It is difficult to sort truth from fiction in the Abbott book (see link in Malcolm's post with the lyrics of "Farewell... from Chap. 11," above, 31 Aug. 01)- and repeated by Sharon A, but it seems evident that many of the entries in Crockett's "Journal," quoted throughout Abbott's book, were fictitious. Crockett papers exist, but they mostly concern politics and his hate for General Jackson.

One statement in the book said that the poem "Farewell..." had been polished by a man called Peleg (or Pegleg?) Longfellow of the Nashville Banner newspaper.

Very little time was spent in Texas by Crockett before he was killed. He seems to have been looking for a political base with the Texans, at least from the few records of that time in Texas.

Who did pen the poem?