I should have mentioned that there were many other "spin offS" to the very popular tune. One was the song lyrics posted by Q. They were written in memory of Elmer E. Ellsworth who was the first Union casualty of the U.S. Civil War. A handsome young man, Ellsworth dreamed of an appointment to West Point, but it was not forthcoming. His avid interest in soldiering led him to join a Chicago volunteer company that was about to disband due to lack of interest. He revived the unit through his enthusiasm and organizing ability, and by introducing the group to the Zouave dress and drill, patterned after French Foeign Legion troops in Algeria. The regimen he instituted consisted not only of drill tactics but their colorful and unique uniforms. The brightly colored uniforms consisting of red baggy pants, bright blue sash, dark blue short jackets, a red cape, and blue tassled red fez caps as well as their intricate drill formations gained a great deal of attention. During the Civil war there were many Zouave units in both the Union and Confederate armies. Many had been organized as civilian drill units and volunteered to fight when the war began. In combat they insisted on wearing their brightly colored Zouave uniforms. A number of these units belonged to city fire departments and as military units were known as Fire Zouaves.

Ellsworth had temporarily left the Chicago Zouave unit to study law in the office of Abraham Lincoln, and then worked in Lincoln's presidential campaign and accompanied Lincoln to Washington. Soon after, he went to NY and raised a company of Zouaves that became the 11th New York Fire Zouave regiment. Sent to Washington Ellsworth, as ordered, led his Zouaves across the Potomoc River to occupy Alexandria, Virginia. Spotting a Confederate flag atop a hotel, Ellsworth climbed to the top of the building and tore it down. While descending the stairs he was shot and killed by the proprietor. He was the first Union soldier to die in the war, and became an instant hero in the North. Lincoln knew Ellsworth well and was especially grieved by his death. The song posted by Q earlier on this thread was written to commemorate Ellsworth's sacrifice.

Reiver 2