This version from c1854 proves that Mr. Hovington's recollection of dates might not have been faulty.

While this website would make it seem to date from the 1960s, not the 1850s, with Bob Dylan(!) as the performer and Charles and Ray as the writers !!!!!!

MARY ANN

Oh fare thee well my own true love,
Fare thee well but for a while
The ship is waitin' an' the wind blows high,
An' I am bound away for the sea, Mary Ann.
(I am bound away for the sea, Mary Ann)

Ten thousand miles away from home
Ten thousand miles or more
The sea may freeze an' the earth may burn
If I never no more return to you, Mary Ann
(Never no more return to you, Mary Ann)

Oh, don't you see that crow fly high
She'll surely turn to white
If ever I prove false to you
Let the day turn to night, my dear Mary Ann
(Day will turn to night, my dear Mary Ann)

Oh, if I had a flask of gin
An' sugar here for two,
An' a great big bowl to mix it in,
I'd pour a drink for you, my dear Mary Ann
(I'd pour a drink for you, my dear, Mary Ann)
Yes I'd pour a drink for you, my dear Mary Ann
(Mary Ann)
(Mary Ann)
(Mary Ann)

Writer CHARLES, RAY
Copyright:Lyrics @copy; Warner/Chappell Music. Inc.