PORTUGUESE JOE.
Reading edition
At the battle of Lake Champlain, a sailor, called Portuguese Joe, performed the gallant exploit of nailing the stripes and stars to the mast, after they had been shot down. He perished in the flames at the late fire in Exchange Place, New-Orleans.
Upon the lake the battle raged, And warmly was each heart engaged, To win their nation's liberty— To conquer or to die! The iron hail was flying fast Against the sail, against the mast, And many a warm and gallant frame The prey of death became. And louder grew the cannon's sound, And faster flew the balls around, And sadly rose above the strife The groans of parting life! Still the brave tars beheld with pride The stripes and stars exulting ride Where many an eye was fondly cast, Upon the towering mast. But hark! a shot! 'twas guided well, And suddenly the colors fell! Another—and another—now The flag is lying low! Upon the deck the stripes and stars Dip in the blood of dying tars; Oh! surely 'tis a glorious stain, The life-blood of the slain! But who is this who nobly dares Replace those precious stripes and stars? The tattered shrouds his fingers seize!— 'Tis Joe—the Portuguese! Into the rigging quick he springs, Close to the splintered mast he clings, And now aloft how eagerly Is gazing every eye! A long, a loud, a deafening cheer, Bursts from each gallant sailor near, Behold! the flag of liberty Again is waving free! Three cheers! the flag once more is spread, Joe's shining hat waves o'er his head! And hark! a shout of triumph now! Three cheers from those below! The fight is o'er—the battle done; 'Twas bravely fought—'twas bravely won; And Joe a glorious part did play, That long-remembered day! . . . . . . . . . . . . Long years have passed, and Joe is dead; His ashes to the winds are spread; Long live within our memories Brave Joe—the Portuguese!
Charleston, June, 1843.
Mary S. B. Dana.