Catholic soldiers of U.S Army being blessed before Gettysburg - the minstrel boy

The Irish Brigade at Gettysburg.

"...The Minstrel Boy..." is an Irish patriotic song written by Thomas Moore (1779–1852). The song gained widespread popularity and became a favorite of many Irishmen who fought during the American Civil War.

The minstrel boy to the war is gone,
In the ranks of death you'll find him

His father's sword he hath girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him

"Land of Song!" cried the warrior bard,
(Should) "Tho' all the world betrays thee,
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee!"

The Minstrel fell! But the foeman's chain
Could not bring that proud soul under

The harp he loved ne'er spoke again,
For he tore its chords asunder

And said "No chains shall sully thee,
Thou soul of love and bravery!

Thy songs were made for the pure and free
They shall never sound in slavery!