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The Dying Fifer
An interesting oral survival of a broadside published by H. de
Marsan: "Our Fifer-Boy. Composed by C. G. Wright, on board
the U. S. Steamship Mississippi, (New-Orleans). Air: James
Byrd: or Dying Calif ornian." It follows the first three stanzas,
with verbal variations, telescopes 4 and 5, omits 6 (message to
sister), and makes some omissions and alterations in 7 and 8.
'The Dying Fifer.' Contributed by L. W.. Anderson, Nag's Head, as
collected by Delma Haywood from Mrs. Sallie Meekins, of Colington.
Undated. (Mr. Anderson received his A.B. from Duke University in
I93I-)
1 When the battle was hot and raging
Shot and shell around did fly ;
Smoke was curling around our riggin'
When I heard a piercing cry.
2 Close beside me lay our fifer ;
From his bosom spouted blood.
There he lies, pierced by a bullet.
Dying in a crimson flood.
534 NORTH CAROLINA FOLKLORE
3 'Shipmates,' cried he, 'go tell my mother
That her son died like a man,
Died in battle for his country
While blood around in torrents ran.
4 Tell my mother, Heaven bless her,
For she's now a-growing old,
Tell her that her son would liked to have
Kissed her when his lips grew cold and pale.
5 'Tell my brother in the army
That his brother is no more.
That our name^ is victorious
And will be forever more.'
6 Then he paused and ceased speaking,
Gently giving up his breath ;
Heavens lighted up his countenance ;
And his eyes were closed in death.