The Bonnie Blue Flag was written by Harry McCarthy in 1861. He was inspired by the long history of the flag. It was first flown in 1810 by a group of men gathered together under the auspices of what they called the West Florida Convention. This group planned to set up a Republic after they conquered Baton Rouge. President Madison promptly declared the area a part of Louisiana Territory and the section was pulled into the United States. In 1836, the Texas Republic adopted the flag. It is still thought to represent Texas which is often referred to as the "Lone Star State". At the beginning of the Civil War a crowd raised the flag over the Capitol of the State of Mississippi when secession was declared in 1860. Harry McCarthy was evidently a witness to this event and was stirred to write the following lyrics: The Bonnie Blue Flag by Harry McCarthy We are a band of brothers, and native to the soil, Fighting for the property we gained by honest toil; And when our rights were threatened, the cry rose near and far: "Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star!" (Chorus) Hurrah! Hurrah! For Southern rights, hurrah! Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star. As long as the Union was faithful to her trust, Like friends and brethren, kind were we, and just; But now, when Northern treachery attemps our rights to mar, We hoist on high the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star. (Chorus) First gallant South Carolina nobly made the stand, Then came Alabama and took her by the hand; Next, quickly, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida, All raised on high the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star. (Chorus) Ye men of valor gather round the banner of the right, Texas and fair Louisiana join us in the fight; Davis, our beloved President, and Stephens, statesmen rare; Now rally round the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star. (Chorus) And here's to brave Virginia, the Old Dominion State. With the young Confederacy at length has linked her fate. Impelled by her example, now other States prepare To hoist on high the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star. (Chorus) Then here's to our Confederacy, strong we are and brave, Like patriots of old we'll fight, our heritage to save; And rather than submit to shame, to die we would prefer, So cheer for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star. (Chorus) Then cheer, boys, cheer, raise a joyous shout, For Arkansas and North Carolina now have both gone out; And let another rousing cheer for Tennessee be given, The single star of the Bonnie Blue Flag has grown to be eleven. (Chorus)
