankees ! strike the bunting rag !" Three were ranged on either side : Then the ports were open'd wide, And the sea with blood was dyed — Ruin to the English flag ! Now the angry cannons roar, Now they hurl the storm of war, Now in floods of human gore Swam the Prince of Neufchatel ! 116 NAVAL SONGS, Then the captain, Ordonneaux, Seconded the seaman's blow, And the remnant of the foe Own'd the brig "defended well." For the million she contained He contended, sword in hand, Follow'd by as brave a band Of tars, as ever trod a deck. In these bloody barges, five, Scarce a man was left alive, And about the seas they drive ; Some were sunk, and some a wreck. Every effort that they made With boarding pike, or carronade, Every effort was repaid, Scarcely with a parallel ! Fortune, thus, upon the wave, Crown'd the valour of the brave. Little lost, and much to save, Had the Prince of Neufchatel. 54 ON THE NAVAL ATTACK NEAR BALTIMORE.— Sept 1814. BY PHILIP FRENEAU. The sons of old ocean advanced from the bay To achieve an exploit of renown ; And Cochrane and Cockburn commanded that day, And meant to exhibit a tragical play, Call'd the plunder and burning of Baltimore town. NAVAL SONGS. 117 The scenes to be acted were not very new, And when they approach 'd, with the rat-tat-too, As merry as times would allow, We ran up the colours to liberty true, And gave them a shot with a tow-row-dow. By land and by water how many have fail'd In attacking an enemy's town, But Britons, they tell us, have always prevail'd Wherever they march'd or wherever they sail'd, To honour his majesty's sceptre and crown: Wherever they went with the trumpet and drum, And the dregs of the world, and the dirt and the scum, As soon as the music begun, The colours were struck, and surrender'd the town When the summons was given of down, down, down ! But fortune, so fickle, is turning her tide, And safe is old Baltimore town, Though Cockburn and Cochrane, with Ross at their side, The sons of Columbia despised and defied, And determined to batter it down — Rebuff'd and repulsed in disgrace they withdrew, With their down, down, down, and their rat-tat-too, As well as the times would allow : And the sight, we expect, will be not very new When they meet us again with our tow-row-dow. 118 NAVAL SONGS. 55 A SAILOR'S ELEGY, ON THE FATE OF THE WASP. O ! when, in some illustrious fight, Stout warriors yield at Fate's rude call, They fall, like shooting stars at night, And brighten as they fall. A thousand tongues their deeds relate, And with the story never tire, A country mourns their noble fate, And ladies weep, and men admire. But dreary is the fate of those I mourn, in this rough sailor strain, Who perish'd — how, no mortal knows, And perish'd all in vain. Who in our country cannot tell How Blakeley brought the red-cross low, And twice triumphantly did quell The prowess of a valiant foe ? Who has not heard of his brave men, All valiant hearts of sterling gold Who braved the lion in his den, And turn'd his hot blood into cold ? Who has not wish'd that they were here, Escaped the ocean's perils rude, To share our country's welcome cheer, And reap a nation's gratitude ? But they will never come again To claim the welcome of their home ; Affection looks for them in vain ; Too surely they will never come. NAVAL SONGS. 119 Far distant from their native land They perish'd in the yawning deep, Where there was none to stretch a hand, And none their fate to weep. No ear their dreary-drowning cry Heard o'er the desert wave ; Their dying struggle met no eye, No friendly aid to save. And when they perish'd none can tell, Nor where their bones are laid — The spot Affection loves so well, No mourner's step will tread. No tender friend will ever go To seek the spot where they abide, Nor child, or widow, full of wo, Tell how, and when, and where they died. Alas ! they have no church-yard grave, No mound to mark the spot; They moulder in the deep, deep wave, Just where — it matters not. They perish'd far away from home, A few will weep these sailors bold, For e'er the certain news shall come, Our feelings will grow cold. By slow degrees hope will expire, And when the anxious feeling's o'er, Stale Memory will quench her fire, And sorrow be no more ! Save where some pale and widow'd one, By grief, or madness cross'd, 120 NAVAL SONGS. Shall cling to one dear hope alone, And hope, though hope were lost. By fond imagination led, Or ideal visions driven, ! she will ne'er believe him dead, Till they do meet in heaven. 56 WRECK OF THE HORNET, United States sloop of war, wrecked off Tampico, in the Gulf of Mexico, on the 10th of September, 1829. BY WM. D. GALLAGHER. The sun w T as low — a flood of light Slept on the glittering ocean — And Night's dark robes were journeying up, With slow and solemn motion : And ever and anon was heard The sea-mew's shriek — ill-omen'd bird ! Down sunk the sun — the gathering mist Rose proudly up before it, And stream'd upon the lurid air, A blood-red banner o'er it : Frowning, and piled up heap on heap, Dense clouds o'erspread the mighty deep ; Darker, and pitchy black they grew — And roll'd, and wheel'd, and onward flew Like marshalling of men. Then trembled timid souls with fear — Glisten'd in Beauty's eye the tear — And " fatherland" was doubly dear — But brave hearts quail'd not then. NAVAL SONGS. 121 Soon the rough tar's prophetic eye Saw many a floating shroud on high, And many a coffin drifting by — And on the driving gale Beheld the spirits of the deep, Above — around — in fury sweep — And heard the dead's low wail, And the demon's mutter'd curse. And on the fierce and troubled wind, Rode Death — and, following close behind, A dark and sombre hearse. And soon the barque a wreck was driven, Before the free, wild winds of Heaven ! Now shrank with fear each gallant heart — Bended was many a knee — And the last prayer was offer' d up, God of the deep, to thee ! Mutter'd the angry heavens still, And murmur'd still the sea — And old and sterner hearts bow'd down God of the deep, to Thee ! And still the wreck was onward driven, Upon the wide, wild sea — And Man's proud soul to Fate was given, Woman's, God, to Thee ! Gaped wide the deep — down plunged the wreck- Up rose a fearful yell — Death's wings flapp'd o'er that sinking deck — A shudder ! — all was still. Morn came. A flood of light agen Burst on the glittering waters, 11 NAVAL SONGS. Above the deep's stern-hearted men, And Earth's fair sons and daughters Naught of or life or death was seen — And who could say that strife had been ! 57 COLUMBIA'S NAVAL HEROES— 1815. Sung at the dinner given to Captain Biddle, by the citizens of New York. Tune — "Jlnacreon in Heaven." BY FRANCIS ARDEN, ESQ. While Europe, displaying her fame-claiming page, And vaunting the proofs of her high elevation, Exultingly shows us, just once in an age, Some patriot-soul'd chieftain, the prop of his nation; Columbia can boast, of her heroes a host, The foremost at duty's and danger's proud post, "Who full often have won upon ocean's rough wave, The brightest leaved laurel that e'er deck'd the brave. By Freedom inspired and with bosoms of flame, They hurl'd on the foe all the battle's dread thunder, Till, vanquish'd and humbled, he shook at their name, O'erwhelm'd with confusion, with fear, and with wonder ; No age that has flown such a band e'er has known, Who made firmness and skill and mild manners their own, And each trait of the warrior so closely entwined With the virtues that grace and ennoble the mind. NAVAL SONGS. 123 Their kindness the hearts of their captives subdued, Who sunk 'neath their arms, when the life-streams were flowing - , And their conquest-wove wreaths not a tear has be- dew'd, But that which Humanity smiles in bestowing-; The world with one voice bids their country rejoice, As with blushes it owns that these sons of her choice For valour and feeling have gain'd the rich prize, And stand first midst the first that live under the skies. Their splendid achievements shall long - string the nerves Of all who the blessings of freemen inherit; And theirs be the honours such merit deserves, And dear to each bosom their death-daring spirit; The poet's best strain shall their memories maintain, And affection embalm them to Time's latest reign, While, roused by their praises, our sons shall aspire To rival their actions and glow with their fire. 58 ODE ON OUR NAVAL VICTORIES. A century had Britain held The trident of the subject sea, And all that time no eye beheld Her flag strike to an enemy. France left her mistress of the main; Van Tromp no longer swept the sea ; And the proud crest of haughty Spain Bow'd to her great supremacy. 124 NAVAL SOXCS. The far-famed Hellespont she ploughed, And made the crescent wax more pale ; While Mussulmen before her bow'd ; Who scorn'd the Christian's God to hail. By east and west, by north and south, By every sea and every shore, Her mandates at the cannon's mouth Her wooden walls in triumph bore. Where'er the blue wave weltering flow'd, Where'er a merchant vessel sail'd, Her red-cross flag in triumph rode, Her red artillery prevail'd. Amid the ice of Greenland's seas, Amid the verdant southern isles, Where'er the frigid waters freeze, Where'er the placid ocean smiles, Her navy bore her swelling fame, Afar and near, triumphantly, And Britons claim'd the proudest name — The sovereigns of the trackless sea. But there was rising in the west A nation little known in story. That dared that empire to contest, And cross her in the path of glory ; That scorn'd to crouch beneath the feet Of England's lion stern and brave; But venturous launch'd her little fleet, Her honour and her rights to save. Hard was the struggle, rude the shock, The New World 'gainst the stubborn Old ! NAVAL SONGS. A dread encounter ! — rock to rock ; The Yankee, and the Briton bold. O ! then was seen a glorious sight, No eye that lives e'er saw before : The Briton's sun went down in night — The Yankee's rose to set no more ! And that proud flag which undisturb'd, For ages, at the mast-head flew, And the old world's puissance curb'd, Struck to the prowess of the new. And, where the red-cross flag had braved The dastard world for ages past, Our stars and stripes in triumph waved High on the proud top-gallant mast. And there wave they by day and night, While sparkle Heaven's eternal fires, Emblems of that resistless might Which daring Liberty inspires, 59 THE WASP AND FROLIC— 1813. Fresh blows the gale — o'er Ocean's azure realm, "In goodly trim, the gallant vessel glides :" Heroic Jones, presiding, takes the helm ; His country's honour is the star that guides ! A band of heroes all his dangers share : Who, when their country calls them to provoke The dread, the unequal contest, nobly dare The red artillery of the British oak. 11* 126 NAVAL SONGS. At length, impell'd by favouring gales along, Majestic now she ploughs the briny deeps, The dread avenger of our country's wrong, While, undisturb'd, the treasured vengeance sleeps Dim in the horizon, Albion's hostile star, In silent grandeur, rises on the sight : Terrific omen ! honour'd wide and far : The harbinger of death, and pale affright. Near and more near the bloody contest draws ; Frowning they meet, and awfully serene : And, ere the strife begins, in solemn pause, They stand and watch the narrow space between. It was an hour to none but heroes dear, When vulgar mortals tremble and despair : When all the patriot has to hope, or fear, Seems but suspended by a single hair. At such an hour, what hostile passions meet! What wild emotions enter and depart! What hopes of glory — fears of foul defeat! All throng, tumultuous, through the stoutest heart ! But mark ! around what sudden glooms infest, As if the clouds that sail'd the realms of air At once had settled on the ocean's breast, And fix'd the region of contention there. Unusual darkness on the surface lies ; A night of horror veils the combat o'er, Disturb'd by victor-shouts and dying cries — By lightning flashes, and the thunder'9 roar. NAVAL SONGS. 127 Now light returns : but what dismay and rout ! How cold the cheek where hope was so elate ! And the pale lip still quivers with the shout Of joy and triumph in the hour of fate. Short was the contest — ! in pity, spare ! Ye sights unholy, vanish from my ken : For supplicating Mercy's cries, Forbear ! Nor taunt with victory these dying men. But welcome, heroes ! to your native land ; Safe from the arduous perils of the fight ; And welcome, gallant leader of the band ! Who blushes when he finds his fame so bright. And welcome, Booth and Rodgers ! welcome, Knight ! And Rapp ! — such noble souls will ne'er refuse This poor requital, and with rudeness slight The humble offering of no venal Muse. Nor, Claxton, shall thy worth unsung remain : Thy early day betokens promise fair ; For glory hover'd round the brows of pain, And mark'd, unseen, the future hero there. Nor shall thy merits, Biddle, pass untold, When, cover'd with the cannon's flaming breath, Onward he press'd, unconquerably bold ; He fear'd dishonour, but he spurn'd at death. He moved the foremost of the gallant band, Undaunted by the roar of hostile arms; And led reluctant Victory by the hand, Confused and blushing, in her blaze of charms. 128 NAVAL SONGS. Then welcome, heroes ! for your glory lives ; Nor shall malignant envy dare assail : Receive the laurel which your country gives, And share her triumphs while she tells the tale. 60 PROPHECY, Inscribed to Commodore John Rodgers. — 1S13. Intrepid veteran of the wave, Rodgers ! — whose fame could terror bring To them — the boldest of the brave, The chosen of their island-king. Veteran! ere time's imperious sway Has brought the high meridian hour, Or changed one jetty lock to gray, Or touch'd thee with its wizard power — Attend ! for thou art Glory's son, Born mid the battle's blaze to shine, And known, when danger's deed is done, To make the mildest mercies thine. Hear what the poet-prophet knows : — Triumph is thine ; and, added fame, Even ere the annual summer glows, The deadly contest meets thy claim. The green Atlantic felt thy sway. As erst from dawn to fading light Thy hero-helm's impetuous way Pursued the foe's elusive flight. NAVAL SONGS. 129 That green Atlantic is thy field : There, though redoubling hosts assail, The ocean's lord to thee shall yield, And thee, humane in victory, hail. 61 TO THE MEMORY OF THE GALLANT CAPTAIN JAMES LAWRENCE.— 1813. Ah! who would loiter on life's utmost verge, A weary wight; a melancholy blank ; Still gaze with dubious horror on the surge, And shrink and tremble on the joyless bank ! See yonder sad and solitary thing ! Of vermil youth and beauty what remains 1 Lost is the memory — lost the elastic spring ; The flush of life, the frolic of the veins ! Though gorgeous spring his vision strives to greet, And flings her rainbow lustres round his head, Bathes all his senses in Arabian sweet, He looks and wonders where these charms have fled. Such was not Lawrence. — His heroic frame .. With nobler fate indulgent Heaven had bless'd ; In the meridian of his life and fame, He rush'd in splendour to the land of rest. Heroic glory ! though thy light illumes With beams so lovely, 'tis a hasty glare : Thy flame burns bright and sparkling, but consumes The life it renders so divinely fair. 130 NAVAL SONGS. The soft and gentle courtesies of life, All whisper'd, Lawrence, to prolong thy day ; The tender friend, the fond and loving wife, Allured thee from the fields of war away. Why should the hero bear the cruel brunt, Expose a life to love and friendship dear? Why should he combat danger's scowling front, To reap the barren glory of a tear ! Sternly inflexible he still remains; He scorns the olive round his brows to twine; With noble pride he bursts such gentle chains, And cries, " My country ! I am wholly thine !" Before him, full, his country's genius stands, Her downcast eyes betokening deep concern ; And mournfully she proffers to his hands, The star of glory and the silent urn. And while on each the astonish'd hero gazed, Anxious to grasp the proffered prize, so fair : Lo ! on the urn the star of glory blazed, And all its wandering radiance gather'd there. "I come ! I come!" he cried with ravish'd breath " Welcome to me the slumber dark and deep ; Let but such glory twinkle round my death, I still shall triumph in the hour of sleep." Yes, noble soul ! thy glory is secure : For now, surviving thy unhappy date, It burns and sparkles with a blaze more pure, Removed beyond the hostile reach of fate. Thy worth full well thy gallant foemen knew ; Hush'd was the shout of joy, to honour just; NAVAL SONGS. 131 They paused, and as a debt to valour due, They shed the tear of pity on thy dust. When fortune favour'd bravery so well, And Lawrence laid the pride of Britain low, The orphan, whose unhappy father fell,* Now found another parent in the foe. But say, what lips can tell, with unconcern, These cruel tidings to the widow'd fair; Who waits with anxious heart his glad return, And joys to greet him with a cherub heir. Illustrious mourner ! hug the dear deceit; This fond delusion — it will soothe thy breast. may the pitying shade of Lawrence greet Thy midnight slumbers with a dream so blest. Unhappy babe ! thy mangled parent lies Far, far from thee, amidst a hostile race ; Inexorable fate has seal'd his eyes, Ah ! never to behold that smiling face. Yet, my country ! hasten to be just : And since the hero's splendid course has run, Repay the debt thou owest to his dust, In kind protection to his infant son. Even Victory, when gallant Lawrence fell, Mourn'd for the hapless fate of one so brave ; And when her lips pronounced the sad farewell, Reluctant, dropp'd a star upon the grave. f * A son of one of the hands who was slain on board of the Peacock, was taken by Captain Lawrence into his own family. t Captain Lawrence was buried in the flag of the Chesa- peake, which he defended so bravely. 132 NAVAL SONGS. Then learn, ye comrades of the illustrious dead, Heroic faith and honour to revere; For Lawrence slumbers in his lowly bed, Embalm'd by Albion's and Columbia's tear. 62 A PLEASANT NEW SONG, Chanted by Nathan Whiting, (through his nose.) for the amusement of the galley slaves on board the Phcebe, who are allo%ved to sing nothing but Psalms. ! Johnny Bull is much perplex'd, And what d'ye think's the matter ? Because the Yankee frigates sail Across the salt sea water. For Johnny says, " The ocean's mine, And all the sailor lads, too ; So pay us tax before you trade, And part of each ship's crew." "What! pay you tax!" says Jonathan, M For sailing on the water] Give you our lads of Yankee breed 1 I'd sooner give you a halter. "Free trade and sailors' rights, John Bull, Shall ever be my toast : Let Johnny but this right invade, And Johnny Bull I'll roast." John didn't mind, but took our ships, And kidnapp'd our true sailors; And Jonathan resolved to play The d 1 among the whalers. NAVAL SONGS. Away went frigates four or five, To cut up Johnny's trade, And long before the year was out The squire grew sore afraid. Some found frigates, some found sloops, Belonging to John's navy ; And some they took, and some they burnt, And some sent to old Davy. The saucy Essex, she sail'd out To see what she could do ; Her captain is from Yankee land, And so are all her crew. Away she sail'd so gay and trim Down to the Gallipagos, And toted all the terrapins, And nabb'd the slippery whalers. And where, d'ye guess, we next did go 1 Why, down to the Marquesas; And there we buried under ground Some thousand golden pieces ; Then sail'd about the ocean wide, Sinking, burning, taking, Filling pockets, spilling oil, While Johnny's heart was aching. At length he muster'd up some spunk, And fitted out three ships, sir : The Phcebe, Cherub, and Raccoon, To make the Yankees skip, sir. Away they scamper'd round Cape Horn, Into the South Sea Ocean, 12 134 NAVAL SONGS. To catch the saucy Yankee ship They had a mighty notion. North, east, and west, and likewise south, They fumbled all around ; " Why, where the d — 1 can she be, That she cannot be found ?" At length to Valparaiso bay They came in mighty funk ; The Yankee boys were then on shore, Some sober, and some drunk. Some rode horses, some rode mules, And some were riding asses ; Some tippling grog, some swigging wine, Some dancing with the lasses. The signal made all hands on board, Each man unto his station ; And Johnny he came swaggering by, But met some botheration.* The Yankee lads all ready were, With pistol, sword and gun, In hopes John Bull would run on board To have a bit of fun : But John got clear the best he could, And soon came to an anchor, And hoisted up a printed flag,j" As big as our spanker. * The Phoebe nearly ran aboard of the Essex, by accident, as Captain Hillyer said, t The flag bearing Captain Hillyer's long motto. NAVAL SONGS. 135 Some swore it was a morning prayer ; Some swore 'twas Greek or German ; But Nathan Whiting* spelt it out, And said it was a sermon. And thus long time in merry mood, All side by side we lay, Exchanging messages and songs In Valparaiso bay. At last John Bull quite sulky grew, And call'd us traitors all, And swore he'd fight our gallant crew, Paddies and Scots, and all. Then out he went in desperate rage, Swearing, as sure as day, He'd starve us all, or dare us out Of Valparaiso bay. Then out he sail'd in gallant trim, As if he thought to fright us, Run up his flag, and fired a gun, To say that he would fight us. Our cables cut, we put to sea, And run down on her quarter ; But Johnny clapp'd his helm hard up, And we went following after. Says General Wynne, and Squire Roach, \ And many more beside, * Nathan was, we understand, a tall, long-sided Yankee, and reckoned the best scholar of the whole ship's crew, t Two sailors nicknamed by the crew. 136 NAVAL SONGS. " We wish those English boys had stay'd, We'd show them how to ride." In haste to join the Cherub, he Soon bent his scurvy way, While we return'd in merry glee, To Valparaiso bay. And let them go — to meet the foe We'll take no further trouble, Since all the world must fairly know They'll only fight us — double. Ne'er mind, my boys, let's drink and sing, " Free trade and sailors' rights ;" May liquor never fail the lad Who for his country fights. Huzza, my lads — let's drink and sing! And toast them as they run : Here's to the sailors and their king, Who'll fiffht us — two to one. 63 THE DEY OF ALGIERS. Carpe Diem.— Seize the Dey.— Doctor C . The Dey of Algiers, not being afraid of his ears, Sent to Jonathan once for some tribute; « Ho ! ho !" says the dey, " if the rascal don't pay, A caper or two I'll exhibit. " I'm the Dey of Algiers, with a beard a yard long, I'm a Mussulman, too, and of course very strong: For this is my maxim, dispute it who can. That a man of stout muscle's a stout Mussulman. NAVAL SONGS. 137 " They say," to himself one day says the dey, "I may bully him now without reckoning- to pay ; There's a kick-up just coming 1 with him and John Bui , And John will give Jonathan both his hands full." So he bullied our consul, and captured our men, Went out through the Straits and. came back safe again ; And thought that his cruisers in triumph might ply Wherever they pleased — but he thought a d — d lie. For when Jonathan fairly got John out of his way, He prepared him to settle accounts with the dey ; Says he, " I will send him an able debater :" So he sent him a message by Stephen Decatur. Away went Decatur to treat with the dey, But he met the dey's admiral just in his way; And by way of a tribute just captured his ship ; But the soul of the admiral gave him the slip. From thence he proceeded to Algesair's bay, To pay his respects to his highness the dey, And sent him a message, decided yet civil, But the dey wish'd both him and his note to the d— 1. And when he found out that the admiral's ship And the admiral, too, had both given him the slip, The news gave his highness a good deal of pain, And the dey thought he'd never see daylight again. " Ho ! ho !" says the dey, " if this is the way This Jonathan reckons his tribute to pay, Who takes it will tickle his fingers with thorns ;" So the dey and the crescent both haul'd in their horns. 12* 138 NAVAL SONGS. He call'd for a peace, and gave up our men, And promised he'd never ask tribute again ; Says his highness, the dey, " Here's the d — 1 to pay Instead of a tribute; heigho, well-a-day !" And never again will our Jonathan pay A tribute to potentate, pirate, or dey ; Nor any, but that which forever is given — The tribute to valour, and virtue, and Heaven. And again if his deyship should bully and fume, Or hereafter his claim to this tribute resume, We'll send him Decatur once more to defy him, And his motto shall be, if you please — Carpe Diem. 04 THE TARS OF COLUMBIA.— 1813. Tune — '•.inacreon in Heaven." Ye sons of old Neptune, whose spirits of steel In tempests were harden'd, by peril were temper'd, Whose limbs, like the wild winds that sweep the bare keel, By fetters of tyrants shall never be hamper d ; Mid the storm and the flood Still your honours shall bud, And bloom with fresh fragrance, though nurtured with blood : For the tars of Columbia are lords of the wave, And have sworn that old ocean's their throne or their grave. The eagle of empire, from Europe's rich plain, O'er the wide-rolling waters long urged his proud pinion : NAVAL SONGS. 139 Now enthroned on our heights that o'ershadow the main, He exults in the fields of his new-born dominion. In the tops of our pine, With refulgence divine, The blaze of his eye shall eternally shine ; For the tars of Columbia, &c. The chiefs who our freedom sustain'd on the land, Fame's far-spreading voice has eternized in story : By the roar of our cannon now call'd to the strand, She beholds on the ocean their rivals in glory. Her sons there she owns, And her clarion's bold tones Tell of Hull and Decatur, of Bainbridge and Jones : For the tars of Columbia, &c. She speaks, too, of Lawrence, the merciful brave, Whose body in death still his flag nobly shielded : With his blood he serenely encrimson'd the wave, And surrender'd his life, but his ship never yielded. His spirit still soars Where the sea-battle roars, And proclaims to the nations of earth's farthest shores, That the tars of Columbia, &c. When the lightning of night fires the turbulent deeps, When foams the red wave under War's wasteful demon, When, save Danger and Death, every sea-spirit sleeps, Then, on danger and death smiles Columbia's bold Unmoved as the pole, [seaman. His invincible soul The bolts and the battle still round him bids roll ; For the tars of Columbia, &c. 140 NAVAL SONGS. His ship's the loved ark of his safety and cheer, His canopy, heaven, and his path the broad billow; By the pole-star of duty, all dauntless he'll steer To the laurels of age, or a coral-grown pillow. But whenever fate's tie Breaks, arid lets his soul fly, There's a glorious state-room awaits him on high : For the tars of Columbia, &c. Columbia shall yet view her maritime hosts, On her lakes, seas, and rivers impervious surround her; Like the rocks that have girt, since creation, her coasts, On them every sea-borne assailant shall founder. Be it Britain or Gaul, Still her sons at the call Shall guard her, and grace in their triumph, or fall. For the tars of Columbia, &c. From the time-hallow'd oaks of oracular Jove Burst the voice of the god, at Dodona's famed foun- tain: Our oaks on the ocean more gloriously rove Than waved their broad boughs, overshading the mountain. Their oracles bold In deep thunders are roll'd, And, announced in dark volumes, to empires unfold, That the tars of Columbia, &c. Our country's a ship of imperial state, New built from the stanchest materials of ages; While majestic she moves in the sea of her fate, Her beauty the eyes of the nations engages. NAVAL SONGS. 141 Her colours sublime Shall salute every clime, Borne safe through the shoals and the tempests of time. For the tars of Columbia, &c. 65 CHARGE THE CAN CHEERILY.— 1813. Now coil up your nonsense 'bout England's great navy, And take in your slack about oak-hearted tars ; For frigates as stout, and as gallant crews have we, 'Or how came her Macedon deck'd with our stars ? Yes, how came her Guerriere, her Peacock, and Java, All sent, broken ribb'd, to old Davy, of late? How came it ] why, split me, than Britons we're braver, And that they shall feel, too, wherever we meet. Then charge the can cheerily, Send it round merrily, Here's to our country, and captains commanding; To all who inherit Of Lawrence the spirit, Disdaining to strike while a stick is left standing. Nay, if, unawares, we should run (a fresh gale in) Close in with a squadron, we laugh at 'em all ; We'd tip Master Bull such a sample of sailing, As should cause him to fret like a pig in a squall. We'd show the vain boaster of numbers superior. Though he and his slaves at the notion may sneer, In skill, as in courage, to us they're inferior For the longer they chase us, the less we've to fear. Then charge the can, &c. 142 NAVAL SONGS. But should a razee be espied ahead nearly, To fetch her we'd crowd every stitch we could make; Down chests, and up hammocks, would heave away cheerly, And ready for action would be in a shake. For her swaggering cut though, and metal not caring, Till up with her close, should our fire be withheld, Then, ponr'd in so hot, that her mangled crew, fearing A trip to the bottom, should speedily yield. Then charge the can, &c. Britannia, although she beleaguers our coast now, The dread of our wives and our sweethearts as well, Of ruling the waves has less reason to boast now, As Dacres, and Carden, and Whinyates can tell. Enroll'd in our annals live Hull and Decatur, Jones, Lawrence, and Bainbridge, Columbia's pride — The pride of our navy, which, sooner or later, Shall on the wide ocean triumphantly ride. Then charge the can, &c. 66 THE TOUGH YANKEE TAR. Huzza for the lads of the ocean ! Whose mark is the eagle and star: They'll challenge all hands, I've a notion, To beat them at knocks in the war, With a tough Yankee tar ! Now, braver than Grecian or Roman, For honour he fears not a scar ; NAVAL SONGS. 143 And, damme, he'll yield him to no man, While he holds to a timber or spar — 'Tis a tough Yankee tar ! Old Archimedes, he was an ass : He had ne'er swung a ship from the water, But broken his lever, and reflectors of brass, Had he known how to beat up to quarter, Like a tough Yankee tar ! Now first on the ocean they try hands, To check haughty Albion's career ; And soon the poor king of the islands Yields a proud and a boasted Guerriere To a tough Yankee tar ! Let them jabber as much as they please, 'Tis all botheration and stuff. They talk of the rights of the seas; We'll teach them 'tis all plain enough To a tough Yankee tar ! Now Columbia, with proudest emotion, Hails her young sons of war on the main : They wave a free flag on the ocean, And none shall her freedom maintain, Like a tougrh Yankee tar ! 