Written for and dedicated to the Kirk's Ferry Rangers, by their Captain,
E. Lloyd Wailes. Sung by the Glee Club on the 4th of July, 1861, at the
Kirk's Ferry barbecue (Catahoula, La.), after the presentation of a flag,
by the ladies, to the Kirk's Ferry Rangers.
Rally round our country's flag!
Rally, boys, haste! do not lag;
Come from every vale and crag,
Sons of liberty!
Northern Vandals tread our soil,
Forth they come for blood and spoil,
To the homes we've gained with toil,
Shouting, "Slavery!"
Traitorous Lincoln's bloody band
Now invades the freeman's land,
Armed with sword and firebrand,
'Gainst the brave and free.
Arm ye then for fray and fight,
March ye forth both day and night,
Stop not till the foe's in sight,
Sons of chivalry.
In your veins the blood still flows
Of brave men who once arose--
Burst the shackles of their foes;
Honest men and free.
Rise, then, in your power and might,
Seek the spoiler, brave the fight;
Strike for God, for Truth, for Right:
Strike for Liberty!