Hi,

The composed ballad (Silver Dagger), a rendition of which was sung by Sal Jenkins was known in some remote locations in the Appalachians which leads me to conclude it was in circulation by the 1820s. So we're still looking for that original print version.

TY everyone for your help. If anyone has other versions let me know. Stanzas of Drowsy Sleeper were incorporated into other similar ballads for example, Kelly Harrell's "O! Molly Dear Go Ask Your Mother" 1926.

Richie