07 THE SHIP, BOYS— 1813. Tune — "Jack at Greenwich." Come, messmates, cheerly lead the night, And toast each absent beauty ; Mayhap we'll bleed e'er morning's light : What then 1 why, 'tis our duty. 144 NAVAL SONGS. On sea or shore, in peace or strife, Whate'er the cause that breeds it. A tar knows how to give his life, Whene'er his country needs it. We've something, too, to give our foes, If they don't gi'e's the slip, boys; We'll give them broadsides, blood, and blows, But, "Don't give up the ship," boys. The ship, boys, 6:c. When, o'er Nantasket's fatal wave, Our Lawrence sought the battle, And for a hero's crown or grave Bade all his thunders rattle : Says he, " My lads, you know the way, To fighting foes give slaughter; And, should our valour win the day, Then give the vanquish'd quarter." But, when capsized, the words that last Hung on his dying lips, boys, Were, " Let our flag still crown the mast, And don't give up the ship," boys. The ship, boys, &c. On hammock bloody, wet, or dry, We all must pay our score, boys; But death and danger's all my eye; We've seen their face before, boys. With Hull, we stood the Guerriere's force, And doff'd the pride of Dacres, Who swore he thought the joke too coarse From modest Yankee quakers. When Bainbridge, too, the good and brave, Just spoil'd the Java's trip, boys. NAVAL SOXGS. 145 We swore upon that crimson wave, We'd ne'er give up our ship, boys. The ship, boys, &c. Now what's the use to talk all night 'Bout Morris, Jones, Decatur 1 ? The foe to beat in equal fight, God bless e'm, 'tis their natur'. And long before dishonour's shoal Brings up our gallant navy, There's many a noble Briton's soul Must weigh for grim old Davy. For, all in Scripture lingo pat, Our chaplain proves it glip, boys, That " pugnam bonam," and all that, Means, " Don't give up the ship," boys The ship, boys, &c. So, fill to a Yankee seaman's creed — His heart he gives his fairest : His purse and cheer to a brother's need, With songs and fids o' the rarest : His hulk, while in life's tide it lives, His country's arms must lade it; And when his cruise is up, he gives His soul to Him that made it. But, rough or bloody be the wave, And e'en in Death's cold grip, boys Columbia's tars, so stanch and brave, Will ne'er give up the ship, boys. The ship, boys, &c. 13 146 NAVAL SONGS. 68 FREEDOM.— 1813. Tune — "Rule Britannia." Unveil'd mid Nature's glorious birth, Thy spirit, Freedom, soar'd sublime ; Sail'd o'er the regions of the earth, And pointed to this infant clime. Thy spirit shall the magnet be That guides thy sons to victory. Now o'er the broad Atlantic wave Behold Columbia's star arise ! Warm'd by its beam, the gallant brave A mighty foe in arms defies. That star the unerring guide shall be That leads her sons to victory. These o'er Britannia's warlike name Her glorious banner proudly spread ; And Britons, first in naval fame, Beneath her valour nobly bled. Her star that o'er the contest glow'd, The lustre of a nation show'd. Now, foremost mid the battle's blaze, Loudly her heroes' arms resound : Unawed by numbers, there they raise Her gallant fleet, with glory crown'd. While light can guide, and valour shield, Columbia to no power shall yield. Though small her force, o'er ocean wide The terror of her name ascends ; While, dauntless, through the whelming tide The hero's zeal her cause defends. NAVAL SONGS. 147 His deeds shall make the world proclaim The glory of Columbia's name. There, while destruction round him flies, No perils can his soul affright ; Bold as his hopes, his efforts rise, His country is his guiding light Her safety turns his steps to war, Her freedom is his leading star. For this, we saw thy gallant form, Brave Lawrence, court the raging wave ; Flash, like a sunbeam, through the storm, And grasp, in death, the warrior's grave. Thy star, Columbia, sunk in gloom, And long shall glimmer on his tomb. Yet thou, bright shade ! enroll'd in light, Art near, to warm the warrior's soul ; And many a hero through the fight, Now hails thee in the cannon's roll. Thy spirit shall his angel be To guide his arms to victory. Columbia ! fairest plant of heaven, Thou land of hope, with plenty bless'd ! Thy blooming plains, by Nature given, No foe nor stranger shall molest : For bold thy sons shall ever be To guard thy rights o'er land and sea. Thy conquests, on the roll of Fame, Shall long in bright succession lie, While Glory stamps the hero's name, And waves the conquering flag on high. 148 NAVAL SONGS. Thy star with time shall brighter shine, And give to Fame a ray divine. Then once again shall Peace resume Her olive-leaf and blooming crest; Her smile extend through Nature's gloom, And pierce the cloud that veils her breast. Then hail, Columbia's star divine, For peace and victory shall be thine. 09 NAVAL SONG. Thine — "Remember the glories of Brian the brate." Columbia, how bright is the fresh-blooming wreath Which thy heroes, who fight for thy good, While living entwine, and when dying bequeath, From their death-bed, embalm'd with their blood. And, ! while we live in the brightness it spreads, And lights us on Liberty's way, Let us never forget 'tis their glory that sheds Its fair tints o'er Columbia's day. Washington, brightest and best of thy race, By thy beacon-light still let us steer : In thy wisdom, and virtue, and valour we trace Whate'er to thy country is dear. And still, in the day of distress, let us turn To thee as our guide and our star, Thy glories, reflected from heaven, will burn Bright again round Columbia's car. Forget not, Columbia, thy seamen so true, Whose achievements now blazon thy name ; NAVAL SONGS. 149 Forget not their lives are devoted to you, 'Tis thy glory that lives in their fame. The laurels they've won, by their blood on the main, Columbia, O never forget : They're the hero's life gem, and will light him again To still brighter victories yet. Can that nation e'er rise to the proud heights of fame, "Who respects not the deeds of her brave ? From Oblivion's tomb can she e'er save her name, Who protects not her patriot's grave 1 never, Columbia! then ne'er let this stain, The stream of thy glory pollute ; Let thy heroes' bright wreaths ever honour'd remain, Entwined with thy liberty's root. 70 NAVAL HEROES.— 1814. 7*1*716 — "Hearts of Oak." Ye sons of Columbia, come, let us rejoice In the bright course of glory our brave tars have run, And in one mighty chorus, with one heart and voice, Pour the tribute of verse o'er the laurels they've won. Hearts of oak are our ships, souls of fire are our men, They always are ready, Steady boys, steady, To fight and to conquer again and again. 0, long on our mountains the forests have stood, Through ages of peace in the shade of neglect; But the fiat of heaven calls them down to the flood, Our shores to defend, and our rights to protect. Hearts of oak, &c. 13* 150 NAVAL SONGS. And see, while the nations of Europe have long Mid the conflicts of war rear'd their pillars of fame, We can boast of our heroes whose arms are as strong, Whose achievements will give them as deathless a name. Hearts of oak, &c. See Hull, Jones, Decatur, and Bainbridge now burn, Brighter stars in our land than vain Britons can claim : For while they beat the world, we beat them in our turn, And thus prostrate at once their proud pillars of fame. Hearts of oak, &c. Behold, too, brave Lawrence, whose splendid career, Gives another bright star to the sky of our fame, Though removed from this world, his example shall rear Future heroes in war, " by the fame of his name." Hearts of oak, &c. And see, too, young Burroughs, the seaman's delight, Bears another fair sprig pluck'd from Victory's brow, Though 'twas bought by his life-blood, that stream'd in the fight, Life 'gainst honour is naught, as our brave tars well know. Hearts of oak, &c. But hark ! while we sing, hear the trumpet of fame, With the glad notes of triumph again our ears greet : 'Tis for Perry it swells, ever glorious name, To whose matchless arm struck a whole British fleet. Hearts of oak, ficc. NAVAL SONGS. 151 We've yet thousands besides of young sons of the wave, Who but wait for the call of their country to fly, And to enter the lists, with the first of the brave, Who their honour insult, or their prowess defy. Hearts of oak, &c. Then, ye sons of Columbia, come, let us rejoice In the bright course of glory our country can boast; And in one mighty chorus, with one heart and voice, While we drink to our tars, let this still be our toast — " Hearts of oak are our ships, souls of fire are our men ; They always are ready, Steady boys, steady, For their country to fight, and to conquer again." 71 THE TARS OF COLUMBIA.— 1816. Ye generous sons of Freedom's happy climes, Think, while you safely till your fruitful fields, Of him, the avenger of Oppression's crimes, Who ploughs a soil which blood and danger yields, Remember still the gallant tar, who roams Through rocks and gulfs, the ocean's gloomy vast, To quell your foes, and guard your peaceful homes, Who bides the battle's shock and tempest's blast. Think, while you loll upon your beds of down, And mingle with Affection's cheering train, How he's exposed to Winter's chilling frown, Without a kindred soul to soothe his pain. 152 NAVAL SONGS. When seated by your joy-diffusing fire, Some dreary, dark, tempestuous, howling night, Let Fancy's strong, adventurous wing aspire, And poise o'er ocean on aerial height : Thence view the rolling world of waves below — Survey the barks that bear our daring tars, As round them Neptune's howling whirlwinds blow, And rend their sails, and crash their yielding spars; Lo! where the lashing surges, foaming high, Convulse the groaning vessel's sturdy frame, With lightning torches snatch'd from the vex'd sky, Destruction's angel whelms her all in flame. Fierce thunders burst — the starless welkin glares — No aid is near — the lamp of hope expires — Terrific Death his haggard visage bares, And ocean monsters fly the raging fires. Behold the gallant crew, Columbia's sons ! Who've boldly torn the British banner down, And faced the mouths of her exploding guns ; E'en now they scorn to sully their renown ! Though naught but one dark waste of billows wide Meet their unweeping eyes — and, ere an hou Has flown one hundredth part away, the tide Must quench their breath ; their spirits do not cower ! They feel, with joy, they've served their country well, And lift an honest orison to heaven; Their homes upon their dying accents dwell, And as they sink, tin y hope their sins forgiven. Behold that head with glory circled bright! As it descends, the waves around it glow ; NAVAL SONGS. 153 'Tis Blakeley's ! he that halo gain'd in fight, When Britain's standard fell beneath his blow. Though watery mountains roll upon his breast, And scaly millions gambol in his grave ; Yet shall his spirit shine among the bless'd, And fame embalm his memory on the wave. But see ! where yonder floating fragments blaze, A lonely, lingering sailor still survives ! From his frail plank he casts a hopeless gaze, Yet still for life with the rough sea he strives. Far on the tumbling deep the hero's toss'd, Ere long the tempest flags, and dawn appears ; The sun rolls up the sky, " All, all are lost !" He cries, " my comrades brave !" — thence gush his tears. The wearied billows sink in slumbers mild, And on their sparkling bosoms dolphins play; With lusty arms he stems the watery wild, And thinks on friends and country far away. A thousand tender feelings swell his heart — His wife's, and babe's, and kindred's dear embrace, Shoots through his bosom like a burning dart, At thought, that they no more shall see his face. His eye around the wide expanse he strains, In hopes some passing vessel to descry ; Ploughing the waste of ever waving plains, That at far distance meet the bending sky : And not a whitening surge is seen to rise In the waste distance, and towards him roll, 154 NAVAL SONGS. But seems a friendly sail to his dim eyes, Bringing sweet hope to cheer his sinking soul. Alas, poor sailor! 'tis no help for thee ! It comes the foaming herald of the storm. 'Tis not the whitening canvass that you see, But the white winding-sheet to wrap thy form. In pomp majestic, on his billowy throne, Far in the west, day's radiant sovereign glows ; His cheering sway the finny nations own, As o'er the deep his golden splendour flows. Their frolics wild the hapless sailor views, As round him, through the brine, they flounce and frisk : Then, on the western glories seems to muse, Until the sun withdraws his flaming disk. Now, hear the plaint his heart in sadness pours — " While pleasure sparkles through the swarming main, Illumes yon heaven, and robes my native shores ; I'm thrown adrift, the sport of direst pain ! " ! that, when in the battle fray I stood, And strain'd each sinew in the glorious cause ; Some cannon peal had drain'd my veins of blood, And crown'd my mortal exit with applause ! But, here I'm doom'd to perish in the deep, By ocean monster, hunger, storm, or cold ; Without one messmate o'er my corse to weep, And pay the honours due a sailor bold." The pall of Night the liquid world enshrouds, And silence mingles with the gathering gloom ; NAVAL SONGS. 155 Again the heavens are wrapp'd in rolling clouds, And sea-mews shriek o'er many a watery tomb. Ah ! think what now the lonely sailor feels ! Chill are his brine-steep'd limbs, and numb'd, and tired — The swelling mass of waves already reels — The sky with flash, succeeding flash, is fired. The winds are raging fierce — the surges roll — The shark and huge leviathan now roam — Tremendous thunders shake the distant pole, And ocean's heaving breast is whelm'd in foam. A flickering light gleams o'er the tumbling flood — Perhaps a meteor's. — Lives our seaman still ? Or drinks the insatiate shark his valiant blood 1 This know, whate'er his fate, 'tis God's just will. Ere long, if not deterr'd by critic's ire, Wild Fancy may his destiny disclose; And call upon his country to admire A sailor's gallantry, and feel his woes. 72 A SEA PIECE, Occasioned by the supposed, and too probable, loss of the United States ship Hornet, It is a sort of recitation, uniting the "orders" of the boatswain, with the poetical description of the loss of the Hornet. — Call the watch ! — call the watch ! *'//o .' the starboard watch, ahoy /" — Have you heard How a noble ship, so trim, like our own, my hearties, here, 156 NAVAL SONGS. All scudding 'fore the gale, disappear'd Where yon southern billows roll o'er their bed so green and clear ! Hold the reel ! keep her full ! hold the reel ! How she flew athwart the spray, as, shipmates, we do now — Till her twice a hundred fearless hearts of steel Felt the whirlwind lift its waters aft and plunge her downward bow ! Bear a hand ! Strike top-gallants ! — mind your helm ! — jump aloft ! 'Twas such a night as this, my lads, a rakish bark was drown'd, When demons foul, that whisper seamen oft, Scoop'd a tomb amid the flashing surge that never shall be found. Square the yards ! — a double reef ! — Hark ! the blast ! ! fiercely has it fallen on the war ship of the brave ! When its tempest fury stretch'd the stately mast All along the foamy sides, as they shouted on the wave. Bear a hand ! — Call the watch ! — call the watch ! "Ho ! the larboard watch, ahoy .'" — Have you heard How a vessel, gay and taunt, on the mountains of the sea, Went below, with all her warlike crew on board — They who battled for the happy, boys, and perish'd for the free 1 Clew, clew up, fore and aft ! — keep her away .' How the vulture bird of death, in its black and viewless form, NAVAL SONGS. Hover' d sure o'er the clamours of his prey, While, through all their dripping- shrouds, yell'd the spirit of the storm! Bear a hand ! Now, out reefs ! — brace the yard ! — lively, there ! ! no more to homeward breeze shall her swelling bosom spread, But love's expectant eye bid despair Set her raven watch eternal o'er the wreck in ocean's bed! Board your tacks ! — cheerly, boys ! But for them, Their last evening gun is fired — their gales are over- blown ! O'er their smoking deck no starry flag shall stream ! They'll sail no more — they'll fight no more — for their gallant ship's gone down ! Bear a hand ! 73 OLD IRONSIDES. The following grand and soul-stirring lyric, from the pen of a New England poet, was written on hearing that it was in contemplation by the Navy Department to break up the old frigate Constitution, and to sell her timbers. The author is Oliver W. Holmes, of Cambridge, Massachu- Ay, tear her tatter'd ensign down ! Long has it waved on high, And many an eye has danced to see That banner in the sky ; Beneath it rung the battle-shout, And burst the cannon's roar ; 14 158 NAVAL SONGS. The meteor of the ocean air Shall sweep the clouds no more ! Her deck — once red with heroes' blood, Where knelt the vanquish'd foe, When winds were hurrying o'er the flood. And waves were white below — No more shall feel the victor's tread, Or know the conquer'd knee; The harpies of the shore shall pluck The eagle of the sea ! O ! better that her shatter'd hulk Should sink beneath the wave ; Her thunders shook the mighty deep, And there should be her grave; Nail to the mast her holy flag, Set every threadbare sail, And give her to the god of storms, The lightning and the gale ! 74 A SAILOR'S LIFE. How bless'd the life a sailor leads, From clime to clime still ranging, For as the calm the storm succeeds, The scene delights by changing. Though tempests howl along the main, Some object will remind us, And cheer with hope to meet again The friends we left behind us. NAVAL 60NGS. 159 Then, under full sail, we laugh at the gale, Though the landsmen look pale, never heed 'em ; But toss off the glass to a favourite lass, To America, Commerce, and Freedom. But when arrived in sight of land, Or safe in port rejoicing; Our ship we moor, our sails we hand, Whilst out the boat is hoisting. With cheerful hearts the shore we reach, Our friends delight to greet us ; And, tripping lightly o'er the beach, The pretty lasses meet us. When the full-flowing bowl enlivens the soul, To foot it we merrily lead 'em ; And each bonny lass will drink off a glass To America, Commerce, and Freedom. Our prizes sold, the chink we share, And gladly we receive it ; And when we meet a brother tar That wants, we freely give it. No freeborn sailor yet had store, But cheerfully would lend it; And when 'tis gone, to sea for more ; We earn it but to spend it. Then drink round, my hoys, 'tis the first of our joys To relieve the distress'd, clothe and feed 'em ; 'Tis a duty we share with the brave and the fair, In this land of Commerce and Freedom. 160 NAVAL SONGS. 75 THE COMMON CAUSE. Our country's like a ship of war, A gallant vessel, too ; And he may well his fortune boast Who's of Columbia's crew : Each man flies to his station, When patriot zeal commands, Takes his stand, Lends his hand, As the common cause demands. When cruising in the time of peace, We gayly sing and shout ; Endear'd by wives' and sweethearts' health, The grog goes swift about : But when we see the enemy, Each heart assistance lends, On the deck, Though a wreck, As the common cause demands. 76 COLUMBIA'S HARDY SEAMEN. Gayly, lads, our friends we're leaving, Honour calls us to the main, Sweethearts! what's the use of grieving'? We but part to meet again. Soon avenged our country's quarrels, W 7 hat delicious joys we'll prove, Sweet reposing, crown'd with laurels In the arms of those we love ! NAVAL SONGS. 161 Love of country, love of glory, From our mothers' breasts we drew ; Our forefathers, famed in story, Gave the bright example too. Hail, Columbia's hardy seamen, Bravely bred on boisterous waves — Faithful to ourselves as freemen, Not the world can make us slaves. " Arm our floating towers of timber," Congress bids — each pulse beats higher; Show the world our joints are limber, Nerves of steel, and souls of fire. Now our breasts, with ardour glowing, Feel our bold forefathers' flame ; Through our veins their pure blood flowing, Can our deeds disgrace their name - ? Haste, then, seize each plundering corsair, Where the waves insulted roll 1 Trade protect in every quarter, From the tropic to the pole. Thence to the wide world's wonder, Masters of the mighty deep; While we guard our coast with thunder, Yet at home may safely sleep. Let us live a band of brothers, Whether on the land or sea ; 'Tis our strength, and not another's, That would make or keep us free ; 14* 162 NAVAL SONGS. Never fearing foes or weather, Union being still our boast : Free we'll live, or die together — " Union !" boys, in bumpers toast. 77 THE DEPARTURE. The anchor weigh'd, the cannon's roar Proclaims along the echoing shore The manly farewell of a crew, To honest independence true: The enraptured cheers declare their actions free, Self-urged, self-arm'd, to fight for liberty. No sighs disgrace the gather'd crowd ; The shouts of joy are heard aloud : No wife her parting lord restrains, To check the smile her soul disdains ; " Haste, haste," she cries, " to act the glorious part, Leave, leave my arms, and reign within my heart.'' Each sister, as she bids adieu, Crimsons with the glowing hue Of honest pride, and loud declares, " The noble toil my brother shares." E'en children catch the all-pervading glow, And prattle vengeance on the insulting foe. The vessel now adown the tide Moves slow in independent pride; While Delaware, with honest boast, Presents her to the insulted coast, There may her cannon to the world decree, Columbia can, and ever will be free. NAVAL SONGS. 163 And you, ye tars, who foremast stand, Guardians of your injured land, May smiling cherubims on high Guard you with a watchful eye, From rocks and shoals your winged castle bear, Nor storms and tempests follow in your rear. We pray not from a mortal foe The Heavens to turn your chasing prow ; Your courage proved, our quarrel just, In you we place implicit trust; Assured you'll reap from every equal fight, Success as glorious, as our cause is right. 78 THE OCEAN PILGRIM, A MORAL POEM. BY MR. DAVIS. Illi robur et aes triplex Circa pectus, erat. Thomas King, a young American sailor, confined on board the Ruby, guardship, at Bermuda, observed one even- ing a boat alongside, with her sails standing, which the lieu- tenants had neglected to hoist in. A squall arose, and in the darkness of the gust, he committed himself in her, to the mercy of the winds and waves, with no other provision than some biscuits and water. He was alone nine days on the awful expanse of waters, in this open boat : on the tenth he made the Virginia shore, and landed at Cape Henry. Strong is the love of native home : There vivid fancy casts her eye ; Whether on earth or sea we roam, Our native land demands the sigh. So I, Columbia's true-born son, In floating dungeon long confined, 164 NAVAL SONGS. Could ne'er by smiles nor bribes be won To abjure the land I left behind. Bermuda's isle had long- beheld, In prison-ship, my cheerless fare, From home and voice of friends withheld, A mournful victim to despair. At length, one night, a boat astern, With snowy sails allured my gaze; A squall arose — and, now, I burn To leave my jailers in the haze. Some bread and water all my store, A compass saved in venturous mood : And now, alone, I traverse o'er, In open boat, great Neptune's flood. 'Twas Sabbath when my frail bark roll'd At mercy of the billowy steep ; But though no bell to vespers toll'd, I found a temple on the deep. I earnest pray'd, that He, whose storms In terror shake the sea and sky, Would take my spirit in his arms, And watch me with a parent's eye. The fair moon lent the sea her light, Her beams upon the surface curl'd, And dolphins sported, passing bright, Around my little wooden world. When, sudden, from a silver cloud Advanced sweet Hope, a vision bright! With melting voice she call'd aloud, And charm'd the silence of the night. NAVAL SONGS. " Sea-pilgrim, hail ! old Ocean kind, Shall homeward bear his sailor-boy ; And soon a mother's arms shall wind Around thy neck with speechless joy. " Thy sisters dear shall, sobbing, dwell About thy form with gushing eye; And she, whose vestal tumults swell, Shall at thy presence cease to sigh." Nine days had pass'd — the tenth I knew By signs, that land was not remote : The sea had lost its sable hue, And swallows hover'd round my boat. 'Twas so — for, soon, in angel shape, Uprose to view Virginia's shore ! I land on Henry's welcome cape, I kneel, and humbly God adore ! 79 THE SONS OF THE DEEP.— 1815. Sons of the deep ! ye spirits brave, Whose victories saved a nation's fame ; From whom the rulers of the wave First learn'd the pangs of fear and shame ! To you the goblet's flowing free, To you we fill where'er you roam ; Whether you brave the stormy sea, Or dare the thunderer in his home. Skilful and bold, by labour nursed, By honour taught, by hardship tried ; 166 NAVAL SONGS. In danger and in glory first, Your country's hope, her joy, her pride. To your loved names, ye gallant few, Our souls the song of triumph raise, And future years shall swell for you The fondly lingering notes of praise. Long may your flag its lustre shed O'er the wild waters of the main ; Long may the laurel crown your head, And never, never wear a stain ! To you, with soul-enamouring beam, Dear woman's magic eye shall turn; Your deeds shall be the sage's theme, And o'er the story youth shall burn. 80 SAILORS' INDIFFERENCE. This life, boys, at best's but a rough sort of trip, And we've nothing but honour to lose; So, 'tis better, d'ye see, ere we give up the ship, Like Lawrence to finish life's cruise. For I fancy we'll all meet at Davy's again, As jovial as e'er we met here. Then what do we value the scoff on the free, That from France and from England's self starts? They may count us their hulks till they're tired, d'ye see, And we'll count them as many true hearts, That can stick to their moorings through life's foulest squalls, And still face the world as it goes. NAVAL SONGS. 167 So the ninnies we'll balk who dare think we'll descend Our rights on the seas to forego : We have biscuit and grog for a true-hearted friend, And a merry three cheers for a foe. For the world and its great ones may change as they please, But a sailor's a sailor, boys, still. Then let the cold heart in its own baseness freeze, That thinks we'll be shy on the waves : Shall we skulk, boys, and hunt out by-ways through the seas, Like cowardly rovers or slaves 1 Away with such gabble and nonsense, say I, While we've Yankee colours to show. We don't know the count of his ships who's our foe, And, what is yet more, we don't care : For ourselves, to the very heart's core, lads, we know ; And so, come foul weather or fair. I'm for setting top-gallants and booming ahead, And we'll turn by for none as we go. Then, huzza for free trade and our rights as they be ! 'Tis a whim that we like more and more : And sailors must have out their whims, d'ye see, Whether fighting or jigging on shore. So huzza for free trade, and for colours mast-high, No skulking or quibbling for me. Whether Bainbridge, or Hull, or Decatur commands, Rogers, Biddle, or Jones, 'tis all one : Huzza! and huzza! and huzza! sing all hands, And yard-arm to yard-arm's the fun ! 168 NAVAL SONGS. Then, lubbers, stand clear ! we have work to do, boys, For 'tis England's old cross must come down. And we'll rake, till sly death our hearts' cables shall slip. The command that our Lawrence has given : He was dying — says he, " Boys, don't give up the ship !" And the words took his soul off to heaven. Brave heart! he is gone to his rest — never mind : We are here to fight under him still. So, no more of vain talking, or whining, or art; We've to fight for the rights of the states : And, with Honour our pilot, with Justice our chart, Good Humour and Friendship our mates: They'll find, if we've biscuit and grog for a friend, We've a merry three cheers for a foe. 81 ELEGY On the death of Lieutenant James Decatur, who fell Au- gust 3d, 1804, in an action with the Tripolitan gun-boats. Through these drear walls, where fiends horrific reign. Chill the faint heart, and rend the frantic brain — Where, void of friends, of pleasure, food, or rest, The vulture slavery preys upon the breast — From yon thick squadron, whence we hope to hear The voice of freedom charm the captive's ear, Sounds the sad tale — Decatur's name deplore, For that young hopeful hero breathes no more! He left, to free us from barbarian chains, His country's blooming groves and peaceful plains : NAVAL SONGS. Forever sacred be those arms he wore, The cause that moved him, and the bark that bore. 'Twas Heaven's own cause — 'twas Freedom's injured name, The love of country, and the voice of fame Call'd forth his active martial skill, to go Scour the wide deep, and scourge the tyrant foe : Dauntless he fights, where dying groans resound, And thundering carnage roars tremendous round, Till Heaven beheld him with propitious eyes, And snatch'd his kindred spirit to the skies. When from the Turks his mangled form they bore, With glory cover" d — bathed in streaming gore, Bewailing friends his ghastly wounds survey'd, Which bade defiance to all human aid. When life stood trembling, lingering in its flight, And heaven's bless'd visions dawn'd upon his sight, The radiant shades of heroes hovering round, Midst harps of angels, with reviving sound, Soothed the last pangs of his undaunted breast, And wing'd him, convoy'd, to eternal rest. Could Worth have rescued, or could Virtue save Her heaven-born votaries from the destined grave — Could sacred Friendship's hallow'd prayers bestow The gift of immortality below — Could thousands' sighs and tears, that ceaseless roll, Call from the shores of bliss the angelic soul — (Though the bold wish be impious deemed, and vain) Death ne'er had reach'd him — or, he'd live again. But fate's decrees, irrevocably just, Doom'd his frail body to the mingling dust; 15 170 NAVAL SONGS. In yon cold deep it finds unwaked repose, Far from the embrace of friends, or reach of foes, Till the last trumpet's loud eternal roar Call forth its millions from the sea and shore : Nor, till the final blast and awful day, Shall that brave soul reanimate its clay. 82 THE MEMORY OF COMMODORE PREBLE. 1807. While War, fierce monster, stain'd with guiltless blood, Roars, threats, and rages round the infuriate flood, While hostile Britons murdering fleets employ To infest our harbours and our ships destroy; Impress our tars in their inglorious cause, In base defiance of all nation's laws: When each bold veteran, in his country's name, Is call'd to save her freedom and her fame ; When few, whose bravery and whose nautic skill Can duly execute her sovereign will ; What sighs of sorrow waft from shore to shore, With these sad tidings — " Preble is no more !" Erst when mad Tripoli, in prowess vain, With her rapacious corsairs block'd the main ; Pour'd round our ships in predatory swarms, With purple banners and audacious arms — Our neutral cargoes plunder'd on the waves, And made our free-born citizens her slaves : When our late frigate groan'd upon the shoals, So deeply freighted with three hundred soul6, NAVAL SONGS. 