Creator
J. L. Miller, a miner in Denver, Idaho
Context
With the sinking of the Maine, and later U.S. entry into the Spanish American War, the public held a romantic view of the war and greatly supported it—for the most part. Miller noted that it "conveys the general attitude of all the miners in camp at Denver, Idaho."
Audience
Secretary of the Navy and the residents of Denver, Idaho
Purpose
Our War Cry Is the Maine was sent to the Secretary of the Navy in 1879 with the request that it be used as an official poem for Admiral William T. Sampson’s fleet.
Historical Significance
This poem reflects the positive attitude of the American public towards the war. Miller celebrated the victory of Admiral Sampson in defeating the Spanish fleet under the command of Admiral Pascual Cervera y Topete.
"Our War Cry Is The Maine"
Air: "Rally Round the Flag, Boys"
Our Court has found that Spain,
By her treachery has slain
Our brave and noble sailors,
By blowing up the Maine.
And now our Uncle Sam is plain
In dealing with the same.
He calls us "come on, boys
We'll soundly whip old Spain!"
[chorus]
Old Glory forever, hurrah, boys, hurrah,
Down with the Spanish; and up with the stars!
While we rally round old glory, boys,
Rally once again,
Shouting the battle cry: "The Maine, boys."
J. L. Miller, Our War Cry Is the Maine (1898). Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration.