The Stewart County (TN) Archives has a sheet with similar lyrics, found tucked inside an 1847 court case and written in the hand of court clerk Zachariah T. Shemwell. The Archives consulted the Center for Popular Music at Middle Tennessee State University, who could find no earlier printed copy of the lyrics. The sheet is titled "A Song Ballad Written in 1847." A Song Ballad Written in 1847 When I parted away from you In sorrow, grief and trouble too You gave to me your parting hand And you wished me safe to the Cumberland Then on our journey we did stear Over high hills and rivers clear To a desert wild and barren land We've made our way to the Cumberland When we came over the ice and snow It rained, it hailed and the wind did blow And some of us did weep and cry Saying now with cold we all shall die But bless the Lord, his help we found We landed here both safe and sound To a wholesome place and virtuous soil Here's milk, here's corn, both wine and oil I've got no news to write to you Preaching seems dull and religion low But we are here in peace and like to be With the Indian tribes on the Tennessee Ten thousand of their graves we've found With Free Masons works built up around Which makes me think some Christian race In the days of old possessed this place My love to you I will unfold My love is like a ring of gold It's pure, it's round, it has no end So is my love to you, my friend Contact: stewartcountyarchives@yahoo.com
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