171 Who sigh'd in durance till yon lamp of night Full twenty changes had renevv'd its light, 'Twas Preble first that dauntless squadron led Where Somers perish'd, and Decatur bled; Where Wadsworth, Israel, met in death their fate With kindred martyrs full as brave and great ; 'Twas Preble first those barbarous pirates show'd Justice was all the tribute that we owed ; And proved, that when Columbia vengeance bears, 'Tis naught but mercy that the victim spares. Our Preble's cause even Heaven itself might own, In heaven 'tis cherish'd, and through earth 'tis known : It charms their numbers, and it tunes their lyres — In heaven 'tis warbled from enraptured choirs : The cause of Freedom, dear to him who knows The adverse horrors, and the poignant woes Of slavery, dungeons, hunger, stripes, and chains, With dismal prospects of augmented pains. To free the captive, noble, generous deed, Who would not swear to fight, and sigh to bleed 1 To free the captive, Preble winged his aid, And more firm valour never was display'd, When round our prison's solitary walls Burst the dread meteor bomb-shells — shower'd the balls. Our hearts for liberty or death beat high ; And who for freedom would not wish to die 1 To him we look'd, on him our hopes relied, The friend of seamen, and the seaman's pride : To him we look'd, and righteous Heaven implored To speed the vengeance of his slaughtering sword : 172 NAVAL SONGS. Nor is he now, though vain his efforts proved, The less lamented, or the less beloved ; But each late captive, year succeeding year, Will bless his memory, and his name revere. Yes, gallant chief! though virtuous, just, and brave. Thine is the lot of man — the dreary grave ! With heroes sainted, who have gone before, Like them we prized thee, and like them deplore. And though thine arm, of Barbary once the dread, Lies cold and withered midst the unconscious dead, Unfading laurels at thy name shall bloom, Spring from thy dust and flourish round thy tomb. Lamented chief! though death be calmly past, Our navy trembled when he breath'd his last ! Our navy mourns him, but it mourns in vain : A Preble ne'er will live — ne'er die again ! Yet hope, desponding, at the thought revives; A second Preble — a Decatur lives ! His worth, his merit, well are understood, His hand is skilful, and his heart is good. Bold shall he chase yon demons of the wave, For all who know him, know him to be brave. To him Columbia casts her streaming eyes, Wipes their free torrent, and suspends her sighs. S3 ENTERPRISE OF LIEUT. SOMERS.— 1804. Towards Afric's coast the wind did blow, All hearts were warm'd by valour's glow, And eager to chastise the foe For acts of daring robbery. NAVAL SONGS. Lo ! Somers launch'd upon the main, With ten bold seamen in his train, Tripoli's port resolved to gain, And mar each wall and battery. Forward they press'd on ocean's wave — (Wadsworth was there, and Israel, brave!) Nor thought of danger, nor a grave : Their thoughts were on the enemy. The bark that sped them to the shore Of strong gunpowder had a store, And bomb-shells too she likewise bore — Dread instruments of misery ! As to the port they closely drew, The enemy appear'd in view ; Two boats approach'd, with each a crew Of fifty sons of Tripoli. In haste they board — see Somers stand, Determined, cool, form'd to command, The match of death in his right hand, Scorning a life of slavery. And now, behold ! the match applied, The mangled foe the welkin ride : — Whirling aloft, brave Somers cried, " A glorious death or liberty !" The volleying bomb-shells fierce were driven Impetuous through the vault of Heaven, And infidels, by terror riven, With shrieks rent heaven's canopy. 15* 174 NAVAL SONGS. The bashaw from his castle fled, The bomb-shells thundering o'er his head, Whilst, strew'd along, the countless dead Lay prone on earth in agony. And fiercer vengeance still shall flow Upon the faithless, guilty foe, When Barron with his fleet shall go, And storm that den of roguery. Then will our cannon, spouting balls, In ruins lay their castle's walls, Whilst, wrapp'd in flames, each mansion falls, And women sue for clemency. Columbians! that will be the hour With mercy so to temper power, That Virtue shall not on you lour An eye that looks severity. And then shall Bainbridge once again Recross, in liberty, the main, Freed, with his crew, from galling chain. And dungeon's gloomy tenantry. 84 DECATUR'S VICTORY.— 181S. Arise ! arise ! Columbia's sons, arise ! And join in the shouts of the patriotic throng ! Arise! arise! Columbia's sons, arise! And let Heaven's walls re-echo with your song — For Columbia's genius, victory proclaiming. Flies through the world, our rights and deeds main- taining; NAVAL SONGS. 175 And our fame at Tripoli recorded still shall be, And Decatur, brave Decatur's name remember'd be with joy. Huzza ! huzza ! huzza ! huzza ! huzza ! boys, Mars guards for us what we did independent gain. Huzza! huzza! huzza! huzza! huzza! boys, Columbia still, unrestrain'd, sails the main. Haughty and proud, the tawny sons of Tripoli Had long been a pest to our independent sailing ; And vainly thought they to enslave us who were free, While their flag waved unfurl'd o'er the main : But Decatur soon taught them, midst all their peals of thunder, To Columbia's flag 'twas their wisdom to surrender; And their frigate in a flame, gave a glory to his name, And laurels graced the bosoms of Columbia's fair. Huzza! huzza! huzza! &c. In Congress, with joy, met the guardians of our rights, Determined to give to merit its renown ; And surrounded their brows, which the hardy tar requites, With fair Freedom's and a famed laurel crown — And the loud trump of Fame o'er earth and ocean sounding, With Barron, Preble, Talbot, and Decatur's name resounding : And our fame at Tripoli recorded still shall be, And Freedom's loving choir sing the glories of that day. Huzza! huzza! huzza! &c. Arise ! arise ! you sprightly sons of mirth, Receive your protectors with open arms returning ; 176 NAVAL SONGS. And view the spoils they with their blood have bought, Columbia's flag waving high in the air. And the American henceforward shall be penn'd, A terror to his foe and an honour to his friend ; From the scourge of Tripoli our children shall be free, And millions unborn shall rejoice in our fame. Huzza! huzza! huzza! &c. 85 THE YOUTHFUL SAILOR. BY JOHN D. WOLFE, JR. The youthful sailor mounts the bark, And bids each weeping friend adieu ; Fair blows the gale, the canvass swells; Slow sinks the upland from his view. Three mornings, from his ocean-bed, Resplendent beams the god of day ; The fourth high looming in the mist, A war-ship's flouting banners play. Her yawl is launch'd ; light o'er the deep, Too kind, she wafts a ruffian band ; Her blue track lightens to the bark, And soon on deck the miscreants stand. Around they throw the baleful glance; Suspense holds mute the anxious crew — Who is their prey ? — poor sailor-boy ! The baleful glance is fix'd on you. Nay, why that useless scrip unfold ? — They damn the w tying Yankee scrawl :" Torn from thine hand, it strews the wave — They force thee trembling to the yawl. NAVAL SONGS. Sick was thine heart, as from the deck The hand of friendship waved farewell; Mad was thy brain, as, far behind, In the gray mist thy vessel fell. One hope, yet, to thy bosom clung, The captain mercy might impart: Vain were that hope, which bade thee look For mercy in a pirate's heart. What woes can man on man inflict, When malice joins with uncheck'd power! Such woes, unpitied, and unknown, For many a month, the sailor bore. Oft gemm'd his eye the bursting tear, As memory linger'd on past joy ; As oft they flung the cruel jeer, And damn'd the " chicken-liver'd boy." When, sick at heart, with " hope deferr'd," Kind sleep his wasting form embraced, Some ready minion plied the lash, And the loved dream of freedom chased. Fast to an end his miseries drew ; The deadly hectic flush'd his cheek; On his pale brow the cold dew hung : He sigh'd, and sunk upon the deck ! The sailor's woes drew forth no sigh ; No hand would close the sailor's eye ; Remorseless, his pale corpse they gave, Unshrouded, to the friendly wave. 178 NAVAL SONGS. And, as he sunk beneath the tide, A hellish shout arose ; Exultingly the demons cried, "So fare all Albion's rebel foes !" 86 THE TARS OF COLUMBIA. Ye sons of Columbia, the trumpet of Fame Through the wide world your actions shall loudly proclaim : See Liberty's genius in triumph arise, Recording your deeds as she mounts to the skies. Whilst at the hostile shore, where thundering cannons roar, The note of each brave tar, each brave tar shall be, No tribute ! but glory, we'll die or be free. The brave sons of Freedom, who fell in the cause Supporting our rights, independence, and laws; As the actions of heroes, by history are graced, First shall Somers, Decatur, and Wadsworth be placed. Whilst at the hostile shore, &c. See Preble exalted ! a monument stand ! Surrounded by heroes, who, under his command, On Tripoli's tyrant their vengeance have hurl'd, And the deeds of Columbians resound through the world. Whilst at the hostile shore, &c. May Washington's genius our country defend, And that charter maintain which Freedom has penn'd ; But should tyranny dare our rights to invade, By our tars shall the daring attempt be repaid. Whilst at the hostile shore, &c. NAVAL SONGS. 87 THE YANKEE TAR When engaged on the ocean, the brave YanKee tar Reaps the laurels of fame in the tug of the war, With patriot ardour inspired when he fights, He conquers for glory and maritime rights. His country's flag to the mast-head he nails, Where it gallantly floats to the favouring gales ; While serving his gun, with true courage he glows And defiance he bids to America's foes. With generous feelings his bosom is stored, Fights on till existence is gone by the board ; But, the enemy conquer'd, to mercy inclined, A friend in the brave he rejoices to find. Accomplish'd the cruise, to his country he steers, High swells his full heart as his Sally he nears, For faithful to glory and love are our tars, To New England's honour, their stripes and their stars. 88 THE IMPRESSED AMERICAN. O ! who can conceive how acute are my pains, How my bosom with anguish is torn, When I think, with regret, on those dear native plains, Where none but a freeman is born ? O ! curse on those fiends, having power to oppress, Who wolf-like can prey on the weak ; Who deny the unfortunate man a redress, And permit not the poor man to speak. 180 NAVAL SONGS. Fell Tyranny's chains now unfetter my soul, As rudely I'm toss'd on the main; Fell Tyranny's mandate, with lawless control, Plies the lash — dare her victims complain] With a quick-beating- heart, while constrained I toil, For my friends and my country I mourn ; And in retrospect trace all the scenes in that soil, Where perhaps I shall never return. When I think on my home, on my wife, and my child, That would cherub-like spring on my knee ; My brain is on fire, my thoughts are as wild As the storm-enraged waves of the sea. Away, maddening thoughts, and begone, dark Despair ! There's a Providence ruling on high, Who the widow and orphan takes under his care, And notes each oppress'd man's sigh. 89 THE APPEAL. Freedom's sons, awake to glory ; Bid Columbia's eagle soar! Once our deeds have rung in story; Burns the patriot flame no more ? Shall that arm which haughty Britain In its gristle found too strong: That, by which her hosts were smitten, Shall that arm be palsied long? See our sons of ocean kneeling To a tyrant's stripes and chains ! Partisan ! hast thou no feeling, When the hardy tar complains? NAVAL SONGS. See the British press-gang seize him, Victim of relentless power! Stout his heart is, but must fail him In this evil, trying hour! Wife and children did enfold him, Ere he launch'd upon the deep : These shall ne'er again behold him; These are left alone to weep. Dragg'd on board his prison-dwelling — Snapp'd the cord of tender ties ! While his manly heart is swelling, To the winds he gives his sighs. Sons of Freedom ! rise and save him ; Snatch him from the tyrant's power ; And thy country then shall have him, Friend in peril's darkest hour. 90 SONS OF FREEDOM, RISE ! Rise ! sons of Freedom, rise ! Swift as the lightning flies, Rush to the ocean, hear our brother sighing Rush to the ocean, rescue him from dying. Let us unite, let martial songs Wake us to feel our country's wrongs. Let independence warm the soul — Proclaim it loud from pole to pole : Let every haughty tyrant know Each son of Freedom is his foe. 16 NAVAL SONGS. Insulting pirates now shall feel Columbia's arm is nerved with steel. Insulting pirates now shall feel Columbia's arm is nerved with steel. O'er Neptune's wide domain These haughty tyrants reign, Pirates and robbers, eager all for plunder. Rouse, then, indignant ! hurl on them your thunder. Americans ! no longer sleep, No longer cringe, no longer creep ; Boldly advance, and take your stand Defend your much-insulted land ; Mark how the eagle mounts the skies, Where independent spirits rise. The keen-eyed eagle points the way, And Freedom's sons her call obey. The keen-eyed eagle points the way, And Freedom's sons her call obey. Wide o'er Columbia's plain, Wide o'er the watery main, Let the loud trumpet wake each drooping spirit; Rouse to defend the blessing we inherit. Brave youth, prepare, these dire alarms Call you to arms ; to arms ! to arms ! Our foes advance — slaves you must be, Or proudly stand for liberty ; Those foreign tyrants would destroy That heaven-born freedom we enjoy. Invading hordes shall die accurst, Back they must fly, or bite the dust. Invading hordes shall die accurst, Back they must fly, or bite the dust. NAVAL SONGS. 183 91 EXERCISING SHIR— 1803. Now for the rock our warlike frigate bore, Nor storms were felt to beat, nor heard to roar — " Clear ship for action !" sounds the boatswain's call ; " Clear ship for action !" his three mimics bawl. Swift round the decks see war's dread weapons hurl'd, And floating ruins strew the watery world. " All hands to quarters !" fore and aft resounds, Thrills from the fife, and from the drum-head bounds: From crowded hatchways scores on scores arise, Spring up the shrouds, and vault into the skies. Firm at his quarters each bold gunner stands, The death-fraught lightning flashing from his hands. Touch'd at the word, tremendous cannons roar, The waves rush, trembling, to the viewless shore. From crackling muskets whizzing balls are sent, And, darting, pierce the liquid element. The fearful nations of the deep below Fly the dire signals of impending wo; Air's wild inhabitants in clouds convene, And wing, impetuous, from the frightful scene. Men seek the spoils of the eventful fight : Lo ! not an enemy nor sail in sight — What then 1 must poets ne'er record a deed, Nor sing a battle but when thousands bleed ? Can naught but blood and carnage yield delight 1 ? Or mangled carcasses regale the sight ? Which shows more godlike, men to save— or kill * Their sweat by exercise, or blood to spill 1 Which sounds more grateful to the man humane. To hear of hundreds' health, or hundreds slain ? 184 NAVAL SONGS. No blood here flows, no hero's dying groans, No squadrons vanquish'd, and no broken bones ; But each more eager to the grog-tub ran, Than when the foeless contest first began. Still on our course, the Western Isles we past, And famed Gibraltar heaves in sight at last: Close in we stood, at our commander's word, The harbour entered, and the frigate moor'd. View'd from the ship, what prospects here arise ! T he rock's bold summit, towering to the skies, Roll'd in eternal clouds, through time has stood, Nods, threats, and frowns terrific on the flood ! To guard the fortress, and the port command, Round its wall'd base repulsive batteries stand : Rows above rows, huge cannon wide extend, And groves of muskets glittering terrors blend. But flowery gardens soon relieve the sight, And, side by side, lie horror and delight. 92 YANKEE TARS. The following song was composed by Dr. Darlington, one of the representatives in Congress from Pennsylvania, and sung by him at the dinner given by the delegation from that state, to Commodore Decatur and Captain Stewart, at Washington, on the 8th of January, 1816. Tune — "Mrs. Casey." Whene'er the tyrants of the main Assault Columbian seamen, They'll find them ready to maintain The noble name of " freemen." Then toast the brave, for they will save Columbia's fame from sinking; NAVAL SONGS. 185 The honour'd scars of Yankee tars Are glorious themes for drinking. Too long our tars have borne, in peace, With British domineering : But now they've sworn the trade shall cease — For vengeance they are steering. Then toast, &c. First gallant Hull, he was the lad Who sail'd a tyrant-hunting; And swaggering Dacres soon was glad To strike to "striped bunting." > Then toast, &c. Intrepid Jones next boldly sought The demons of oppression : With a superior force he fought, And gave the knaves a threshing. Then toast, &c. Then quickly met our nation's eyes The noblest sight in nature — A first-rate frigate, as a prize, Brought in by brave Decatur. Then toast, &c. The veteran Bainbridge next prepared To wield his country's thunder : In quest of foes he boldly steer'd, And drove the Java under. Then toast, &c. And daring Lawrence next parades : From zone to zone he sought 'em : 16* 186 NAVAL SONGS. One boasting Briton he blockades, And sends one to the bottom. Then toast, &c. Next see our gallant Enterprise ! How nobly ocean rocks her ! There Burrows for his country dies, But first subdues the Boxer. Then toast, &c. With loud applauses next we greet The glorious news from Erie : Behold ! a powerful British fleet Submits to gallant Perry. Then toast, &c. Then Warrington, his country's pride, Sails boldly forth to serve her ; And, quickly humbled by his side, We see the fierce Epervier. From noble Blakely's dauntless force His vanquish'd foes in vain steer ; For he could stop the Avon's course, And overhaul the Reindeer ! Then toast, kc. M'Donough, hero of Champlain, Next proved, that British seamen With Yankee tars contend in vain — Because those tars are freemen. Then toast, &c. NAVAL SONGS. 187 With " Ironsides" brave Stewart slips To sea on her third cruise, sir, And, tired of flogging single ships, She drubs them now by twos, sir. Then toast, &c. The Penguin next, with her bold crew, Thought she to strike would scorn it : She sought a Wasp — but found, in lieu, Our Biddle and his « Hornet." Then toast, &c. Our Yankee tars to Afric's shore Our heroes, lastly, led 'em — And Turkish banners bow before The starry flag of Freedom. Then toast, &c. Come, push the flowing bowl around, And in Columbia's story Long may such gallant names abound, To vindicate her glory. Then toast, &c. 93 DEATH OR VICTORY— 1814. Brave warrior of old ocean, Columbian heroes, hail ! "Whose vengeance speaks in thunder deep, Whose valour swells the gale ; Again — again to conquest ! on ! The star-girt flag let fly; For the foe onward go, 'Tis to death or victory. 188 NAVAL SONGS. The spirit of Columbia Shall ne'er in chains be thrall'd : 'Fore the terrors of her lightning front The foe shall shrink appall'd. Her sons, in freedom strongly nerved, Shall tyrant worlds defy : Midst the storms of their arms, They'll find death or victory. See! see the glorious vanguard, With pendant blue unfurl'd ; Hesperia's banner'd eagle waves Defiance to the world : Tells, when their country calls to arms, How freemen dare to die. At her call they will fall, Or find glorious victory. Though towering o'er each billow The tyrant foe appear; Though wide his thousand streamers wave, And proudly flout the air — Yet, freemen, on ! midst storm, midst fire, Ye conquer, or ye die ! From the grave of the brave Springs our country's liberty. Thrice and thrice dark lowering, The foeman gives his front; And thrice and thrice Columbia's tars Loud hail the battle's brunt. And thrice and thrice our eagle soars Triumphantly on high : Whilst the deep wakes his sleep, At our shouts of victory. NAVAL SONGS. Come on, confederate tyrants ! Come try what freemen dare ; In liberty's almighty cause They scorn — they know not fear. While iron tempests raging beat, Their standard star shall fly ; To the brave it shall wave On to death or victory ! Ye sacred sires ! whose spirits Still guard your country's weal : Lo ! o'er the wave-repelling deck Your sons embattled kneel. By your blood which flow'd we, bending, swear, "Freemen we'll live or die." Midst the storms of our arms We'll find death or victory. 94 SIEGE OF PLATTSBURGH, As sung at the theatre at Albany, in the character of a negro sailor. Tune — "Boyne Water." Back side Albany stan' Lake Champlain, Little pond, half full a' water, Plat-te-burg dare too, close pon de main ; Town small — he grow bigger, do', herearter. On lake Champlain Uncle Sam set he boat, And Massa M'Donough, he sail 'em; While General Macomb Make Plat-te-burg he home, Wid de army, who courage nebber fail 'em. 190 NAVAL SONGS. On 'lebenth day of Sep-tem-ber, In eighteen hund'ed and fourteen, Gubbener Probose, an he British sojer, Come to Plat-te-burg a tea-party courtin : An he boat come too Arter Uncle Sam boat: Massa Donough do look sharp out de winder. Den Gen'ral Macomb (Ah ! he always a-home — ) Catch fire, too, jiss like a tinder. Bang! bang! bang! den de cannons gin to roar In Plat-te-burg, and all 'bout dat quarter; Gubbener Probose try he hand 'pon de shore, While he boat take he luck 'pon de water. But Massa M'Donough Knock he boat in he head, Break he heart, broke he shin, 'tove he caff in, And Gen'ral Macomb Start ole Probose home — Tot me soul den, I mus die a laffin. Probose scare so, he lef all behine, Powder, ball, cannon, tea-pot an kittle — Some say he cotch a cole — trouble in he mine, Cause he eat so much raw an cole vittle. Uncle Sam berry sorry, To be sure, for he pain ; Wish he nuss heself up well an hearty — For Gen'ral Macomb And Massa Donough home, When he notion for anudder tea-party. NAVAL SONGS. 95 THE SEVEN NAVAL VICTORIES. John Bull, in a passion, once stoutly resolved That he'd settle accounts, in dispute long involved : For John had found out by his books, it appears, That Jonathan owed him a grudge for some years. Derry down, &c. This Jonathan was a great dealer in ware, Who imported the notions that Johnny could spare; Whom he thought his best friend, until time had be- tray 'd He'd deceived him in orders, in counsel, and trade. Derry down, &c. When John first came out in a warrior's attire, His crest triple-plumed, his mouth foaming with ire; He challenged his customer boldly to fight, To prove by a combat his balance was right. Derry down, &c. Friend Jonathan was not a lover of strife, He loved money well, but much better his life ; And John vainly thought he had not to do more Than to kick and to cuff him as oft he'd before, Derry down, &c. When Jonathan heard of John's bluster, the while, His anger was kindled, his blood it did boil : Quoth he, " Mr. Bull, I'll soon make it appear You have taken this time the wrong sow by the ear." Derry down, &c. The battle commenced and with fury was tried; Whilst John on his skill and experience relied, 192 NAVAL SONGS. Poor Johnny, untutor'd, on bottom did rest, He'd a strong Constitution — his pluck was the best. Derry down, &c. John sparr'd at a distance, right sure of success, Till Jonathan closed with a furious press ; And, breaking one half of his ribs at a blow, In forty-five minutes, John cried, " Stop, HulI-0 !" Derry down, &c. The battle concluded, John scarcely could rest, His feelings were wounded, his spirits depress'd; So, says he, "By the way of drowning all pain, I'll get drunk in a Frolic, and fight him again." Derry down, &c. This insolent threat, under shameful defeat, Raised Jonathan's choler, and Jonathan's feet ; Like a Wasp he flew at him, and, changing his tones, John cried out peccavi to old Davy Jones. Derry down, &c. John having revived from his desperate wo, And gaining fresh courage from every fresh blow ; Macedonian madness, like Aleck the great, Involved him in wars — in black eyes — broken pate. Derry down, &c. For John, in the course of the rolling of time, Had changed his retirement, his country and clime; And in the United States was again met By Jonathan, who drubb'd him into a sweat. Derry down, &c. John, stung with disaster and threefold disgrace, In India's fair climes sought for safety and peace; NAVAL SONGS. 193 But Jonathan chanced to go there in pursuit, He met him in Java, and flogg'd him to boot. Derry down, &c. John, finding that he had to do with a wight Who was too much his match in a rough fisty fight; Resolved a few lessons to learn, ere 'twas late, At Crib's or at Molineux's next royal bait. Derry down, &c. Now John, who for boasting could ne'er be outdone, Had a bird which, for splendour, would rival the sun : A bird which, he said, that, when pitted to fight, Was as certain of conquest as valorous knight. Deny down, &c. His Peacock he placed in the care of a friend, But, the bird being silly, soon came to its end : For, approaching too near to a dangerous nest, A Hornet attacked and soon buzz'd him to rest. Derry down, &c. Jack having acquired the pugical art, And priding himself on his muscles and heart; Left home in the character, novel and rare, Of a Boxer profess'd in the " art railitaire." Derry down, &c. When Jonathan saw him first flourish his fists, The gauntlet was thrown, and they enter'd the lists, For Jonathan's Enterprise boldly defies Broken ribs, bloody nose, or a pair of black eyes. Derry down, &c. The ring was now form'd — the first round was severe ; John dealt his opponent a blow on the ear, 17 194 NAVAL SONGS. Which had well nigh proved fatal to Johnny, alack ! Had he not been supported by friends at his back. Derry down. &c. The second round alter'd the state of the fight; John was knock'd down in turn, and the dust made to bite, Which decided, right quickly, the fate of the day, For John cried " enough," and was straight led away. Derry down, &c. To Jonathan's carried, his wounds were bound up, And John, when recruited, requested a sup Of cider or whisky, his strength to repair, So Jonathan gave him the "juice of a pear." Derry down, &c. The taste of the liquor well pleased Mr. Bull, Who, having quaff'd potently, till he was full, In a style of importance turn'd round to his host. And told him he'd take all his Perry at cost. Derry down, &c. Now Jonathan was a right humorous wag; He order'd the liquor — the'jug did not flag; And John got his dose of the exquisite stuff; For the Perry o'ercame him — he cried " I've enough ! Derry down, &c. f When John became sober and thought of his state, Says he, " Chance is against me, as well as my fate : I've been seven times conquer'd, and now I at length Think it time to walk off, to recover my strength." Derry down, kc. NAVAL SONGS. 195 96 BROTHER JONATHAN'S EPISTLE TO JOHNNY BULL.— 1814. 0, Johnny Bull, ray joe, John, I wonder what you mean 1 Are you on foreign conquest hent, or what ambitious scheme 1 Ah! list to brother Jonathan, your fruitless plans forego ; Remain on your fast-anchor'd isle, Johnny Bull, my joe. O, Johnny Bull, my joe, John, don't come across the main ; Our fathers bled and suffer'd, John, our freedom to maintain ; And him who in the cradle, John, repell'd the ruthless foe, Provoke not, when to manhood grown, O Johnny Bull, my joe. 0, Johnny Bull, my joe, John, you've proud and haughty grown ; The ocean is a highway, which you falsely call your own : And Columbia's sons are valiant, John, nor fear to face the foe, And never yield to equal force, Johnny Bull, my joe. O, Johnny Bull, my joe, John, your Peacocks keep at home, And ne'er let British seamen in a Frolic hither come, 196 NAVAL SONGS. For we've Hornets, and we've Wasps, John, who, as you doubtless know, Carry stingers in their tails, Johnny Bull, my joe. When I name our naval heroes, John, ! hear old England's groans : There's Bainbridge, Porter, Blakely, Decatur, Hull, and Jones; And while for gallant Lawrence our grateful tears shall flow, We never will give up the ship, Johnny Bull, my joe. O, Johnny Bull, my joe, John, on Erie's distant shore See how the battle rages, and loud the cannons roar; But Perry taught our seamen to crush the assailing foe — He met, and made them ours, O Johnny Bull, my joe. O, Johnny Bull, my joe, John, behold on Lake Cham- plain, With more than equal force, John, you tried your fist again : But the cock saw how 't was going, and cried " cock- a-doodle-doo," And Macdonough was victorious, Johnny Bull, my joe! Your soldiers on the land, John, on that eventful day, Mark'd the issue of the conflict, and then they ran away : And Macomb would have Burgoyn'd, John, your Go- vernor Prevost ; But, ah ! he was too nimble, Johnny Bull, my joe. 0, Johnny Bull, my joe, John, in night attacks and day. We drove you from Fort Erie — flogg'd you at Chip- peway : NAVAL SONGS. 197 There's Porter, Brown and Ripley, Scott and Gaines to face the foe, And they use the bayonet freely, 0, Johnny Bull, my joe. What though at Washington, a base marauding band Our monuments of art, John, destroy'd with ruthless hand : O, it was a savage warfare, John, beneath a generous foe, And brings the most disgrace on you, Johnny Bull, my joe. 0, Johnny Bull, my joe, John, don't send your Coch- rane o'er, Few places are assailable, on this our native shore : And we'll leave our homes and friends, John, and crush the reptile foe That dares pollute our native soil, O Johnny Bull, my joe. O, Johnny Bull, my joe, John, when all your schemes had fail'd, To wipe away the stigma, John, for New Orleans you sail'd : But heavier woes await thee, John, for Jackson meets the foe, Who's name and fame's immortal, Johnny Bull, my joe! 0, Johnny Bull, my joe, John, your Packenham's no more : The blood of your invincibles crimsons our native shore : 17* 198 NAVAL SONGS. No Hampton scenes are here, John, to greet a savage foe, Nor booty — no, nor beauty, Johnny Bull, my joe. 0, Johnny Bull, my joe, John, your heroes keep at home; In high spirits they come hither, but they're carried back in rum. You say your sons are valiant, John : I grant they may be so : But more valiant are our Yankee boys, 0, Johnny Bull, my joe. Your schemes to gather laurels here, I guess were badly plann'd : We have whipp'd you on the ocean, John, we've thresh'd you on the land : Then hie thee to old England, John, your fruitless plans forego, And stick to thy fast-anchor'd isle, 0, Johnny Bull, my joe. 97 BATTLE OF PLATTSBURG. Tune — "Maggy Lauder." Sir George Prevost, with all his host, March'd forth from Montreal, sir, Both he and they as blithe and gay As going to a ball, sir. The troops he chose were all of those That conquer'd Marshal Soult, sir; Who at Garonne (the fact is known) Scarce brought them to a halt, sir. NAVAL SONGS. 199 With troops like these, he thought with ease To crush the Yankee faction : His only thought was how he ought To bring them into action. "Your very names," Sir George exclaims, " Without a gun or bayonet, Will pierce like darts through Yankee hearts* And all their spirits stagnate. " ! how I dread lest they have fled And left their puny fort, sir, For sure Macomb won't stay at home, T' afford us any sport, sir. Good bye !" he said to those that stay'd : " Keep close as mice or rats snug : We'll just run out upon a scout, To burn the town of Plattsburg." Then up Champlain with might and main He march'd, in dread array, sir ; With fife and drum to scare Macomb, And drive him quite away, sir. And, side by side, their nation's pride Along the current beat, sir : Sworn not to sup till they ate up M'Donough and his fleet, sir. Still onward came these men of fame, Resolved to give " no quarter :" But to their cost found at last That they had caught a Tartar. At distant shot a while they fought, By water and by land, sir : His knightship ran from man to man, And gave his dread command, sir. 200 NAVAL SONGS. "Britons, strike home! this dog Macomb— So well the fellow knows us — Will just as soon jump o'er the moon As venture to oppose us. With quick despatch light every match, Man every gun and swivel, Cross in a crack the Saranac, And drive 'em to the devil." The Vermont ranks that lined the banks, Then poised the unerring rifle, And to oppose their haughty foes They found a perfect trifle. Meanwhile the fort kept up such sport, They thought the devil was in it; Their mighty train play'd off in vain — 'Twas silenced in a minute. Sir George, amazed, so wildly gazed. Such frantic gambols acted, Of all his men, not one in ten But thought him quite distracted. He cursed and swore, his hair he tore, Then jump'd upon his poney, And gallopp'd oft' towards the bluff, To look for Captain Downie. But when he spied M'Donough ride, In all the pomp of glory, He hasten'd back to Saranac, To tell the dismal story : " My gallant crews — ! shocking news — Are all or killed or taken ! Except a few that just withdrew In time to save their bacon. NAVAL SONGS. 