David Kincaid - Vocals, Guitar, Banjo, Octave Mandolin, Bodhrán & Percussion Liz Knowles - Fiddle
Jerry O’Sullivan - Uilleann Pipes, Flute & Whistle
This early-war broadside ballad marks the distinction between the Irish 69th New York State Militia, which had fought so bravely at the first Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861, and its direct descendant, the 69th New York State Volunteers, which began recruiting just over a month after that battle had taken place. Hundreds of the recruits to the new 69th Volunteers were discharged veterans of the 69th Militia, whose 90-day enlistments had ended on or close to the day of Bull Run - a debacle for the Union that made it painfully clear that the war would be a long one, and more troops were needed. By the end of August, newly promoted Col. Thomas Francis Meagher, formerly captain of the 69th Militia’s Company K at Bull Run, began recruiting in earnest, and many of the 69th Militia veterans answered the call. The author of the this lyric, one John Flanagan (of whom we know nothing about), drew the distinction between the 69th Militia and the 69th Volunteers, while keeping their direct lineage firmly in mind.
On November 18, 1861, at a grand ceremony in Manhattan, the newly formed 69th New York State Volunteers received their first stand of colors, or flags. Magnificently embroidered by the ladies of New York “in Tiffany’s best style,” they included an ornate silk U.S. national flag, and an emerald green Irish regimental flag, emblazoned with the Irish harp, the Fenian sunburst above, the shamrock wreath beneath. This was the core regiment of Col. Meagher’s new Irish Brigade (he would later be confirmed Brigadier General commanding), which also included the 63rd and 88th New York regiments, and the 2nd New York Artillery Battalion. Having received marching orders, the 69th Volunteers were the first be ready, and immediately following the ceremony marched off to an uproarious sendoff to board ship to Baltimore, and thence to Washington. It is from these facts that we can date this broadside, because like most of them, it was not dated by the publisher (H. De Marsan, New York).
Mr. Flanagan chose the traditional Irish melody of “River Roe” for his lyric. He acknowledges that the unit now “goes a Volunteer Regiment composed of the same men,” although now under the command of Col. Robert Nugent, the former Lieutenant Colonel of the 69th Militia, commanded by Col. Michael Corcoran at Bull Run. Wounded and captured during the battle, Col. Corcoran would spend a year in the Confederate Libby Prison for prisoners of war in Richmond, Virginia, before being exchanged to serve again later on.
The author then goes on to express sorrow at Col. Corcoran’s imprisonment, that he cannot now lead his troops again into battle, along with the hope that he be returned safe to his friends and wife. With a fervent wish for the Irishmen’s success, the lyric mentions their long history of military service in foreign lands, at Bull Run, and the naval battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805 between the British, and the French and Spanish fleets.
The final verse expresses the hope for imminent peace, that with old Erin’s help “we’ll gain it with much ease,” along with a heartfelt farewell to the “brave 69th! Till you return to our shores!” It ends with the mournful thought that their departure reminds them of “poor Ireland in yore,” when so many were forced into exile by the Great Hunger of the 1840s and ‘50s.
This American Civil War broadside ballad is one of the rare concise lyrics from the era, using only four fairly short versus to make its point. To extend the piece, for this arrangement the Irish
traditional tune “Garryowen” was chosen as an opener - the Regimental March of the 69th Militia since before the Civil War, remaining as such with the modern-day 69th New York National Guard. The tune dates back to the 1770s, becoming popular among Irish regiments of the British army through the 19th century, and it made its way to America and became the signature march of the 69th Regiment. The tune paired up very nicely to that of “River Roe,” to complete the piece.
Produced, arranged and engineered by David Kincaid at Logan Sound Studios (2024), and McCormick Sound (2025), Staten Island, NY.
Copyright ℗ & © 2025 by David Kincaid, Haunted Field Music
THE DEPARTURE OF THE 69TH VOLUNTEERS.
AIR: River Roe. – By John Flanagan.
The gallant 69th, once more, Goes to the battle-field,
To leave the enemy in gore, And make Jeff Davis yield.
It goes a Volunteer Regiment, Composed of the same men, Led on by Colonel Nugent, Instead of Corcoran.
We we sorry that poor Corcoran
In Rebel hands must lie,
And that he can’t command those men, As he did in July.
But we hope he shall soon return
To his friends and fair wife,
And that we’ll have no cause to mourn The loss of his dear life.
We wish those brave sons of Ireland Success where e’er they be!
To us they’ve given a strong hand, By land as well as sea.
Their valor it has oft been shown; On foreign lands afar;
We have seen it here, at Bull-Run; And there, at Trafalgar.
Then, let us all cheer up again,

And hope soon to have peace! While with us we have old Erin, We’ll gain it with much ease. Farewell! Farewell, brave 69th! Till you return to our shores! Your departure does us remind Of poor Ireland in yore!
H. De Marsan, New York.