Hi Q,

Though very similar to the wording in the Fowke version you posted, the version from the Iowa collection is not identical. There's also an additional verse in the Fowke:

Oh, there never could be such a longing
In the heart of a white maiden's breast
As there is in the heart that is breaking
With love for the boy who came west.

There's no rhyme of hours (Fowke uses "bowers") and there are some other differences. They are very similar. Fowke could have known about this version and may have had access to it.

The issue here is the date: 1879 would be the first written version. I'd like to see some documentation if there is any. Where did this come from? How old is the paper? etc

Richie