Hi all:

On the issue of Harry Macarthy and the Bonnie Blue Flag, the song the "Irish Jaunting Car" unquestionably predates Macarthy's composition. Here are a couple of credible websites.
http://www.nps.gov/vick/eduguide/chp_2/patriot.htm

http://www.lexphil.org/masterclassics/apr03/

Valentine Vausden's sheet music is reproduced in Robert Wright's, Irish Emigrant Ballads and Songs (Bowling Green Univ. Popular Press, 1975). The reproduction carries his signature and date of 1854. His lyrics are posted on our site:
http://www.28thmass.com/NINA/irish_jaunting_car2.htm

The Beadle's Songster we used as a source for the lyrics we recorded on the "No Irish Need Apply" CD was published in 1860.

The Bodleain Library has 7 "Irish Jaunting Car" broadsides with various lyrics. The Dates are approximate. Here is an example:
2806 b.11(246)

The American memory Collection has many "Bonnie Blue Flags" and also an "Irish Jaunting Car" broadside with the same lyrics as the Beadle's Songster. (date approximate).
The Irish jaunting car. Andrews. Printer, 38 Chatham St., N. Y. [n. d.]

I hope this is helpful! Please feel free to cruise the historical information supporting the No Irish Need Apply CD free of charge at http://www.28thmass.com/NINA/NINA.htm .

Please feel free to post questions on the mudcat or e-mail me privately at gallantsons@yahoo.com.

Keep the music alive!

Fag an Bealac
(Gallant Sons of Erin)
(28th Mass, Co. K)