The Alexandria Herald

From the Kentucky Public Advertiser.

FORTY-SIX YEARS AGO;
OR, THE SONS OF THE WEST.

A new Song for the Fourth of July, 1822.

Tune—The Star Spangled Banner.

Hail, sons of the West! let us honor the day,
When the chains of a nation were melted away;
When our fathers arose in the pride of their might,
And swore to be free, or to die in the fight.

Forty-six years ago—O recur to the time—
Those patriots bled for our freedom and clime;
Their Washington led them to victory on,
And no battle shall shame what their valor had won,

Forty-six years ago—let us honor the day,
When the chains of a nation were melted away.

Our foes still remember their bravery and zeal,
If provok'd let them find all their sons made of steel;
[and shore,
With the strength of those days, on the ocean
Chastise them again with the cannon's dread roar;

Descended from sires too brave for a yoke,
Too swift for the deer, too strong for the oak;
As their sons, ever worthy the blood in your veins,
Then yield to no foe, foreign power, or chains!

Forty-six years ago—let us honor the day,
The chains of a nation were melted away.

May the fury of faction no freeman disgrace,
May no lady-like men e'er degenerate our race;
May no seeds of corruption be suffer'd to rise,
And our Fair only smile on such men as are wise,
[hand,
Then, sons of the West! you can join hand in
To drink to the Navy—the Army—the Land—
While in Washington—deeds, like true patriots you vie,
"And shout Independence each Fourth of July."

Forty-six years ago—O remember the day—
When the chains of a nation were melted away.