...and here you are again...

O'BRIEN OF TIPPERARY

You loyal hearted Irishmen attend unto my tale
These lines are true, you may depend, I'm going to reveal
About an Irish immigrant from the town of Templemore
Like many sought employment upon Columbia's shore.

William O'Brien of Tipperary is the subject of my tale
Before the cruel war began to America he came
He was of good character, his spirit light and free
And drafted was to serve the North against the enemy

In the Philadelphia regiment I mean to let you know
O'Brien many a battle fought against the Southern foe
The Major's daughter fell in love with him as you may plainly see
Her father then did resolve to prove her destiny

On March the fifth in New Orleans the Major he did swear
And did insult that soldier brave all on the barracks square
"You may thank your daughter," said O'Brien, "or else I'd end your strife."
The Major then his sword he drew and thought to take his life.

O'Brien quick a pistol took with an eye both sharp and keen
And like a gallant soldier brave he quickly took his aim.
In order to defend his life he fired the fatal ball.
He lodged it in the Major's breast which made the tyrant fall.

As soon as this report was heard the guards did him surround
He was taken as a prisoner and in irons firmly bound
Court-martial on O'Brien was held immediately.
He was sentenced to be shot far from friends and company.

When O'Brien received his sentence, no fear of death did show.
Unto the execution place he manfully did go
With a holy priest from Clonmel Town he walked out for to die
In hopes to receive pardon from the Lord that rules on high.

His coffin was got ready, he was ordered to kneel down.
A sergeant with a handkerchief his eyes he firmly bound.
The firing party in the front twelve guns they did prepare
And many a soldier for O'Brien shed a silent tear.

They were ordered to fix bayonets, present, ready and to fire
Before one trigger it was drawn the major's daughter did appear.
With a voice as loud as thunder, "Come set that prisoner free!"
She read a letter of reprieve was granted unto he.

She quickly seized O'Brien. She took him by the hand.
"Rise up my bold Tipperary boy, you're now at my command.
It's true that I'm in love with you, though you took my father's life
He had in vengeance swore to you that I ne'er should be your wife."

Now to conclude and finish, just see what love can do
She got married to O'Brien to whom she was both loyal and true
She freed him from that fateful ball her dear and only joy.
She's now in New York City with her bold Tipperary boy.

This is a broadside ballad but I wonder whether there is a factual basis. Many Irish fought in ethnic units during the American Civil War but I think O'Brien may not have.

All the best,
Dan