Thank you everyone so much! Wound up using the DT version which seems to be pretty close to what I remember Pete and I doing.

I found an antecedent. The Hunters of Kentucky are also about the war of 1812, Old Hickory and Packenham. Wonder if Jimmie Driftwood knew this song?

Anyway, I think Jimmie's song is brilliant! And I thank all of you so much for your input.

Rick, not sure I remember about the "cousin" verse. I kept wanting to sing "when you're crossing Uncle Sam" but I think this may not be as good as "cousin".

I think the verse about the alligator is positivly wonderful. "The gator lost his mind...."

Anyone know about Jimmie Driftwood other than he was a high school teacher in Snowball Arkansas who tried to make history interesting for his students by writing these wonderful songs?

Thanks again,

Frank Hamilton