Bluegrass Messengers

The Old Album of William A. Larkin
by Ruth Ann Musick
The Journal of American Folklore, Vol. 60, No. 237 (Jul. - Sep., 1947), pp. 201-251

[Larkin's handwritten collection of songs and ballads dated 1866 has some excellent early texts. For example No. 13 is an early version of "The Silver Dagger," No. 18 is a related song, "The Drowsy Sleeper," while No. 22 is "Handsome Molly." Musick's notes, which I've move to the end of the article, are thorough and accurate- for 1947. I've added a few songs notes and I'll  be adding more later. R. Matteson 2011]

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN FOLKLORE
Vol. 60 JULY-SEPTEMBER, 1947 No. 237

THE OLD ALBUM OF WILLIAM A. LARKIN
By RUTH ANN MUSICK


            William Larkin as a Young Man

When William A. Larkin started his "book of all songs" in April, 1866, he may not have realized that he was making a valuable contribution to folklore. Like Chaucer's young squire, he was twenty years of age at the time, and did considerable singing "when called upon by his friends." Evidently he wrote these old album songs down to sing at such times. His statement, "These are selected from the best songs he knows, which he believes to be the best selected songs in this country" seems to indicate that his judgment did not err too far, inasmuch as folk song scholarship during the intervening eighty years has confirmed the fact that "Barbry Allen," "William Tailer," 'The Sailer Boy," "Confessions of Mcifee," "Fuller's Confession," "The Soldier of Late," "The House Carpenter," etc., were undoubtedly among the best "love songs and war songs" of about 1866.

I first learned of the old album in the fall of 1942, when my student, Pauline Sozeman (now Mrs. Pauline Foster of Denver, Colorado), in my class in advanced composition at William Penn College, Oskaloosa, Iowa, handed in a paper that included two of the old songs and a discussion of the album. Later she brought in the old album and I copied down most of the songs, exactly as they were written down by Mr. Larkin. I thought then, as I always have since, that it was an unusually fine collection of old songs.

Mr. Larkin's background is interesting and, for that matter, much as one might expect. According to Mrs. Foster, his people were "originally English," although she did not know when they came to this country, "First settling in Pennsylvania as farmers, and moving West." Mr. Larkin was born in Newcomers, Ohio, on December 28, 1845. His parents moved to Pekin, Illinois, when he was a child. "It was there," Mrs. Foster says, "that he recorded his book of songs. The last of his songs were recorded in 1872, the year that he married and moved to Indianoples, a farming community, Mahaska County, Iowa. In Iowa, Mr. Larkin played at Grange 'play parties' and was well known and in great demand. This I know from an 'obituary' I found."

"Grange," Mrs. Foster explains, "was one of the first farmers' organizations, organized to give the isolated farmers a chance for some social life. The Grange building was near Indianoples, I believe. There is nothing there now. It was a village about twelve miles northeast of Oskaloosa."


                 William A. Larkin about 1910
                        (65 years old)


The old album is owned by her mother, Mrs. Silas Garrett of Oskaloosa, Iowa. About forty years ago, the album was in a fire and was watersoaked. Pauline went over part of it so it would still remain readable. This old album is really a most interesting piece of work. The songs are written down on an old ledger in pen and ink, in this fine and very interesting old handwriting. The work is almost free of punctuation and the spelling is somewhat phonetic, and certainly original. The leaves of the ledger are now yellow with age and the edges are frayed, and sometimes crumble at the touch, like burnt paper. Because of its value, I think the album should be preserved in the Library of Congress as an heirloom of historical folklore.

Mr. Larkin sang at neighborhood gatherings, dances, etc., and his oldest grandchild thinks he sang unaccompanied, although Mrs. Foster remembers a mandolin that belonged to him, that he might have used. However, a mandolin is usually used for melodies and not for accompaniment, so this seems rather unlikely to me. This grandchild also thought he made some of the songs up as he went along, but since most of them are standard ballads or old songs that are known in one version or another, almost everywhere, this too seems unlikely, although, of course, there might be a few cases of improvisation.

I had hoped to get the melodies he used for all these old songs, but there appears to be no record of them, and no one can remember whether musical texts ever did exist. One relative thought he "made up the tunes to fit the words," but although this is possible, of course, it seems improbable since these are all (at least almost all of them) rather well-known songs of the day, and would have had standard tunes, which all singers would have probably used, with the usual variations according to locality. It is unfortunate that there is no record of the tunes. It would have been interesting to compare them with Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and Iowa versions (preferably as near his or his people's localities as possible) and thus to see which versions seem to have predominated.

However, no matter what tunes he used, or where he got them, Mr. William A. Larkin did an unusually interesting and valuable piece of work in setting down the words to these songs as he knew them (most of them in 1866), and thus preserving them as lasting contributions to folklore.

In arranging material in the album for the printer I have tried to simulate the spacing of verses, signatures,[1] dates,[2] and the like, on the page, and also spacing between words in the line.[3] The photograph of the prefatory page gives a notion of the difficulties involved.[4] The old photograph of Mr. Larkin bears no date, but he was a comparatively young man at the time.

                                                   INDEX OF SONGS [5]


                 [Text of Index- See jpeg above]
Jonnie Sands .................................................... [i]
W illiam Tailer ................................................. No 1st
The Romish lady.............................................. No 2nd
Just After the Battle ......................................... No 3rd
When this crewel war is over ............................ No 4th
Elsworths funeral ............................................. No 5th
Barbry allen .................................................... No 6th
Just before the battle ....................................... No 7th
The fit comes on now ....................................... No 8th
Purty Polly .... ................................................. No 9th
A Soldier of late .............................................. No 10th
The Charming beauty bright ..............................No 11th
The Drummer boy ........................................... No 12th
Come youth and age ........................................No I3th
The California song ..........................................No I4th
Sister Mary ......................................................No I5th
The gallant husars . ..........................................No 6th
Foullers Confession ......................................... No I7th
Awake ye drowsy sleeper ...................................No 18th
Young Caoline ................................................  No 19th
Time enougf yet............................................... No 20th
On one monday morning .....................................No 22nd
Harp on a willow tree..... ................................... No 23rd
The dog and the gun ........................................No 24th
The fair dam sel ..............................................No 25th
The sea Captain ..............................................No 26th
The ship carpiter . ............................................No 27th
The Dying prisoner...........................................No 28th
The Soldiers Dying Wife .....................................No 29th
The Sailler boy............................................... No 30 th
0 fare the well ............................................... No 31 st
Pretty Polly ...................................................No 32nd
The Saillers....................................................No 33rd
When I was single ............................................No 34th
Angel band . ...................................................No 35th
Daisy Dean ....................................................No 36th
The Southern Spie ...........................................No 37th
Lady Margret ..................................................No 38th
The dying Californian .......................................No 39th
Poisen Serpent. ............................................. No 40th
Georgie ................... .....................................No 41st
Confession of M c ifee ......................................No 42nd
Increase of Crime ...........................................[43]
Lyda May ................... ...................................[44]
I'll Be A Good Boy ............... ................. ....... [45]

---------------------------------------------

Jonnie Sands [6] [i]

