A New Song Composed by the Wounded Tars at the Siege of Boulogne
On the second day of August, eighteen hundred and one,
We sailed with Lord Nelson to the port of Boulogne,
For to cut out their shipping, which was all in vain—
To our great misfortune, they were all moored with chain.
Our boats being well manned, by eleven at night,
To cut out their shipping, not expecting they would fight;
But the grape from their batteries so smartly did play,
Nine hundred brave seamen killed and wounded did lay.
We hoisted our colours, and boldly them spread,
With the British flag flying at the royal mast-head;
For the honour of England we will always maintain,
While bold British seamen plough the watery main.
Exposed to the fire of the enemy we lay,
While ninety bright pieces of cannon did play;
There many brave seamen then lay in their gore,
And the shot from their batteries most smartly did pour.
Our noble commander, with his heart full of grief,
Used every endeavour to afford us relief;
No ship could assist us, as well he did know,
In this wounded condition we were toss’d to and fro.
All you who relieve us, the Lord you will bless
For relieving poor seamen in times of distress;
May the Lord put an end to all cruel wars,
Send peace and contentment to all British tars.