OLDEST ARMY TUNE STIRS

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 503, 10 January 1906, Page 3

OLDEST ARMY TUNE STIRS

«fhe White Cockade" Played In April, 1775, Puts Life Into Feet of Marchers.' It is the old music, after all, that putt the life into marching feet, for it carries the traditions of marching in its melodies. This "White Cockade" is a historical melody to Americans, though many Americans may not be aware of the fact, says Boston Transcript It was the tune to which the farmers who fired the shot heard round the world marched when they determined to force the passage of the bridge at Concord. Possibly it was the only tune which the drummer and fifer of Capt. Isaac Davis' company knew, but the fact that it was played is historical. The popularity of the tune is proof that a melody made for one party is recognized as good by all If it has the quality of being singable. •'The White Cockade" was originally a Jacobite tune, but it made a good march for the descendants of the English Puritans, April 19, 1775, when Capt. Davis made his musicians strike up. As they were the first American, foroe that ever advanced to battle as Americans,"The White Cockade" is the oidett melody of the American army.