From Salopian Shreds and Patches, Vol. 8, 1888, page 249:

"The following song appears at page 275 of an old song book called "The Songster's Favourite Companion," A collection of new and much-esteemed songs, adapted for the Flute, Voice, and Violin. Glasgow: Printed for A. Macgoun, Music-seller, by Oliver and Co., Printers, Edinr. [1810.] Illustrated by Bewick, and having musical headings to the first verse of each song."


THE DEATH OF ADMIRAL BENBOW

O we sailed to Virginia, and thence to Fayal,
Where we water'd our shipping, and so then weigh'd all;
Full in view on the seas, boys, seven sail we did espy!
О we mann-ed our capstern and weigh'd spee-di-ly.

The first we came up with, was a brig and a sloop,
We ask'd if the other five were as big as they look'd;
But turning to windward, as near as we could lie,
We found they were French men of war cruising hard by.

О we drew up our squadron in a very nice line,
And fought them courageous for four hours' time;
But the day being spent, boys, and night coming on,
We let them alone till the very next morn.

The very next morning, the engagement prov'd hot,
And brave Admiral Benbow receiv'd a chain-shot.
О when he was wounded, to his merry men he did say,
Take me up in your arms, boys, and carry me away.

О the guns they did rattle, and the bullets did fly,
While brave Admiral Benbow for help loud did cry;
Carry me down to the cockpit, there is ease for my smarts;
If my merry men should see me, 'twill sure break all their hearts.

The very next morning, at break of the day,
We hoisted our topsails, and so bore away;
We bore down to Port Royal, where the people flock'd much,
To see Admiral Benbow carried to Kingston Town Church.

Come all ye brave fellows, wheresoever you have been,
Let us drink a good health to our King and our queen,
Another good health, boys, to the girls that we know,
And a third in remembrance of brave Admiral Вenbow.