ILHAMILT-L Archives

From:
Subject: [ILHAMILT-L] Letter 650530 from Helena, Arkansas
Date: Mon, 6 May 2002 18:07:18 EDT

Written on the back of a printed Civil War Song. The Song:

"GAY AND HAPPY"

We're the boys that's gay and happy,
Though intented in the field,
With our Nation's Banner o'er us,
And its honor for out shield.

Chorus: So let the cannons boom as they will,
We'll be gay and happy still,
Gay and happy, gay and happy,
We'll be gay and happy still

Friends at home be gay and happy,
Never blush to speak our name,
Should our comrades fall in battle,
They shall share a soldier's fame.

Chorus: So let the cannons boom as they will, &c.

General Grant is gay and happy,
Holds the West with his command,
Seldom has a soldier's honor
Ever graced a braver man.

Chorus: So let the cannons boom as they will, &c.

We're the gay and happy Suckers,
From the State of Illinois,
Waiting till our General orders
Us to flog the Rebel boys.
Chorus: So let the cannons boom as they will, &c.

Rebels are not gay and happy,
For their Scrip they cannot eat,
Some like birds we keep in cages
Living on hard-tack and meat.

Chorus: So let the cannons boom as they will, &c.

We're the girls that's gay and happy,
Waiting for the end of strife,
Sooner share a soldiers rations
Than to live a coward's wife.

Chorus: So let the cannons boom as they will, &c.

Gay and happy, sweet the answer,
None but fools get married now,
Valiant men have all enlisted,
Unto cowards we'll not bow.

Chorus: So let the cannons boom as they will, &c.

Girls at home, be gay and happy,
Show that you have woman's pride,
Never wed a home-sick coward,
Wait and be a soldier's bride.

Chorus: So let the cannons boom as they will, &c.

For the gay and happy soldiers
Were as constant as the dove,
But the men that dare not soldier,
Never con obtain our love.

Chorus: So let the cannons boom as they will,
We'll be gay and happy still,
Gay and happy, gay and happy,
We'll be gay and happy still

(over)

Helena Arkansas
May 30th 1865

I am well no prospects of coming home now We are looking for orders every
day I will let you know if we get orders soon Please preserve this song
bill for me I am yours truly Remember me
M A Hooker to Elizabeth Jane Hooker



Patrick J. Anderson
http://worldconnect.genealogy.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?db=patanderson
9654 Baltimore Avenue, Laurel, Maryland 20723

This thread:

• [ILHAMILT-L] Letter 650530 from Helena, Arkansas by