A man and ase[7] named waz Jonnie Sands haed married betty huy and though she brough him gold and lands she proved a terriable plague for oh she wuz a scolding Wife full of capriz and whim he said that he waz tired of life and she waz tired of
him (repeat)

Says he them I will drown my self the river runs bid low[8] Says she pray do you silly elf panshed[9] it - long a ago says he upon the brink Ile stand and you run down the hill and push me in with all your might says she my love I will

--------------------------------
William A Larkins
April the I3th A. D I56

ia. Can I forget an absent friend [10]
The friend that I adore
Can I forget the friend I love
And thinke of him no more
No Never

ib. Round is the ring
That has no end
So is my love for you
my friend
I have often told you how
I never would leave you

ic. My ink is blue
My pen is golde
My love for you
Can not be told

id. The time is long
For you i weep
And in your armes
I long to sleep

April the 26 A D I866

A book of all songs this book is coposed of love songs and war songs these songs is rote and sung By Wm A larkins when called upon by his friends these are selected from among the best songs he noes whitch he believes to be the best selected songs in this country he is all so alearning new songs whitch will be rote in this book as he learns them

Written By
Wm A Larkin
April the 26th i866
May the 4th William
June the 4th
James W Larkins

ii. Forget me not
Forget me never
Till I and you
Keep house together

Warren Co Ill
March the 30th A D 1866
-----------------------------------

William Tailer [11] No 1st

I. William tailer is a youthful lover
Full of love and full ove strife
Just about the time that he was to marry
Prest he was and sent to war
Cho Rie Radle Lingling Ti Radl Lay
Rie Radle Lingling Ti Radl Lay

2. She dressed her self in mens attire
Went by the name of richard coy
Lily white finger long and slender
All begumed and pitched with tar

3. As she was afiting the bloody battle
All all among the rest
A silver button flew of ove her vestcote
And there displayed her lily white breast

4. It caused the captain to inquire
What mis fortune brought you here
I am on the search of willie tailer
Pressed he was and sent to war

5. If you will arise its early in the morning
Even by the peep of day
There you will spy your willy thailler
A leading of his lady gay

6. She arose its early in the morning
Just at the break of day
And there she saw her willie tailer
A leading of his lady gay

7. O willy o willy once I loved you
Loved you as I did my lif
Them that has you shant injoy you
For your sins I will take your life

8. She called for a brace of loaded pistoles
Which was given at her command
And there she shot her own true lover
As she held him by the hand

9. The captain he doth reccommender
For the deed that she had done
He makes her lord and chief commander
Of the vassal you lye on

10. As they were a sailing along one day
Polly threw herself away
All the crew they ran for to save her
Alas alas it would not do

11. Willy got shot and polly got drowded (drownded)
This put an end to thare strife
Now young people do be care full
How you treat your intended wife

12. Its willy tailler here and youder
Willy tailer all around
Willy tailer my true lover
He has left the battle ground

Written By
William A Larkins
March the 30th
A D 1866.
--------------------------------
Mar. March 2d I866

ia. Can I forget my absent friend
The friend that I adore.
Can I forget the friend I love.
And think of him no more No Never
---------------------------------------

Written by William. A. Larkins
March the 3oth A D 1866

ib. Round is the ring
That has no end
so is my love
For you my friend
--------------------------------------
The Romish Lady [12] No 2nd

1. There was a romish lady, brought up in pauparie
Her mother often tolde her, the priest she must obey
O pardon me dear mother, I umbly prey the now
For unto these fals idols, I can no longer bow

2. Assisted by her hand maid, a bible she conceiled
From this she gained instructions, till god his love revealed
No longer would she prostrate, to an image made of gold
But at length she was betrayed, and her bible from her stold

3. I will bow to my dear jesus, I will worship him a lone
I will work by faith forever, the works of man unknown
I will not worship idoles, nor an image mad by man
Dear mother use your pleasure, but pardon if you can

4. With grief and great exertions the mother then did go
To inform the romish clergy the cause of all her woe
They priests did soon assemble and for this maid did call
They forced her to a dungen to frighten her with all

5. The more they did tormet her the more she did endure
All though her age was tender her faith was firm and sure
Her chains of gold so costly they from this lady took
And she with all her spirits the pride of life forsook

6. Before the pope of torment they thought she would return
And there she was condemed in the horrid flames to burn
Be fore the pope of tormet they brought her speedilie
With uplifted hands to heaven she there agrede to die

7. There being many ladys assembled in that place
With uplifted hands to heave she beged supporting grace
Weep not ye tender ladies shed not a teer for me
While my poor boddy is burning my sole the lord will see

8. Your selves you need most pitty in sins more deeper dye
O ladyes turn to Jesus no longer make delay
In came her aged mother her daughter to be hold
And in her hands she brought her an image made of gold

9. O take away those idoles remove them from my sight
Bestoe to me my bible in whitch I tak delight
Alass her angry mother was on her ruin bent
I was you that did betray me for I am innocent (It)

10. Instead of rings and jewels with cords they bound her down
She cried olord have mercy or else I am undone
Soon as those words were ended in came the man of death
And kindled up a fire to tak away her breat (breath)

11. Tormentors youse your pleasure and do as you think best
I hope a smileing savior will take me home to rest
With jesus and his angels for ever I shall dwell
God pardon priests and people and so I bid farewell

Written By
William A Larkins
Aprill the 8th A D 1866
---------------------------------------
Written By By William A Larkins
April the 8th A D i866

Just After The Battle [13] No 3rd

1. Still upon the field of battle I am lying mother dear
With my wounded comrads waiting for the morning to appear
Many sleep to waken never in this world of strife and death
But many more are faintly calling with there faeble dying breath

          [Cho] Mother dear your Boy is wounded
                   And the night is drear with pain
                   But still I feel that I shall see you
                   And the dear old Home again

2. Oh the first great charge was fear full and a thousand brave men fell
Still amid the dreadfull carnage I was safe from shot and shell
Still amid the fatal shower I had nearly past the day
When here that dreaded minnie struck me and I fell amid the fray

3. Oh the glorious cheer of Triumph when the foeman turned and fled
Leaving us the field of battle stewen with dying and sith dead
Oh the anguish and the torture that I could not follow on
But here among my wounded comrads I must wait till morning dawn
----------------------------------

Written By / William A / Larkins / April the I2th / A D 1866

3a. If you loved me
As I love you
No twoedge nife
Could cut our love in two

-------------------------------

When this cruel War is Over [14] No 4th

1. Dearest love do you remember when we last did meet,
How you told me that you loved me, kneeling at my feet
Oh how proud you stood before me, in your suit of blue,
When you vowed to me and country ever to be true,

     [Cho] Weeping sad and lonely hopes and fears how vain
            Yet praying when this cruel war is over praying that wee meet again

2. When the summer breeze is sighing mournfuly along
Or when autumn leaves are falling sadly breaths the song
Oft in dreams I see the lying in the battle plain
Lonely wounded even dying calling but in vain.

3. If amid the din of battle nobly you should fall
Far away from those who love you none to here you call,
Who would whisper words of comfort who would sooth your pain
Ah the many cruel fancies ever in my brain.

4. But your country called you darling angels cheer your way
While our nations sons are fiting we can only pray
Nobly strike for god and freedom let all nations see
How we love our sorry banner emblems of the free.