201 "Old England's pride must now subside. ! how the news will shock her, To have her fleet not only beat, But sent to Davy's locker. From this sad day let no one say Britannia rules the ocean : We've dearly bought the humbling thought, That this is all a notion. " With one to ten I'd fight 'gainst men, But these are Satan's legions, With malice fraught, come piping hot From Pluto's darkest regions ! Helas ! mon Dieu ! what shall I dol 1 smell the burning sulphur — Set Britain's isle all rank and file, Such men would soon engulf her. "That's full as bad— ! I'll run mad ! Those western hounds are summon'd ; Gaines, Scott, and Brown are coming down, To serve me just like Drummond. Thick, too, as bees, the Vermontese Are swarming to the lake, sir; And Izard's men, come back again, Lie hid in every brake, sir. " Good Brisbane, beat a quick retreat, Before their forces join, sir: For, sure as fate, they've laid a bait To catch us like Burgoyne, sir. All round about, keep good look out: We'll surely be surrounded. Since I could crawl, my gallant soul Was never so astounded." NAVAL SONGS. The rout began, Sir George, led on, His men ran helter skelter, Each tried his best t' out-run the rest To gain a place of shelter; To hide their fear they gave a cheer, And thought it mighty cunning — He'll fight say they, another day, Who saves himself by running! 98 MY SAILOR LADDIE. Tune — Katherine Ogie. Where roll thy billows, Champlain, Thy foaming billows swelling, That proudly lash the listening plain, A tale of glory telling ; Beneath thy sacred bosom low, In weeds both tall and shady, The pride of all Macdonough's crew. There sleeps my sailor laddie. Oft had he met the battle's fray, With Hull and brave Decatur; And oft had victory mark'd his way, Midst scenes of death and slaughter, But now that manly spirit's fled To regions dark and shady ! Deep in a watery tomb is laid My valiant sailor laddie! How oft when he return'd from far, His plighted faith renewing, Beguiled my heart of every care, And every doubt subduing. NAVAL SONGS. 203 And as he sigh'd each tender vow, Beneath the willows shady ; With laurels green I deck'd the brow Of my young sailor laddie. At length arrived the fatal day, And loud the cannons rattle ! Though victory crown'd the doubtful fray, He fell amidst the battle ! With anxious heart for his dear sake, I left my mam and daddy, And hied to seek him on the lake, My much loved sailor laddie. With eager haste on board I flew, To cheer my dying lover! But ah ! my disappointed woe, My Henry's gone forever. For 0, they plunged him in the deep, With hands both rude and bloody, And left a wretched maid to weep Her dear lost sailor laddie ! 99 THE WARRIOR'S RETURN. Sung at a festival given to Commodore Rodgers at New York, 1814. Tune — American Star. O, strike up the harp to the warrior returning, From the toils and the tempests of ocean's rough wave ; The hearts of his brethren, with gratitude burning, Shall beat to the numbers which welcome the brave. 204 NAVAL SONGS. Then here's to the heroes, high-sounding in story, Who've gallantly met, and have conquer'd the foe ; And Rodgers, brave Rodgers, coeval in glory, Who's " ready and steady" to give him a blow. O'er the furthermost seas his broad banners are waving, Like an eagle in air, thrice he swept o'er the flood, The fleets of proud Britain with vigilance braving; And his deeds — who shall say they're not noble and good ! The wounds he received, for his country contending, The hardships endured shall they e'er be forgot? The slanderous tongues, 'gainst his fair fame offending, And the hands that deface — may they wither and rot ! For freemen will cherish the rough sons of Ocean, Who've no party plea when a foe may assail — But undauntedly fly to the scene of commotion, To fight for their rights, till they die or prevail. In the bosom of Rodgers, did fear ever mingle With the mild dove of peace or the eagle of war ? Dare the enemy meet, with force equal and single ? No ! but flies from the roar of his thunder afar ! Columbians ! one cause, and one soul, and one spirit Inspires all your sons who contend on the wave ; And prejudice ne'er shall eclipse real merit, Nor fortune forever coquette with the brave ! Then join the glad song, worth and valour commending, Fan the flame which in each patriot bosom should burn, And all honest hearts, in true sympathy blending, Unite in a toast to the warrior's return ! NAVAL SONGS. 205 100 RISE, COLUMBIA. BY JAMES C. HOLLAND. When Freedom fisst the triumph sung, That crush'd the pomp of Freedom's foes, The harps of Heaven responsive rung, As thus the choral numbers rose : Rise, Columbia ! brave and free ! Thy thunder when in battle hurl'd, Shall ride the billows of the sea, And bid defiance to the world ! Supremely blest by Fate's decree, Thy hardy tars in battle brave, Shall plume thy wings, and keep thee free As is the motion of thy wave; Rise, Columbia ! &c. The stars that in thy banner shine, Shall rain destruction on thy foes, Yet light the brave of every clime, To kindred friendship and repose; Rise, Columbia! &c. The storms that on thy surges rock, Around thy flag shall idly sweep, Proof to the tempest's fiercest shock, Its stripes shall awe the vassal deep. Rise, Columbia! &c. Encircled with a flood of light, Thy eagle shall supremely rise, Lead thee to victory in fight, And bear thy victory to the skies. Rise, Columbia! &e. 18 206 NAVAL SONGS. 101 BAIXBRIDGE'S VICTORY. Sung at a dinner given at Boston, to Comomdore Bain- bridge, and the officers of the frigate Constitution, tor their gallant achievement in the capture of the British frigate Java. BY L. M. SARGENT. Tune— Ye Mariners of England. Brave hearts of ocean chivalry, Who late in arms have stood Victorious o'er the bravest foe, Whose thunder wakes the flood ! Ye twice have sought fame's proudest height, And twice attained the goal ! Again, o'er the main, Shall your conquering thunders roll, And your banners float victoriously, And your conquering thunders roll. Mark, how yon ship triumphantly Her native billows lave ! Where first she gave her native form In rapture to the wave. Twice bold Britannia's hearts of oak Have own'd her stern control, And again, o'er the main, Shall her conquering thunders roll. And her banners float victoriously, And her conquering thunders roll. When first again for battle Y T e bade your thunders swell, A spirit, clad in armour, stood, Where once a hero fell. It sternly frown'd upon the foe, NAVAL SONGS. 207 And show'd the scar it bore : Till again, o'er the main, Your thunder ceased to roar. And your banners waved victoriously, While your thunders ceased to roar. Bush ! 'twas thy gallant spirit, That left its realms on high, To hear Columbia's battle rage, To see her streamers fly. That spirit, when the fight was done, Aloft the tidings bore, How again, o'er the main, Your conquering guns did roar, And your banners waved victoriously, And your conquering guns did roar. Fame ! wreathe again thy laurels, Like Hull's forever fair; Such garlands, on his manly brow, Shall noble Bainbridge wear ; The same their banner and their deck, The same their daring soul, And the same be their fame, While their conquering thunders roll, And their banners float victoriously, And their conquering thunders roll. High on thy rolls of glory, With honour doubly crown'd, By those whose sires are yet unborn, Shall Alwin's name be found. The spirits of the brave, who live On thine eternal scroll, 208 NAVAL SONGS. Again, o'er the main, When they hear their thunders roll, Shall trim those banners to the breeze, While the conquering thunders roll. "Ye Mariners of England," The brave applaud the brave ; Our bays with cypress would we twine, To deck your Lambert's grave ; But since 'tis ours to meet ye foes, Our gallant friends of yore, Again, o'er the main, Shall our conquering thunders roar, And our banners float victoriously, And our conquering thunders roar. Fame, ready twine such garlands, As crown the brave to-day ; For here are ocean warriors, As good and brave as they. When fortune leads them where the foe Now sweep the surges o'er, Again, o'er the main, Shall our conquering thunders roar, And our banners float victoriously, And our conquering thunders roar. 102 LAWRENCE'S VICTORY. All hail, Columbia's sons ! once more, Their glory beams o'er ocean bright; All welcome to their native shore, Triumphant from the bloody fight. Columbia's sons shall ever be, The guardians of true liberty. NAVAL SONGS. 209 The gallant Lawrence stemm'd the sea, Nor fear'd to meet the haughty foe ; His flag, the flag of liberty, Flowed in the breeze and still shall flow. Columbia's sons, &c. A bird of Albion's daring race, Fast moved along on airy wing, The Hornet too, with naval grace, Prepared to dart it's keenest sting. Columbia's sons, &c. The rage of battle warmer grew, Death reigned with haughty triumph there, The thundering broadsides faster flew, Whistling along the floating air. Columbia's sons, &c. But lo ! she strikes ; the Peacock's crest, Fast sinks to ocean's coral bed ; Down, down she goes ; there let her rest, And peace attend her sleeping dead. Columbia's sons, &c. High on the glowing scroll of fame, In dazzling tints, this deed shall shine ; And there, brave Lawrence, shall thy name Live in an everlasting shrine, Columbia's sons, &c. ]03 DECATUR'S VICTORY. Tune— Ye Tars of Columbia. The banner of Freedom high floated unfurl'd, While the silver tipt surges in low homage curl'd, 18* 210 NAVAL SONGS. Flashing bright round the bow of Decatur's brave bark, In contest, an eagle — in chasing, a lark. The bold « United States," Which four-and-forty rates, Shall ne'er be known to yield — be known to yield or fly — Her motto is " Glory ! we conquer or die." All canvass extended to woo the coy gale, The ship clear'd for action, in chase of a sail : The foeman in view, every bosom beats high, All eager for conquest, or ready to die. The bold United States, &c. Now havoc stands ready, with optics of flame, And battle-hounds "strain on the start" for the game. The blood demons rise on the surge for their prey, While pity, dejected, awaits the dread fray. The bold United States, &c. The gay-floating streamers of Britain appear, Waving light in the breeze, as the stranger we near; And now could the quick-sighted Yankee discern, Macedonian emblazoned at large on her stern. The bold United States, &c. She waits our approach, and the contest began, But to waste ammunition is no Yankee plan ; In awful suspense every match was withheld, While the bull-dogs of Britain incessantly yell'd : The bold United States, &c. Unawed by her thunders, alongside we came, While the foe seem'd enwrapp'd in a mantle of flame, When, prompt to the word, such a flood we return, That Neptune, aghast, thought his trident would burn. The bold United States, &c. NAVAL SONGS. Now the lightning of battle gleams horribly red, With a tempest of iron, and a hail-storm of lead : And our fire on the foe was so copiously pour'd, His mizen and top-masts soon went by the board. The bold United States, &c. So fierce and so bright did our flashes aspire, They thought that their cannon had set us on fire — «* The Yankees on flames," every British tar hears, And hail'd the false omen with three hearty cheers. The bold United States, &c. In seventeen minutes, they found their mistake, And were glad to surrender, and fall in our wake, Her decks were with carnage and blood deluged o'er, Where, weltering in blood, lay a hundred and four. The bold United States, &c. But though she was made so completely a wreck, With blood they had scarcely encrimson'd our deck ; Only five valiant Yankees in battle was slain, And our ship in five minutes was fitted again. The bold United States, &c. Let Britain no longer lay claim to the seas, For the trident of Neptune is ours, if we please. While Hull, and Decatur, and Jones are our boast, We dare their whole navy to come to our coast. The bold United States, &c. Rise, tars of Columbia, and share in the fame, Which gilds Hull's, Decatur's and Jones's bright name, Fill a bumper and drink, " Here's success to the cause, But Decatur supremely deserves our applause." The bold United States, &c. 212 NAVAL SONGS. 104 KIDNAPPED SEAMEX. Sons of Freedom, break your slumbers! Hear a brother's piercing cries ; From amidst your foes' deep thunders, Hear his bitter griefs arise ! Seized by ruffians on the ocean, From his kindred borne away, Forced to render his devotion, To relentless tyrants' sway. See ! with ruthless hands they chain him ! Iron fetters bind his arms ! Better that they first had slain him, And relieved from future harms. See his naked body streaming Rills of blood beneath the lash ; See his eyes indignant beaming, Sparkling vengeance as they flash. Though his body, scored with gashes, Sinks beneath a brutal hand, His soul still scorns the fiend-like lashes, And turns to view his native land. " my country," hear him calling, " When, when, the happy hour, That the sailor saves from falling In these demons' lawless power?" Can we hear his sad petition, Echoing o'er our hills and dales, And turn unmoved from his condition, While his miseries he bewails? NAVAL SONGS. 213 Sons of freemen, arm for battle, And avenge your brother's cause ! Let your thundering cannon rattle For our country and our laws ! 105 RODGERS AND VICTORY. Tune — "Yankee Doodle." John Bull, who has for ten years past Been daily growing prouder, Has got another taste at last Of Yankee ball and powder, Yankee doodle, join the tune, To every freeman handy, Let's shake the foot and rigadoon To Yankee doodle dandy. His wrongs and insults have increased, Till Yankees cannot bear 'em, And as they wish'd to live in peace, He thought that he could scare 'em. But Yankees know their good old tune, For fun or fighting handy, For battle or for rigadoon, 'Tis Yankee doodle dandy. You all remember well, I guess, The Chesapeake disaster, When Britons dared to kill and press, To please their royal master. That day did murder'd freemen fall, Their graves are cold and sandy ; Their funeral dirge was sung by all, Not Yankee doodle dandy. 214 NAVAL But still for this we mann'd no ship, But used expostulation. They murder'd Pierce — they fired on Tripp, We bore the degradation. For though we can like tigers fight, Yet peaceful joys are handy : Like brothers still we would unite, With Yankee doodle dandy. The tools of British power who steal And murder on the ocean, For every wrong they make us feel Meet honour and promotion. I guess if father was not dead, He'd think us very bandy, And ask where all the fire had fled Of Yankee doodle dandy. But finding injuries prolong'd, Become a growing evil, Our Commodore got leave, if wrong'd, To blow 'em to the devil. And Rodgers is a spunky lad, In naval battles handy, 'Twas he who whipt the Turks so well With Yankee doodle dandy. So off he goes, and tells his crew ; The sails were quickly bent, sir: A better ship you never knew. She's call'd the President, sir, They hoisted up the topsails soon, The sailors are so handy ; While drums and files struck up the tune Of Yankee doodle dandy. NAVAL SONGS. 215 On Thursday morn we saw a sail, Well arm'd with gun and swivel, Says Rodgers, " We will chase and hail, And see if she'll be civil." So after her they hasten'd soon, The sailors are so handy ; While drums and fifes still play'd the tune Called Yankee doodle dandy. "Where are you from?" bold Rodgers cried — Which made the British wonder — Then with a gun they quick replied, Which made a noise like thunder. Like lightning we return'd the joke, Our matches were so handy, The Yankee bull-dogs nobly spoke The tune of doodle dandy. A brilliant action then began, Our fire so briskly burn'd, sir, While blood from British scuppers ran, Live Seventy-six return'd, sir, Our cannon roar'd, our men huzza'd, And fired away so handy, Till Bingham struck, he was so scared, At hearing doodle dandy. Then having thus chastised the foe, And wounded thirty British, We gave the rascals leave to go, They felt so deused skittish. Now toast our Commodore so brave, In toddy, flip, or brandy, And strike aloud the merry stave Of Yankee doodle dandy. 216 NAVAL SONGS. 100 ODE, Sung at the dinner given to the officers of the United States frigate Constitution, after the victory over the British frigate Guerriere. BY L. M. SARGEANT, ESQ. Tune— " Ye Mariners of England." Britannia's gallant streamers Float proudly o'er the tide; And fairly wave Columbia's stripes, In battle, side by side : And ne'er did bolder foemen meet Where ocean's surges pour. O'er the tide now they ride, While the bellowing thunders roar, While the cannon's fire is flashing fast, And the bellowing thunders roar. When Yankee meets the Briton, Whose blood congenial flows, By heaven created to be friends, By fortune render'd foes ; Hard then must be the battle fray, Ere well the fight is o'er; Now they ride, side by side, While the bellowing thunders roar ; While the cannon's fire is flashing fast, And the bellowing thunders roar; Still, still for noble England, Bold Dacres' streamers fly; And, for Columbia, gallant Hull's As proudly and as high. Now louder rings the battle din, NAVAL SONGS. 21 More thick the volumes pour; Still they ride, side by side, While the bellowing thunders roar; While the cannon's fire is flashing fast, And the bellowing thunders roar. Why lulls Britannia's thunder, That waked the watery war 1 Why stays that gallant Guerriere, Whose streamers waved so fair % That streamer drinks the ocean wave ! That warrior's fight is o'er ! Still they ride, side by side, While Columbia's thunders roar; While her cannons fire is flashing fast, And her Yankee thunders roar. Hark, 'tis the Briton's lee-gun ! Ne'er bolder warrior kneel'd ! And ne'er to gallant mariners Did braver seamen yield. Proud be the sires, whose hardy boys Then fell to fight no more ; With the brave, 'mid the wave, When the cannon's thunders roar; Their spirits then shall trim the blast, And swell the thunder's roar. Vain weTe the cheers of Britons, Their hearts did vainly swell, Where virtue, skill, and bravery, With gallant Morris fell. That heart, so well in battle tried, 19 NAVAL SONGS. Along the Moorish shore, Yet again, o'er the main, When Columbia's thunders roar, Shall prove its Yankee spirit true, When Columbia's thunders roar. Hence be our floating bulwarks Those oaks our mountains yield; 'Tis mighty Heaven's plain decree; Then take the watery field ! To ocean's farthest barrier, then, Your whitening sails shall pour: Safe they'll ride o'er the tide, While Columbia's thunders roar, While her cannon's fire is flashing fast, And her Yankee thunders roar. 107 AMERICAN SEAMEN'S LAMENTATION. From dungeons of Britain, which float on the main, O hear the sad tale of our sorrowful moan ; The sun of your freedom for us shines in vain, As captives we live but to sigh and to groan. Then pity, dear brothers, the fate we deplore, Let our dear native land but receive us once more. The insolent Briton, who rules us with scorn, With a heart made of stone, does but mock at our grief, Nor feels for the pangs of our state so forlorn, In hopes that our thraldom may find no relief. Then pity, dear brothers, the fate we deplore, Let our dear native country receive us once more. NAVAL SONGS. 219 brothers! ye boast of your liberty won, By Washington's feats and by deeds of your own; No ray meets our eyes of bright liberty's sun, Forced to fight and to die for a land not our own. Then pity, dear brothers, the fate we deplore, Let our friends and our country receive us once more. How happy with you to conquer or die, For country and liberty offer our lives, At the word of command be still ready to fly, Protecting our parents, our children, and wives. Then pity, dear fathers, the fate we deplore, Let our dear native country receive us once more. Forget not your sailors in thraldom severe, Who cease not to think and to pine after you ; Be not plunder'd of all which a man holds most dear, Nor suffer our days to be number'd but few. Then pity, dear nation, our sorrowful strain, Nor let us forever solicit in vain. 108 JOHN CODLINE AND JOHN BULL. With his ship all well mann'd, and " chock full of fight," John Codline was ploughing the ocean one night. As fortune would have it, John Bull came that way, And thought Mr. Codline some Frenchman astray. " Who are you V cries Codline — Sir Bull was quite mum — ! And in lieu of a word gave Codline a gun. 220 NAVAL SONGS. " Egad ! that's plain English, my own mother tongue," Cries Codline — "I'll give you as good as you flung. The sauce I now hear, oft before I have heard — So now, my good fellow, see who's the last word." Broadside and broadside, then at it they went, Till Bull cried, " Peccavi, — this ain't what I meant. I thought you a Frenchman, and fear'd not your size, "Well knowing the larger — the greater the prize." "A good one," cries Codline — "this blundering hit May learn you to profit by loss of your wit. Hereafter, when Codline you happen to meet, On Neptune's highway, on river, or street — Be civil, friend Bull, for we fear not a straw, Your 'ultima ratio' — your old cannon /aw/ 1 109 SEAMEN OF COLUMBIA. Ye seamen of Columbia, Who guard our nation's rights. Whose deeds deserve eternal fame, In four successive fights; O try your matchless skill again, Subdue your ancient foe, As they roar on your shore, Where the stormy tempests blow. The spirits often thousand men, Who groan beneath the yoke, Shall join to aid your labours When you their chains have broke, NAVAL SONGS. 221 Nor shall they e'er be press'd again, To serve your ancient foe, As they roar on your shore, Where the stormy tempests blow. Columbia needs no bulwark Along the stormy coast, Her gallant seamen are her walls, The country's pride and boast; There's Hull, Decatur, Porter, Jones, And a long list beside, Who will sweep o'er the deep, And in fearless triumph ride. The haughty flag of England, That waved a thousand years, Is stripp'd of its proud laurels, Which on our flag appears ; Our tars have crown'd the eagle, And the stripes have lash'd the foe, As they sweep o'er the deep, Where the stormy tempests blow. HO AMERICAN VICTORIES. Hark ! again the cannon's roar Floats along Columbia's shore, Peals on peals, redoubling, roll, Whilst glory fires each patriot soul. Some dreadful contest shakes the main — Hark, the thunder breaks again ! And now amid the ocean's glow, "She strikes! she strikes !" Columbia's foe. 19* 222 NAVAL SONGS. Britannia weep ! thy laurels view Fast fading, twin'd with mournful yew, Columbia's little naval band Will wrest the trident from thy hand. See boastful Dacres, humbled, yield To modest Hull the azure field ; To Yankee skill resign the wave That rises o'er the Guerriere's- grave. And see, beneath the southern sky, Columbia's flag triumphant fly ! Intrepid Jones with ardour burns, And vengeful on the Frolic turns. Superior force the Briton claims, But dauntless Jones the fight maintains, Till haughty England sees once more Her red cross humbled as before. Then turn, behold Columbia's pride, Decatur — oft in battle tried — The Preble of her infant name — The Nelson of her future fame. See, vanquish'd, by his valiant hand, The Macedonian, captive stand ; Struck, her proud banners to his might, And hails him champion of the fight. Whilst fair Columbia's genius twines, And graceful round his temple binds That glorious wreath, the meed of fame, Which consecrates a hero's name. Then, Britain, weep! thy laurels view Fast fading, twined with mournful yew; Columbia's little naval band Shall wrest the trident from thy hand. NAVAL SONGS, 223 HI DEATH OR VICTORY. Columbians, rouse to glory, The trump of War alarms, Around the tree of Liberty, Come buckle on your arms — Defend the glorious heritage Your fathers' valour won, So shall fame, crown each name, When the day of battle's done. Long has our country's vengeance, In mild forbearance slept, While free-born sons of liberty In bloody bondage wept — Let now, since peace in war must cease, Your valour teach the foe, Whilst their blood swells the flood, That 'tis Vengeance strikes the blow. The haughty fleets of Britain Assail'd your native shore, Around each bay to seek for prey, Their thundering cannons roar. But Rodgers and Decatur soon Their daring crest shall lower — O'er their slain on the main, Shall Columbia's eagle soar. Soon on the plains of Abraham Our hardy sons shall rear, The banner free of liberty, To haughty Britain's fear ; NAVAL SONGS. Nor will they quit the glorious field, Till laurels nobly deck Every head, quick or dead, Of the conquerors of Quebec. Columbians love their liberty, Their country, and their God, No kingly power shall make them cower, They dread no tyrant's nod ; Their happy country's destiny Is ever to be free, And they'llfight for every right, For their land and liberty. Then rouse, Columbians, rush to arms ! Obey your country's call ; Your motto, " Death or victory !" Live gloriously or fall — Preserve the precious heritage Your fathers' valour won, So shall fame crown each name, When the day of battle's done. 112 OCEAN'S LIBERTY. Ye seamen of America, rouse, rouse your native fires ; Go forth to deeds of glory, worthy your gallant sires, No more submit to Britain's rule where ocean rolls his wave : But maintain on the main, The rights which nature gave. Assert the ocean's liberty, or make its bed your grave. NAVAL SONGS. 225 See how the Constitution's crew assail'd the haughty- foe ! They speak their wrongs in thunder, no fear their hosoms know : See Britain's boasted wooden walls succumb beneath their might, When again on the main They wage the dreadful fight. Assert the ocean's liberty, and wage the dreadful fight ! Rouse, rouse to deeds of valour, your vengeance on the foe ; No more impressment's cruel wrong shall Yankee seamen know; The ocean's perfect liberty in thunder loud proclaim : On the main firm maintain The rights you justly claim ; Avenge your country's injuries, or perish on the main. See how the brave Decatur subdues the foe in fight ! See Britain's boasted bull-dogs subdued by Yankee might ! Such be your deeds, whene'er you meet the Briton on On the main firm maintain [the wave : The rights which nature gave, Assert the ocean's liberty, or make its bed your grave. Loud roar'd the storm of ocean when Jones the Frolic met: But danger strengthen'd bravery ; upon the foe he set. Soon, soon the humbled British crew their shatter'd barque resign To the brave on the wave ; The contest they decline, [resign. Acknowledge Yankee mastery, and valour's meed 226 NAVAL SONGS. Go forth, ye ocean warriors, to combat on the flood ; Your county's many injuries avenge in British blood. The ocean's perfect liberty in (bander loud proclaim; On the main firm maintain The rights you justly claim, Assert the ocean's Mberty or perish on the main. U3 AMERICAN TRIBUTE. In Washington's time, It was reckon'd no crime (Though now we such measures prohibit) To tickle the paws Of the Barbary bashaws With a snug little handful of tribute. So a smart Yankee ship Now and then they'd equip, Whatever might cost them to rig it; And our good-natured folks Sent our fine native oaks Abroad in an Algerine frigate ! Thus, instead of the stars That should wave from our spars. Her peak bore the infidel crescent; But they soon thought that one, Fraught with ballast alone, Was no satisfactory present. So, while we fought Britain, That moment thoy hit on To attack us with wonderful bravery; And by way of broad hint, NAVAL SONGS. To show what they meant, They carried our tars into slavery. And now we have leisure To study their pleasure, And something to spare of our lumber ; Since one ship in ballast, Won't soften their malice, For peace sake, we send them a number : A good store of guns, To try if, for once, To gratitude we can awake 'em ; And men in abundance, Strong fellows, and sound ones, They have nothing to do but to take 'em ! Our prisoners to ransom We send something handsome, In mettle undoubtedly current ; And powder in potions, And similar notions, That will cure their distemper, we warrant. John Bull, once unruly, Can certify truly, Of our powder and pills, in the papers; For their power, he affirms, Cured his boys of the worms, And relieved him from megrims and vapours ! Already the dey Is much better, they say, Having voided a couple of vermin ! And the doctor supposes A few more such doses His obstinate case will determine. 228 NAVAL SONGS. Such, such is the tribute We Yankees exhibit, On every such trying occasion; If this don't convince The Barbarian prince, He is past all the art of persuasion ! 114 DECATUR'S RETURN. BY MR. MCCREERY OF PETERSBURG. See Decatur, our hero, returns from the west, Who's destin'd to shine in the annals of story, A bright ray of vict'ry beams high on his crest, Encircled, his brows, by a halo of glory. On Afric's bleak shore, From the insolent Moor, His bloody stained laurels in triumph he tore, Where the crescent, which oft spread its terrors afar, Submissively bow'd to the American star. Algiers' haughty dey, in the height of his pride, From American freemen a tribute demanded ; Columbia's brave freemen the tribute denied, And his corsairs to seize our bold tars were com- manded. Their streamers wave high, But Decatur draws nigh. His name strikes like lightning — in terror they fly. Thrice welcome our hero, returned from afar, "Where the proud crescent falls to the American star. NAVAL SONGS. 229 115 THE CAPRICE OF JOHN BULL'S TASTE. An anecdote the town repeat, Brought by our prisoners from the fleet, Shows if John Bull be soundly beat, The drubbing mends his manners. John would, on board his ships, they say, On lowering flag, at eve, each day, Strike up, in very awkward way, Our merry Yankee doodle. Chuckling with the wondrous jest, Thus to console each moody guest, The arch rogue tried his very best Its cheerful notes to mangle : But when his valiant host of fame, Fell before men (without a name, Mere homespun clowns) they'd tried to tame, . Or, oh, sad ! crouch'd in stubble. Then, of that merry source of fun So oft that through his ships had run, No scrape again was heard — not one Heart-stirring doodle dandy. The "Shepherds" not of manners rough, To note the change were kind enough, Ask'd John Bull — if in a huff— He'd doused his Yankee fiddle. Like statue, Bull, erect and mum, The fit of music would not come, And grown most eloquently dumb, He look'd "I'll see you d— d first." 20 230 NAVAL SONGS. 116 YANKEE SAILORS. Yankee sailors have a knack, Haul away ! yeo ho, boys ; Of pulling down a British jack, 'Gainst any odds, you know, boys ; Come three to one, right sure am I, If we can't beat them, still we'll try To makeColumbia's colours fly. Haul away ! yeo ho, boys ! Yankee sailors, when at sea, Haul away ! yeo ho, boys ! Pipe all hands, with merry glee, While aloft they go, boys ! And when with pretty girls on shore Their cash is gone, and not before, They wisely go to sea for more. Haul away ! yeo ho, boys ! Yankee sailors love their soil, Haul away ! yeo ho, boys ! And for glory ne'er spare toil, But flog its foes, you know, boys ! Then while its standard owns a rag The world combined shall never brag, They made us strike the Yankee flag, Haul away ! yeo ho, boys ! 