The Hunters of Kentucky

[6] It was sung the way Irish singers told stories in narrative form, and performed to the tune of Ally Croker and The Unfortunate Miss Bailey.

When Ludlow first performed the song, the audience was filled with boatmen who had floated down the Mississippi River from Kentucky; they refused to let him leave the stage until he sang it two more times.

[12] Ye gentlemen and ladies fair Who grace this famous city, Just listen, if you've time to spare, While I rehearse a ditty; And for the opportunity Conceive yourselves quite lucky, For 'tis not often that you see A hunter from Kentucky.

We are a hardy, free-born race, Each man to fear a stranger; Whate'er the game, we join in chase, Despising toil and danger.

And if a daring foe annoys, Whate'er his strength and forces, We'll show him that Kentucky boys Are alligator horses.

I s'pose you've read it in the prints, How Packenham attempted To make old Hickory Jackson wince, But soon his scheme repented; For we, with rifles ready cock'd, Thought such occasion lucky, And soon around the gen'ral flock'd, The hunters of Kentucky.

And now, if danger e'er annoys, Remember what our trade is; Just send for us Kentucky boys, And we'll protect ye, ladies.