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Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott
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A Memoir of the Late William Hodge, Sen.
Bigelow Bros., Buffalo, N.Y. - 1885


   (144-145)
                              A WAR SONG OF 1812
                                   --------

        The following Song is one that used to be sung in the bar-rooms,
     which I wrote down many years after it first came out, from
     recollection.
                           1.
        "When S. Van Rensselaer crossed the stream,
        Just at the break of day,
        Distressing dreams and restless thoughts
        Disturbed him where he lay.

                           2.
        But then the terrors of the night
        Did quickly flee away;
        The light his opening eyes beheld
        And hailed the new-born day.

                           3.
        But soon did murderous cannons' roar
        Thunder and lighten round;
        On every tawny foe strike dread,
        And sweep them to the ground.

                           4.
        The cannons' voice, the muskets' flash
        Put blood in all our veins;
        Columbia's sons have trod the shore
        Where the proud Briton reigns.

                           5.
        The tomahawk and scalping-knife
        On men did try their skill;
        Some, wounded, struggling for their lives,
        Did red barbarians kill.

                           6.
        While rode the proud insulter, BROCK,
        In pomp and splendor great,
        Our valiant heroes he despised,
        And dared the power of fate.

                           7.
        Said, "Here's a mark for Yankee boys.
        So shoot me if you can;"
        His eyes a Yankee ball soon closed;
        Death found him but a man.

                           8.
        Our heroes brave stood well their ground
        Till their last bullet flew;
        Then all were prisoners, forced to yield.
        What could our General do?"

        I never liked the sixth verse of this song. General BROCK was much
     respected and esteemed by our people, and was always spoken of as an
     honorable man. I remember well hearing his death talked about with
     deep regret.

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