282
As I Went Down to Newbern
The unknown composer of this ballad was probably a soldier
under the command of General Laurence O'Brien Branch, defender
of New Bern, when the city was captured, on March 14, 1862. by
General A. E. Burnside, after an engagement in which the Con-
federates lost about 578 killed, wounded, and captured.
No title. From Thomas Smith, Zionville, Watauga county. May 7,
1913, with this note: "Sung for me by E. B. Miller, Boone, N. C, R. i.
May 7th, 1913. Mr. Miller says this song, which he heard sung by
soldiers during war times, was very popular in Watauga." Dr. Brown
notes : "Air by Lunsford" ; but no air accompanies the manuscript.
1 As I went down to Newbern,
I went down there on the tide ;
I just got there in time
To be taken by Old Burnside.
2 Old Burnside tuck me prisoner ;
He used me rough, 'tis true ;
He stole the knapsack ofif my back,
And he did my blanket too,
3 And we'll lay five dollars down,
Count them one by one.
And every time we fight them
The Yankees they will run.
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282
As I Went Down to New Bern
No title. Sung by E. B. Miller. As already stated in II 658, the "Air by Luns-
ford" cannot be found. Mr. Lunsford told this editor that he never gave this
song to Dr. Brown. He did sing, however, 'Going to Town,' or to the same
tune, 'Billy Went Down to Bud's House' ; and this tune, he said, could be used
for 'As I Went Down to New Bern ; but he felt that it would not make as good
a song that way.