GatesSong

This song circulated under a number of names and in a number of different versions, most giving a much fuller narrative than this one, with up to twenty-one verses. Early copies of the lyrics saluted Arnold in the place where Herkimer is toasted in this version.

GATES' SONG

Come unto me, ye heroes, And I the truth will tell Concerning many a soldier Who for this country fell. Burgoyne, the King's commander And cursed Tory crew, With Indians and Canadians He up the Champlain flew. He up the Champlain flew, He up the Champlain flew, With Indians and Canadians He up the Champlain flew. Before the Ticonderoga, Full well both night and day Their motions we observed Before the bloody fray; Burgoyne sent Baum to Bennington, With Hessians there he went, To plunder and to murder Was fully their intent. Was fully their intent, Was fully their intent, To plunder and to murder, Was fully their intent. The seventeenth of October, They did capitulate, Burgoyne and his proud army We did our prisoners make. And vain was their endeavor Our men to terrify Though death was all around us, Not one of us would fly! Not one of us would fly! Not one of us would fly! Though death was all around us, Not one of us would fly! Now here's a health to Herkimer And our commander Gates! To Freedom and to Washington Whom every Tory hates. Likewise unto our Congress - God grant it long to reign- Our country, rights and justice Forever to maintain! Forever to maintain! Forever to maintain! Our country, rights and justice Forever to maintain!