The Prescott Boys of '98

Here where I live I am a member of an historical re-enactment group based on the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry … the Rough Riders. Being a history buff, I was attracted to the unit for two reasons. There is a direct historical connection with this area, as "A" Troop was formed here.

Secondly, two men I admire very much were involved with this unit: Theodore Roosevelt, who gave birth to it, and William Owen "Buckey" O'Neill, who was chosen by TR to form and lead this "A" Troop, and was described in Roosevelt the Great's memoirs as "the bravest man I have ever known."

John O'Neill, the Irish-born father of the future Rough Rider captain, had been a decorated member of Meagher's Irish Brigade in the War Between the States, and no doubt was a major cause of the restless and adventurous nature of his offspring. "Buckey" O'Neill crammed a lot of living into the thirty-eight years before his death in battle at the foot of the San Juan Heights: gambler, miner, lawyer, newspaperman, sheriff, and mayor of Prescott; the job he left to go off to war.

The men he led fought in America's first battle on the world stage as an emerging power, and it has been a great source of fun to me to re-enact these highly unconventional soldiers and the contribution that they made to American history. In April of 2000, we were involved in drilling for the upcoming 4th of July Parade. It was a fine warm summer day, and we were stepping smartly, with our Krags at "shoulder arms".

Our bugler was playing the grand old Irish drinking song/cavalry march "Garryowen" as we marched, and before I knew it, "The Prescott Boys of '98" was rattling around inside my head! It escaped through one ear, but I captured it, and it is presented here for the first time, for your hoped enjoyment. Those of you who detect the rhythm in the lyric are very perceptive! "For Garryowen .. and glory!"

Bill in the correct uniform of the Rough Riders

Bill in the correct uniform of the period for the Spanish-American war, with his trusty Krag rifle.

When America was a nation young,
To the Monroe Doctrine she gave tongue
And told the Spaniard: "Face the sun
And get your tails out of Cuba !"

"Her people languish in despair,
And your rule of them is most unfair;
We wish you from there to repair
And grant to them their freedom."

So the great ship "Maine" to Havana went,
But by explosion she was rent ..
To the harbor bottom she was sent,
Along with many crewmen.

Now, the Queen of Spain, she did deny,
And her generals, they said "come and try .."
So strong men rallied to the cry;
The cry of "Cuba Libre !"

As bugles echoed 'cross the land
The Prescott boys took gun in hand,
Enlisting in O'Neill's command
To go and fight for freedom.

Col. Roosevelt, he posed the test,
And they came from East and Great Southwest;
With Prescott's lads among the best
That came to San Antonio.

Now the Arizona boys did brag
That 'neath their bright and starry flag
They'd thrash the Spaniard with a Krag
And bring the Cubans freedom.

Wild cavaliers without a name,
They would march into undying fame
Soon after newsmen did declaim:
"They're Roosevelt's Rough Riders !"

At Guasimas, ordered to the fore,
They went on just a little more,
'Til bullet's whine and rifle's roar
Bid them "Welcome to Cuba !"

Now some, they fell in the attack,
And others fell to Yellow Jack,
But they were taken not aback;
They would show the world their valor.

The San Juan Heights stood drear and tall,
As high and strong as a castle wall;
And our "Minstrel Boy" on that field would fall
Before those Heights were broken.

As O'Neill spread his courage 'round
He crumbled to the dusty ground;
A curse'd Spanish rifle round
Had slain our hero captain !

Beneath the Gatling's thundering might
They followed Roosevelt up the Height
And slew the Spaniard, left and right,
And gave O'Neill his victory.

Just common men, uncommon brave;
Some lived .. some fill a soldier's grave.
At freedom's altar their lives they gave
That strangers might know freedom.

It was over quick as it began,
And those who lived came home again:
Little realizing, with their hand
They turned the page of history !

Oh, never did their courage fail
As they stormed the Heights through the deadly hail:
Arizonans, proudly tell the tale
Of our Boys of '98 !

William Jeans
Paulden, AZ

Back to Celtic Lore