1861 No. 1 "Save Missouri!" by Charlie Brumley

In February of 1861, a special convention was called in Missouri to consider the impending issue of secession. Nearly 8 out of 10 votes were from Unionist delegates, and though expressing concerns with Northern rhetoric toward the South, Missouri resolved strongly to remain in the Union.

In May of the same year, the Missouri Volunteer Militia was assembled--legally--to defend that position of neutrality. As the fear and paranoia of the Civil War heightened, a Union commander named Nathaniel Lyon arrested their encampment just north of St. Louis and began an occupation with Federal forces.

When Missouri's Governor and his staff met with Captain Lyon to negotiate a truce, they asked only for the removal of Federal troops from the state, in return for a disbanding of the state militia.

Lyon responded, and I quote:

"Rather than concede to the State of Missouri the right to demand that my government shall not enlist troops within her limits, or bring troops into the state whenever it please, or move its troops at its own will into, or out of, or through the state: rather than concede to the State of Missouri for one single instant the right to dictate to my government in any matter, however unimportant, I would rather see...every man, woman, and child in the state, dead and buried."

With those very words, war came to Missouri. This is their story.

***

1861 for Unaccompanied Mixed Voices, Op. 2
No. 1 "Save Missouri!"

Those boys in blue have a-come for me;
I'll tell them I ain't no Yankee Son.
I hear their sabers rattling,
but there ain't no war here to be won.

Save Missouri! Hurrah! Hurrah!
We'll send them back home without their crown.
Save Missouri from her plight!
Then God is gonna tear their kingdom down,
yes, God is gonna tear their kingdom down.

This land's been good to me and you,
and there is no cause to fear it lost,
for we will ride once more into
the battle our Forefathers fought.

Save Missouri! Hurrah! Hurrah!
We'll send them back home without their prize.
Save Missouri from her plight!
We've taken their mules and left them dry,
yes, taken their mules and left them dry.

When I was young and first believed,
I thought my country'd never change,
but all that was once good and free
is breaking under the Federal chains.

The Mississippi banks on the west of the River
show me to the Union Cavalry
of Kansas City Jayhawker, Lawrence bastards,
where we put them down at Dry Wood Creek.

Pro aris et focit! For our alters and our hearths!
Pro aris et focit! For our alters and our hearths!

Save Missouri! Hurrah! Hurrah!
We've sent them back home just as they came.
Save Missouri from her plight!
Nobody's gonna take my life away,
nobody's gonna take my life away.

***
Performed by the Lindenwood Concert Choir
October 23, 2011

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