Carolina Watchman, April 30, 1861

North Carolina Call to Arms.

Ye sons of Carolina, awake from your dreaming!

The minions of Lincoln upon us are streaming,

O! wait not for argument, call or persuasion,

To meet at the onset this treacherous invasion.

Defend! defend the old North State forever,

Defend, Defend,

The good Old North State!

O! think of the maidens, the wives and the mothers,

Fly ye to the rescue, sons, husbands and brothers,

And sink in oblivion all party and section

Your hearthstones are looking for protection.

Defend! defend the Old North State

"Her name stands foremost in Liberty’s story",

O! tarnish not now her fame and her glory!

Your fathers to save her, their swords bravely wielded,

And she never has yet to tyranny yielded!

Defend! defend the Old North State

The babe in its sweetness-the child in its beauty,

Unconsciously urge you to action and duty;

By all that is sacred-by all to you tender,

Your country adjures, arise and defend her!

Defend! defend the Old North State

The National Eagle above us now floating,

Will soon on the vitals of loved ones be gloating;

His talons will tear, and his beak will devour,

O! spurn ye his sway-delay not an hour.

Defend, defend the Old North State

"The Star Spangled Banner" dishonored is streaming

O’er bands of fanatics, their swords are now gleaming;

They thirst for the blood of those you most cherish,

With brave hearts and true, arouse or they perish;

Defend, defend the Old North State

Round the Flag of the South in thousands, O! rally;

The hour is past for freemen to dally

Your all is at stake, then go, and God speed you!

And onward to glory and victory lead you!

Defend, defend the Old North State