117 YANKEE FROLICS. No more of your blathering nonsense 'Bout Nelsons of old Johnny Bull; I'll sing ye a song by my conscience 'Bout Jones, and Decatur, and Hull. NAVAL SONGS. . 231 Dad Neptune has long, with vexation, Beheld with what insolent pride, The turbulent billow-wash'd nation Has aimed to control his salt tide. Sing lather away, jonteel and aisy, By my soul at the game hob-or-nob, In a very few minutes we'll plase ye, Because we take work by the job. There was Dacres, at vaunting and boasting, His equal you'll seldom come near; But Hull betwixt smoking and roasting, Despatch'd his proud frigate Guerriere ! Such treatment to him was a wonder, Which served his proud spirit to choke ; And, when to the bottom our thunder Had sent her, we laugh'd at the joke. Sing lather away, jonteel and aisy, Brave Hull at the game hob-or-nob, Is the boy that will surely amaze ye, So well he can finish the job. T'other day worse than gout, fit, or cholic, The Wasp, with Rodgers, Biddle, and Jones, So terribly stung the poor Frolic ! As left her but bare skin and bones. She struck, but what, could she do better; For time, there was none to delay, Indeed it must terribly fret her To see she could not run away. Sing lather away, jonteel and aisy, Brave Jones at the game hob-or-nob, Is the lad that will surely amaze ye So well he can work by the job. NAVAL SONGS. Now, to augment our brave little navy, And add to the strength of each state, Decatur, without sauce or gravy, Has dress'd Alexander the Great ! By my soul, to prevent further trouble, And save a disgraceful downfall ; Since they find all resistance a bubble, They'll strike without fighting at all. Sing lather away, jonteel and aisy, Decatur, to play hob-or-nob, Will in seventeen minutes amaze ye, Huzza ! 'twas a quick finish'd job. And again has our good Constitution, Whose Guerriere-job you encored, Sent the Java to sound the deep ocean, After trimming her slick by the board. Though Lambert for nearly two hours Resisted the Yankees' attack, The flag of St. George at length cowers, And the stars and the stripes mount the wreck. Sing lather away, jonteel and aisy When Bainbridge begins hob-or-nob, In the end never fear but he'll plaze ye, So completely he'll finish the job. Fifth and last comes the brave little Hornet, And meets with a Peacock so gay ; Yet the Yankee makes bold e'en to scorn it, And clips his proud plumage away ; A short half-glass ere they were crippled, The Pea-chickens flutter'd around ; When their Peake bein^ struck and hull riddled, They hoisted their jack — union down. NAVAL SONGS. 233 Sing- lather away, jonteel and aisy, When Lawrence shall try hob-or-nob, He takes fourteen minutes to amaze ye, Constitutionally ending his job. Then huzza for the lads of our navy, Lawrence, Bainbridge, Decatur, Jones, Hull, When they either despatch to old Davy, Or bring home the ships of John Bull. And may Congress, the seamen's protectors, Reward all the deeds of the brave; And Britain still find us the victors Whene'er we contend on the wave. So lather away, jonteel and aisy, Columbians all play hob-or-nob, And our seamen will never disgrace ye, They're getting so used to the job. 118 THE NAVY. When Fame shall tell the splendid story Of Columbia's naval glory, Since first victorious o'er the deep Our eagle-flag was seen to sweep ; The glowing tale will form a page, To grace the annals of the age, And teach our sons to proudly claim The brightest meed of naval fame. In lofty strains the bard shall tell How Truxton fought, how Somers fell ! 20* NAVAL SOXGS. How gallant Preble's daring host Triumph'd along the Moorish coast; Forced the proud Infidel to treat, And brought the crescent to their feet ! And mark, amidst the splendid band That guards Columbia's boundless strand, The youthful hero of the wave, Decatur, bravest of the brave ! And Rodgers, whose triumphant name Sounds from the trump of future fame! And, ! forget not in the song That bears my country's fame along, Victorious Hull, and conquering Jones, Columbia's own intrepid sons! Whose matchless skill, and well served thunder, Struck the proud flag of England under; And threw, by hearts of freemen brave, The British lion in the wave. Masters of verse ! 0, still proclaim In song sublime their glorious fame, Till time evolves the fated day That sweeps these Union-States away ; Or, verging from its sinking short-. The rolling ocean foams no more ! And who that hears this splendid story, This brilliant tale of naval glory, Feels not the patriot-warmth and fire Of prophecy his soul inspire ? — Lifting the eternal veil away That shrouds futurity from day; NAVAL SONGS. 235 And, after many a deed that cheers The distant days of future years, Reads upon every standard high, That waves our eagle to the sky, (With warm delight and proud emotion,) "Columbia, mistress of the ocean!" 119 THE TRIDENT OF NEPTUNE. To guard the free pathway of his watery domain, For ages had Neptune his trident extended ; And nations all swore they the law would maintain, Which forbicl that its rights should e'er be con- tended : But Britain, haughty isle, claiming ocean as her spoil, Set afloat her wing'd castles, determined to. despoil ; And the god, at their thunders, with terror inspired, Presented his sceptre, and in exile retired. Long he view'd the usurper triumph o'er the expanse, As mid its green leaves he sat forlorn and cheer- less ; While tyranny and rapine o'er its azure waves advance, By the streamers of Albion protected and fearless ; When, the solace of his woes, Columbia's genius rose, And glory fill'd her eye while it lighten'd on her foes ; For the wand that quells the billows was in her hand borne, Which from the queen of ocean her warlike sons had torn. 236 NAVAL SONGS. " Great Father," the Goddess of Liherty exclaim'd, While the radiance of Heaven on her countenance- brighten'd, " With thy trident thy power undiminish'd is re- claim'd :" And his soul spoke its joy in his visage that lighten'd, As the emblem again of his rule on the main, Through Columbia's fair hands, he from usurpation gain'd ; And while the immortal affection waked his breast, He announced to the world his sovereign behest : "Thy virtues the glory of all nations transcend; [ing, Be thy bliss and thy greatness through ages increas- The rights of the world be it thy task lb defend, And the reverence of empires shall ever be unceas- ing J The fierce tempest of war, shall be driven afar To the deep's heaving bosom ; no more your peace to mar, While Hull's, Jones', and Decatur's fame, cherish'd in song Shall your annal's proud page with numerous heroes throng." 120 DECATUR AND THE NAVY. Let glory proclaim to the hills of the west, The triumph of Freedom afar ; Our song be Decatur, and Liberty blest, Huzza to the brave and the war. NAVAL SONGS. 237 The gallant commander and all his brave band Rejoice at the sight of the foe ; Three cheers,' give the signal ; each heart and each hand Conspires to strike the first blow. Then furious the cannon's fierce thunderings roar, Death speedily follows the blaze, The dead and the dying lie cover'd with gore, While Freedom the contest surveys. Sweet Goddess ! that guides us to glory and fame, And rides in the terrible blast, Now give to Decatur a glorious name, That long as his country shall last. The fierce Macedonian soon yields to her foe, She yields to the gallant and brave ; Success to our sailors wherever they go, And in death, sweetest peace to their grave. Huzza to the brave that triumphantly ride, And traverse the boisterous sea, Columbia's glory, her honour and pride, And Freedom's fair bulwark shall be. Our brave, gallant navy shall sooner or later, The ocean, victorious, plough : And Liberty's conquests, with noble Decatur, Shall make the proud Albion bow. The tars of Columbia were born to be brave, Their birthright is liberty blest; To shield it from insult, from ruin to save, Shall long be the pride of each breast. NAVAL SONGS. Then hail to our navy, all hail in a bumper! Decatur, and Rodgers, and Hull : May Rodgers soon meet with the fierce roving "Plumper," And drub his old friend Johnny Bull. 121 OUR NAVAL HEROES. BY A SAILOR. Tane-^'Derry doicn." The frigates of England, the Queen of the Seas, When met by the Yankees were conquer'd with ease : The reason is obvious, no press-gangs we know; 'Tis as freemen we fight, as such conquer our foe. Fighting Bob (Bully Dacres) we first taught to fear, Who commanded a frigate, yclept the Guerriere : A sound Constitution quite baffled his skill ; And Hull stuck to his skirts till he gave him his fill. Then Jones, in the Wasp, took a turn with the Frolic, But his pills were so strong they gave Whinyates the cholic ! Down came George's cross to America's stars, And a fresh wreath of laurel bedeck'd our bold tars. The next was Decatur, in the United States, Who in peace or in war will indulge tete-d-tetcs; The proud Macedonian, by him doom'd to fall, He carved up, a fine dish, dress'd with powder and ball! NAVAL SONGS. 239 How the proud tars of Britain will storm and will roar, When they hear of the Java off St. Salvador! That Bainbridge attack'd her with brave resolution, And convinced all the world we'd a fine Constitution! Then Rodgers — but stop, he has done nothing yet, But the fame gain'd by others his courage will whet ; And should he meet our foes wheresoever he's sent, He'll hand them a message from the President! 122 OUR YANKEE SHIPS. BY J. T. FIELDS. Our Yankee ships ! in fleet career, They linger not behind, "Where gallant sails from other lands Court favouring tide and wind. With banners on the breeze, they leap As gayly o'er the foam As stately barks from prouder seas, That long have learn'd to roam. The Indian wave with luring smiles Swept round them bright to-day ; And havens to Atlantic isles Are opening on their way ! Ere yet these evening shadows close, Or this frail song is o'er, Full many a straining mast will rise To greet a foreign shore. 240 NAVAL SONGS. High up the lashing northern deep, Where glimmering watch-lights beam Away in beauty where the stars In tropic brightness gleam ; Where'er the sea-bird wets her beak, Or blows the stormy gale; On to the water's farthest verge Our ships majestic sail. They dip their keels in even' stream That swell beneath the sky; And where old ocean's billows roll, Their lofty pennants fly; They furl their sheets in threatening clouds That float across the main, To link with love earth's distant bays In many a golden chain. 123 ODE, Written for, and sung at the Anniversary of the American Independence, July 4, 1806. Tune — " Whilst happy in my native land." Wide o'er the wilderness of waves, Untrack'd by human peril, Our fathers roam'd for peaceful graves, To deserts dark and sterile. No parting pang, no long adieu Delay'd their gallant daring ; With them, their gods and country too, Their pilgrim keels were bearing. All hearts unite the patriot band : Be liberty our natal land. NAVAL SONGS. Their dauntless hearts no meteor led, In terror o'er the ocean ; From fortune and from man they fled, To Heaven and its devotion. Fate cannot bend the high-born mind To bigot usurpation ; They, who had left a world behind, Now gave that world a nation. The soil to till, to freight the sea, By valour's arm protected, To plant an empire brave and free, Their sacred views directed : But more they fear'd than tyrants' yoke Insidious faction's fury ; For oft a worm destroys an oak, Whose leaf that worm would bury. Thus rear'd, our giant realm arose, And claim'd our sovereign charter ; Her life-blood warm from Adams rose, And all her sons from Sparta. Be free, Columbia ! proudest name Fame's herald wafts in story; Be free, thou youngest child of Fame; Rule, brightest heir of glory ! Thy Preble, mid the battle's ire, Hath Afric's towers dejected : And Lybia's sands have flash'd with fire, From Eaton's sword reflected. Thy groves, which erst the hill or plain Entrench'd from savage plunder, To Naiads turn'd, must cleave the main, And sport with Neptune's thunder. 21 242 NAVAL SONGS. 124 COLUMBIA. BY JAMES ELLISON. From realms where mad Ambition reigns, And Anarch stalks th' embattled plains : Where Europe laves in purple gore, And Mars leads on the madden'd war; Fair Freedom, exiled, sought our coast, Here fix'd her mild and peaceful reign ; Oppression fled her freeborn host; Recoil'd the tyrants of the main ! Then shout, Columbians, brave and free, Ye sons of glory — Liberty ; From age to age, from sire to son. Loud shout the deeds of Washington! He bade your eagle (perch'd on high) Sound independence through the sky, Whilst Jove's dread thunder rock'd the world. And on your foes his vengeance hurl'd ! Britannia saw her armies bleed, And from your shores her squadrons flee ; Reluctant hail'd (by Heaven decreed) Columbia independent, free. Then shout, Columbians, fee. Now to the azure realms of light Columbia's genius wings her flight : There sees enthroned with gods her son, The brave, the matchless Washington : He speaks — enrapt the spheres resound ; Hark ! 'tis your hero's sage command : Be union mid your councils found, And faction banish'd from your land ; Then shout, Columbians, &c. NAVAL SONGS. Bid the proud oaks your hill descend To guard your rights, your shore defend ; With Neptune share his lucid plain, And roll your thunder o'er the main : Then should " Sea-Leopards" battle wage, Columbia's free-born tars defy, Your cannons death-wing'd bolts shall rage, Till foes proclaim your victory. Then shout, Columbians, &c. Should hostile bands again invade, Your sons shall quit the peaceful shade, Each breast with patriot ardour glow, With godlike courage meet the foe ; While Eaton's sword protects your land, Columbian Prebles rule the sea.: Your foes shall fly the victor-band, Still leave you independent — free ! Then shout, Columbians, &c 125 SONG Tune — "Rule Britannia." When Freedom's star its last bright gleam O'er Europe's waste had shot in vain, Columbia caught the expiring beam, And bore it o'er the western main. Rule, Columbia, Columbia ever free, Heaven-born child of liberty. Then rose a world, by Heaven's decree, Which countless years unbless'd had lain, But now the destined sphere to be Of Freedom's pure and sacred reign. Rule, Columbia, &c. 244 NAVAL SONGS. Then ere, Columbia, thou hadst shared Of empire's car the trembling rein, Thy young but dauntless soul declared War's storms but threaten thee in vain. Rule, Columbia, &c. And when, ere long, with stepdame pride Britannia mark'd thy opening reign, Thy Heaven-shielded breast defied The tempest-shock of war again. Rule, Columbia, &c. Thy birth, Columbia, sons so brave; Thy waters, forests, all proclaim, Thy destined course is o'er the wave, And ocean is thy " field of fame." Rule, Columbia, &c. Again, behold war's bolts are hurl'd, Thy eagle-flight to check in vain, For still thy infant flag, unfurl'd, With Freedom's charter sweeps the main. Rule, Columbia, &c. And under heaven it still shall spread Its star-gemm'd glories o'er the main, While Freedom's sacred beam shall shed Its light to bless Columbia's reign. Rule, Columbia, &c. 126 NAVAL CHRONICLE. Tune — Pizarro. In chorus now join, while my hobby I sing : 'Tis the deeds of our tars that have made the world rincr; NAVAL SONGS. 245 For is it not true, where their flag is unfurl'd, Its stars have beam'd glory to dazzle the world? First Dacres, who thought he the Yankees would scare, Proudly wrote on his sail, « I'm the famed Guerriere," Says Hull, "Are you there !" so together they pull'd, In forty-five minutes the Guerriere was Hull'd ! Next Jones, in the Wasp, with long sting in her tail, Cried, "Luff up, my boys, 'tis an enemy's sail;" Soon he came alongside — when the short work was done, He gave them a Frolic as sure as a gun. Then the dauntless Decatur, that warrior of might The mad Macedonian encounter'd in fight; When he who had blubber'd for worlds to subdue, Soon found a new world that his business could do. See the firm Constitution, our Washington's pride, With Bainbridge at helm, in true majesty ride, Pour a stream from her side, like Vesuvius' red lava, That quite overwhelm'd the whole island of Java. Now Burrows the valiant, of bold Enterprise, His skill with a true English Boxer he tries : Though he'd ne'er learn'd the art from Mendozas or Cribbs, He pounded so hard that he broke all her ribs. Then a Peacock was strutting about in his pride, When a Hornet like lightning stuck close in his side, And stung him so sore that from battle he turn'd : Noble Lawrence that Peacock in ocean inurn'd. From its ashes a Phoenix old Neptune soon rear'd, And though called a Peacock, a new bird appear'd, 21* 246 NAVAL soxcs. Who, quick to his own and brave Warrington's fame, Made prize of a Hawk* with a Frenchified name. And now we've a Wasp of such wonderful force, As Blakely can tell, e'en to stop rivers' course, Since the Avon no longer can glide to the sea, And she seized on a Reindeer and made him her prey. Wing'd Hermes, f the light-finger'd god of the Greeks, Seized the trident of Neptune, in one of his freaks, A land-lubber, at Mobile, his godhead defies, And blew Mr. Mercury back to his skies. And now should I sing of the fight of Charnplain, And with Erie's bold heroes ennoble my strain, But though they the British fleets soundly did drub, Yet the tale of a lake's like the Tale of a Tub. From Britons I'd take not the praise that's their due, For bravely they fight, aye and skilfully too; But Greek meeting Greek, comes the hard tug of war, Though Yankees soon prove the best Grecians by far. Though Valour her temple has form'd in the breast Of each native tar, yet the pride of his crest Is the fair star of Mercy, that shines ever bright, To cheer the lorn captive subdued in the fight. But hold, should I sing ev'ry hero of fight, My song would prevent you from drinking all night ; Then fill ev'ry glass to the true sons of Mars, The heroes of ocean, Columbia's brave tars. * L'Epcrvier, i. e. sparrow-lmwk. t The Hermes, Captain Percy, was blown up near Fort Boyer, in the Mobile. NAVAL SONGS. 247 127 A YANKEE SHIP AND A YANKEE CREW. BY J. S. JONES. A Yankee ship and a Yankee crew, Tally hi ho, you know ; O'er the bright blue waves like a sea-bird flew ; Sing hey aloft and alow. Her wings are spread to the fairy breeze, The sparkling spray is thrown from her prow ; Her flag is the proudest that floats on the seas, Her homeward way she's steering now. A Yankee ship and a Yankee crew, Tally hi ho, you know ; O'er the bright blue waves like a sea-bird flew ; Sing hey aloft and alow. A Yankee ship and a Yankee crew, Tally hi ho, you know ; With hearts on board both gallant and true, The same aloft and alow, The blacken'd sky and the whistling wind, Foretell the quick approach of the gale ; A home and its joys flit o'er each mind Husbands ! lovers ! " on deck there," a sail. A Yankee ship and a Yankee crew, Tally hi ho, you know : Distress is the word, — God speed them through; Bear a hand, aloft and alow. A Yankee ship and a Yankee crew, Tally hi ho, you know ; The boats all clear, the wreck we now view, " All hands" aloft and alow. 248 NAVAL SONGS. A ship is his throne, the sea his world, He ne'er sheers from a shipmate distressed ; All's well — the reefd sails again are unfurl'd, O'er the swell he is cradled to rest. A Yankee ship and a Yankee crew, Tally hi ho, you know ; Storm past, drink to " wives and sweethearts" too, All hands ! aloft and alow. A Yankee ship and a Yankee crew, Tally hi ho, you know, Freedom defends, and the land where it grew — We're free — aloft and alow. Bearing down is a foe in regal pride, Defiance floating at each mast head ; One's a wreck — and she bears that floats alongside The stars and stripes, to victory wed. For a Yankee ship and a Yankee crew, Tally hi ho, you know, Ne'er strikes to a foe while the sky is blue, Or a tar's aloft or alow. 128 TO THE PENxXSYLVANIA SHIP OF THE LINE. BY W. B. TAPPAN. " Leap forth to the careering seas," 0, ship of lofty name! And toss upon thy native breeze The stars and stripes of Fame ! And bear thy thunders o'er the deep Where vaunting navies ride ! Thou hast a nation's gems to keep — Her honour and her pride! NAVAL SONGS. 249 ! holy is the covenant made With thee and us to-day ; None from the compact shrinks afraid, No traitor utters, Nay ! We pledge our fervent love, and thou Thy glorious ribs of oak, Alive with men who cannot bow To kings, nor kiss the yoke! Speed lightnings o'er the Carib sea, Which deeds of hell deform ; And look her hands are spread to thee Where Afric's robbers swarm. Go ! lie upon the iEgean's breast, Where sparkles emerald isles — Go ! seek the lawless Suliote's nest, And spoil his cruel wiles. And keep where sail the merchant ships. Stern watch on their highway, And promptly, through thine iron lips, When urged, our tribute pay; Yea, show thy bristling teeth of power, Wherever tyrants bind, In pride of their own little hour, A freeborn, noble mind. Spread out those ample wings of thine ! — While crime doth govern men, 'Tis fit such bulwark of the brine Should leave the shores of Penn; For hid within thy giant strength Are germs of welcome peace, And such as thou, shall cause at length Man's feverish strife to cease. 250 NAVAL SONGS. From every vale, from every crag, Word of thy beauty's past, And joy we that our country's flag Streams from thy towering mast — Assured that in thy prowess, thou For her wilt win renown, "Whose sons can die, but know not how To strike that pennon down. 129 BOLD HAWTHORNE,* Or, the cruise of the Fair American, commanded by Capt. Daniel Hawthorne. WRITTEN BY THE SURGEON OF THE VESSEL. The twenty-second of August, Before the close of day, All hands on board of our privateer, We got her under weigh ; We kept the Eastern Shore along, For forty leagues or more, Then our departure took for sea, From the isle of Mauhesran shore. * This was the war song of the Salem privateersmen dur- ing the Revolution, and is copied from Ruins W. Grriawold'a manuscript collection oi "American Historical Ballads," for which it was seven] years ago taken down by C. A. Andrews. Esq., from the months of the surviving shipmates of Hawthorne, who wore accustomed to meet at the office of the Marine Insurance Company in Salem. NAVAL SONGS. 251 Bold Hawthorne was commander, A man of real worth, Old England's cruel tyranny- Induced him to go forth ; She, with relentless fury, Was plundering all our coast, And thought, because her strength was great, Our glorious cause was lost. Yet boast not, haughty Britons, Of power and dignity, By land thy conquering armies, Thy matchless strength at sea ; Since taught by numerous instances Americans can fight, With valour can equip their stand, Your armies put to flight. Now farewell to fair America, Farewell our friends and wives ; We trust in Heaven's peculiar care, For to protect their lives ; To prosper our intended cruise Upon the raging main, And to preserve our dearest friends Till we return again. The wind it being leading, It bore us on our way, As far unto the southward As the Gulf of Florida ; Where we fell in with a British ship, Bound homeward from the main ; We gave her two bow-chasers, And she return'd the same. 252 NAVAL SONGS. We hauled up our courses, And so prepared for fight ; The contest held four glasses, Until the dusk of night ; Then having sprung our mainmast, And had so large a sea, We dropp'd astern and left our chase Till the returning day. Next morn we fish'd our mainmast, The ship still being nigh, All hands made for engaging Our chance once more to try ; But wind and sea being boisterous Our cannon would not bear, We thought it quite imprudent And so we left her there. We cruised to the eastward, Near the coast of Portugal, In longitude of twenty-seven We saw a lofty sail ; We gave her chase, and soon perceived She was a British snow Standing for fair America, W T ith troops for General Howe. Our captain did inspect her With glasses, and he said, " My boys, she means to fight us, But be you not afraid; All hands repair to quarters, See every thing is clear, We'll give her a broadside, my boys, As soon as she comes near." NAVAL SONGS. She was prepared with nettings, And her men were well secured, And bore directly for us, And put us close on board ; "When the cannon roar'd like thunder, And the muskets fired amain, But soon we were alongside And grappled to her chain. And now the scene it alter'd, The cannon ceased to roar, We fought with swords and boarding-pikes One glass or something more, Till British pride and glory- No longer dared to stay, But cut the Yankee grapplings, And quickly bore away. Our case was not so desperate As plainly might appear ; Yet sudden death did enter On board our privateer. Mahoney, Crew, and Clemmons, The valiant and the brave, Fell glorious in the contest, And met a watery grave. Ten other men were wounded Among our warlike crew, With them our noble captain,* To whom all praise is due ; * Hawthorne was wounded in the head by a musket ball. 22 254 NAVAL SOXGS. To him and all our officers, Let's give a hearty cheer ; Success to fair America And our good privateer ! 130 MOURNFUL TRAGEDY OF JAMES BIRD. Tune— The Tempest. Sons of freedom, listen to me ! And, ye daughters, too, give ear ! You a sad and mournful story As ever was told shall hear. Hull, you know, his troops surrender'd, And defenceless left the west ; Then our forces quick assembled, The invaders to resist. 'Mong the troops that march'd to Erie Were the Kingston volunteers, Captain Thomas then commanded, To protect our west frontiers. Tender were the scenes of parting, Mothers wrung their hands and cried, Maidens wept their swains in secret, Fathers strove their tears to hide. But there's one among the number, Tall and graceful is his mien, Firm his step, his look undaunted, Scarce a nobler youth was seen ; One sweet kiss he snatch'd from Mary, Craved his mother's prayers once more, Press'd his father's hand, and left them, For Lake Erie's distant shore. NAVAL SONGS. 255 Mary tried to say, "Farewell, James," Waved her hand, but nothing spake, " Good-bye, Bird, may Heaven protect you," From the rest at parting broke. Soon they came where noble Perry Had assembled all his fleet, There the gallant Bird enlisted, Hoping soon the foe to meet. Where is Bird ? the battle rages, — Is he in the strife or no 1 Now the cannons roar tremendous, Dare he meet the hostile foe % Ay — behold him, see with Perry In the self-same ship to fight, Though his messmates fall around him, Nothing can his soul affright. But, behold, a ball has struck him, See the crimson current flow, " Leave the deck," exclaim'd brave Perry, " No," cried Bird, " I will not go ; Here, on deck, I took my station, Ne'er will Bird his colours fly, I'll stand by you, gallant captain, Till we conquer or we die." Still he fought, though faint and bleeding, Till our stars and stripes arose, Victory having crown'd our efforts, All triumphant o'er our foes. And did Bird receive a pension 1 Was he to his friends restored ! No — nor never to his bosom, Clasp'd the maid his heart adored. 256 NAVAL SONGS. But there came most dreadful tidings, From Lake Erie's distant shore, Better if poor Bird had perish'd Midst the battle's awful roar ; " Dearest parents," said the letter, "This will bring sad news to you, But do not mourn your first beloved, Though this brings his last adieu ! I must suffer for deserting From the brig Niagara ; Read this letter, brothers, sisters, 'Tis the last you'll have from me." Sad and gloomy was the morning Bird was order'd out to die ; Where's the breast not dead to pity, But for him would heave a sigh ? Lo ! he fought so brave on Erie, Freely bled, and nobly dared ; Let his courage plead for mercy, Let his precious life be spared. See him march, and hear his fetters, Harsh they clank upon the ear, But his step is firm and manly, For his heart ne'er harbour'd fear. See ! he kneels upon his coffin ! Sure his death can do no good, Spare him; hark! God, they've shot him, ! his bosom streams with blood ! Farewell, Bird, farewell forever, Friends and home he'll see no more, But his mangled corpse lies buried On Lake Erie's distant shore. NAVAL SONGS. 257 131 THE LADY WASHINGTON. Come, all ye bold Northwestmen, Who plough the raging main, Come listen to my story While I relate the same ; 'Twas of the Lady Washington, Decoyed as she lay At Queen Charlotte's Island, In North America. On the sixteenth day of June, boys, In the year of ninety-one, The natives in great numbers On board our ship did come ; Then for to buy our fur of them Our captain did begin, But mark what they attempted Before long time had been. Abaft upon our quarter-deck, Two stout arm-chests did stand, And in both of them were left the keys, By the gunner's careless hand ; Which quickly they procuring, Of them did make a prize, Thinking we had no other arms For to defend our lives. Our captain spoke unto them, And unto them did say, "If you'll return me back those keys I for the same will pay;" 22* 258 NAVAL SONGS. No sooner had he spoke these words, Than they drew forth their knives. Saying, "The vessel's ours, sir, And we will have your lives." Our captain then perceiving The ship was in their hands, Upon the men and officers Laid quickly his commands : "Go down into the cabin, And there some arms prepare, See that they are well loaded, Be sure, and don't miss fire." Then down into the cabin, Straightway we did repair, And to our sad misfortune Few guns could we find there ; We only found six pistols, Two small swords, and a gun, And " Blow her up," we soon agreed Was all that could be done. Our powder we got ready, And our gun-room open laid ; Our souls we did commit to God, — A hurried prayer we pray'd, — We then inform'd our captain, Saying, " Ready now are we." He says, "A signal I will give, It shall be » Follow me.' " All this time upon the quarter-deck Each man was forced to stand, With twelve of these cursed savages With knives in every hand, NAVAL SONGS. 259 Till one of these blood-thirsty hounds, He made a spring below, Then cried the captain, " Follow me," And with him we did go. And with what few firearms we had, We rush'd on deck amain, And by our being resolute, Our quarter-deck did gain ; Soon as we reach'd our arm-chest, Such slaughter there made we, That in less than ten minutes Our ship of them was free. Then we threw overboard the dead, That on our deck there lay ; And finding we'd nobody hurt, To work we went straightway. The number kill'd upon our deck, That day, was sixty good, And full as many wounded, As soon we understood. 'Twas early the next morning, At the hour of break of day, We sail'd along abreast the town, Which we came to straightway ; We call'd all hands to quarters, And at the town did play, Till we made them return the things They'd stole from us that day. I'd have you all take warning, And always ready be For to suppress those savages Of Northwest America ; NAVAL SONGS. For they are so desirous Some vessel for to gain, That they will never leave it off- Till most of them are slain. And now unto old China, We're fastly rolling - on, Where we shall drink good punch, for which We've suffer'd all along. And when the sixteenth day of June, Around does yearly come, We'll drink in celebration Of what that day was done. And now for to conclude, And make end unto my song, Success to the commander Of the Lady Washington ! Success unto his voyages, Wherever he may go ; may death and dire destruction Always attend his foe ! 