Richie, see thread 63785: Origins
This has a copy from microfilm of "Lady in Love," posted by John Garst, 04 Mar 06. Note that the LOC apparently lost the copy of Wehman, Oct. 1889 that contains the song.

The hunt for Bright Mohawk Valley also is detailed in that Thread.

Fowke's speculations about the origin of Red River Valley are also contained in that thread. She cited the Red River Rebellion of 1870 as possibly related to the origin. She had no evidence for her speculation.

With the possible exception of a MS in the Piper Coll., Univ. Iowa, with pencil dates 1879 and 1885, of Red River Valley - also discussed in thread 63785- "Lady in Love" seems to be the earliest text extant. I suggest you contact the Univ. Iowa Libraries to see if they will make a copy from the Piper Coll.

(This month I contacted Wichita State Univ. Libraries about a MS of "My Pretty Quadroon" in the O'Bryant Coll- they said costs would be between $15-$30 plus S/H $5. There are several of these MS texts I would like to have, but I would soon end up in the poorhouse if I ordered them all.)