Bodleian Library Broadside Ballads, Harding B 26(682). I have corrected several obvious spelling errors.

WILLIAM O'BRIEN OF TIPPERARY AND THE MAJOR'S DAUGHTER
(Printed by P. Brereton, Dublin, c. 1867.)

You loyal-hearted Irishmen, attend unto my tale.
These lines are true, you may depend, I'm going to reveal,
About an Irish emigrant from the town of Templemore.
Like many seeking for employ, went to Columbia's shore.

William O'Brien of Tipperary is the subject of my theme.
Before this cruel war began, to America he came.
He was of a good character, with spirit light and free,
Forced by draught to aid the North against the enemy.

In 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 he was resolved to prove his destiny.

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

O'Brien then a pistol took, with eye both sharp and keen,
And like a gallant soldier, 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.

When the report was heard, the guard did him surround.
Then he was taken prisoner, and in irons strongly bound.
O'Brien then made this reply: "By me he met his end.
I kill'd him lest I should be kill'd, my life for to defend."

A court-martial for O'Brien then was held immediately,
And he was sentenced to be shot far from friends and country.
"No matter," says O'Brien, "for that I will not grieve.
I know the Major's daughter will get my reprieve."

When O'Brien received his sentence, no fear of death did show.
Unto the execution place he willingly did go.
By a holy priest from Clonmel Town, he was prepared to die,
In hope he might get pardon from the Lord that rules on high.

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

They were ordered to fix bayonets, make ready, present, fire.
Before they drew a trigger, the Major's daughter did appear.
With a voice as loud as thunder, "Come, set that prisoner free!
For here's the letter of his reprieve. It was granted unto me."

She quickly seized O'Brien and caught him by the hand,
Saying, "Rise, my bold Tipperary boy. You're at my command.
It's true, I am in love with you, although you took my father's life,
For he had in vengeance sworn against you, lest I would be your [wife]."

Now to conclude and finish, see what true love can do.
She got married to O'Brien. She was both loyal and true.
She freed him from that fateful ball. The truth I now must say.
And this couple cosy (?) lives happy now in North Americay.