132 A WHALING SONG. BY DR. J. OSBOBN.* When spring returns with western gales, And gentle breezes sweep The ruffling seas, we spread our sails To plough the watery deep. * Dr. John Osborn was born at Sandwich, in Massachu- setts, in 1713, and died near Boston in 1753. His famous Whaling Song was for more than half a century on the tongue of every Cape Cod sailor, and it is still frequently heard in the Pacific. NAVAL SONGS. For killing northern whales prepared, Our nimble boats on board, With craft, and rum, (our chief regard,) And good provisions stored. Cape Cod, our dearest native land, We leave astern, and lose Its sinking cliffs and lessening sands, While Zephyr gently blows. Bold, hardy men, with blooming age, Our sandy shores produce ; With monstrous fish they dare engage, And dangerous callings choose. Now towards the early dawning east We speed our courie away, With eager minds and joyful hearts To meet the rising day. Then, as we turn our wondering eyes, We view one constant show ; Above, around, the circling skies, The rolling seas below. When eastward, clear of Newfoundland, We stem the frozen pole, We see the icy islands stand, The northern billows roll. As to the north we make our way, Surprising scenes we find ; We lengthen out the tedious day, And leave the night behind. 262 NAVAL SONGS. Now see the northern regions where Eternal winter reigns ; One day and night fills up the»year, And endless cold maintains. We view the monsters of the deep, Great whales in numerous swarms ; And creatures there, that play and leap, Of strange unusual forms. When in our station we are placed, And whales around us play, We launch our boats into the main, And swiftly chase our prey. In haste we ply our nimble oars, For an assault desi sweet Sir James," cried the lady so fair, " Since rny passion I cannot control, When you see my white drapery floating in air 0, hither, and swiftly, I pri'thee, repair, And indulge the first wish of my soul." The knight heard, afar, of the lady's desire, And sprightly, and gay, made reply : " As your heart, lovely maid, does my person require, I assure you, mine burns with the like amorous fire, And to your loved presence I'll fly." From Ontario's margin the Lady set sail, Expecting the knight on that sea : She dreamt not that he in his promise would fail, And from a fair Lady, unmanlike, turn tail ; Yet he tarried ! — what could the cause be 1 25* 294 NAVAL SONGS. Impatient to see him, no longer she'd stay ; Resolved o'er the whole lake to roam ; " ! have you not heard of my stout knight, pray]" She plaintively ask'd all who came in her way : "Do you think he's to Kingston gone home V At length she espied him : — what should Sir James do? He fidgetted, ran, and he tack'd in and out : He fear'd to embrace her: he promised to woo : She hail'd him, " Sir James, charming fellow, heave to! Why do you my tenderness flout 1" He fled like a truant; the Lady in vain Her oglings and glances employ'd : She aim'd at his heart, and she aim'd at his brain, And she vow'd from pursuing she ne'er would refrain ; The knight was most sadly annoy'd. At length from love's fervour the recreant got clear, And may have, for a season, some rest : But if this fair Lady he ever comes near, For breaking his promise he'll pay very dear : The price valiant Chauncey knows best. 147 VICTORY ON LAKE ERIE. Forever remember'd be the gallant story, How valiant Perry with Columbia's crew, "With love of country fired, and love of glory, Proud Britain's host on Erie's lake o'erthrew. NAVAL SONGS. 295 He, like her rocky banks, Amidst his slaughter' d ranks Stood firm, no fear could shake his soul ; Though streams of blood Rush'd like a flood, And thunders shook from pole to pole. Hark ! now the cannons with impetuous roar, Deal dread destruction from the unequal foe, The spirit of the lake sought refuge on the shore, And for the fallen brave join'd in Columbia's wo. And now, the Lawrence lost, On Erie's bosom toss'd, His flag alone the hero saves ; As thick as hail their shot assail, Still round his head his flag he waves. On the Niagara's deck now see him bound ! Now mid the astonish'd foe his course he steers, Now dying groans — now victory's shouts resound ! Now panic fear amidst their ranks appears ! And now Columbia's son The gallant fight has won ; For see, the British lion cowers ; Huzza ! huzza ! all hail the day ! " We have met the enemy, and they are ours !" 148 THE TENTH OF SEPTEMBER. O'er the mountains the sun of our fame was declining, And on Thetis' billowy breast The cold orb had reposed, all his splendour resigning, Bedimm'd by the mists of the West. 296 NAVAL SONGS. The prospect that rose to the patriot's sight Was cheerless, and hopeless, and dreary ! But a bolt burst the cloud, and illumined the night That enveloped the waters of Erie. The gray god of the lake, in his palace of coral, And moving sublime o'er the wave, From the bank where it bloom'd pluck'd a chaplet of laurel, And the garland to Victory gave. By the goddess 'twas held o'er each thundering deck, Till with doubts grown distracted and weary; And when each gun was silent, each vessel a wreck, 'Twas snatch'd by the Hero of Erie. For the brave who have bled, why indulge a vain sorrow 1 They were wreck'd on no enemy's coast; And some one of us may be welcomed to-morrow, To Elysium, by Lawrence's ghost ; Who, when call'd by Charon to take a short trip, With him in his crazy old wherry, Saw his own dying orders, " Don't give up the ship !" On the flag proudly floating o'er Perry. Let each man round the board bid his children re- member, With a generous expansion of soul, The glory that plays round the tenth of September, And crown its return with a bowl ; Then the goblet shall foam, blow the wind high or low ; And the heart be it mournful or merry ; And the purest of wine to the memory shall flow Of the virtues and valour of Perry. NAVAL SONGS. 297 149 HULL'S NAVAL VICTORY. Tune. — Paul Jones's Victory. Ye true sons of Freedom, give ear to my song, While the praise of brave Hull I attempt to prolong, Let each bold-hearted hero now fill up his glass, And our favourite sentiment rapidly pass. With our brave noble captain, we'll still plough the main; We'll fight and we'll conquer again and again. With a fine springing breeze, our sails we soon bent, And with hearts full of joy to the ocean we went, In the famed Constitution, a tight and stanch boat As ever was seen on the water afloat. With our brave noble captain we plough'd the deep main; And when he commands we are ready again. On the nineteenth of August, a sail we espied, We hove too, and soon she came up alongside ; The drum beat to quarters, to quarters we run, And each tar bravely swore to stand fast to his gun. Our captain so brave as we sail'd on the main, Now bids us a harvest of glory to gain. A broadside the foe quickly into us pour'd, We return'd 'em the favour direct on the word, Each heart was undaunted, no bosom knew fear, And we cared not a snap for the saucy Guerriere. With our noble commander we fought on the main, And we'll conquer with him when he bids us again. 298 NAVAL SONGS. The balls now flew thick, and quite warm was the play, Their masts and their rigging were soon shot away ; We shatter'd their hull with all possible speed, With our good spunky "bull-dogs" of true Yankee breed. 'Twas thus with our captain we fought on the main, With him a rich harvest of glory to gain. The blood from the enemy's scuppers ran fast, All hopes of subduing us now were quite past: So they wisely concluded by " hob or by nob, That 'twas best to give o'er what they thought a bad job." With our true noble captain we'll fight on the main, And we hope that with him we'll soon conquer again. The Britons had seldom before seen the like, For we raked them so clean they'd no colours to strike ; So a gun from the lea they were forced to let fly, To inform us they didn't quite all wish to die. 'Twas thus with our captain we fought on the main, And we're ready, brave boys, to fight with him again. In twenty-five minutes the business was done, For they didn't quite relish such true Yankee fun ; So we kindly received them on board our good ship, Many cursing the day when they took their last trip. With our brave noble captain we'll still plough the main, We'll fight and we'll conquer again and again. Now homeward we're bound, with a favouring breeze, As full of good humour and mirth as you please, NAVAL SOXGS. 299 Each true-hearted sailor partakes of the glass, And drinks off a health to his favourite lass. With our brave noble captain we've plough'd the deep main, With him we the laurels of glory did gain. Now success to the good Constitution, a boat, Which her crew will defend while a plank is afloat, Who never will flinch or in duty e'er lag, But will stick to the last by the American flag. So true to our colours we'll ever remain, And we'll conquer for freedom again and again. When again we shall plough o'er Neptune's blue wave, May honour still circle the brows of the brave, And should our bold foe wish to give us a pull, We'll show them the good Constitution and Hull. And now with three cheers, ere we sail to the main, We'll greet our brave captain again and again. 150 ON THE LATE ROYAL SLOOP OF WAR, GENERAL MONK, Formerly the Washington ; mounting six quarter-deck wooden guns. BY PHILIP FRENEAU. When the Washington ship by the English was beat, They sent her to England to show their great feat, And Sandwich, straightway, as a proof of his spunk, Dash'd out her old name and call'd her the Monk.* * General Monk, who was the most active agent in restoring Charles the Second. 300 NAVAL SONGS. "This Monk hated rebels, (said Sandy,) 'od rot 'em, So heave her down quickly and copper her bottom ; With the sloops of our navy we'll have her enrolled, And mann'd with pick'd sailors to make her feel bold. "To show that our king is both valiant and good, Some guns shall be iron, and others be wood ; And, in truth, (though I wish not the secret to spread,) All her guns should be wooden — to suit with his head." 151 ERIE AND CHAMPLAIN. Hail to the day which arises in splendour, Shedding the lustre of victory afar, Long shall its glory illumine September, AVhich twice beheld freemen the victors in war. Roused by the spirit of"tieaven-born Freedom, Perry, her lightnings pour'd over the lake, His falchion, a meteor, glitters to lead them, And swift on the foemen, in thunders they break. Loud swells the cannon's roar, Round Erie's sounding shore, Answer'd in volleys, by musketry's voice, Till Britain's cross descends, And the haughty foe bends : Victory, glory, Columbians, rejoice. Hail to the day, which in splendour returning, Lights us to conquest and glory again ; Time, hold that year — still the war-torch was burning. And threw its red ray on the waves of Champlain. NAVAL SONGS. 301 Roused by the spirit that conquer'd for Perry, Dauntless Macdonough advanced to the fray : Instant the glory that brighten'd Lake Erie, Burst on Champlain with the splendour of day: Loud swells the cannon's roar, On Plattsburg's bloody shore, Britons retreat from the tempest of war, Prevost deserts the field, While the gallant ships yield, Victory, glory, Columbians, huzza! Hail to the day which, recorded in story, Lives the bright record of unfading fame, Long shall Columbians, inspired by its glory, Hail its returning with joyous acclaim. Victory scatter'd profusely the laurel Over our heroes on land and on flood, Britain, astonish'd, relinquish'd the quarrel, Peace saw her olive arise from the blood. Now cannons cease to roar Round Freedom's peaceful shore, Silent and hush'd is the war bugle's voice, Let festive joys increase, In the sunshine of peace, Peace gain'd by victory ; Freemen, rejoice! 152 THE TRUE YANKEE SAILOR. When a boy Harry Bluff left his friends and his home, And his dear native land o'er the ocean to roam ; Like a sapling he sprung, he was fair to the view, He was true Yankee oak, boys, the older he grew. 26 302 NAVAL SONGS. Though his body was weak and his hands they were soft, When the signal was given, he the first went aloft : The veterans all cried, " He'll one day lead the van," For though rated a boy, he'd the soul of a man, And the heart of a true Yankee sailor. When to manhood promoted, and burning for fame, Still in peace or in war, Harry Bluff was the same ; So true to his love, and in battle so brave, The myrtle and laurel entwined o'er his grave. For his country he fell, when by victory crown'd, The flag shot away, fell in tatters around, The foe thought he'd struck, but he sung out — " Avast !" And Columbia's colours he nail'd to the mast, And died like a true Yankee sailor. 153 KISS THE BRIM AND BID IT PASS. BY SUSANNA ROWSON. When Columbia's shores receding, Lessens to the gazing eye ; Cape nor island intervening, Break the expanse of sea and sky ; When the evening shades descending, Shed a softness o'er the mind, When the yawning heart will wander, To the circle left behind : Ah, then to friendship fill the glass, Kiss the brim and bid it pass. NAVAL SONGS. 303 When the social board surrounding, At the evening's slight repast, Often will our bosoms tremble As we listen to the blast ; Gazing on the moon's pale lustre, Fervent shall our prayers arise For thy peace, thy health, thy safety, To him who form'd the skies ; To Friendship oft we'll fill the glass, Kiss the brim and bid it pass. When in India's sultry climate, Mid the burning torrid zone, Will not oft thy fancy wander From her bowers to thy own 1 When her richest fruits partaking, Thy unvitiated taste Oft shall sigh for dear Columbia, And her frugal neat repast ; Ah, then to Friendship fill the glass, Kiss the brim and bid it pass. When the gentle eastern breezes Fill the home-bound vessel's sails, Undulating soft the ocean, 0, propitious be the gales; Then when ev'ry danger's over, Rapture shall each heart expand ; Tears of unmix'd joy shall bid thee Welcome to thy native land ; To Friendship then we'll fill the glass, Kiss the brim and bid it pass. 304 NAVAL SONGS. 154 TRUXTUN'S VICTORY. BY SUSANNA ROW- "When Freedom, fair Freedom her banner display'd, Defying each foe, whom her rights would invade, Columbia's brave sons swore those rights to maintain, And o'er ocean and earth to establish her reign. United, they cry. While that standard shall fly, Resolved, firm, and steady, We always are ready To fight and to conquer, to conquer or die. Though Gallia through Europe has rush'd like a flood, And deluged the earth with an ocean of blood ; While by faction she's led, while she's govern'd by knaves, We court not her smiles, and will ne'er be her slaves : Her threats we defy, While our standard shall fly ; Resolved, firm, and steady, We always are ready To fight and to conquer, to conquer or die. Though France, with caprice, dares our statesmen upbraid, A tribute demands, or sets bounds to our trade; From our young rising navy our thunders shall roar : And our commerce extend to the earth's utmost shore. Our cannon we'll ply, While our standard shall fly; Resolved, firm, and steady, We always are ready To fight and to conquer, to conquer or die. NAVAL SONGS. 305 To know we're resolved, let them think on the hour, When Truxtun, brave Truxtun, off Nevis's shore His ship mann'd for battle, the standard unfurl'd, And at the Insurgente defiance he hurl'd : And his valiant tars cry, While our standard shall fly ; Resolved, firm, and steady, We always are ready To fight and to conquer, to conquer or die. Each heart beat exulting, inspired by the cause ; They fought for their country, their freedom, and laws ; From their cannon loud volleys of vengeance they pour'd, And the standard of France to Columbia was lower'd. Huzza! they now cry, Let the Eagle wave high ; Resolved, firm, and steady, We always are ready To fight and to conquer, to conquer or die. Then raise high the strain, pay the tribute that's due To the fair Constellation, and all her brave crew ; Be Truxtun revered, and his name be enroll'd 'Mongst the chiefs of the ocean, the heroes of old. Each invader defy, While such heroes are nigh, Who always are ready, Resolved, firm, and steady, To fight and to conquer, to conquer or die. 26* 306 NAVU, BONG0. 155 COLUMBIAN TARS. Columbian tars are hearts of oak, Singing ever merrily : Even in fight they laugh and joke, Meeting danger cheerily ; Yo, yo, yea ; Fire away, Hearts of oak, right merrily. And though death around him flies, Still the dauntless sailor cries, Spunge the guns, boys, merrily, Ram the balls home, cheerily, Yo, yo, )ea ; Fire away, Hearts of oak, right merrily. Wrapt in clouds of thickest smoke, Hear him singing merrily; Fearless still he'll have his joke, Braving peril cheerily ; E'en amidst the hottest figrht, Hear him singing with delight, Spunge the guns, boys, & \ 156 PERRY'S YICTORY. BY A. S. G. See them meeting, Dreadful greeting, And for carnage fierce, prepare, — (The Eagle and the Lion there,) NAVAL SONGS. 307 Now the cannon's awful roar, Runs along the affrighted shore. Hear! the groans of wounded, dying! See ! the scatter'd foe are flying ! While the sons of Freedom cry, Victory ! — Victory ! 157 DECATUR'S GRAVE. BY WILLIAM B. TAPPAN. Why weeps the muse, her glory fled % Why droops Columbia's genius so ? The laurel wreath is sere and dead ; Decatur's gallant form is low ! Ye hoary warriors, hither bring Your tribute to the kindred brave ; Ye beauteous maidens, haste, and fling Your chaplets on Decatur's grave. Let those depart, who tear away The wreath that marks a godlike soul ; Let those depart, who chide the lay, And for one error blot the scroll — Approach ! ye generous, feeling, few, Where selfishness can ne'er intrude ; Approach — Decatur's grave bedew ; Sweet are the tears of gratitude ! The hero mingles with the dust, But glory shrines his deathless fame ; The tomb receives its hallow'd trust, But unborn ages breathe his name ! 308 NAVAL SONGS. Yes, mighty dead ! in every breast, Thou still shalt live, to memory dear; This turf, by virgin footsteps prest, Shall witness Sorrow's dewy tear ! Hither will Sympathy repair, To deck her favourite's early tomb ; While Charity, with aspect fair, Will mantle thy untimely doom; Farewell ! the gem that hail'd thy morn, Now sunk beneath the western sky, — Will wake for thee a brighter dawn : The star of glory ne'er can die ! 15S HERO OF THE NORTH— OR BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. BY MR. BENJAMIN WHITMAN, JUN., OF BOSTON. 0, know ye the land where the cliff and the moun- tain O'ershadows the water's dark tremulous glow ; Which flows from the north from its cold icy fountain. And passes through Erie to ocean below. That torrent is rou^h as it bursts from the north, But calmly extending across the broad lakes ; From their silent expanse, serene it goes forth, Till it foams where the loud roaring cataract breaks. There the roar of the fall with the wild Indian yell, For ages together have mingled its sound ; And often the yell of the savage would drown The roar of the fall as it thundering fell. NAVAL SONGS. The flood still is pouring, The fall still is roaring-, And echoes each neighbouring shore ; But the war-hoop no longer Sounds louder and stronger, While drowning the cataract's roar. ' 'Tis not by their yells and their screams I am fired — At the tales of the savage I droop and grow weary ; I now sing of honour and glory acquired, Where our thunders were heard on the waters of Erie. The dark rolling waters of Erie had flow'd For ages on ages in silence along ; And its bleak mountain-shore had ne'er yet echo'd The cannon's loud roar, or the mariner's song. But the cross of Saint George o'er her bosom now floats, And Columbia's brave Eagle is streaming afar; And the thunders that sleep in their ships and their boats Will shortly be roused in the tempest of war. Where yonder beams of morning play, Through eastern portals come the day; And through the darksome silent air, It spreads afar its brilliant glare. With fluid gold it tinges now The welkin's space, and mountain's brow ; Far in the east these clouds behold, Which seem in heavenly frame enroll'd ; There blessed angels love to lie, And look abroad through earth and sky; 310 NAVAL SONGS. As from the vigils of* the night, They leave the earth for realms of light : And gazing round, below, above, They read unutterable love. On that calm and glorious morn, The lake reflected back the dawn, To waken'd warriors, roused in time To meet approaching war and crime. Xo longer now does silence r< But seamen's shouts and cheerful strain, And hoisted sails, and moving oar, Proclaim our warriors " sleep no more." Proud o'er the lake (a gallant throng!) Old Albion's squadron sweeps along, Like frame that moves upon the wave ; "While pennons floating o'er the brave, Are seen afar through mist and cloud ; And now is seen each mast and shroud ; And as the morning breezes blow, Nearer and nearer comes the foe. Those thunders sleep, which soon will wake Their first rude notes upon the lake; Upon whose bosom ne'er before Relentless Death his victims bore. Solemn and slow the adverse squadrons move, While the bright orb of day rolls on above. ! 'tis a glorious sight to see them sweep, Like clouds in air upon that gentle deep ; Their sails all set, their pennons streaming high; While there the cross — while here the eagles fly, With all things Battling in the autumn sky, And clouds of amber gently sailing by; NAVAL SONGS, While just below, the lake is heaving bright, And swells of tumid vapour catch the light. As from some black and silent cloud That moves upon the face of day, The flashing lightnings sudden play, And muttering thunders roar'd aloud ; While darting on the mountain's side, They spread destruction far and wide — So, on that calm and gentle wave, Where all was silent as the grave, The reign of peace is o'er ; And, to the cannon's dreadful roar, Echoes the mountains, rocks, and shore, As first the British thunders pour Destruction round, behind, before ; And the dark lake receives the gore Of man who falls to rise no more. Silent and slow our vessels glide, While ruin pours on every side ; But now our port-holes gaping wide, Our fires begin to glow ; And forth the awful thunders broke, And ruin went with every stroke, And death with every blow. But see our strong and gallant bark, Where stands the hero of the lake, She slowly moves, the only mark On which the opposing torrents break. Each "brace, and bowline," shot away, She moves a perfect wreck : NAVAL SONGS. She meets the wind like waving trees, She's tossed like clouds upon the breeze, And ruin crowds her deck. O, yonder see the hero sail, While balls as thick as autumn's hail, Around the little vessel pour ; Secure she sails mid fire and smoke, As did of yore that gallant boat, Which fearless Caesar bore. In triumph now another deck Receives the warrior from the wreck, In safety and in glory ; And now more strong the breezes blow, And drives him nearer to the foe, And wafts him on to victory. Now fierce amid the foe they dash, Their masts and spars while falling crash, Their ships are driven a'thraft; From larboard and from starboard side, Our dreadful port-holes gaping wide, Send tenfold thunders o'er the tide, And rakes them fore and aft. Down, down your flags, or not a foe Shall live to tell this tale of woe. Down, down your flags, or not a boat Above this blood-red stream shall float !" And down they come — the strife is o'er — Borne on the gale is heard no more The groan, the shriek, or cannon's roar ; And die the thunders on the distant shore I know 'tis true, you love to read Of noble knights of former day; NAVAL SONGS. I know you sigh o'er martial deed, And grieve those times have pass'd away. 'Tis true those knights no more will fight, The days of chivalry are o'er; — And those who fought for Bruce's right, Are Scotia's valiant sons no more. But did high heart and spirit free Perish with Bruce and Wallace brave 1 And with the flower of chivalry, Did worth and courage find their grave 1 ? O, come to the land of a Greene and a Perry, O, look to the warriors of Eutaw and Erie ; And see where encircled in glory's bright ray, Heroes have fought in our land and our day. Old Rome and old Greece, in the temple of fame, A long list of heroes with triumph can claim ; And round on the tablets, in letters of gold, Each nation may see its own heroes enroll'd : And round as you gaze both with wonder and pride On the names of those warriors who've conquer'd and died On yonder bright tablet, Columbia, behold The names of your Greene and your Perry enroll'd. 159 VICTORY ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN. BY BENJAMIN WHITMAN, JUN. O, wild is the land where the yell and the cry Bid the traveller flee, for the savage is near : Where the Great Spirit moves in the clouds of the sky, Array'd in the robes of his terror and fear. 27 314 NAVAL SONGS. O, wild is the land, where the forests and lakes, And all things around are majestic and grand ; Where Nature her palace triumphantly makes On the hills everlasting that rise from the land. There the wild men, while swiftly their game they pursue, Stop in their course, with enchantment are bound, And bless the Great Spirit, as gazing they view The waters and earth, and heavens around. 'Tis the land of the west ! where but lately were seen The wild tribes of Indians that wander'd afar ; And where, too, was heard the wild yell and the scream, That roused in the savage the spirit of war. I sing now of war, of conquest, and blood, Of warriors whose laurels now bloom o'er their grave; Of deeds done where once was the Indians' abode, I sing of Macdouough the brave. The lowering clouds grew dark on hi<_rh. And spread their curtains round the sky, And caught the flood of light Which pour'd from stars, which now above, The clouds that dark and silent move Break not the glqom of night. No thunders roll in this still scene, Along the heavens no meteors gleam To light the darksome hour; The forest, lake, and wave is hush'd. And now the wind which by them rush/d Suspends its mighty power. NAVAL SONGS. 315 Upon yon lake the billow's glow Sparkles around no rushing' prow, But all is smooth and calm ; And warriors too, who soon may die, Now slumbering on their hammocks lie, Nor dream approaching harm. The orb of day at morrow's dawn Will light the holy Sunday's morn, The Sabbath of the Lord. The labour of the week is done, And all will at the rising sun Sing anthems to their God. But now, o'er rock, vale, delve, and steep, All nature silent seems to sleep Enveloped close in gloom ; And, save yon breeze that drives away The clouds before the face of day, Nature appears in dark array, A universal tomb. Morn now the orient gates have riven. And far and wide the purple heaven Foretells a bloody day. Each cloud appears a bloody screen, Reflecting on each lower scene, Save where the mountains intervene The glorious morning ray. From yonder ship, the signal gun Arouses, with the rising sun, The seamen from their slumber ; 316 NAVAL SONGS. Some shall with wreaths adorn their head, Some shall be counted with the dead, And proudly swell their number ! The cannon echoes far and wide Along the shore and mountain's side, And wakes the tuneful lark : The wild birds raise their matin notes, And through the barges, ships, and boats, The slumbering seamen start. What muttering sound is that which strikes the ear ? What sails seem floating through yon misty air? And with the breeze are now advancing fast — W T ith flags far waving from each lofty mast ? 44 See them," Macdonough cries, "there streaming high, By heavens, the cross, the British pennants fly — They fly above your foe, who now prepare To taint this holy morn with deeds of war ! Display our eagle, place our guns for fight, And they are our's, or else we die ere night." Now o'er the lake the royal vessels sweep, And swiftly move along the misty deep ; They come more near, and now abreast they lay, "The wind of heaven too, gently dies away." Our men on valour place their Btrong reliance, And forthwith raised a shout of loud defiance. Then as the sun's resplendent car Throws back the twilight clouds afar — And o'er the gloomy realms of air Scatters abroad his silent glare — NAVAL SONGS. 317 So from each gallant vessel's side, Our dreadful port-holes gaping wide, Through fire and smoke The thunders broke, And muttering spoke By every stroke Destruction to the foe ! Mid blood and fire each vessel rides, And down their smoke enveloped sides A torrent-red of life-blood glides Into the. lake below. Their shrouds, masts, yards, while falling, crack, And every vessel seems a wreck, As death and ruin crowd each deck With trophies of their deeds. Ours ! work and fight as nothing fearing, They now another flag are rearing, And yonder vessel disappearing Their fire and valour feeds. One ship is sunk ! one flag is down, And adverse thunders rarely sound, Opposing seamen bleed around, And fall among their guns. Each ship a moving hearse goes on, Crowded with men whose souls are gone, Who now above the billows borne, No more are Albion's sons. The strife has ceased — Champlain no more Is troubled with the cannon's roar, No thunders break from yonder shore— The victor is Macdonough : 27* NAVAL SONGS. The clouds disperse, the sky serene Has not a cloud to intervene, And silence reigns through every scene, The forest and the billow. As the Spartan of old, when he travell'd afar, O'er the scenes where his forefathers bled in the war, At Thermopylaj's straits, where Leonidas' band Could the millions of Persia with glory withstand ; On the scene as he gazed, and was roused by the sight, And long'd to encounter some foe in the fight — So the American youth, when he wanders along The scene of those deeds that you've heard in my song, Will gaze at Champlain, and go over in thought The deeds of that day when his countrymen fought ; Will cry, as the wave on the lake he may follow, "There fought the brave and the gallant Mac- donough !" 160 THE ALLIGATOR*. BY JOHN G. C. BRA1NARD. That steed has lost his rider! I have seen His snuffing nostril, and his pawing hoof; His eyeball lighting to the cannon's blaze, His sharp ear pointed, and each ready nerve, Obedient to a whisper; — his white mane * The United States schooner Alligator was wrecked on her return from the West India station, after the murder, by the pirates, other commander, Captain Allen. NAVAL SONGS. 