Raynors HCA 2019-01
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/21/2019
A stirring war-date Union patriotic song dedicated to the sacrifice Captain Henry Brooks O'Rielly (sic), 70th New York Vols. made during the Union army's advance up the Virginia Peninsula at the battle of Williamsburg, Va. on May 5, 1862. This Staten Island, New York hero was remembered after his death in a rare printed song sheet, boldly entitled: "Excelsior Battle-Song", reading, in part: "…dedicated to the founder of the brave brigade. Suggested by events of the Battle of Williamsburg…Captain O'Reilly fell on the field of Williamsburg…after he had been [in] for about two hours…rebel force…was at the time directing its tremendous fire against the regiment…O'Reilly himself promptly headed his own detachment on…'forlorn hope' drew his revolver for close quarters with the rebels…who were insolently shouting 'Ball's Bluff and 'Bull Run'…when he was struck by a Minie ball, just as he uttered…'Boys, follow me!…" Following a long two and half column epitaph for Capt. O'Reilly is a patriotic song written by William H. C. Hosmer, entitled: "Dirge For The Brave", exalting O'Reilly's death to martyrdom with the ending, "…son of an honored sire! Marked out for doom!…sadly rings the funeral knell…fare-thee well!…". Weak folds, else VG
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