Oh, the year was 1778 (How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now!) A letter of marque came from the King To the scummiest vessel I've ever seen. God damn them all! I was told we'd cruise the seas for American gold We'd fire no guns! Shed no tears! But I'm a broken man on a Halifax pier The last of Barrett's Privateers. Oh, Elcid Barrett cried the town (How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now!) For twenty brave men, all fishermen, who Would make for him the Antelope's crew. CHORUS The Antelope sloop was a sickening sight (How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now!) She'd a list to the port and her sails in rags And the cook in the scuppers with the staggers and jags. CHORUS On the King's birthday we put to sea (How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now!) We were ninety-one days to Montego Bay Pumping like madmen all the way. CHORUS On the ninety-sixth day we sailed again (How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now!) When a bloody great Yankee hove in sight With our cracked four-pounders we made to fight. CHORUS The Yankee lay low down with gold (How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now!) She was broad and fat and loose in stays But to catch her took the Antelope two whole days. CHORUS Then at length we stood two cables away (How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now!) Our cracked four-pounders made an awful din But with one fat ball the Yank stove us in. CHORUS The Antelope shook and pitched on her side (How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now!) Barrett was smashed like a bowl of eggs And the main-truck carried off both me legs. CHORUS So here I lay in my twenty third year (How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now!) It's been six years since we sailed away And I just made Halifax yesterday. CHORUS-- Transcribed by Dmitry C164 Home Port | Cramer Home Port