Written By / Mr. Larkins / April the I2th / A D I866
----------------------------------------

Elsworths funeral [15] No 5th

1. Hark the trumpets shrill calling
It pierces the soft summer air
Tears from each yurvave[16] are a falling
For the gallant brave ellesworth was there

[Cho]   2. There bayonets earthward are a turnig
               And the drums mufled breathe roles around
               But he hears not the voice of the mourning
               Nor awake to the bugle sound

3. Sleep soldier thy warfare is over
The first to depart to the fray
Long ere will this nation forget the
As thy name from the earth pas away

4. Sleep heroe thy country did call the
It knedeth the true and the brave
And why did this evil befall the
While shrouded thy form for the grave

5. Lo though art gone from among us
One that was loyal true and brave
Nor will we forget the elsworth
That you died our country to save

-----------------------------
Written By
Mr A Pushroot
April the I3th A D I8


Barbry Allen[17] No 6th

I. It fell about the martimus day
When the green leaves they were afalling
Sir James Graham in the west country
Fell in love with barbry allen

2. She was a fair and comely maid
And a maid nigh to his dwelling
Whitch made him to admire the more
The beauty of Barbry allen

3. Oh whats thy name my bony maid
Or where has though thy dwelling
She answered him right modestly
My name is barbry allen

4. Oh see you not your own ships
So bonny as they are asailing
I will make you mistress of them all
My bonny barbry all (Allen)

5. But they fell out apon a day
At the wine as they were adrinking
He tossed the glasses around andabout
And slighted barbry allen

6. Oh she has taken it so ill
That she would no more look on him
And for all the letters he could send
Still swore she never would have him

7. Oh if I had aman a man
A man within my dwelling
That will write a letter with my blood
And cary to barbry allen

8. Desire her to come withe speed
For I am at the dying
And speake one worde to her true love
For I will dy for barbry allen

9. His man is off with all his speed
To the place where she is dwelling
Here is aletter from your master dear
If your name be barbry allen

10. Oh when she looked the letter apon
with a loud laughter gide she
But ere she read the letter through
the tears had blinded her eyes

11. Oh slowly slowly rose she up
And slowly gaded to him
And slightly drew the curtains by
Young man I think your are a dying

12. Oh I am sick and very sick
And my heart is at the breaking
One kiss or two from thy sweet mouth
Would keep me from the dying

13. Oh minde you not young man said she
When you sat in the tavern
You made the health go round and a bout
And slighted barbry allen

14. And slowly slowly rose she up
And slowly slowly left him
And sighing said she would not stay
Since death of life had left him

15. She had not gone a mile from town
Till she heard the death bell knelling
And every knell that death bell gave
Was woe to barby allen

I6. Now when the virgin heard the same
Sure she was grately troubed
When in the coffin his corpse she viewed
Her sorrow was all doubled

17. What has though died for me she cried
Let all true lovers shun me
To lots I may this sadly say
That death has quiet undone me

18. Oh mother mother make my bed
And make it soft and narrow
Since my love died for me to day
I will dye for him to morrow

I9. The very last words that ever she spoke
She beged to be beryed by him
Repenting of that sorrowful day
That ever she denied him

20. Its out ove her grave there gowed a red rose (growed)
And out ove his a brier
They growed and tyed in a truelover not
And could not grow any hier
-----------------------------

Written By / William A / Larkins Aprill the 25th / A D 1866

Just Before the battle mother [18] No. 7th

1. Just before the battle mother
I am thinking moste of you
While upon the field I am watching
With the enemy in view
Comerads brave around me are lying
Filled with thoughts of home and god
For well they new that on the morrow
Some would sleep beneath the sod

[Cho]

2. Oh I long to see you mother
And the loveing ones at home
But o I willnot leave our banner
Till in honer I can come
Tell the traitors all around you
That there cruel words wee no
In every battle killed our soldiers
By the help they give the foe

3. Hark I here the bugle sounding
Tis the signal for the fight
And now many god protect us mother (may)
As he ever does the right
Here the battle cry of freedom
How it swells upon the ear
Now we will rally round our standerd
Else we will perish nobly there

4. Leaning on the merit mother
Of the one who died for all
Peace is in my bosom mother
Dont you here the angles call
Listen to them singing mother
Dont you here there music swell
Now I leave you loveing mother
God be wit you fare you well

[Cho] Fare well mother you may never
Press me to your heart again
But o you will not forget me mother
If I am numberd withe the slain

-----------------------------
Written By / William A Larkins / May the 2nd A D 1866

7a Read and that me
up you I love
and will love you
down see you dont

7b The rose iz read
The violetz are blue
The pinkz are pretty
and so are you my
Friend
---------------------------------------

The Fit Comes On Me Now [19] No. 8th

1. It was on a monday morning
The wether being fair
The mother and the daughter
Went out to take the air

2. And as they road along
This maid began to vow
Oh I will I must get maried
For the fit comes on me now

3. Oh hold your idle folly
And hold your silly tongue
For to get married
You no you are to young

4. My age it is sixteen
And that you must alow
I will I must get married
For the fit comes on me now

5. Suppose that you are willing
Who would you get for a man
Oh there is little jonny jewet
A palling of his cows

6. Suppose that jonny would slight you
As he has done before
Oh never mind that mother
In town there is thousands more

7. The sailler the tailler
The lad that holds the plow
Oh I will I must get married
For the fit comes on me now

8. Cold wether is a comeing on
And dreary is the wether
It is hard for one to lye alone
When two can lye together

9. Oh I wont lye alone
I wont I shant I vow
Oh I will and I must get married
For the fit comes on me now
----------------------------------------

Written By / William A / Larkins / May the 3rd A D 1866

"Come write me down the powers above"

Pretty Pollys [20] No. 9th

1. Come right me down the powers above
Which first created young mans love
Oh polly she is the darling of my eye
Where all my joy and comeforts lye

2. Must I go bound while she goes free
Must I love a girl that wont love me
Or must I act the childish part
To love a girl that will brake my heart

3. I will give the golde I will give the peril (pearl)
If you will fancy me my girl
The costlyests robes you then shall ware
If you will be my polly dear

4. Oh its none of your golde could ever entice
To leave of my father and follow your advice
For it never was my intention atall
To be at every young mans call

5. I got my hat to go away
Says she young man you had better stay
For as long as the moon stars shines bright
You are my joy and hearts delight

6. Oh lonesome hours have past and gone
And happy days have come at last
For the girl that once said no no no
Has answered yes and it shall be so

----------------------------------

Written By William A Larkins May the 9th A D 1866

A Soldier of late [21] No. 10th

1. I will tell of a soldier who has lately came from war
He curted a lady of honer and great store (courted)
Her portion it was so great that it scarcely could be tolde
But yet she loved the soldier because he was so bolde

2. As the lady and the soldier was riding out one day
Says the lady to the soldier I cannot marry the
For my father he is so cruel I fear he would end my life
So will I do no that I can not be the wife

3. Oh wel then says the soldier there is no fear again
For I am a lone man who has never crossed the main
He drew his sworde and pistoles and hung them by his side
And he swore he would get married let what would betied

