About "Bonnie Blue"

Confederate Veteran
Volume 3, Number 3, Page 301
October 1895

Dr. A. J. Thomas, Medical Superintendent Indiana Hospital for Insane, Evansville, Ind., Sept. 18, '95.:

In the July number of the Veteran, Wm. Fort Smith, of Brazoria, Tex., describes 'the scene when he heard Harry McCarthy sing the "Bonnie Blue Flag" at the Academy of Music in New Orleans, in September, 1861, and says this was the first time the song was ever sung.

Comrade Smith is mistaken as to the time. In September, 1861, I was marching through Missouri, Northern Arkansas, and the Indian Territory, to the inspiring notes of the "Bonnie Blue Flag," and it was sung every night at every campfire of the Army of Ben. McCulloch and "Old Pap" Price.

I knew Harry McCarthy well also his wife, Lottie. When I first met them in December, 1860, they were traveling together giving variety concerts. The "Bonnie Blue Flag" was composed and first sung by Harry McCarthy in January, 1861, the night of the day that the ordinance of secession was passed by the convention of Mississippi I did not hear McCarthy sing it that night, but afterward heard him sing it at Raymond, Miss. I attended several entertainments given by them, and one evening danced with Mrs. McCarthy after the entertainment was finished, the young folks of the town having organized a dance in the ballroom of the Oak Tree Hotel in Raymond.

I know that Harry McCarthy is entitled to all the honor which the "Bonnie Blue Flag" would bring to him, and no other claim should be considered. There have been imitations of the's song, and additions to it, but none have been superior to the first edition, as written and sung by Harry McCarthy.

I am more than pleased with the Veteran. There are enough Confederates in this city to form a Camp, and I intend to shake them up this winter.