Here is a midwestern USA version collected by Gary Harrison from Ollie Barnard (of Cave-in-Rock IL). It is included in Gary's Dear Old Illinois book and recorded by his latest group the New Mules on their Pride of America cd.   There are other similar versions floating around the midwest and other parts of the US with slightly different words - I expect the song traveled a lot and every region has its own words that they try to make fit the geography. It is in 3/4 time which seems to fit the meter of the above song. The Brighton Camp song is a totally different). I have no idea if the tune Gary collected is the same melody as the other recordings referenced in prior notes.



Across the Plains of Illinois

There was a wealthy farmer in the countryside thereby
He had one only daughter, to win her I did try.

I asked if it made any difference if I should cross the plain
She said she'd never prove untrue until I returned again.

I left all in a hurry, for Missouri I was bound
I stepped off at Cairo to view the city around.

The work there it was plentiful, and the girls to me were kind
But the only object of my heart was the girl I'd left behind.

I got up early one morning, went out on public square
The mail boat it was arriving, and the newsboy he was there.

He handed to me a letter which give me to understand
The girl I'd left behind me had married another man.

I walked around and around and around. I didn't know what to do
I went over to Sikeston, and I found it all to be true.

Come all you handsome young gentlemen and listen to my song
I'm sure that if it does you no good it'll surely do you no harm.

Now if you're courting some pretty young miss, just marry her while you can
For if you travel across the plains, she'll marry another man.