4. As the lady and the soldier was riding hom from church
They met the girls olde father and seven armed men
Oh dear then cried the lady I fear we shall be slain
There is no fear atall said the soldier again

5. The old man he rode up and thus to her did say
Are these your proceedings dear daughter I do pray
So on your resovl for to be a soldiers wife
Loe down in this vally I will I will surely end your life

6. Oh well then says the soldier there is no time to prattle
For I am a lone man and ready for the battle
He drew his sword and pistoles which caused them rattle
And the lady held the horse wile the soldier fought the battle

7. The first one he came to he rushed him through the brain
The second one he came to be served him the same
Lets run then cried the others for fear we shal be slain
For to fight tha valiant soldier I no it is in vain

8. Oh well then says the old man, if you will but holde
Its you shall have my daughter and ten thousand pounds of golde
Fight on then cried the lady the portion it is two small
Holde your hands said the olde man and you shall have it all

9. Oh he welcomed him home and he called him his heir
It was not becausd he loved him but pure out of fear
Saying here is a soldier that guardeth not his life
For he faught seven armed men for his true loveing wife

-------------------------------------------------

Written By / William A Larkins / May the 9th A D 1866

The charming buty bright [22] No. 11th

1. Once I courted a charming beauty bright
She was my darling my own hearts delight
I courted her for love her love I did obtain
There fore I had no reason atall to complain

2. But when her old father did thus come to no
That I was a courting his daughter all so
He locked her up and kep her so severe
That I never o never got sight sight of my dear

3. Then I resolved to the war I would go
To see whether I could forget my love or no
But when I got there the army shone so bright
That it put me in fresh mind of my own hearts delight

4. Seven long years I served the king
And at the end of seven returned home again
With my heart so full of grief and my eyes so full of tears
Saying o what would I give for the sight of my dear

5. Then I resolved to her fathers hous to go
To see whether she had forgotten me or no
But when her mother saw me coming she rung her hands and cried
Saying my daughter loved you dearly and for your sake she died

6. Then I was sruck like a lamb that was slain
Tears from my eyes fell like showers of rain
Crying grief o that grief that grief I cannot bear
For my true love is in her grave and I long to be there

---------------------------------------------

The Drummer Boy [23] No. I2th

1. When battle aroused each war like band
And carnage loud the trumpet blew
Young edwin left his native land
A drummer boy for waterlieu.

2. His mother when his life she pressed
And bade her loveing boy adiew
With ringing hands and acheing breast
Beheld him march for waterliew

3. Oh he who noes no infant fears
His knapsack over his sholder threw
And cries dear mother go drye those tears
Till I return from waterliew

4. He went ere the seting sun
Beheld the armes the foe subdew
The flash of death the murders gun
Tat laid him low in waterliew (That)

5. Oh comrad comrads edwin cryed
And brightly beamed his eyes so blew
Go tell my mother edwin died
A drummer boy in waterliew

6. They laid his head upon his drum
By the moons pale light and mikey hew (milkey)
When midnight silanced the battle gun
They dug his grave in waterliew

-----------------------------------

Come Youth and age [24] No. 13th
[This is a version of "The Siver Dagger" also known as "Katie Dear" and various other titles. See Footnote 24 below. R. Matteson 2011]

1. Come youth and age prepay atention
To these few lines I am about to right
Tis of a youth whitch I shall mention
Who has lately corted a beauty bright

2. And his parent came to no it
They did in deavor both night and day
To part him from his own dear guble (or juble-jewel?)
She is two poor they would of times say

3. He would kneel down on his knees before them
He would implore them both night and day
Saying o do not my true love dis pleasure
Or what is this hold worlde to me

4. She being a maid that was crowed with beauty (crowned)
Not noing whitch course to persew
She rambled forth and left the sitty
Some silent grove to wander threw

5. At length she reached the crystial river
And sat her down beneath a tree
She sied and said o shall I ever
Eaver more my true love see

6. She then pulled out her silver dager
And pierced it through her snowwhite breast
Saying fare the well my own truelover
So fare the well I am a going to rest

7. Her truelove was wandering wild and frantic
Not thinking he would see her more
Those words he heard thy seemed romantic
As she lye bleeding in her gore

8. He ran toward his truelove weeping
And raised her from the purple ground
Saying o truelove how can thou dare to
Waste this life that nature gave

9. Its are you tired of all earthy pleasurs
Or are you going with all your charms
Are there no friends nor golde can save you
While you lye bleeding in my armes

10. Her cold black eyes like stars did open
Saying o truelove you have come to late
Prepare to mete me on mountzion (Mount Zion)
Where all our joyes will be complete

12. He then picked up his true loves wepon
And pierced it through his tender heart
Saying let this be a sollum warning
To all who do truelovers part

--------------------------------------

Written By / William A Larkins / May the I3th A D 1866

The California Song [25] No I4th

1. Since times has been so hard I will tell you sweet heart
I have a great mind to leave of my plow and my cart
And a way to Calliafornia a journey I will go
To double my fortune as other folks doe

Cho (Man)
While here I must labor each day in the field
And the winter consumed all that summer doth yield

2. Dear husband I mour a lamentable heart
You have long time neglected your plow and your cart
Your sheep lye at random disordly round
While your new sunday jacket you have everry day on

Cho (Woman)
So stick to your farm you will suffer no loss
For a stone that keeps rolling will gather no moss

3. Dear wife let us go and dont let us wait
I long to be going I long to be great
While you may be a lady and who noes but I
May be a ritch govner its ere that I dye

4. Tis time for such hye fortunes should sease
For you never could be more than justice of peace
For purchase of whiskey in quit sin dispair (?)
Your old raged paper would never pass there

5. Dear wife let us go and dont let us stand
I will purchase a farm that is clear to my hand
Where horses sheep cattle are not very dear
And wee will feast on fat buffalo one half of the year

6. Dear husband remember your lands of delight
Are surounded by indians who murder by night
Your house will be plundered and burnt to the ground
While your wife and your children lye scattered around

7. Dear wife you have convinced me I will argue no more
I never once thought of your dying be fore
My children I love them all though they are small
But my wife I do love you the dearest of all

--------------------------------------------

Written By / William A Larkins / May the 24th 1866

I4a In this book I take aspot
To write these lines forget not.

