Like most broadside ballads (lyric sheets) from the American Civil War period, this one was not dated. Found on several versions by at least two different publishers, we can approximate the timing of the publishing of this piece by the content of the lyric, which in this case would be the summer of 1861. Following the April 12 firing of the Rebel’s opening shots of the war on Fort Sumpter in Charleston, South Carolina, and then the defeat of the Union troops at the Battle of Bull Run on July 21 in Virginia - the first major battle of the war - the North is incensed, and this song reflects the intense passions of the times.
The song is believed to be an updated version of a song from the American Revolution, set to the tune of “The Lincolnshire Poacher.” Two of the original broadside versions carry the inscription “Written by Frank Spear, Sung by Sam Long.” and as of this writing little is known of either the author or singer other than their names. Ballads of this period were often musical newscasts of sorts, very much of the moment, and this song contains five verses, each dealing with recent events of the time.
The first verse refers to the American Revolution and the patriotic heroes who fought for independence from Great Britain, reminding and extolling New Yorkers of the bravery and patriotism of their forebears, and as a call to arms to do their part to defend the Union now under threat.
Verse No. 2 describes how the New York City regiments have been the first to offer their service in the defense of Washington, defending the national flag and capital. New York state sent more soldiers than any other to defend the Union during the American Civil War, and a great many of those were from New York City. Verse No. 3 details the involvement of the 6th Massachusetts Volunteer Militia in the Baltimore Riot of April 19, 1861. Militia regiments from Massachusetts and Pennsylvania had been sent to Washington, feared to be under threat since the firing on Fort Sumpter, and were forced to march through the city to change trains, encountering an angry mob of pro-secessionists who attacked throwing rocks and bricks along with a few pistol shots. The soldiers fired back, and police were eventually able to hold the mob back as the troops boarded their trains. At the end of the day four militiamen were dead along with twelve civilians, the number of wounded being unknown. This verse reminds New Yorkers that the Massachusetts men have bravely done their part as “Yankee Volunteers,” and it’s time for them to step up and do the same.
The next verse centers on the Irish 69th New York State Militia, who, after their arrival in Washington, D.C. in early May 1861, were set to work building fortifications to defend the city. The regiment would later be heavily engaged in the Battle of Bull Run, with its commanding officer, Col. Michael Corcoran, being wounded and captured. It also describes how, following the battle, veterans of the regiment were re-recruited and it was reorganized as the 69th New York State Volunteers as part of the new Irish Brigade, along with the 63rd and 88th New York Regiments, under the command of Brigadier General Thomas Francis Meagher, and how they will “avenge brave Corcoran.”
The final verse is about the 11th New York State Militia, also known as the 1st Regiment Fire Zouaves, recruited from New York City’s fire companies. Attired in the stylish and flamboyant uniforms of the French Army’s north African troops, the 11th was recruited in April 1861 by famous drill-master Col. Elmer Ellsworth, quoted as saying “I want the New York Firemen, for there are no more effective men in the country.” As part of the occupation of Alexandria, Virginia, on May 24th Col. Ellsworth entered the Marshall House inn to remove a Confederate flag hoisted on the roof. After removing it, he was shot dead by the building’s owner as he brought the flag down the stairs. The verse vows that the noble Fireman will always be near to “avenge brave Col. Ellsworth.”
David Kincaid - Lead & Harmony Vocals, Guitar, Banjo, Bodhrán, Whistle & Percussion Liz Knowles - Fiddle
Jerry O’Sullivan - Uilleann Pipes & Whistle
Recorded, Produced and Arranged by David Kincaid at Logan Sound Studio, Staten Island, NY, 2023 -2024
THE NEW-YORK VOLUNTEER
Written by Frank Spear, and Sung by Sam Long.
‘Twas in the days of ’76,
When freemen young and old;
All fought for Independence then:
Each hero brave and bold!
‘Twas in the noble Stars and Stripes,
In triumph did appear,
And defended by brave Patriots,
The Yankee Volunteers.
Chorus: ’Tis my delight to march and fight Like a New-York Volunteer.
Now, there’s our City Regiments: Just see what they have done: The first to offer to the State
To go to Washington,
To protect the Federal Capitol,
And the Flag they love so dear! And they’ve done their duty nobly, Like New-York Volunteers. Chorus.
The Rebels, out in Maryland,
They madly raved and swore
They’d let none of our Union troops Pass through Baltimore;
But the Massachusetts’ Regiment
No Traitors did they fear;
But they fought their way to Washington, Like Yankee Volunteers. Chorus.

Now, there’s the noble Sixty-Ninth; Just see what they have done: They dug ten miles of trenches, Way down, at Washington.
Now, they are reorganizing,
Under Thomas Frances Meagher, And they’ll avenge brave Corcoran, Like New-York Volunteers. Chorus.
Then, There’s the noble Firemen, Every ready, one and all,
To quench the burning elements, And obey their Country’s call; They never shrink from duty,
But you always find them near,
To avenge brave Col. Ellsworth, Like New-York Volunteers. Chorus.