The Collected Library, Including Americana and Early Photography

"Here's a health, Here's a health to the brave, Who flew for Union and liberty, May the wreath they have worn never fade, and the star of their glory forever shine bright"

New Iberia, La, November 26, `1863. Broadside sheet of lined paper, 25 1/2 x 9 1/4 in. (648 x 235 mm.) Lengthy manuscript song composed of seven verses and two choruses. Titled at top: "The Battle of Port Hudson, La / May 27th, 63 / Dedicated to the 165th Regiment 2d Zouaves / New York Volunteers / Composed by Mac of Co. E." The first verse reads in full: "The angel of death is still hovering around, Where the blood of our Zouves has crimsoned the ground. On the field at Port Hudson how glorious the day. The turban and fer shone in battle away. With excelsior our motto and God as our trust. We swore we would conquer or sink in the dust. Brave Colonel Smith that day led the Van. Midst havoc of death and the roaring of cannon..." The end is signed "Med Dept. 165 N.Y. Vols / H.H. Rapalyea." Creasing from old folds, long vertical tears along same repaired on verso with cello tape, soiled in spots with tape that has bled through; scattered foxing. In mat and in frame 28 1/4 x 11 1/2 in.

A mournful handwritten original song by a member of the 165th New York Volunteers, dedicated to the 2nd Company of Zouves from the same regiment.

The 165th N.Y. Vols. saw heavy action during the 1862-63 Union campaign to gain control of the Mississippi River which culminated with the Siege of Port Hudson, taking place from May 22-July 9, 1863. When Southern forces finally surrendered the city to General Nathaniel P. Banks, the Union had undisputed control of the Mississippi and Gulf of Mexico.

Lt. Col. Abel P. Smith (1839-1863), mentioned in the first verse, was mortally wounded in the action at Port Hudson.