American Old Time Song Lyrics: 13 Ellsworth Avengers
Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 13
ELLSWORTH AVENGERS.
Tune- "Annie Lisle."
Down where the patriot army
Near Potomac's side,
Guards the glorious cause of freedom,
Gallant Ellsworth died.
Brave was the noble chieftain,
At his country's call,
Hastened to the field of battle,
And was first to fall.
Chorus.
Strike, freemen, for the Union,
Sheathe your swords no more,
While remains in arms a traitor
On Columbia's shore.
Entering the traitor city
With his soldiers true.
Leading up the zouave column,
Fixed became his view.
See that rebel flag is floating
O'er yon building tall,
Spoke he as his dark eyes glistened,
Boys, that flag must fall!-Chorus.
Quickly from its proud position
That base flag was torn.
Trampled 'neath the feet of freedom.
Circling Ellsworth's form.
See him bear it down the landing,
Past that traitor's door;
Hear him groan-alas! they've shot him-
Ellsworth is no more!-Chorus.
First to fall thou youthful martyr,
Hapless was thy fate;
Hasten we as thy avengers
From thy native State.
Speed we on from town and city,
Not for wealth or fame.
But because we love our Union
And our Ellsworth's name.-Chorus.
Traitor hands shall never sunder
That for which you died;
Hear the pledge our lips now utter.
Thou, our nation's pride.
By the glorious cause of Union,
By its flag on high,
Ellsworth's name and proud example
Nevermore shall die!-Chorus.