--------------------------------------------

Sister Mary [26] No. 15th

1. On a stormy night in winter
When the wind blew cold and wet
I heard some strains of music
That I never can forget

2. I was sleeping in the cabin
Where lived mary fair and young
When a light shone in the window
And a band of singers sung

3. We are a comeing sister mary
We are a comeing by and by
Be ready sister mary
For the time is drawing nie

4. Then I tried to call my mary
But my tongue could not obey
When they sang some strains of music
And the singing flown away

5. As I watched I herd a rustling
Like the rustling of the wind
And besides my maryes pillow
Very soon I herd them sing

6. We are a comeing sister mary
We are a comeing by and by
Be ready sister mary
For the time is drawing nie

7. Again I called my mary
But my sorrow was so complete
When I herd her heart of kindred
Had forever ceased to beat

8. And now I am very lonely
From summer round till spring
And of times in mid night summer (oft)
Think I herd the same ones sing

9. We are comeing sister mary
We are comeing by and by
Be ready sister mary
For the time is drawing nie
-----------------------------------------

The Gallant Husars [27] No. 16th

I. A damsel posesed of great beauty
She stood at her father own gait
While the gallant husars were on duty
For to view them this maiden did wait

2. There horses were carpring and prancing
There couterments shone like a star.
Over the plains they were advancing
She espied her gallant husar

3. With there volieces throw over there shoulders
So caless they seemed for to ride
So warlike appeared those youg soldiers
With there glittering sword by there side

4. To the barracks so early next morning
This damsel she rod in her car
Because she did loved him sincerely
Young edwin the gallant husar

5. It was there she conversed with her soldier
Those word were herd for her to say
Says fayne I have a heart no blder
Then to folio my lady away

6. Of fie says young edwin be studdy
Considder the dangers of war
When the trumpet sounds I must be ready
So wed not your gallant husar

7. For twelve months on bred and cold water
My parents confined me from you
Oh hard hearted parents to there daughter
Whoes heart is so royal and true

8. But unless they will confine me for ever
Or banish me from them afar
I will follow my soldier forever
For to wed with my gallant husar

9. Says edwin your friends you must mind them
Or else you are forever undone
They will leave you no portion behind them
So pray do my company shun (I will follow so chever?)

10. Says fane If you will be true harted
I have golde of my ucles in store
From this time no more will we be parted
I will wed with my gallant husar

11. As he looked gaazed on her (each) beautyful features
The tears they did fall from each eye
Says he I will wed with my beautyful creature
To forsake cruel war he did crie

12. And now they are united to gether
Friends think of them near and afar
Heaven blles them now and forever
Young fane and her gallant husar

----------------------------------------------

Written By / William A / Larkins / May the 26th A D 1866

i6a. Stand took to taking
I under you under overthrow my under

i6b. Read see that me
Up will I love
And you love you
Down and you dont

----------------------------------------
Fullers Confession [28] No 17th

I. Ye sons of columbia your attention I crave
While a sorrowful ditty I will tell
Whitch hapened of late in the indiannia state
Of a heroe but few could excell

2. Leike sampson he courted a maid
Whome he intended to make his dear wife
But she like deliely o his heart she did ensnare
And it coste him his love and his life

3. A gold ring he gave her in the token of his love
On the prow was the imag of a dove
They mutely agreede to be marryed with speede
They were promised by the powers a bove.

4. Now this fickle minded maid vowed again for to wed
With young warren a liver in this place
When at one fatal blow it proved his over-throw
And it added to his shame and disgrace

5. For satan through the hands of this woman laid a snare
Whitch deprived these two heroes of there lives
Oh young men be cautious be ware and be wise
Of your vows when youre courting of your wives

6. When young fuller came to here he was deprived of his dear
Whome he had vowed by the powers for to wed
With his heat full of woe unto warren he did go
And unto him smilingly said

7. Young warren you have ronged me to gratify your life
By reporting that I had left a prudent wife
Acknowledge you have ronged me or I will break your jaws
Oh warren I will deprive you of your life

8. Young warren thus replied your request must be denied
To your darling my heart it is bound
For the I can say this is my weding day
In spite of all the heroes in town

9. Young fuller through the love of passion anger grew
Whitch around all caused many for to crye
For at one fatal shot he killed waren on the spot
Smiled saying I am ready for to die

10. Young fuller was condemed by the lawyers of this court
Of lawrence burg then for to die
That ignominious death for to hang above the earth
Like sampson on the gallows so hie

11. The time drew nie that brave fuller was to die
With a smile he bid the audiance adew
Like an angell he did stand for he was a handsome man
On his bosom was the ribbon of blue

12. This pleasing consolation we must now understand
While the gallows it hung over his head
He believed and was babtised and from sin he was set free
And his spirit to glory they fled

----------------------------------

May the 28th

Awake ye drousy Sleeper [29] No 18th

1. Awake awake ye drowsy sleeper
Awake awake til allmost day
How can you sleep ye charming creatures
Since you have stold my heart away

2. Oh go oh go you will wake my mother
My father he will so quickly hear
Oh go oh go and court some other
She softly whispered in my ear

3. The father he herd those lovers talking
So quickly he jumped up out of bed
And polked his head out of the window
When this young man so quickly fled

4. Come back come back dont be fals hearted
Come back come back and stay with me
And wait till fathers passion is over
Then jimmy thy lawful bride I will be

5. Oh daughter oh daughter I will confine you
In a dark and a dusty room
Where you shall be fed on bred and water
But once a day and that is at noon

6. Oh father oh father pay me down my portion
It is ten thousand pounds I know
And I will cross the wide watery ocean
Where all the lands ar covered with snow

7. I will not pay you dow your portion
It ain't ten thousand'pounds I no
And you shant cross the wide watery ocean
Where all the lands are covered with snow

8. I wont have none of your bred or water
Or any thing else all at your ade
If I cant have my hearts desires
Single I will go to my silent grave
----------------------------------------------

Written By
William A Larkins
May the 30th

A D 18 froze to deathe if you
Dont die before that time

18a In the hour of solm enjoyment
And in the hour of sociel glee
William when of your friends you think
Sometimes think of me.

---------------------------------
Written by / Amanda S. Larkins

Young Caroline [30] No I9th

1. Come all you young and roving girls
A story I will tell all of a farmers daughter dear
On dry crick she did dwell

2. Her age it was scarce sweet sixteen
When died in love she fell
Mackdonnel was the favored one
He vowed he loved her well

3. His heart and hand with many a vow
Was offered at her shrine
With flattering tongue the heart he won
Of lovely caroline

4. Her father fround upon her love
And bitterly he swore
Macdonnels blood should stain the earth
Tho he approached his door

5. But fathers are not always near
Nor did they always finde
Macdonnel and young caroline
Upon forbiddeng ground

6. The wintery hours soon passed away
And summer smileing camen
Young carolines bright eyes grew dim
Her cheeks was not the same

7. Macdonnels eyes soon marked the change
My dearest girl he cryes
Oh why are those rosey cheeks so pale
And why are those tearful eyes

8. Thus many a bitter taunt I have borne
And many a scornful name
Till all most broken is the heart
Of your poor caroline

9. I have sworn to love the fond and true
And may the blame be mine
If blame through me befall to the
Oh lovely caroline

io. Your mother she is fast asleep
Your fathers at his wine
Eear brake of day be far away
Oh lovely caroline

11. Oh stop but one short moment
Till one last look I take
My father and my mother dear
Oh god my heart will brake

12. Mackdonnel takes her by the hand
His arm was round her waist
He points unto his waiting steede
Oh haste my darling hast

13. Macdonnel mounts up in the saddle
His love was placed be hind
Over prary plain he flies the main
With lovely caroline

I4. Its now this couple are marryed
I wish them joy devine
May everry girl throug out the world
Love true like caroline

---------------------------------------------------

Written By / William A Larkins / May the 3Ist A D , 1866

Time enouf yete [31]  No. 2Ist

I. A time full as long as the senes of old troy
To win the sweete heart of my time did imploy
And urge the day of my marrage to set
And as oft she replied there is time enough yet

