Classic Poem

When I was eighteen years of age
To join the army I did engage;
I left the factory with good intent
To join the Forty-second Regiment.

To Fulwood Barracks I then did go
To spend a short period in that depot,
But out of trouble I could not be
And Captain Hansen took a dislike to me.

While standing sentry-go one day
Some soldiers' children came out to play,
And from his quarters my captain came
And ordered me to take their parents' names.

My officer's orders I had to fulfill,
Although it went against my will;
I took one's name but not all three,
And with neglect of duty they charged me.

In the barrack court-room I did appear
But Captain Hansen my sad story would not hear;
Ten days in barracks and ten days' pay
For doing my duty the opposite way.

For fourteen weeks and thirteen days
My sentence rose and filled my gaze;
To shoot my captain dead on sight
Was all that I resolved to do each night.

One day upon the barrack-square
I saw him walking with Colonel Blair;
I raised my rifle and fired to kill
And shot my poor colonel against my will.

I did the deed, I shed his blood,
At Liverpool Assizes my trial I stood.
The judge he said, " McCaffery,
Prepare yourself now for the gallows tree."

I had no father to take my part,
I had no mother to break her heart,
I had one friend and a girl was she
Would lay down her life for McCaffery.

So now I lie in Walton gaol,
My thoughts and feelings no tongue can tell,
My thoughts and feelings no tongue can say,
The Lord have mercy on McCaffery.

So come all you young officers, take warning by me,
Have nothing to do with the British Army,
For bloody lies and tyranny
Have made a murderer of McCaffery.