This is a newly realised version of the song I have created - adding the Naval element. - Tim Radford

The Naval Deserter

The “Naval” Deserter

As I was a walking up a fair Portsmouth Street,
A Press gang party I chanced for to meet,
They enlisted me, ill treated me till I did not know
And to the King’s Navy they forced me to go.

The first time I deserted I thought myself free,
Until my cruel shipmates informed against me,
I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed
I was handcuffed and guarded heavy irons on me.

Court Martial, court martial was held against me,
And the sentence they past on me, three hundred and three.
May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty,
But now the King’s duty lies heavy on me.

Now the second time I deserted I thought myself free,
Until my cruel sweetheart informed upon me,
I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed,
I was handcuffed and guarded heavy irons on me.

Court Martial, court martial was then quickly got,
And the sentence they past on me that I should be shot,
May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty,
But now the King’s duty lies heavy on me.

Then up rode Lord Nelson in his carriage and six,
Saying where is this young man whose coffin is fixed.
Set him free from his irons and let him go free,
For he’ll make a fine sailor for his King and country.