THE CUMBERLAND’S CREW
Tune Traditional
Frank /James Kneeland Searsport, Maine 1914
Mr. Fowler of Mattawamkeag, Maine 1916 via Gray
Lewis F. Gott, Bernard, Me, November 6. 1925 via Barry
Edward Sandy Ives- Drive Dull Care Away, pp. 16-17, 244, "The Cumberland's Crew" (1 text, 1 tune)
Recording-Folk Songs of Maine Edward "Sandy" Ives FW05323 / FH 5323 1959 Folkways Records, Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

This of course recounts the destruction of the USS "Cumberland" (along with the "Saratoga” and others) by the iron or steel rails protected “Merrlmac” , to which the Confederates had added a ram and re-named her the "Virginia "! The following day the re-named "Merrimac” sallied forth from Norfolk to finish up the Federal Fleet- and met the "Monitor" and her finish instead! (kneeland)

1
Oh, shipmates, come gather and join in my ditty
Of a terrible battle that’s happened of late
Let each good Union tar shed a sad tear of pity
As they think of the once gallant Cumberland’s fate
The eighth day of March told a terrible story
And many a brave tar to the world bid adieu
But our Flag it was wrapped in a mantle of glory
By the heroic deeds of the Cumberland's crew

2
On that ill-fated day about ten in the morning
The sky it was cloudless and bright shone the sun
When the drums of the Cumberland sounded a warning
That told every seaman to stand by his gun
An iron-clad frigate down on us came bearing
And high in the air the base rebel flag flew
The pennant of Treason she proudly was waving
Determined to conquer the Cumberland's crew

3
Then up spoke our Captain with stern resolution
Saying - Boys, by this monster now don't be dismayed
We swore to maintain our beloved Constitution
And to die for our Country we are not afraid
We'll fight for the Union - Our cause it is glorious
To the Stars and the Stripes we will ever stand true
We’ll die at our quarters or conquer victorious
He was answered with cheers by the Cumberland's crew

4
Then our ports we threw open and our guns we let thunder;
Our broadsides like hail on the rebels did pour;
The sailors gazed on filled with terror and wonder,
For our shot struck her side and glanced harmlessly o'er.
But the pride of our Navy could never be daunted,
Though the dead and the dying our decks they did strew;
The flag of our Union how proudly she flaunted,
Sustained by the blood of the Cumberland crew.

5
They fought us three hours with stern resolution
Till those rebels found cannon would never avail
For the flag of secession had no power to gall us
Though the blood from our scuppers it crimsoned the wave
She struck us amidships - Our planks she did sever
Her sharp iron prow pierced our noble ship through
As slowly she sank on that dark, rolling river
"We'll die at our guns!" cried the Cumberland's crew

6
Slowly they sank 'neath Virginia's waters
Their voices on earth will ne'er be heard more
They'll be wept by Columbia's brave sons and fair daughters
May their blood be avenged on Virginia's shore
In that battle-stained grave they are silently lying
Their souls have forever to earth bid adieu
But The Star Spangled Banner above them is flying
It was nailed to the mast by the Cumberland's crew

7
Columbia's sweet birthright of Freedom's communion
Thy Flag never floated so proudly before
For the spirits of those who have died for our Union
Above its broad folds now exultingly soar
And when our sailors in battle assemble
God bless our dear Banner, The Red, White and Blue
Beneath its broad folds we'll cause tyrants to tremble
Or we'll die at our guns - like the Cumberland's crew