When Johnny Comes Marching Home/For Bales

“When Johnny Comes Marching Home” was published on September 26, 1863, by Henry Tolman & Co., of Boston, MA. The melody and lyrics were attributed to “Louis Lambert”, a pseudonym for Irish-American military band leader Patrick Gilmore. It is unknown why Gilmore chose not to acknowledge his composition.

Interestingly, in an 1883 article in the “Musical Herald,” Gilmore acknowledged that the music was not original. Early in the “rebellion” he described overhearing a “waif” humming the tune. He wrote it down, dressed it up, added lyrics reflecting the emotions of the times, and gave the song its name.

“Johnny” quickly became very popular, expressing as it did, much of America’s longing for the war to end, and the homecoming of their loved ones. Like many other songs that became popular with the public, the catchy melody of “Johnny” would soon be used in a mocking parody - “For Bales”, published in 1864, by A. E. Blackmar of New Orleans.

The lyrics chronicle the failed Union “Red River Campaign”, between March and May of 1864. The main Federal objectives were to destroy the Confederate Army, and confiscate all available cotton bales. The Red River Valley of Louisiana, southwestern Arkansas and eastern Texas, was the great cotton production center of the Confederacy. The bumper crop of 1863, had produced tens of thousands of cotton bales that were sitting on the Red River docks around Shreveport, then the acting capital of Louisiana, awaiting transport up River to Texas.

The lack of Southern cotton had caused massive unemployment and economic hardship. Desperate New England textile mills were operating under 20% capacity. Given the situation, who better to lead the campaign than General Nathaniel Banks, a political-appointee general from Massachusetts ? In expectation of quick success, Banks was given 36,000 men and Admiral David Porter’s Mississippi Squadron, which comprised nearly 100 vessels. Of course, the confidently optimistic politician in Banks could not resist the chance to refurbish his reputation (which had suffered greatly at the hands of Stonewall Jackson, in Virginia two years earlier) by including the steamboat “Black Hawk”, crammed with news reporters, cotton speculators, and such creature comforts as champagne and ice.

Though greatly outnumbered (as usual), having only 18,000 troops and a handful of river vessels guarding Shreveport, the Confederates fortunately were commanded by Generals Kirby Smith and Richard Taylor. General Taylor had experience with General Banks, having fought with distinction against him in Stonewall Jackson’s legendary 1862 Shenandoah Campaign.

After heavy fighting the Federal forces were defeated on land and on the river, and were driven back to the Mississippi River. None of the Federal objectives being accomplished, General Bank’s military service came to an end, the cotton speculators returned to Union held New Orleans, burying their disappointment in gallon bowls of liquor.

“…Johnny, fill up the bowl !”

[kctby]

This song has such meaning for me. When I was 20 years old I came home from Vietnam. The US Navy Band was playing this song for us as we returned in Norfolk Virginia. I had lost 23 friends and was wounded myself. When I was granted leave to go home, there was nothing other than the welcome home from my family. The general public seemingly despised us. Period. The only return I remember is the playing of this song. It moves me to this day.

[styanax]

May all our civil war veterans North or South, Black or White Rest In Peace

[tobystamps]

I think it’s important to keep these songs alive. It’s part of America’s heritage.

[Captain.Floppa]

I hope most people know that gay in this context means happy

[sully]

God bless our American ancestors, and may we someday reflect their greatness!

[banzaist_YR]

Thank you very much to American brothers, southerners for such soulful songs! Your fan from Russia!

[thomascraig]

2013 was a good year. I was 20 back then and was a Confederate re-enactor at Pickett’s Charge. It was almost 100 degrees and there was a giant downpour just like in 1863. It was a great day.

[mr.somewhere]

Watching this on the Old Dixe Highway, Scottsmoor Florida 7/4/2021

[cliffmays]

The Irish song was about a man who comes back with no arms or legs, it was a song to warn against war.

[therabman_]

To my confederate cousins across the sea, the Ulster Scots blood runs in many of your veins the history and music we share should not be forgotten

[rithvikmuthyalapati]

Yooo, it is here. Happy Independence Day 2nd South Carolina!

[ColumbiaArchive]

Sad to hear you retired, but THANK YOU for enriching the entire Nation– (and beyond) with your Music!

[gavinb]

Happy 4, God bless all our rebels and patriots, north or south

[Heinrich]

This music from you guys just hit different, its sad to hear that you retired. Anyway greetings from Poland!

[jmfa]

I absolutely love the work you guys are doing. Many thanks and God Bless (from a Yankee.)

[BBHC]

That AHhh! in the song at 4:42 gets me every time. Great performance and thank you.

[tophat]

Happy 4th, love yall !!!! 4th Texas Calvery descendant.

[solangekervella]

I am a fan of your music, and of the history of the south of the USA I live in France and we really need motivation at this time
thank you

[taxistarmaker]

May all Americans remember that they are a great country under God.
And wish the patriots win back the states.
Greeting from Taiwan.

[freddykruger]

Thanks from Germany for this great this bad times!