War of 1812 Era American Broadside Printed Poem titled: The Awkward Recruit

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Autographs-Colonial-Political-Americana

By Early American History Auctions

Mar 20, 2021

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• Lot Description
  War of 1812
  American Satyrical Broadside Poem "The Awkward Recruit"
  War of 1812 Period, Rare American Printed Broadside Poem titled, "The Awkward Recruit", Anonymous, with Heraldic Shield-Breasted American Eagle vignette header, Very Fine.
  Rare printed Broadside measuring about 5.25" wide x 10" tall of "The Awkward Recruit", an anonymous ditty which was originally penned in England at the turn of the century at the outset of the Napoleonic Wars. This poem describes a British soldier recruit who struggles to fit in, and dreams of helping "King and country" to defeat Napoleon and France, one verse reading in part:
  "It is my will, the French to kill; / I'll do't with all my heart, sir: / Perhaps a recruit may chance to shoot / Great General Bonaparte, sir,"
  Though this Broadside printed poem is of English origin, it became so well known that even Americans enjoyed reading it long after the Napoleonic Wars ended, although often with their own contemporary period twist. The latest instance we can find of "The Awkward Recruit" being published in America is reproduced in "The American Naval and Patriotic Songster" published in Baltimore in 1834. Likely written during the 1803 to 1815 (12 years) of the Napoleonic Wars, it is inclusive of the American v British War of 1812 period. Therefore, having its American Heraldic Eagle Vignette at top, it was likely meant as an American "Satyrical" poem against the British soldiers during the War of 1812. There are a few minor brown spots in the margins away from the text which is very readable. The left side of the top margin was torn touching into the top of the Eagle vignette while the standing Soldier and Sword at right are virtually complete, as shown. This particular Broadside has the Heraldic American Shield-Breasted Eagle with a partial Ribbon held in its beak, though the very top of the Eagle's head has been cut and lacking, but the right side still clearly reads "Anum", one assumes the missing left side read "E Pluribus". Though the original version of the poem on this Broadside is the distinctly British in its language, this example is an original true American printing with a Yankee twist applied, likely during the War of 1812. The Soldier standing beside the Eagle seems to be dressed in Colonial or Revolutionary War era clothing, also suggesting the song came to America earlier rather than later. Overall, this rare Broadside is in nice condition for display.
  
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