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