319 Curling- with eagerness, as if it bore, To squadron'd foes, the sign of victory, Where'er his bounding speed could carry it. But now, with languid step, he creeps along, Falters, and groans, and dies. And I hav^ seen Yon foundering vessel, when with crowding sail, With smoking bulwarks and with blazing sides, Sporting away the foam before her prow, And heaving down her side to the brave chase, She seem'd to share the glories of the bold ! But now with flagging canvass, lazily She moves ; and stumbling on the rock, she sinks, As broken-hearted as that faithful steed, That lost his rider, and laid down, and died. 161 NAVAL SONG. BY MISS ELIZABETH ALLEN. When Britain, fired with savage rage, A sister nation did engage; — When hill and plain and sandy shore, Were stain'd with floods of human gore. Not far from Champlain's craggy side, Macdonough's fleet was seen to ride ; While Downie, pleased his foe to meet, In hostile row approach'd his fleet. And manful hearts beat quick and high, As they the solemn scene descry ; 320 NAVAL SONGS. And hastening onward sought the strand, Or height, that prospect might command. One gentle form, with glossy hair, Came too, the mournful view to share ; Clad in a wedding-robe, her eye Cast upward, while she thus did cry : — " 0, God of mercy ! hear my prayer ! Let my Philander be thy care ; And grant him strength to act his part, But guide the death-shot from his heart. Yet as thou wilt — and I'll be still, And own the justice of thy will ; But should thy goodness deign to spare, Thy mercy ever I'll declare." But ! the cannon's horrid din, Resounds, and quick resounds again; A trembling seizes every limb, Pallid her cheek, her eye grows dim. Mute as the rock on which she sate, To wait the dread approach of fate ; No murmur 'scaped, no sigh was heard, Her God was just, and him she fear'd. But hark ! those peals victorious sound, A victor sure his way hath found ; Macdonough ! thine must be the day, For heaven had mark'd thy better way. Yes ! comes the bearer, " Tidings new ! Macdonough, with his gallant few, NAVAL SONGS. A victory complete did gain, While Downie with his aids are slain." Elvira, long with grief oppress'd, Now feels the load forsake her breast ; Philander comes, with laurels crown'd, And shouts from hills and vales resound. And mountains took the echo too, And heralds on fleet pinions flew ; Whilst all Columbia's sons proclaim, Their hero in Macdonough's name. 162 ON THE DEATH OF COMMODORE OLIVER H. PERRY. BV JOHN G. C. BRAINARD. "By strangers honour'd, and by strangers mourn'd." How sad the note of that funereal drum, That's muffled by indifference to the dead ! And how reluctantly the echoes come, On air that sighs not o'er that stranger's bed, Who sleeps with death alone — O'er his young head His native breezes never more shall sigh ; On his lone grave the careless step shall tread, And pestilential vapours soon shall dry Each shrub that buds around — Each flower that blushes nigh. Let Genius, poising on her full-fledged wing, Fill the charm'd air with thy deserved praise : Of war, and blood, and carnage let her sing, Of victory and glory ! — let her gaze NAVAL SONGS. On the dark smoke that shrouds the cannon's blaze ; On the red foam that crests the bloody billow ; Then mourn the sad close of thy shorten'd days ; Place on thy country's brow the weeping willow, And plant the laurels thick around thy last cold pil- low. No sparks of Grecian fire to me belong : Alike uncouth the poet and the lay : Unskill'd to turn the mighty tide of song, He floats along the current as he may, The humble tribute of a tear to pay, Another hand may choose another theme, May sing of Nelson's last and brightest day, Of Wolfe's unequall'd and unrivall'd fame, The wave of Trafalgar — the field of Abraham. But if the wild winds of thy western lake Might teach a harp that fain would mourn the brave, And sweep those strings a minstrel may not wake, Or give an echo from some secret cave That opens on romantic Erie's wave, The feeble chord would not be swept in vain; And though the sound might never reach thy grave, Yet there are spirits here, that to the strain Would send a still small voice responsive back again. And though the yellow plague infest the air; Though noxious vapours blight the turf, where rest The manly form, and the bold heart of war; Yet should that deadly isle afar be blest; For the fresh breezes of thy native west NAVAL SONGS. Should seek and sigh around thy early tomb, Moist with the tears of those who loved thee best, Scented with sighs of love ; there grief should come, And memory guard thy grave, and mourn thy hapless doom. It may not be. Too feeble is the hand, Too weak and frail the harp, the lay too brief To speak the sorrows of a mourning land, Weeping in silence for her youthful chief. Yet may an artless tear proclaim more grief Than mock affection's arts can ever show ; A heart-felt sigh can give a sad relief, Which all the sobs of counterfeited woe, Trick'd off in foreign garb could ever hope to know. 163 A MARINER'S SONG. BY JOHN G. C. BRA1NARD. Though now we are sluggish and lazy on shore, Yet soon shall we be where the wild waters roar; Where the wind through the hoarse rattling cordage shall rave, And fling the white foam from the top of the wave. Y"es, soon o'er the waters the Essex shall sweep, And bear all the thunders of war o'er the deep ; While the hands that are hard, and the hearts that are brave, Shall give the bold frigate the top of the wave. 324 NAVAL SONGS. And though some one among us may never return. His comrades shall sorrow, his messmates shall mourn ; Though his body may sink to a watery grave, His spirit shall rise to the top of the wave. Then a health to John Adams, and long may he reign O'er the mountains, the valley, the shore, and the main ; May he have the same breeze which to Washington gave, In his cruise o'er the waters, the top of the wave. 164 THE SEA-GULL.* BY JOHN G. C. BRAINARD. 44 Ibis et redibis nunquam peribis in bello."— Oracle. I seek not the grove where the wood-robins whistle, Where the light sparrows sport and the linnets pair; I seek not the bower where the ring-doves nestle, For none but the maid and her lover are there. On the clefts of the wave-wash'd rock I sit, When the ocean is roaring and raving nigh ; On the howling tempest I scream and flit, With the storm in my wing, and the gale in my eye. And when the bold sailor climbs the mast, And sets his canvass gallantly, Laughing at all his perils past, And seeking more on the mighty sea; * Commodore Porter's vessel. NAVAL SONGS. I'll flit to his vessel and perch on the truck, Or sing in the hardy pilot's ear ; That her deck shall be like my wave-washed rock, And her top like my nest when the storm is near. Her cordage the branches that I will grace ; Her rigging the grave where I will whistle ; Her wind-swung hammock my pairing place, Where I by the seaboy's side will nestle. And when the fight, like the storm, comes on, Mid the warriors shout and the battle's noise, I'll cheer him by the deadly gun, Till he loves the music of its voice. And if death's dark mist shall his eye bedim, And they plunge him beneath the fathomless wave, A wild note shall sing his requiem, And a white wing flap o'er his early grave. 165 LAKE ERIE. September 10, 1813. BY WILLIAM B. TAPPAN. 'Tis midnight, the dark wave of Erie flows lone, Mid the gloom of the forest that shadows it round ; The slow-winding surge lends its deep sullen moan And the hoarse winds reluctantly echo the sound. 'Tis midnight, and see mid the gleam of the wave, Where 'neath the cold ray their sad vigils they keep — In the mists of the foaming, the souls of the brave, As all lonely they march o'er the cliff of the deep ! 28 326 NAVAL SONGS. 'Tis midnight; they tell when the thunder of war Proclaim'd the approach of the dark battle fray; When the blast and the death-drum roll'd deeply and far, While the angel of blood hovered high o'er his prey. Look afar, 'tis hope's symbol, the flag of the free ! Through the red cloud it gleams on the war-shatter'd mast. Proud stars ! soon the types of stern triumph to be, Bright pledge of the future, the pride of the past. The tall barks in merciless conflict have near'd, Death gleams on the blade as they charge on the foe ; And hark ! 'tis the shouting of victory heard, Columbia, thy foemen in battle are low ! 'Neath the dark waves of Erie now slumber the brave, In the bed of its waters forever they rest; The flag of their glory floats over their grave ; The souls of the heroes in memory are bless'd. 166 HORNET TRIUMPHANT. Rejoice, rejoice, Fredonia's sons rejoice, And swell the loud trumpet to patriotic strain, Your choice, your choice, fair Freedom is your choice, Then celebrate her triumphs on the main, For the trumpet of Neptune Iqag by Britain wielded At length to Freedom it reluctantly yielded. Then for Hull, Decatur, Jones, And for Bainbridge swell the tones, NAVAL SONGS. 327 While the ready hand of Fame Bright emblazons every name, Brave Lawrence, gallant Lawrence, now is shouted with acclaim. Huzza ! huzza ! huzza ! huzza ! huzza! my boys, Free is our soil and the ocean shall be free, Our tars shall Mars protect beneath our stars, And Freedom's eagle hover o'er the sea. Attend, attend, ye gallant tars attend, While your deeds are recounted in patriotic song ; Ascend, ascend, your banners high ascend, And the cannon with loud chorus still prolong. First, the bold Constitution set the path of glory, And "the gallant little Wasp then added to the Soon a brighter glory awaits [strong ; The renown'd United States, For she gave Columbia's fleet The new frigate that she beat, While the gallant Constitution sunk another in the deep. Then huzza, &c. Again, again, Columbia's flag again, Triumphantly floats where Britannia's used to soar, In vain the main has raised the Peacock vain, Her gaudy rainbow's honours are no more, She by Lawrence in the Hornet was so neatly basted, A better roasted bird John Bull had never tasted, Till she ended her career, Like the Java and Guerriere, For the Hornet's sting was plied, And the sea with blushes died, And the tyrant's fifth defeat in its bosom sought to hide. Then huzza, &c. NAVAL SONGS. Unite, unite, Columbia's sons unite, And hurl on aggression the tempest they provoke Your fight is right, then raise your sabres bright, And Britons soon shall tremble at the stroke. The foe on our coast puts the mountain oak in motion, Then fly to the main, for your wrongs are on the ocean ; Then in flood and fire Every tar shall breathe his ire, His motto while he fights, Be " Free trade and sailors' rights," Then huzza, &c. 167 NAVAL SONG.— 1814. BY WILLIAM MAXWELL. Ye seamen of Columbia ! Now claim your native sea ; Break off Britannia's galling chain, And set the billows free. The spirit of your country calls, And points where ocean rolls : Ye shall reign o'er the main, While the angry surges roar; Till the sun sets never to rise again, And the moon looks out no more. 'Twas o'er the waves of ocean, Our gallant fathers came ; Their spirits braved the raging blasts And made the billows tame. NAVAL SONGS, 329 Sail boldly in their shining- wake, Beneath heaven's guiding star. Ye shall reign, &c. Our valiant tars fear nothing : Cradled in wars and storms, They smile at images of death In all their ghastly forms ; Now playing with the spouting whale, Now managing the foe. Ye shall reign, &c. Columbia's daring eagle, Still soaring to the sky, Shall launch her thunders o'er the sea, And bid her lightnings fly. Her foes shall shrink in wild dismay, And hide beneath the waves. Ye shall reign, &c. 168 PERRY'S VICTORY. O'er the bosom of Erie, in fanciful pride, Did the fleet of Old England exultingly ride ; Till the flag of Columbia her Perry unfurl'd, The boast of the west, and the pride of the world. The spirit of Lawrence his influence sheds, To the van of the fight, while the Lawrence he leads ; There death dealt around, though such numbers op- pose, And levell'd the gun at fair Liberty's foes. 28* 330 NAVAL SONGS. When cover'd with slain, from his deck he withdrew, And left the Niagara the fight to renew ; Where, undaunted in danger, our sea-beaten tars O'er the cross of St. George waved the stripes and the stars. Six ships, while our banners triumphantly flew, Submitted to tars who were born to subdue; When they rush'd to the battle, resolved to maintain The freedom of trade and our right to the main ! With the glory of conquest our heroes are crown'd ; Let their brows with the bright naval chaplet be bound ! For still should the foe dare the fight to sustain. Gallant Perry shall lead them to conquest again. 169 BRILLIANT NAVAL VICTORIES. BY HENRY C. LEWIS. An American song to a British tune, viz. " Battle of the .Vj.7 " To arms, to arms ! Republic of the West ! Assert your rights, avenge your wrongs afar ; To arms, to arms ! Republic of the West ! And show the world what freemen are in war ! This was the voice of chieftains call'd to duty, And freemen, at the word, left country, home, and beauty ; Resolving to maintain, Their rights upon the main : Resolving to maintain Their rights upon the main : And wave their Eagle flag o'er Lion foes again. NAVAL SONGS. To arms, huzza! to arms, huzza ! Columbia ! Heaven will guard the flag that Justice has un- furl'd : To arms, huzza ! to arms, huzza ! Columbia ! And gun to gun, and man to man, defy the world. The Queen of Ocean, insolent and vain, Had long usurp'd the freedom of the seas ; And with her thousand ships upon the main, Call'd on the world to bow to her decrees ; Orders in council — British legislation Must be obey'd by each and every neutral nation ; But freemen with disdain Opposed her servile chain ; But freemen with disdain Opposed her servile chain, And rose, indignant rose, to meet her on the main. To arms, huzza ! &c. Britannia, once so great, with proud disdain, Sent thundering to the main her seaborn slaves ; To scourge our daring pride — our vaunting vain — And sweep our flag from off the mountain waves ! Her Guerriere first sought noble Hull's surrender, But Hull return'd her only iron bolts of thunder ! Which made the enemy Soon yield the victory — Which made the enemy Soon yield the victory, While safely waved our starry flag triumphantly ! To arms, huzza ! &c. In battle trim, (fit emblem of our fleet,) The Wasp and Hornet proudly plough the main ; 332 NAVAL SONGS. And soon with Britons bold they fearless meet, And bravely wage the daring war again. Free trade and sailor's rights, the cannon rattles ! And for our Jones and Lawrence soon decide the battles ! Britannia's Frolic's o'er, Her Peacock is no more; Britannia's Frolic's o'er, Her Peacock is no more, And every tar proclaim'd the hero of his shore. To arms, huzza ! &c. To gain his country laurels and applause, Another hero dares the astonish'd foe ; And soon in glory to our righteous cause, Our Constitution lays the Java low! The freedom of the seas, each tar maintaining And commerce, and our rights with loud huzzas pro- claiming. And Bainbridge read his name, Bright on the roll of fame ; And Bainbridge read his name, Bright on the roll of fame, Emblazon'd by the Java bursting into flame ! To arms, huzza! &c. The royal Macedonian, Albion's pride, Decatur hail'd, a deathless name to gain; And, proud of such a foe, at once defied Her boasted prowess vaunting on the main ! The battle rages godlike ! hark ! what clashing ! Destruction's o'er her flag ! what dreadful, thundering crashing ! NAVAL SONGS. 333 She strikes, she strikes, huzza ! Exclaims each freeborn tar ; She strikes, she strikes, huzza ! Exclaims each freeborn tar, And brave Decatur hail triumphant through the war ! To arms, huzza ! &c. Prepare, again prepare your joyful songs, The hero of Ontario to greet ; A grateful nation's praise again belongs To Chauncey, who all foemen dread to meet! Through boasting Yeo's fleet he sail'd victorious, And now his honour'd name through all the world is glorious. The vaunting Briton flies, Brave Chauncey "victory" cries ! The vaunting Briton flies, Brave Chauncey " victory" cries ! And in the flying fight full many a foeman dies ! To arms, huzza ! &c. Sound, sound for him the martial trump of Fame, Who on our foes complete destruction hurl'd ! Sound louder still the gallant hero's name, Who spread our glory through the warring world. Led on to fame by great immortal Perry, Victorious rode our ships o'er British-blood-stain'd Erie ! Their fleet of hostile powers, " He met, and they were ours !" Their fleet of hostile powers, " He met, and they were ours !" And Albion wept that day o'er all her fading flowers ! To arms, huzza ! &c. 334 NAVAL SO The voice of sacred praise be justly due, To sainted Lawrence, Freedom's favourite son ! Lamented Burrows claims our honours too — His country's laurels he too dearly won! Though lost for evermore, they're still our glory, And both shall ever live in many a naval story ! Their dying minstrelsy Was loud artillery ; Their dying minstrelsy Was loud artillery, And Britain honour'd such true sons of libertv. To arms, huzza ! &c. Brethren in arms ! with honest pride, behold Our naval columns rising to your fame; Blazing on high with characters of gold, In brilliant glory to his honour'd name ! And without number lighted windows flaming. In tribute to the braVe each gallant action naming! Which shall immortal be, In grateful memory ; Which shall immortal be, In grateful memory, And sung in choral strains by all posterity ! To arms, huzza ! to arms, huzza! Columbia! Revenge your injured flag, protect your rights and laws ; To arms, huzza ! to arms, huzza ! Columbia! And bear the olive home with honour and ap- plause. NAVAL SONGS. S3 5 170 ODE ADDRESSED TO DAVID PORTER, Commander of the late United States frigate, Essex. Again our Eagle's anger'd eyes Dart lightning through our clouded skies ; A^ain her vengeful thunder's hurl'd Astounding the admiring world. Again the soul of honour braves The mighty mistress of the waves ; Again, though in unequal war, Columbia's heroes from afar, New glories from her power wring, And " Io Paeans" still we sing; For fame and laurels nobly won By the true sons of Washington. From Erie's lake, to where the main No more invades old ocean's reign, The north and south with equal cheer The praises of our captains hear ; Them honour follows to the last, * Nor falls the laurel with a mast ; In life or death, that still, is spread Eternal, round the hero's head. War-doom'd the wide expanse to plough Of ocean with a single prow, Midst hosts of foes with lynx's eye And lion fang close hovering by. You, Porter, dared the dangerous course, Without a home without resource, Save that which heroes always find In nautic skill and power of mind ; 336 NAVAL SONGS. Save, where your stars in conquest shone, And stripes made wealth of foes your own. You heard of Perry's glorious fame, Of Lawrence's immortal name, Of Hull, Decatur, Bainbridge, Jones, Columbia's honour'd naval sons, Of all, indeed, who traced the clue, By Washington reveal'd to view, How through the labyrinth of war Or peace, to guide Columbia's car; To happiness in times of rest, To victory in the stern contest; And emulous yourself to prove Deserving of your country's love, You dared against a double foe To deal the honour guided blow. However ends the glorious strife, In honour'd death or honour'd life, No blot the page of fame can stain When bravely all their posts maintain : Exalted high the hero's name, Who fights for country more than fame ; But dastard they who take their flight With but an equal foe in sight ; Who wear their trappings but for show, And run before they've felt a blow ; Not, Porter, such thy generous tars; Unharrass'd by intestine jars, And all inviolably true, They look'd and smiled, and felt from you, Thence caught the inspiring flame that shone Till more than valour claim'd was done. NAVAL SONGS. The Essex lost, not yours the blame, You still maintain a conqueror's fame ; 'Tis not in mortal to prevail When double force our power assail. Already weaken'd by the blast And cumber'd with a fallen mast ; Contending 'gainst superior might, 'Twas victory to sustain the fight. Soft Pity here may drop a tear Upon the slaughter'd sailor's bier ; And mourn the fate that urged the brave To glut with honour'd corpse the grave ; And stern Morality may view With pain a daring suffering crew, With ship dismantled by the blast, Defending freedom to the last, Where not a hope or chance appear'd That conquest's standard could be rear'd. How many calmly sit at home And suffer reason wild to roam, And cloak'd themselves, in cold debate, Decide upon a hero's fate ! With grave philosophy content, They argue on each new event, Without a sympathy or thought, They know not how a battle's fought; To them are nothing winds and tides, They dream but of their own firesides ; And talk without the least emotion, Of struggling patriots on the ocean. 29 338 NAVAL SONGS. To them the rocks and foaming seas Are naught, while they can sit at ease ; Nor feel they how the bosom glows When patriot valour meets her foes ; Nor know how high the flame aspires, That's kindled by bright honour's fires ; Nor think the virtue of the brave, Can e'er disdain themselves to save, While perseverance can enthrone Their country's glory or their own. But, by the sons of Washington The entangled thread is soon outspun, And mystery's knot untied, becomes A guide to freedom and our homes. Thine, Porter, was the cruel pain To see thy comrades fall in vain ; Yet no, they've raised Columbia's name 6till higher in the lists of fame ; And but that feeling's tear must fall On the regretted fate of all, One thought might lighten all our care And teach us never to despair ; Weigh the event, all dangers braved, A vessel lost — a hero saved. Loudly shall Valparaiso's bay To her proud mountains sound the lay, The mountains echo back again The ever-welcomed honour'd strain; The playful sun that with its beams Adorns her tributary streams, Shall cause them shine with brighter glow, As to the honour'd bay they tlow ; NAVAL SONGS. The bay itself when tempests roar, And light with fiery foam its shore, Will still recall the eventful day, That gilt our stars with solar ray. "Yield not the ship," our Lawrence cried, And on the solemn order died. "Blow up the ship," was your decree, From soul-inspired liberty ; Thoughts of the wounded in the wreck Gave valour an immediate check, And, mercy's countermand obey'd, The intended patriot deed was stay'd, Now no alternative remain'd ; All honour was already gain'd ; The flag was struck, but not to foes ; In pity to thy comrades' wlies' Struck was ^he flag alone to save From ocean's bed the wounded brave, Such are the honours nobly won By the true sons of Washington. 171 FOURTH OF JULY SONG. Tune — "Rule Britannia." When America first, at Heaven's command, Arose to curb old Britain's pride, Drive tyranny from out the land, Fair Freedom echo'd far and wide, " Rouse, America ! rouse, be free, For nature's God gave liberty." 340 NAVAL SONGS. To thee belongs the peaceful reitrn : Thy cities shall with commerce flow ; Thy ships explore the boundless main, And plenty laugh at ever}' foe, Hail, America ! thou art free, The universe shall trade with thee. The nations not so blest as we Shall in their turn to tyrants fall, Whilst thou shalt rise triumphantly, The glory and the joy of all. Hail, America ! thou art free, Slavish Britons envy thee. Still more majestic shalt thou rise, Upheld by France's friendly wing. And view thy commerce — swift it flies As Neptune's car — old ocean's king. Hail, America ! thou art free,* The sea-gods all are friends to thee. Each haughty tyrant's sordid yoke, Their vain attempts to bend thee down, Shall fall beneath thy manly stroke, With broken sceptre and lost crown ! Hail, America! thou art free, Thou'st fought and bled for liberty. The muses on seraphic win. having been liberated by the operation of the treaty of peace between the dey and the United Slates, after a cap- tivity of more than ten years. In the beginning of Octo- ber, 1793, several Algerine corsairs captured a number of American ships in the western ocean, the crews of which amounted to about one hundred and twenty persons. These were also set at liberty by the treaty of 1795. < >n the return of these unfortunate persons to their country, they every- where excited the sympathy of their fellow-citizens. Many of them had been mutilated by their captors. The treaty cost the United States nearly a million of dollars, in a fri- gate built tor the purpose, in military stores and in money. A circumstance in no respect creditable to the nation ; and only to be excused by the fact of our being without a naval force to protect our commerce, and by the submission of all the European powers, so much stronger than we, to the like degradation of paying tribute ! It is, however, to the glory of our country, that we were the first nation who effectually shook off the yoke. In June, 1816, Commodore Decatur, having first captured or destroyed the naval force of Algiers, compelled the dey to sign a treaty in which he forever relinquished all claims to tribute. With slow and solemn sound the tower clock tolls ; Its mournful cadence strikes qppjD my ears, Tells in sad murmurs how time onward rolls, And adds its moments to riiy sorrowing years. To grief and melancholy thoughts resign'd, Almerius courts dread midnight's horrid gloom, He hails its shades congenial to his mind, And mourns neglected his unhappy doom. NAVAL SONGS. Far from the soothing accents of a friend, Where Pity not one tear for misery sheds, Where not Humanity a smile will lend, But Grief unfolding her dark mantle spreads; Far from the voice of Julia, and of love, For me soft sympathy has ceased to flow ; No more those lips shall winning accents move, And with their sweetness soothe the pang of wo. How solemn and how grand the midnight scene ! The moon's now hid beneath a lowering cloud : Now glimmering from on high she shines serene, And, brighten'd, breaks forth from the blacken'd shroud. She casts her beams o'er Nature's silent plains, And in this tower emits a trembling ray, Which lights the dungeon where a wretch remains, To drear confinement an unhappy prey. Now through the grates soft moves a gentle breeze, Whose fragrant coolness fans my panting breast ; Abroad I hear the rustling of the trees, And the shrill screaming of the midnight guest. I hear the lonely songster of the grove In warbling accents pour its pensive song — The song of sorrow and the song of love — Which floating zephyrs gently waft aiong. Far distant hence, I hear the water's sound, Which foaming tumbles from the rocky hills ; Rising it throws its plaintive murmur round, And all the air with fairy music fills. 30* 354 NAVAL SONGS. Through night's sad gloom the watchful mastiffs cries With grating discord drown the soothing strains, When, listening every noise, he distant spies Some awful phantom stalking o'er the plains. What horrors hover in these chilly walls ! A dismal dread now damps my grief-worn heart; Methinks some ghost with hollow screaming calls, And groans and sighs the neighbouring cells impart. Ah ! now a ghastly, frightful form appears, And seems to whisper through the iron grates ; Slow o'er its haggard face roll fearful tears, And wild despair its fiery eye dilates. The grisly hairs stand stiff upon its head, Within its hand a bloody knife it holds Around its limbs a filthy garb is spread, Which, stain'd with gore, before the gale unfolds. Now with the shadows of the night 'tis fled, And left a prisoner terrified with fear ; Ah ! 'twas the spectre of some murder'd dead, A sufferer, a Columbian — names so dear. Hail to Columbia's happy cultured fields! Hail to her waving and her cooling shade! There her blest sons enjoy what nature yields, And Freedom's charms the extended realm pervade. There the glad songs of peace and joy prevail, No tyrant's hand inflicts inhuman woes ; Tranquil the swain roves through the shady vale. And courts, fatigued, tin 1 slumbers of repose. NAVAL SONGS. 355 Once I, Columbia, dwelt upon thy shore, And the glad strains of joy and freedom join'd, To the rough dangers of the ocean wore, And steer'd the stately ship with breast resign'd. There my fond father and my mother live, And sorrowing mourn their son's unhappy lot: Thousands for ransom cheerfully they'd give, But poverty surrounds their weeping cot. 'Twas I supported their declining years, Relieved their breasts of poverty and care; That from their cheeks dispell'd affliction's tears, And raised their hopes to pleasure from despair. There lovely Julia sorrowful remains, Fair as the beauty of the dawning morn : Weeping the rambles o'er congenial plains, While the soft graces all her steps adorn. • Can I forget the tender last embrace, Those words which zephyrs on their fragrance bore ; The expressive sorrow of that charming face, When last we parted to embrace no more % We haul'd the anchor from its dark abode, Before the winds we spread the swelling sails ; We on the billows of the ocean rode, And swiftly moved before propitious gales. An Algerine corsair to our sight appear'd ; Ploughing the waves, the sons of prey drew nigh ; Upon the mast the bloody flag was rear'd, And death terrific glimmer d in each eye. 336 NAVAL SONGS. Howling, approach'd the hell-hounds of Algiers, The dreadful falchion glitter'd in each hand ; The horrid prow its iron grapple rears, The thundering captain issues his command. The vigour of a freeman's arm was vain, In vain man's sacred rights and country plead ; Around our limhs they fold the galling chain — See, my country ! your brave freemen bleed ! Towards Algiers they bend their watery way, Whose warlike turrets, beaming from on high, Strike in the gloomy soul a sickening ray, And call a tear upon the sorrowing eye. Ceased is the pleasure of a once gay breast, Far fly my dungeon comfort and repose ; By labour and by torturing fiends oppress'd, I find no ease but what frail hope bestows. Ah ! cruel country ! can my groans and pains Make no impression on thy callous heart] Does not the glow of sympathy remain ? Does not humanity its sigh impart? Art thou the land where Freedom rears her throne, Where conquering Washington, where Warren bled, Where patriot virtue and where valour shone, And where oppression bow'd her guilt-stain'd head. Adieu, Columbia, to thy fertile shore ! Adieu, those joys which give to life its charm, Within these walls Almerius must deplore The sleeping vigour of his country's arm. NAVAL SONGS, 357 180 THE OCEAN HERO. Tune — The Star-spangled Banner. Wake, sons of Columbia! wake gratitude's lay, And sing of great Stewart, our bold ocean hero, Who led forth our tars to break tyranny's sway, And drove from our coast every plundering Nero. In youth's early hour The seas he did scour, And fought with Decatur 'gainst Tripoli's power; He taught them that freemen their life-blood will drain, Their trade to protect and their rights to maintain. When the barks of proud Britain came over the main, To plunder our ships and impress our bold seamen, 'Twas he roused our navy and steer'd forth again, And dealt to our foemen the vengeance of freemen. O, he humbled their pride By his tough " Ironsides," And he lower'd Levant and Cyane* with the tide. Then long life to Stewart, and long may he stand, The pride of our navy, the chief of our land. 181 THE NOBLE CHARLES STEWART. Tune. — Kate Kearney. You've heard of bold Commodore Stewart, The seamen, the statesmen, the true heart; In the war, from his arm, our foes fled in alarm, For strong was the blow of brave Stewart. * Two British ships taken in a single action by Com- modore Stewart, in the Constitution. 358 NAVAL SONGS. In peace the states' cares ever bind him, In war like a lion we find him, And the foeman can tell of the patriot spell That warms the true soul of brave Stewart. O, oft may you meet with noble Stewart, The tar with the free and the true heart, A bright welcome smile, and a soul free from guile, You'll find in the hero Charles Stewart. A commander both generous and brave too, Who risk'd his life others to save, too, And thousands that roam, by his neat Jersey home, Bless the kind heart of gallant Charles Stewart. 182 THE PRIDE OF NEPTUNE. BY CHARLES MEAD. When our seafaring subjects, abused and impress'd, By Britain whose ships held a merciless reign, The Genius of Liberty rose from the west, And sent forth her murmurs o'er Neptune's domain. The ocean's old ruler, with absolute sway. Ascended with pride in his wave-heaten car, From his throne in the deep to the regions of day, And said that our only redress was in war. Columbia then thought of entreaties no more, But called on her children to fight and be free; Her language of vengeance the hurricanes bore, And battles commenced on the land and the sea. NAVAL SONGS. 