From the repertoire of The Copper Family comes this version. Interesting that it contains reference to the use of the Needle Gun...as Bob used to explain, the riflemen were not dashing about exhibiting their skills in petit point, but something rather more deadly.

THE BATTLE OF ALMA

A jolly young soldier a letter did write
To his own dearest jewel, his joy and hearts delight,
To tell her of the dangers that he had entered in
At the Battle of Alma where thousands were slain.

Our soldiers and sailors were all prepared for war
To fight those lofty Russians where thousands must fall,
They were commanded by Lord Raglan that man of courage bold,
They fought them sword in hand, my boys, and forced them to yield.

It was the bravest battle that did this world surprise
To see our brave soldiers to stare them in the face,
They marched up to their guns, my boys, and soon they let them know,
They showed to them their needle work and forced them to yield.

The drums they did beat and the trumpets did sound
While thousands of soldiers lay dead on the ground.
There were rifle balls and musket came a-screeching by their ears
And the bomb shells a-bursting and loud cannon roar.

And now let us hope that these wars are all o’er,
While thousands of soldiers lie bleeding in gore.
May the Lord have mercy on them and save their poor souls
May the sweet heavens protect them and God be their guide

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcV1N4i4PEk&t=6399s