2. I at length told her her passions was rong
And more than I scorned to be fooled with so long
She burst out laughing at seeing me fret
And she humed out a tune there is time enough yet

3. Determined at length to be fooled with no more
I flew from her presance I bounced out a doors
And reasond of the usage the better to get
Her honor me again I never would set

4. Early next morning her maid came in haste
And beged me forget all that had past
She said her lady did nothing but fret
And I tolde her think on there is time enough yet

5. Next she rote in a letter it was long as my arm
The clad from her soul she intended no harm
She beged I might the marrage day set
And I sent her answer there is time enough yet

6. But that had scarce gone when a message I sent
To show her in my heart I began to repent
I beged I might see her together we met
We kissed and maid friends again and so we are yet
--------------------------------

On one monday morning [32] No. 22nd
[This is a version, perhaps the earliest US version, of Handsome Molly recorded in 1927 by Grayson and Whitter and later coverd by Doc Watson. It's related to "Farewell Ballymoney (Loving Hannah; Lovely Molly)" and also "The Irish Girl." R. Matteson 2011]

1. It was on one monday morning
That I arose
I went to see my true love
It was my hearts intent

2. My true love she is good looking
She is verry slim and tall
Besides she is good natured
And thats the best of all

3. I went to church last sunday
I rode up by her side
I new that her mind was changed
By the movements of her eye

4. I new that her mind was changed
To some neater man than I
I new that her mind was changed
And disgracefully to me

5. Oh lizzy dont you remember
You gave me your right hand
And you vowed if ever you marryed
That I should be the man

6. But now your are at your liberty
To wed with who you please
While my poor heart is a breaking
You are lolling at your ease

7. I wish I were in bablon
Or some other town said he
I would place my foot on board a ship
Soail over the briny sea
-----------------------------

Written By / William A Larkins / June the 6th A D

I866 picking / up sticks

22a. I had a little dog
His name was rover
And when he died
He died all over
 
22b. i. When I marry a wife
I will marry her well
And if she dont like me
She may go to hell

22b. 2. And if I marry another
And she is worse and the other
I will turn her off
And have no other

--------------------------------
On On we go to Liberty

Harp on a willow [33] No 23rd

I. Oh I will hang my harp on a willow tree
And I will of to the wars again
My peaceful home is no charm for mee
And the battle fields no pain

2. The lady I love will soon be abride (a bride)
With a diadem on her brow
Oh why did she fatter my boyish prid (pride)
She is going to leave me now

3. She took me from my war like lords
She gave me a silken suit
I thought no more of my masters sword
Nor plaid on my master lute

4. She seemed for to think me a boy above
Her pages of low degree
Oh had I abut love with a boyish love (but loved?)
It would have bin better for me

5. But I will hide in my breast everry selfish care
And I will flush my pale cheek With wine
And when a waits the bridal pare
I will hasten to give them mine

6. Oh I will laugh and I will sing thoe my heart it may bleed
And I will walk in the vastry train (vestry)
And if I survive I will mount my steede
And I will off to the wars again
One lock of her golden tress i will twine in my helmets able ploome

7. And I will off to the lands ove pallas tine (Palestine)
To seek me an early doom and if by the sussarians[33] hand I fall
Amid the noble and the brave
One tear from the lady I love is all I will ask from the warriors grave
--------------------------------------------

Written By / William A Larkins / June the 8th A D 1866

The Dog and The Gun [34] No 24th

1. There was a young squire from yarmouth was here
He courted a noblemans daughter most dear
And for to get marryed it was there intent
All friends and relations they gave there consent

2. The time being appointed all for the weding day
A young farmer was choosen there waiter to bee
As soon as this. lady the farmer she spied
It inflamed her heart o my heart this lady cryed

3. She turned away from him but nothing she said
And instead of getting marryed she went to her bed
The thoughts ove the farmer still run through her mind
And away for to get him away she did find

4. Coat vesket and small clothes this lady put on
And a hunting she went with her dog and her gun
Oftimes did she fire but nothing did she kill
Till at length the jolly farmer came whistling in the field

5. Ohe I thought you would have bin to the wedding she cried
To wait one the young squire and to bring him his bride
Oh no replied the farmer the truth to you I will tell
I wont give her away for I love her to well

6. This lady being pleased for to see hime so bold
She gave hime her glove it was all flowered with gold
She told him she found it as she came along
As she was a hunting with her dog and her gun

7. This lady went home with her heart full of love
And she gave out the speach that she had lost her glove
And he who will find it and bring it to mee
I will adoar him forever his bride I will bee

8. As soon as this farmer the news he came to here
Srait away unto this lady in haste did appear
Saying here honered lady I have found your glove
And will you be so kind as to grant me your love

9. Tis already granted this lady replied
I love the sweet breath of the farmer she cried
I will be mistress of my dry apailing of my cow
While my jolly brisk young farmer goes a whistling to his plow

10. The day of the wedding she told of the fun
How she hunted the farmer with her dog and her gun
But now I have got him so fast in my snare
I will adore him forever I will vow and declare
-------------------------------------------

Written William A Larkins / May the 18th A.D. 1866

24a Why dont you say yes no how

The Fair Damsel [35] No 25th

1. I will tell you of a fair damsel bothe charming and young
Courted she was by a fals lying tongue
Of times he would kiss her and call her his dear
Saying love wont you marry for a thousand a year

2. Young men they dont marry for love in these days
They marry for ritches there fortunes to raise
And I have neither portions nor parents said she
So why do you place your affections on me

3. Tis not for your silver tis not for your gold
Tis your beautyfull charms love that I do so behold
If your heart it is royal this damsell replied
Tis a pitty young man that you should be denied

4. Then he courted her a long time till he gained her heart
And he left her to mourn a lamentable smart
Then he corted an old widdow all decripled an old
And he mareyed her all for the sake of her gold

5. Its when this fair damsel came to here of the news
She smote on her breast and she tore of her shews
Saying the lord have mercy on me for I have done all I can
There is nothing in the hold world half so fals as a man

6. She had scarcely uttered those words when he entered her door
As he had done (bin there) of times before
Saying what I have done love I have done through good will
All though I am marryed I will visit you still

7. Begone from my presence go away from my door
Go home to your old wife for I will love you no more
Then he cursed the hour that he marry for gold
For her beautiful charms love he no more could be hold

8. Now al ye fair damsels take warning by me
Never place your afections on a green willow tree
For the branches they wither and the roots they will die
All tho I am forsaken and I knew not for why

9. But if I am forsaken oh he is forsworn
And he is hiely mistaken if he thinks I will mourn
I will dress my self up in the finest I see
And I will make as light of him as he did of mee

------------------------------------------

B B R Written By / William A Larkins / June the I2th A D 1866

The Sea Captain [36] No 26th

I. There was a fair damsel so crossed in love
That she was deep in despair oh
No care could she find to ease her sick mind
And she wandered alone on the shore oh shore, (repeat)

2. There was a sea captain who ploud the main
The sea it was cam and clear oh
I shall die I die was this captains reply
If I dont git that maiden so fair oh fair

3. What shall I give to you my jolly sea boys
What shall I give to you oh
Some projgect of art has come in to her heart
And she wanders alone on the shore oh shore

