Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1903-04-25
1.-THE HoMEsPUN DRESS"


1.-THE HoMEsPUN DRESS"
The Story and Words Of tho Famous
Confederate War Song.
A Sturgis, KY, dispatch to the Gin
cinnati Enquirer says: The song for
which Prof. John Uri, Lloyd, the au-
thor, offered $50, is printed herewith,
probably for the first time. 1t was
composed during the civil war and was
circulated by word Of mouth among
the soldiers Of the Confederacy until 1t
became almost a battle song. Prof.
Lloyd, 1t was understood, wished to
use it in one Of his books.
DR.. Lloyd was standing among 9TH
ers in front Of country grocery In
Florence, KY, (Stringtown), ON a
morning in so, waiting to see a body
Of Morgan's cavalry come up the pike,
and as these daring cavaliers rode by
he heard them gayly singing song
called "The Homespun Dress" But
his memory afterward could recall but
the first stanza. Exhaustive research
among literature all over the country
failed to discover 1t, and as last re-
sort he offered a reward.
The song has never been In print,
but the words are found In full in a
manuscript entitled Kentucky Cava-
liers in Dixie" by George Dallas Mus
e,roya of Horrollton XIV
The morning on which Prof. Lloyd
heard the song was when Morgan and
his men were in advance Of Bragg's 8
army, which was entering Kentucky
from Tennessee to strike Buell., who
was racing for Louisville. At the same
time a part of Kirby Smiths army was
coming through Cumberland Gap to
strike the Federals under Gen. "Bull'
Nelson at Richmond. After the bat
tie of Richmond these forces Joined
Morgan's cavalry at Lexington, whence
they advanced a division 10 Covington
to threaten Cincinnati. 1t was this dt-
vision that DR.. Lloyd saw pass through
"Stringtown." In a few days Bragg
also reached Lexington, thence moved
to Frankfort and took possession OF
the city, where in the presence Of 3O,-
900 Confederates, Richard Hawes was
installed governor. But the "gover-
nor had hardly taken the oath before
the advance guard Of Buell's rehabili-
tated army swept in view up the Ken
lucky river TO- the bridge, and Bragg
and the governor" retired to Lexing-
ton. It was said that Hawes was gov
ernor just one-half hour by the town
clock. Shortly afterward took place
the bloody battle Of Perryville on Oc-
tober 8.
While Morgan's forces were at Lex
ington an impromptu ball was given
in honor Of the men, the ladies appear
ing in dresses Of homespun. A young
lieutenant, an Albanian, named Har-
rington, found inspiration in the fact
to write the words, and Miss Earle, an
accomplished musician present, I'M
provised the air and sang it with piano
accompaniment. The song spread rap
idly and was taken up by the whole
army and sung on the march and In
camp throughout the south. Young
Harrington fell at Perryville. Follow
ing are the words:
Tho Homespun Dress.
A DIXIE GIRLS SONG.
Oh, yes, I am a southern girl,
And glory in the name;
boast Of It with greater pride
Than glittering wealth or. fame;
envy not the northern girl
Her robes Of beauty rare,
Though diamonds deck her snowy neck
And pearls bestud her hair.
Chorus
Hurrah, hurrah!
For the Sunny South, so dear;
Three cheers for the homespun dress
The southern ladies wear!
Now, northern goods are out Of date;
And, since Old Abe's blockade
We southern girls can be content
With goods that's southern made,
We send our sweethearts to the war,
But girls, ne'er you mind
Your soldier-love will not forget
The girl he left behind.
The southern lands glorious land,
And has a glorious cause;
Then cheer, three cheers for southern
rights
And for the southern boys!
We scorn to wear a bit Of silk,
A bit Of northern lace,
But make our homespun dresses up,
And wear them with a grace.
And, now, young man, a word to you,
If you would win the fair,
Go to the field where honor calls
And win your lady there;
Remember that our brightest smiles
Are for the true and brave,
And that our tears are all for those
Who fill the soldiers grave.