Rolfyboy's post, above, from 2002, transcribes the NLCR version of the song. The source credited is Red Patterson's Piedmont Log Rollers, but the lyrics, as published in the NLCR Song Book (1960s; reprinted c1990 as The Old Time String Band Song Book) are not totally faithful to the original recording. E.g., Patterson's closer on the verse is "I was fighting for that Battleship of Maine," while the NLCR Song Book gives it throughout as "It was all about that Battleship of Maine." There are several other variations of text, none particularly major.

NLCR Song Book omits one verse from the Patterson recording. Perhaps this is the one you're having trouble with?

They chased me all over Cuby, I thought I'd lose my life
Before I'd go back to wah again I'd send my darling wife
To fight for that Battleship of Maine.