4. Hour captain got jewels our captims got rings
Hour captains got costly ware oh
If you will come on board wee will suit if we can
And wee will give you a sailler on shore oh shore

5. I have got no monney this damsell replied
To by of your costly ware oh
Hour captain he is kind he will trust you a while
Till he meets you again on the shore oh shore

6. By many persuasions this maid came on board
The sea it was calm and clear oh
He invited her down to the cabin below
Oh fare you well sorrow and care oh care

7. I will sing you a song if you think it fit
The captain he set her a chair oh
She sang so sweet so neete and complete
She sang all of the sailler to sleep oh sleep

8. She took ove there jewels she took over there rings
She took ove there costly ware oh
She took the captains broad sword in the place
To padle her boat to the shore oh shore

9. Oh were my men mad or were my men drunk
Or were they so deep in despair oh
That they let her go away with her beauty so gay
Singing fare you well sorrow and care oh care

10. Your men were not mad nor were your men drunk
Now were they so deep in despair
I begiled in your men as I did your heart
And I am again a maiden on shore oh shore

-------------------------------------------

Written By William A / Larkins / June the 21st A D I866

The Ship Carpenter [37] No 27th

I. Well met well met my own true love
Well met, well met were wee
For I have just returned from the sea salt sea
All for the love ove thee

2. Is it for me that you have come
Or is it me you are a meaning
For now I am marryed to a house carpenter
And a hamsone mane is he

3. If you will forsake your house carpenter
And go a long with me
I will take you where the grass grows green
And to sweet liberty

4. If I forsake my house carpenter
And go along with the
Oh what have you got to main tain me upon
And keep me from poverty

5. I have three ships all on the sea
A sailing for dry land
With a hundred and ten brave and jolly jolly men
Whitch shall all be at your command

6. She took her babe upon her nee
And she gave it kisses three
Saying, stay you at home you dear sweete little babe
And keep your old father company

7. They had not sailed more than four weeks
Or scarce had they sailed three
When she thought ove her dear cute little babe
And she wep most bitterly

8. Is it for me that do weep
Or do you weep for fearing
Or do you weep for that house carpenter
That you left and followed me

9. I do not weep for you my love
Nor do I weep for fearing
But oh I do weep for that sweete little babe
That I left and followed the

10. They had not sailed more than five weeks
Or scarce had they sailed fore
When under the deck there up sprung a leak
And the weeping was herd no more.

-------------------------------------

Written By / William A Larkins / June the 26th A D 18 froze to death

The Dying prisoner No. 28th

I. I am dying comrade dying
Far away from friends and home
In this rebel den I am lying
Suffering starving all alone

2. If i had a drink off water
If i had a piece off bread
But to quench my thirst and hunger
Ere i am numbered with the dead

3. 0 this loathsome dreary prison
O this cruel rebel dene
Where these mother sons are lying
Treated more like doges than men

4. No warm shelter spread above us
No green fields in whitch to range
O god grant that those who love us
Will compell them to exchange

5. If i could but see my mother
Though upon the ground i lie
Mingled With each starving brother
It would not be so hard to die

6. If i could but get a letter
If some news would only come
Of i know i would get better
If i could but here from home

7. And the brave and suffering soldier
Bowed his manly head and wept
On the cold ground of his prison
Ere in deat he camly slept

8. Am i dreaming comrade dreaming
Surely some one called my name
And i thought some one was comeing
And would take me home again

9. Home i think i am going comerade
But some how my sight is dim
And i see them comeing nearer
And i think i hear them sing

10. Where is the flag our old flag comerade
With its brave red white and blue
I would tell those white robed beings
that i served my country true

11. Nearer they are comeing nearer
I can see them plainly now
Bless god they are bringing water
For my fevered lips and brow

12. I will thirst no longer comerade
For a river pure i see
And beside its cristial waters
They have come to carry me

13. Is it home it seemes more lovely
Than the home that once was mine
And they streets are like the starlight
All so dazzling as they shine

I4. There is a wide and waving meadow
Where in peace i will rest and rome
O thank god they have exchanged me
And i no i am going home

15. There is no dark and dreary dead line
Theres no rebel sentry there
For the fields seem wide and boundless
And all things look bright and fair

16. Farewell comerade I am going
For the messengers have come
And i see clear waters flowing
God be praised i am going home

--------------------------------------

West Middlebury Ohio

The Soldiers Dying Wife No 29th

1. I am dying now i am dying now
I feel it no it well
But Oh the pang this knowledge gives
No words of mine can tell

2. It is not that i fear to dye
Or that i dread the grave
I am willing to give up my life
In to his hands who gave

3. Oh god how can i bare to leave
My little children dear
What will they do with mother dead
And with no father near

4. No father near for miles and miles
Away from here to night
In the army of the union
A battling for the right

5. Oh god how can I bear to dye
And him so far away
And no no tears of his will fall
Upon my senseless clay

6. To no i near can lay my head
Again upon his breast
Nor gaze in to his face once more
Before i sink to rest

7. he loved his country children wife
But country best of all
And with the first he went a way
To answer at her call

8. His picture lies upon my heart
And rises with each breath
And those who shroud will say that i
Was faithfull unto death

9. And close beside his pictured face
You will find for him a note
With stains to tell where teer drops fell
Upon it as i rote

10. And this he will read though far away.
When i am in the grave
And grief will ring that noble heart
That heart so true and brave

11. He will think of his poor children then
Left motherless and lone
And his fathers heart in pitty will bleed
For each poor helpless one

12. How he will long to be with them
To shield them from all care
But a soldiers duty is at his post
His place of honor there

I3. But i trust that god will grant
A mother dying prayer
And guard them with his holy love
And shield them with his care

14. Fare well my husband children dear
I am parting now with life
My breath groes fainter fainter still
Death claims the soldiers wife
---------------------------------

Written By / Mrs. C Froyaughehand
Cincinnatti Ohio / A D 1863

The Sailler Boy [38] No 30th

1. Dark was the coler of my true loves hair
His eyes resembled a lady fair
For no one else can give me joy
None will i have but a sweet sailler boy

2. Oh father oh father build me a boat
That on the oacean i ma float
And every ship that i pass by
I will inquire for my sweet sailler boy

3. Just as she was crossing the main
She spied three ships all out of spain
And as the captain he drew nie
She inquird for her sweet sailler boy

4. Oh captain oh captain tell me true
Does my sweet william stay with you
Oh tell me quick and give me joy
For none will i have but a sweet sailler boy

5. Oh no dear lady he is not here
He is drownded in the gulf my dear
Near yon rocky aisle as we passed by
There is where wee lost your sweet sailler boy

6. She run her boat against a rock
I thought the ladys heart was broke
She rung her hands and tore her hair
Lik a lady in de spair

7. She called for a cheer to set upon
A pen and ink to right it down
And at the end of every line she shed a tear
And at the end of every verse cried oh my dear

8. Its dig my grave both wide and deep
Place a marble toom stone at my head and feet
And on my breast a turtle dove
To testafy that i died for love
-----------------------------------------

Written February the 9th A D 1867

O fare the well [39] No 3Ist

I. O fare the well my own true love
Oh fare the well for a while
I am going away to return again
If it be ten thousand miles

