Ellsworth's Avengers

Words by A. L. Hudson

Tune: “Annie Lisle” by H. S. Thompson.

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 columns,  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. Traitors' hands shall never sunder,  That for which you died; Hear the pledge our lips now utter,  Thou, our nation's pride. By our hopes of youn bright heaven,  By the land we love, By the God who reigns above us,  We'll avenge thy blood.  Chorus

Ellsworth's Avengers, Words by Amanda Lora Hudson, Tune: “Annie Lisle” by by H. S. Thompson (PDF)

Note: The tune of H. S. Thompson's 1857 ballad “Annie Lisle” is used for the alma-maters of many colleges and universities, including Cornell's “High Above Cayuga's Waters” and North Carolina's “Hark the Sound”.