From William T. Price's Historical Sketches of Pocahontas Co,
WV (reprinted by McClain Publishing,
Parsons, WV, 1963; originally published by Price Brothers, Marlinton,
WV, 1901)
This is a war song popular among the
mountaineers shortly after the great Battle of Point Pleasant, 10
October 1774. Price recalls it being sung by a man named
Lackey:
Let us mind the tenth day of
October,
'Seventy-four, which caused woe,
The Indian savages they did
cover
The pleasant banks of the
Ohio.
The battle beginning in the
morning,
Throughout the day it lasted
sore
Until the evening shades were
returning dwn
Upon the banks of the
Ohio.
Judgment proceeds to
execution,
Let fame throughout all dangers
go,
Our heroes fought with
resolution,
Upon the banks of the
Ohio.
Seven score lay dead and
wounded
Of champions that did face the
foe,
By which the heathen were
confounded
Upon the banks of the
Ohio.
Colonel Lewis and some noble
Captains
Did down to death like Uriah
go:
Alas! their heads wound up in
napkins,
Upon the banks of the
Ohio.
Kings lamented their mighty
fallen
Upon the mountains of
Gilboa,
And now we mourn for brave Hugh
Allen,
Far from the banks of the
Ohio.
Oh bless the mighty King of
Heaven
For all his wondrous works
below:
Who hath to us the victory
given
Upon the banks of the
Ohio.
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