Andersonville from Immigration Stories by The Irish Lassies
Andersonville 1865
When the American Civil War breaks out, a young Scottish immigrant named James Carson is among the first to enlist in the New York 85th Regiment in Canandaigua, NY and is given the rank of corporal. After faithfully serving for three years, his regiment is offered the opportunity to leave the war, but they choose to re-enlist, becoming a prestigious "veterans" regiment. Tragically, they become victims of the last major Confederate victory of the war. General Hoke's army of 4,500 captures or kills the entire regiment, shipping them to the infamous Andersonville prison, where they endure unimaginable suffering. Nearly half of the regiment succumbs to starvation and disease, contributing to the staggering death toll of nearly 13,000 prisoners. Miraculously, James escapes and makes it safely back to New York, where he recorded his experiences and writes his memories. He would go on to live a full and happy life.
Tracklist
| 2. | Andersonville | 4:38 |
Lyrics
At the fall of Plymouth today
Surrounded, surrendered and taken away
Loaded on cattle cars and rolled down south
Penned up sheep at the Sweet Waters’ mouth
Walked through the gates three by three
Sargent Cummings, Carson and me
A muddy cage, no shelter or shade
Jonny Reb pointed and we obeyed
(Chorus)
Some day soon we’ll leave this place
Honest Abe he promised
Promised us a quick exchange
last a few more days
Back to Canandaigua
And all of those that love us
Come on, boys keep your spirits up
And last a few more days
Capitan Wirtz had a runaway
Turners’ hounds caught the man the very next day
Put him in the stock just to let us see
Next time Yank, it will be in a tree!
Punishment for us, they cut our corn
lice so thick, they keep you warm
Hold your coat tight at night
If Mosby’s raiders come looking for a fight
(Chorus)
Reb recruiter said we were betrayed
By Uncle Sam and honest Abe
400 hundred strong walked through those gates
200 now lie in there graves
Come on Yankees, sign right here
Convert to a Johnny make pain disappear
Clothing and food if you enlist
Or starve and die if you persist!
Trains brought us here so strong and proud
Oh if our mothers could see us now
skin and bones wrapped in disease
And thirst that brings you to your knees
They say uncle Billy’s just a day away
Atlanta burns so the rumors say
The Northern star like Atlantas smoke
Points our way back to home
(Chorus)
Credits
Music and lyrics by Caleb Cotter
Musicians Caleb Cotter, Peter Smith, Scott Smith, Henry Smith, Riley Keller, John Erway.
Producers- Caleb Cotter, Eric Andersen
Lead Engineer- Eric Andersen
Mix and master Engineer- Jason Richmond
