Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Technology, Electricity, Politics, War, Internationalism, Commerce

Institutions mentioned:

Atlantic Telegraph Company

    Written from the perspective of an Irishman who offers a 'word to John Bull [...] from the little Glass-house' in Foïl-hummerum Bay'—a reference to the telegraph station of Richard A Glass on the West Coast of Ireland from which the Atlantic telegraph was laid. He describes how the 'Sthripes and the Stars [...] laughs at bould Neptune's broad back laid between' the Old World and the New, and 'sets the big battheries a blaze at long range, / that makes friends out of foes wid each shot they exchange'. Notes that Neptune's back has been made 'Mighty sore' after being 'probed by deep sounding lead', and his sleep has been 'spoilt wid wires laid the length of his bed'. Toasts the various ways in which the Atlantic telegraph has united Britain and the United States, noting how 'they pass rate of markets, and news o' the day, / As if Atlantic was out o' the way', and 'free to shake hands' like 'neighbours' across a street. Thinks that 'John Bull' has 'ould Ireland' to thank for this accomplishment and hopes that the latter will also cause greater harmony between Britain and Ireland. Points out that although Ireland was seen as the country that would bring the 'Yankees' and subversive Republican politics to Britain, it brought Yankees 'for Peace not for War' and that the telegraph cable 'fastens the anchor of Hope'. Concludes by praising the good-will that can be 'flashed' through the telegraph between Ireland, Britain, and the United States.