Dear Bruce,

I believe that if you contact the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. they can provide the pre-1800 source you are looking for. Don't forget, at the time of the Revolutionary War, there were very few 'printed' books in the Colonies. However, I do believe that the LoC has a manuscript with this song written on it, and it has also been referenced in modern-day books on the Revolutionary Period as being quoted from letters written between couples separated by the War. - Áine