359 Through heaven's clear azure the lightnings were hurl'd, And thunders resounded o'er ocean's wild waves ; Till the echoes were lost in the noise of the world, And thousands sunk down in their crystalline graves. As Neptune beheld the young Hercules rise, Thus breathing destruction with desperate ire, On his trident our banners he bore through the skies, The Britons were rent by the tempests of fire. In peace we now sing to the praises of those Who honours received from the god of the sea; Who valiantly humbled the pride of their foes, With thunders proclaiming "they'd die or be free." That commerce and freedom may travel the deep, That our means of resistance may ever increase, In a firm and defensive position we'll keep ; Our prowess for war be our guardian of peace. 183 CHARLEY STEWART. Tune.— Harry Bluff. Charley Stewart when a youth left his land and his home, In search of the foe on the ocean to roam ; Like a patriot his heart beat to liberty true, And a foe to all tyrants the older he grew. His heart it was bold and with valour 'twas warm, In his country's cause he the first was to arm ; To the wreck'd and distress'd oft his arm gave relief; And though rated a middy he'd the skill of a chief, And the courage of a true Yankee seaman. 360 NAVAL SONG.*. When commander, promoted, the foe he'd pursue, On Old Ironsides long his striped banner flew ; 80 true to his flag, and in battle so brave, That he oft gave the proud foe a watery grave. For his country he fought, till with peace she was crown'd, And now upon shore at the pen he is found ; Of the great ship of state may he next take command, And her great Constitution safely steer on the land, With the mind of a true Yankee statesman. 184 COLUMBIA ON THE OCEAN. BV HENRY C. LEWIS. Ye freemen of Columbia ! be mindful of your fame; Let no rude foe, presumptuous, insult your rising name ; And on the roaring ocean, with glory and applause, Protect your flag and commerce, your country and your laws ; Ye freemen of Columbia, kc. The heroes of Columbia, when warring on the main, Are like our lofty mountains which storms assail in vain. With lion-force impetuous they rush upon their foes, Like Niagara's torrent, which nothing can oppose. Then freemen of Columbia, &c. Their foes upon the ocean are sought with equal force, They stop the conquering Briton, so haughty in his course; NAVAL SONGS. 361 Ferocious as the tiger they deal the vengeful blow, And sink the bold intruder beneath the billows low. Then freemen of Columbia, &c. Such is their wondrous valour, when side by side the foe; Who dares their flag dishonour, or aim a wrathful blow, That like our native eagles embattling for their brood, Before they yield the contest, they'll shed each drop of blood ! Then freemen of Columbia, &c. When hot the battle rages, amid the strife of steel, The fury of the bison, they imitate with zeal ; But when the conflict's over, they dress the wounds they made, And foes so bravely conquer' d receive their quickest aid. Then freemen of Columbia, &c. With wonder, every nation beholds our glory flame, And every noble hero obtains a deathless name ; With more than common wonder they see the laurels torn From Britain's boasted navy, and placed upon our own! Then freemen of Columbia, &c. Then long as splendid Erie shall roll its waves sub- lime, Our flag shall be respected in every distant clime ; And numerous as our forests shall laurels grace our fair, And verdant as our flowers, forever blossom there. Then long as splendid Erie shall roll, &c. 31 362 NAVAL SONGS. 185 THE DEATH OF DECATUR. In the war with Tripoli in 1S04, the most of the gallant defenders of their country in the war which succeeded with England in 1812, can date the commencement of their career. The attack made on the town, batteries, and naval force of the Bashaw of Tripoli, on the 3d of A 1804, stands pre-eminent in our naval warfare for deeds of daring. Lieutenant James Decatur of the Nautilus com- manded No. 2, of the first division of gun-boats. His brother, Lieutenant-commandant Stephen Decatur, of the Enterprise, commanded gun-boat No. 4. of the second divi- sion. This second division performed prodigies of ga. which were nobly emulated by the first division under Lieu- tenant James Decatur. This young officer dashed into the smoke, and was on the point of boarding, when he n a musket ball in his forehead. The boats stnu . and rebounded, and in the contusion of the death of the commanding officer, the enemy made his escape, under a heavy fire from the Americans. It was said, and fully be- lieved, at the time, that the enemy had struck his colours before Decatur fell ; though Mr. Cooper, author of the '• Naval History," thinks that the fact must remain in doubt. Mr. Cooper states, that the effect of this attack and defeat of the enemy was of the most salutary kind ; the manner in which their gun-boats had been taken by board- ing, having made a lasting and deep impression. Tl periority of the Christians in gunnery had been generally admitted, but here was an instance, in which the 1 were overcome, by inferior numbers, hand to hand ; a species of conflict in which they had been thought particu- larly to excel. Perhaps no instance of more desperati ing of the sort, without defensive armour, is to be found in the pages of history. Three gun-boats wore sunk in the harbour, in addition to the three tha :i: and the loss of the Tripolitans by shot must have been very I About fifty shells were thrown into the town, and the ba:- teries were a good deal damaged. *T\vas near that barbarous coast, whence every passing gale Wafts sighs and groans of slavery on its wing, NAVAL SONGS. 363 Where the sea whitens with the swelling sail, And its rude shores with hostile thunders ring-, There gallant Preble bore, with naval pride, The Western Eagle, The Western Eagle; There, Decatur, died. The towers of the foe that o'erhang the dark main, No longer, no longer, the force of the battle sustain, They fall with loud crash, The dead strew the ground, And the gallant Decatur receives his death wound. Though his comrades his fate unaffected deplore, To his country's renown he gave one laurel more, To his country's renown he gave one laurel more. To his valour the bark strikes her flag in disgrace, And though short yet how glorious the young hero's race ! Unhurt by the thunder that rolls from the walls, Unsubdued in the battle, by treachery he falls, Though his comrades his fate, &c Unfurl the striped standard with victory crown'd, For ages to come, For ages to come, For ages to come Be the hero renown'd, While thus spoke the youth, " Contented I die, The bosom of Victory receives my last sigh, The bosom of Victory receives my last sigh, Contented I die." 364 NAVAL B0NG8. 186 PERRY'S VICTORY; OR, THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. Tune. — Admiral Benboic. We sail'd to and fro on Erie's broad lake, To find British bullies or get in their wake, When we hoisted our canvass with true Yankee speed, And the brave Captain Perry our squadron did lead. We sail'd through the lake, boys, in search of the foe, In the cause of Columbia our bravery to show, To be equal in combat was all our delight, As we wish'd the proud Britons to know we could fight. But whether, like Yeo, boys, they'd taken affirigbt We could see not, nor find them by day or by night, So a-cruising we went in a glorious cause, In defence of our rights, our freedom, and laws. At length, to our liking, six sails hove in view, "Huzza!" says brave Perry! "Huzza!" says his crew, And then for the chase, boys, with our brave little crew ; We fell in with the bullies and gave them burgeau. Though the force was unequal, determined to fight, We brought them to action before it was night; We let loose our thunder, our bullets did fly, " Give them your shot, boys," our commander did cry. We gave them a broadside our cannon to try, "Well done," says brave Perry, " for quarters they'll cry, NAVAL SONGS. 365 Shot well home, my brave boys, they shortly shall see, That brave as they are still braver are we." Then we drew up our squadron each man full of fight, And put the proud Britons in a terrible plight, The brave Perry's movements will prove fall as bold As the famed Admiral Nelson's prowess of old. The conflict was sharp, boys, each man to his gun, For our country, her glory, the victory was won, So six sail (the whole fleet) 'twas our fortune to take, Here's a health to brave Perry who governs the lake. 187 THE PILLAR OF GLORY. BY EDWIN C. HOLLAND. Hail to the heroes whose triumphs have brighten'd The darkness which shrouded America's name; Long shall their valour in battle that lighten'd, Live in the brilliant escutcheons of fame : Dark where the torrents flow, And the rude tempests blow, The stormy clad spirit of Albion raves ; Long shall she mourn the day, When in the vengeful fray, Liberty walked like a god on the waves. The ocean, ye chiefs, (the region of glory, Where fortune has destined Columbia to reign,) Gleams with the halo and lustre of story, That curl round the wave as the scene of her fame 31* 366 NAVAL SONGS. There, on its raging tide, Shall her proud navy ride, The bulwark of Freedom, protected by Heaven; There shall her haughty foe Bow to her prowess low, There shall renown to her heroes be given. The pillar of glory, the sea that enlightens, Shall last till eternity rocks on its base ; The splendour of Fame, its waters that brightens, Shall light the footsteps of Time in his race : Wide o'er the stormy deep, Where the rude surges sweep, Its lustre shall circle the brows of the brave ; Honour shall give it light, Triumph shall keep it bright, Long as in battle we meet on the wave. Already the storm of contention has hurl"d, From the grasp of Old England, the trident of war; The beams of our stars have illumined the world, Unfurl'd our standard beats proud in the air: Wild glares the eagle's eye, Swift as he cuts the sky. Marking the wake where our heroes advance ; Compass'd with rays of light, Hovers he o'er the fight ; Albion is heartless, and stoops to his glance. NAVAL SONGS, 367 From the Plymouth Memorial.— 1835. 188 CAPTURE OF GENERAL PRESCOTT. Almost every one is acquainted with the circumstances of the taking of General Prescott, then commanding officer of the British forces on Rhode Island, by Captain Barton of Providence. He was exchanged for General Lee, who had been previously captured by the British. Shortly after his exchange he returned to Rhode Island, and was invited to dine on board the admiral's ship, with many other officers of the highest grade. General Pres- cott was naturally a haughty, imperious man, and as a com- mander was very unpopular with his officers and soldiers, and with the citizens of Newport, but a brave and skilful officer. It was often that boys as well as men were sent from the town on board the admiral's ship for any offence, and confined there for some time, by the arbitrary authority of those in power. Martial law was the law of the place. A small lad, about thirteen years of age, was placed in this situation previous to General Prescott's return, and was on board, with many others, at the time the general dined there. He did not know General Prescott. After dinner the wine circulated freely, and a toast and song were repeatedly called for. In the course of the evening the first lieutenant observed to the admiral, who was a real jolly son of Neptune, that " there was a Yankee lad on board who would shame all the singing." " Bring him up here," says Prescott. The boy was accordingly brought into the cabin. The admiral called on him to give them a song. The little fellow, being somewhat intimidated by gold-laced coats, epaulettes, &c, replied, " I can't sing any songs but Yankee songs." The admiral, perceiving that he was embarrassed, ordered the steward to give him a glass of wine, saying, "Come my little fellow, don't be frighten- ed ; give us one of your Yankee songs." General Prescott spoke in his usual haughty, imperious manner, " You d— d young rebel, give us a song or I'll give you a dozen." The admiral interfered, and assured the lad that he should be set at liberty the next day, " if he would give them a song — any one he could recollect." 368 NAVAL SONGS. The following doggerel, written by a sailor of Newport, was then given, to the great amusement of the company. 'Twas on a dark and stormy night, The wind and waves did roar, Bold Barton then, with twenty men Went down upon the shore. And in a whale-boat they set off To Rhode Island fair, To catch a red-coat general Who then resided there. Through British fleets and guard-boats strong, They held their dangerous way, Till they arrived unto their port, And then did not delay. A tawny son of Afric's race Them through the ravine led, And entering then the Overing House, They found him in his bed. But to get in they had no means Except poor Cuffee's head, Who beat the door down, then rushM in, And seized him in his bed. " Stop ! let me put my breeches on,'' The general then did pray : " Your breeches, massa, I will take, For dress we cannot stay." Then through rye-stubble him they led, With shoes and breeches none, And placed him in their boat quite snug, And from the shore were gone. NAVAL SONGS. 369 Soon the alarm was sounded loud, " The Yankees they have come, And stolen Prescott from his bed, And him they've carried hum." The drums were beat, skyrockets flew, The soldiers shoulder'd arms, And march'd around the ground they knew, Fill'd with most dire alarms. But through the fleet with muffled oars They held their devious way, And landed him on 'Ganset shore Where Britain held no sway. When unto land they came, Where rescue there was none, " A d — d bold push," the general cried, " Of prisoners I am one." There was a general shout of all the company during the whole song, and at the close, one who was a prisoner on board, at the time, observed, he " thought the deck would come through with the stamping and cheering." General Prescott joined most heartily in the merriment. Thrusting his hand into his pocket, he handed the boy a guinea, saying, " Here, you young dog, is a guinea for you." The boy was set at liberty the next morning. This anecdote is often related by an aged gentleman liv- ing at Newport. 189 BATTLE OF THE POTOMAC, WITH THE MALAYS. WRITTEN BY ONE OF THE CREW. As the sun was retiring behind the high mountains, The forts of our enemy full in our view ; The frigate Potomac, John Downes, our commander, Rode proudly at anchor, off Quallah Battoo. 370 NAVAL BONGS. The land breeze blew mild, the night was serene, Our boats was the word and our tackles were mann'd : Six miles was the distance that now lay between Our fine lofty ship and the enemy's land. Our boats were launch'd on the breast of the billows, And moor'd till the word of command should be given ; On deck we reposed with our swords for our pillows, And committed our cause, with its justness, to Heaven. At the dead hour of night, when all nature was silent. The boatswain's shrill pipe call'd each man to his post; Our hearts arm'd with justice, our minds fully bent To attack and destroy that piratical host, Who boarded the Friendship, and murder'd her crew, Just twelve months before the memorable day, When Shubrick led forth the Potomac's so true, To fight and to vanquish the hostile Malay. Our boats were all ready, and we were prepared To fight or to die, for our cause it was just ; Our muskets were loaded, and our bosoms were bared To the strife or the storm, for in God was our trust. When thus spoke our brave and respected commander, "I charge you by all that is sacred below, From the true paths of honour, or virtue, ne'er wander; If mercy's requested, then mercy bestow. Never let it be said, that the sons of Columbia, Sheath'd their swords in the breast of a female or child ; NAVAL SONGS. 371 And may virtue and honour attend you this day ; Be you death to the arm'd, to the helpless be mild. Now silence and darkness prevail'd all around, We left the Potomac, and steer'd for the shore ; Save the noise of the sea-beach, we heard not a sound, Our rowlocks were matted, and muffled each oar. The white surf ran high, as our boats near'd the strand, And the gray streaks of morning began to appear ; But, by prudence and caution, we safely did land, Though the waters were wild and the enemy near. To their force, to their arms, to their strength, we were strangers, But bravely advanced to the forts of our foe ; We thought of no trouble, we thought of no dangers, Determined, unless we in death were laid low, To revenge the sad wrongs that our friends and our . nation So oft have sustain'd from those demons of hell ; Our work we commenced, and the bright conflagration, Left but few of our foes the sad story to tell. Their forts, they were strong, and like heroes they fought, For mercy or quarter they never had shown ; And the blood of their victims forever they sought, But the God of the Christians they never had known. All around us in ambush those savages lay, And the bullets like hail-stones were scattered abroad. But still on their forts we continued to play, To conquer our object, Potomac's our word. 372 NAVAL SONGS. Exposed to their fires, the Potomac's advanced, Beneath their rude ramparts stood firmly and brave; Resolved that the stripes and stars of Columbia E're long on their ramparts triumphant should wave. Their firing soon ceased, and our brave pioneers Then opened a path, and we entered their gates ; We paused but a moment, gave three hearty cheers, Then hoisted the flag that is worn by the states. The white dashing surf now began to increase, And warn'd us the hour of departure was near ; Our wounded and slain we collected in peace, And form'd, with our pikes and our muskets, a bier. To convey them, all weltering and pale, from the shore To our ship, that majestically rode on the wave ; To comfort the wounded, the dead to deplore, And commit their remains to a watery grave. The Potomac, victorious, once more under way. Floats proudly along the smooth eastern waters ; Columbia! Columbia ! the deeds of that day Shall be told by thy sons, and be sung by thy daughters. Our officers, valiant in battle or war, In the calm time of peace they are generous and kind ; Our crew for the brave and American Star Are all in one voice and one body combined. May success then attend us, wherever we roam, And nothing our cause or our progress impede; May the Potomac, with glory and honour come home, And her name ne'er be stain'd with an unworthy deed. NAVAL SONGS 373 190 TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, THE (NOT HUMBLE) PETITION OF THE "STRIPED BUNTING." Occasioned by the motion of a worthy member of Con- gress, in 1816, to make some alteration in the United States National Flag. BY SELLECK OSBORN. High waving, unsullied, unstruck, proudly showeth, What each friend, and each foe, and each neutral well knoWeth, That your lofty petitioner never descends, At the call of her foes, nor the whim of her friends ; The air is her element — there she remains, 'Bove the vapours of earth and the vapour of brains ; Her path is ethereal — high she aspires, Her stripes aloft streaming, like Boreal fires ; They stream to astonish, dismay, or delight, As the foe or the friend may encounter the sight. On the Mediterranean, had you been present, And seen them display'd o'er the infidel crescent, The terror of every piratical knave, But hail'd and acclaim'd by the honest and brave- In that region so clear, in that sky so serene, Those stars, in ascendancy bright, had you seen, Your thoughts from their glory would never have ranged, Nor dream 'd that fix>d stars, like the moon, could be changed. When o'er the red cross of the humbled Guerriere Your petitioner hover'd — then was she not dear * 32 374 NAVAL SONGS. So bright was your flag, and its stars so resplendent, So well it became the victorious ascendant, That the crew of old Ironsides swore, with hearts full, 'Twas the best thing about her, excepting her Hull ! By the fame of your Jackson, Boyd, Ripley, and Scott, Who beneath your petitioner bravely have fought; By their naval compeers, each illustrious name That has made your petitioner sacred to Fame; By the spirit of Lawrence, unyielding in death, Whose concern for her glory employ'd his last breath ;* By all that has claim to your love and respect, She adjures you to save her from shameful neglect. Then shall your petitioner, dear to the brave, As in honour bound, ever triumphantly wave. 191 A PARODY ON WALTER SCOTT. BY 1 WONDER WHO 1 On quarter-deck Lord Dacres stood, And saw the Constitution good ; Then boldly called to men below, " To quarters ! here's the Yankee foe." Through all the ship was heard the tone Of whistle shrill by boatswain blown. The Y T ankee colours he could ken. And see the backwood Irishmen : And banners, too, with stripes and stars, At the mastheads appear; While, glistening through the ropes and spars, Shine many pike and spear. *" Don't give up the ship" — or. don't strike the bunting. NAVAL SONGS. To back and guard the gunners' band, Lord Dacres' sailors were at hand, A hardy race, in Albion bred, With jackets blue and nightcaps red, Array'd beneath the banner tall, That streamed triumphant o'er the Gaul; Marines, too, shouting in disorder, Cried, "Noble Lord Dacres! you'll see how we'll board her." Now every English eye intent On Yankee stars and stripes was bent; So near they were, that each might know A pistol-ball could through him go. "Come on, my boys," fierce Dacres cried, "For soon this flag, Britannia's pride, That swept the Dutchmen from the sea, And made the Gallic squadrons flee, From that ship's tallest mast display 'd, Shall show that ours she's fairly made. Level your cannon in a row : A little higher — there — so, so ; Up, boarders, on the deck, and cry, Dacres for England ! win or die !" Ill would it suit an English ear, Of such a fight as this to hear; For desperate was the fight and long, And either vessel stout and strong. But now 'tis done; that fatal blow Has laid the gallant Guerriere low ; She tries to right ; 'tis all in vain, The Guerriere ne'er will fight again ; The lee-gun's fired, the battle's o'er, The Guerriere sinks to rise no more. 376 NAVAL SONGS. 192 TO COMMODORE JOHN RODGERS. While Glory throws o'er Perry's name A ray of everliving light, And gallant Chauncey's temples Fame Involves in wreaths of laurel bright; While tears o'er Burrows, Allen, flow, And sicrhs for Sigourney obtain ; While all is joy, and all is wo, For battle won and hero slain; The muse, at such a time, to you Her song of fond acclaim would raise, Though cross'd by frowning Fortune, who, Triumphant, yet shall gild her lays ! Though gloomy clouds and vapours drear Obscure a while the orb of day, Yet glorious shall that orb appear, With wonted light, and gladdening ray ! And though in vain the course you urge, For equal foe, in grade and might, To utmost Europe's frozen verge, Where all is day, or all is night ; Yet thou, brave man, in happier hour, As smiling Fortune cheers the main, With equal Foe, in grade and power, Shall battle find, and glory gain ! Since first commenced thy bright career, 'Till now — what splendours rise between ! The noblest speculation ne'er Had formed so grand, sublime a scene ! NAVAL SONGS, 377 Since then, how oft hath Albion wail'd The force of young Alcides, who The hydra of the deeps assail'd, And cleft the monster-fiend in two! Till nature, sickening, sinks in years, And virtue, time, and space decay ; Till suns and planets leave their spheres, And earth and ocean melt away — Till then thy life shall live with fame On sculptured dome and gilded page; Till then thy deeds shall time proclaim From zone to zone, and age to age ! Some future Homer here shall sing: Some bard of more than mortal fire, With muse of brightest, boldest wing, To sweep with living lay the lyre; And who, though ages sunk in time, And sunk the suns that gild the west, Thy deeds to raptured worlds shall hymn, And be by raptured worlds confess'd ! 193 ON A SUCCESSION OF OUR NAVAL VICTORIES. BY WILLIAM RAY. Again the voice of Victory cheers The nation with its sound ! Death-struck the British host appears, Whose flag has waved "a thousand years," And ne'er an equal found. 32* 378 NAVAL SONGS. Neptune, astonish'd at the sight, Now looming from the main, Beholds the equal-balanced fight, And sees the British put to Might, Again! again! again! Convulsive through the blood-mix'd wave He writhes his monster-form ; His voice to ocean's deepest cave, Where sleep the bodies of the brave, Comes thundering like a storm ! " Convene, convene, ye ocean-powers ! And let us trace the cause Why Fortune on Britannia lowers, And why upon Columbia showers Such triumph and applause!" But ere the councils of the king Had solved their deep surprise, Ere loud huzzas had ceased to ring, A blood-stain'd form, on lightning wing. Came darting from the skies. 'Twas Mars, the potent god of war, Commission'd from above To bear the mandate wide and far As evpning from the morning-star, Of great, almighty Jove. "Too long has proud Britannia nign'd The tyrant of the sea. With guiltless blood her banners stain'd, Ten thousand by impressment chain'd, Whom God created free. NAVAL SONGS. 379 "Injustice, violence, and blood Hath marr'd her naval sway ; Her perpetrations on the flood, Abhorr'd by all the great and good, Heaven's vengeance will repay. "Then take your trident from her hand," (Mars thus to Neptune spoke ;) " Tis Heaven's — tis Jove's supreme command, The God of ocean and the land, Which fate can ne'er revoke. " Columbia with that sceptre rest, In whom the gods confide. For she, great empress of the west, By all the nations 'tis confess'd, Hath Justice on her side." 194 SONG, Written soon after the Battle of Erie. Tune — Irish Harp. Hail to the chief, now in glory advancing, Who conquer'd the Britons on Erie's broad wave : Who play'd Yankee Doodle to set them a dancing, Then tripp'd up their heels for a watery grave ; May Heaven its favours shed On his victorious head — Bold may he battle and conquer the foe: While the loud cannon's roar Echoes from shore to shore, Strike for Columbia — strike ! lay the proud low! NAVAL SONGS. Ours! ours is the country where freemen are dwell- ing? No tyrant nor lordling disturbs here our ease; Our hearts, — freemen's hearts, — proud with liberty swelling, Disdain the cold tyrant that preys on the seas. Once — though weak in war, With many a wound and scar — Bruised we the Bull till he ran off with fear ; Yes ! soon the time will come, When e'en the Yankee drum, Sounding like death-bell, each Briton will scare. Then fight, heroes, fight for the laurel of glory ; While England insults us with proud, haughty scorn ; So long may you fight to ennoble the story Of our freemen triumphant o'er Britons forlorn. While thus ye glory gain, O'er all the watery main Yankees shall sing the exploits of the brave ; And all Columbia's boys Exult, with patriot joys, Over our heroes that ftVht on the wave. 195 KING GEORGE AND "OLD IRONSIDES. A SQUIB — BV PETER QUINCE. The king, God bless him, late at early morn, Restored to sense; was seen to tread the lawn, Eager to learn the Constitution's fate ! So says report — report sometimes will lie : But reader, well thou know'st, full well as I, This ship has troubled much his royal pate. NAVAL SONGS. When boasted Dacres, humbled by her power, And the famed Java, in unlucky hour, Received her frown, and shrunk beneath the tide, Caesar grew pale at first, then raved, and swore Neptune was base, and Amphitrite was mere, Thus on the Yankee contests to decide. Still "Ironsides" in safety rides the wave; The king resolves his sinking fame to save; And many a ship is sent her course to trace, Follow'd by squadrons, too, the sea to roam, (The ponderous weight e'en makes old ocean groan,) To give the single Constitution chase! The fleet returns — thus George, with sparkling eyes : ** Hey ! hey ! what news 1 what news 1 hey ! hey !" he cries ; His majesty to hear was all agog; When Stuart — Collier — Kerr* — with crimson'd face, Thus spake — " We gave the Constitution chase, And, ah ! great sire, we lost her in a fog !" " Fog ! fog ! what fog 1 hey, Stuart, what fog 1 say : So then the foe escaped you, Stuart, heyT' "Yes, please your majesty, and hard our fate" — " But why not, Stuart, different courses steer"?" Stuart replied, (impute it not to fear,) " We thought it prudent not to separate." * Commanders of the Newcastle, Leander, and Acasta, the squadron that pursued the Constitution. 382 NAVAL S0NG8. 196 NAVAL 90NG. BY EDWIN C. HOLLAND. Air—" The Glasses sparkle." High fill the bowl, and round it twine The laurel-wreath of fame, The wreath that blooms through latest time, To deck the hero's name. To Perry and his gallant host The sparkling wine shall Mow ; They tamed the pride of Britain's boast, And brought her glory low. Stern o'er the dark, tempestuous wave, That heaves its sullen swell, O'er many a hero bold and brave, Who in that combat fell. The shouting host of freemen rose, Unfurl'd the flag of fight, And bade defiance to their foes, To Britain and her might. Together now the squadron ride, The thundering cannons roar, The lightning's flash from side to side, And Slaughter wades in gore: Fierce Horror now patrols the deck, To swell the rage of fight, And Tumult Hies with hurried step, And wild, averted Bight. Where Perry moved, the god of war More fiercely seein'd to t 459 When late Columbia's patriot brave 406 TABLE OF FIRST LINES. 4 07 When spring returns with western gales Page 260 When our navy yet was young 387 When our seafaring subjects, abused and imprest 358 When the anchor's weigh'd and the ship's unmoor'd. . 100 When the Washington ship by the English was beat. 299 Where lordly Champlain, on its wild surging waves. . 386 Where Niagara's awful roar 270 Where roll thy billows, O Champlain ! 202 Where slowly moves the warrior's laurell'd bier 80 While Europe, displaying her fame-claiming page. . . . 122 While glory throws o'er Perry's name 376 While war, fierce monster, stain'd with guiltless blood 170 Why weeps the muse, her glory fled 1 307 Wide o'er the wilderness of waves 240 With his ship all well mann'd, and chock full of fight. 219 With slow and solemn sound the tower clock tolls . . . 352 Yankee sailors have a knack 230 Yankee tars, come join the chorus 48 Ye brave sons of Freedom, whose bosoms beat high . . 89 Ye Demos attend, and ye Federals, too 59 Ye freemen of Columbia ! be mindful of your fame. . . 360 Ye gallant sons of Liberty 434 Ye generous sons of Freedom's happy climes 151 Ye honest tars of Yankee mould 441 Ye seamen and ye landsmen all 109 Ye seamen of America, rouse, rouse your native fires . 224 Ye seamen of Columbia 220 Ye seamen of Columbia ! now claim your native seas. 328 Ye sons of Columbia, come, let us rejoice 149 Ye sons of Columbia, the trumpet of Fame 178 Ye sons of free Columbia, whose fathers dared 408 Ye sons of old Neptune, whose spirits of steel 138 Ye tars of Columbia, give ear to my story 82 Ye tars of Columbia ! who seek on the main 38 Ye tars of Columbia, whose glory imparts 93 Ye true sons of Freedom, give ear to my song 297 You Parliament of England, you Lords and Commons 76 You've heard of bold Commodore Stewart 357