2. Ten thousand miles my own true love
Oer scotlan france and spain
I never will mary any other girl
Untill i see your face again

3. Oh who will shoe your little feet
And who will glove your hands
And who will kiss your red rosy cheeks
When i am in a far distent land

4. My father will shoe my little feet
My mother will glove my hands
And you may kiss my ruby lips
When you return again

5. Oh it would of bin better for me my love
If i never had of bin borned
A mourning in the wilderness
For my true love is always gon

6. Oh dont you see that raven so black
As it hops from tree to tree
A mourning for its own dear children
As my parents mourn for me

7. Oh dont you see that little dove
As if flies from vine to vine
A mourning for its own true love
As i do mourn for mine

8. Oh if ever i prove false to you my love
I hope the rocks may wither with the sun
The earth may quake and the mountain shake
And the raging sea shall burn

-------------------------------------

Written / February the 9th A D 1867

Purty Polly [40] No 32nd
The Saillers [41] No 33rd

1. It was on one friday morning as we set sail
We had not got far from land
When we spied a pretty fair maid
With a come and a glass in her hand her hand her hand

Chorus
2. For the stormy winds they do blow
And the raging seas doath roar
While ye poor sailers goes up to the tops any trees
Many ye lie down below below below
While she lasords many ye lie down below

3. Up steped a boy of a hour gallant ship
And a well spoken boy was he
Saying i have a father and mother in a far distant land
And this night they will be looking for me for me me

4. Up steped a man of hour gallant ship
And a well spoken man was he
Saying i marryed a wife in a far distant land
And this night a widdow she will be will be be

5. Up steped the captain of hour gallant ship
And a well spoken man was he
Saying for the want of a long boat we all shall drown
And wee will sink to the bottom of the sea the sea

6. Its three times round went hour gallant ship
And its three times round went she
And its three times round went hour gallant ship
And she sunk to the bottom of the sea the sea sea
-------------------------------

Written / February / the 25th A D 1867 / By / William A Larkins

33a. On A zigzag rout and A rainny day
I have lost the school miss now they say
I should not wonder
-----------------------------

When I Was single [42] No 34th

1. When i was single of then oh then
When i was single oh then
When i was single my money did gingle
And the world it went well with me then oh then

2. I maryed a wife oh then oh then
I maryed a wife oh then
I maryed a wife and she teased at my life
And the world it went ill with me then oh then

3. My wife she got sick oh then oh then
My wife she got sick oh then
She got sick with the fevers just as i would have her
And the world it went well with me then oh then

4. I sent for the doctor oh then oh then
I sent for the doctor oh then
I sent for the doctor and he couldent come
And the world it went well with me then oh then

5. My wife she died oh then oh then
My wife she died oh then
My wife she died and I laughed till i cryed
And the world it went well with me then oh then

6. I sent for the cofin oh then oh then
I sent for the cofin oh then
I sent for the cofin and still i was laughing
And the world it went well with me then oh then

7. I went to the funeral oh then oh then
I went to the funeral oh then
Sweet musick we played and i danced all the way
And the world it went well with me then oh then

8. I walked in the garden oh then oh then
I walked in the garden oh then
Amid the pinks and the roses and the sweet smelling poses
And the world it went well with me then oh then

9. I maryed another oh then oh then
I maryed another oh then
I maryed another and she was worse than the other
And the world it went ill with me then oh then

10. Now all young men take warning
Now all young men take warning
Be kind to the first for the last is the worst
And you will wish for your old one again again

--------------------------------------------

Written by William A Larkins / March the 1st A D 1867
Angel Band No 35th

1. My latest sun is sinking fast
My race is almost run
My strongest trials now are past
My triumph is begun
[Chs] O come angel band
Come and around me stand
O bear me away on your snowy wings
To my immortal home

2. I feel im nearing the holy ranks
Of friends and kindred dear
For weve brushed the dew of jordan banks
The crossing must be near

3. I feel i am nearing my heavenly home
My spirit loudly sings
The holy ones behold they come
I hear the noise of wings

4. 0 bear my longing heart to him
Who bleed and died for me
Whose blood now changes' from all sin
And gives me victory

-----------------------------------

Written by / William A / Larkins / December the I3th
A D I867

35a. while the pulse of life beets warm and free
by all I love on heaven or earth I will
remember thee

H C

-----------------------------------------
Daisy Dean [43] No 36th

1. Twas down in the meadow the violets were blowing
And the spring time gras was fresh and green
And the birds by the brooklet there sweet songs were singing
When i first meet my darling daisy dean

[Chs] None knew the but to love the though deare one of my heart
O thy memory is ever fresh and green
Tho the sweet birds may wither and fond hearts be broken
Still i love the my darling daisy dean

2. Her eyes soft and tender the violets out vieing
And a fairer form was never seen
With her brown silken tress her cheek lik the roses
There was none like my darling daisy dean

3. The bright flowers are faded the young grass has fallen
And a dark cloud hovers over the scene
For the death angel took her and left me in sorrow
For my lost one my darling daisy dean

4. O down in the meadows i still love to wander
Where the young grass grew so fresh and green
But the bright golden visions of spring time have faded
With the flowers and my darling daisy dean

----------------------------------

Written By / William a larkins / A D I867 / December / the 2Ist

The Southern Spie No. 37th

I. Come all you southern heroes
And friends i left at home
And listen to my story
While southern soil i roam

2. I left my home in sixty three
Ile tell you the reason why
And how i came to go to the south
To be a sothern spie

3. The abolitions ordered us out
But i for one said nay
Its i resolved with in my mind
To the south to steer my way

4. Old abe he ordered us out to arms
He thought to make us fight
But i made myself quite ready
And left my home at night

5. When i first started out
In southern soil to roam
My father took me by the hand
Says he be true my son

6. My mother stood a weeping
While my sisters they did cry
Its little now theyre thinking
That i am a southern spie

7. Says i to my dear one
While my heart did ake with pain
Try and be cheerful
Til i return again

8. She rung her lily white hands
So mournfully did cry
its you in listed in the service
And in the wars youl die

9. The cannon balls are flying
While the bulets whistle by
The fife and drum are beating
To drowned the soldier cry

10. Stand by your canon boys
While shells and grape shot fly
And trust in god your savior
And kep your powder dry

---------------------------------

Written By / Wm A larkins / April the I3th 1868

37a. The ocean is wide
The sea is deepe

37b. My ink is blue And in your arms
My pen is golde I long to sleep
My love for you
Can not be tolde

37c. My heart is yourn
So is my hand

37d. Sure as the grass I love you
Groes a round the stump The best i can
You are my little sugar lump

---------------------------------

Lady Margaret [44] No 38th

I. Rise ye up rise ye up ye seven sons so bold
Put on your amer so fine (armor)
It never shall be said sutch a saucy young rogue
Shall marry a cirl of mine

2. Sweet William mounted the milk white steed
Lady margaret the daple dray
He rode on and she roode on
With a broad sword by his side

3. He looked to the east he looked to the west
To see what he could espy
And there he seen her seven brothers all
And her father drawing nigh

4. Light down light down lady margaret said he
And hold my steed in your hand
Untill i fight your seven brothers all
And your father drawing nigh

5. She stood and seen her seven brothers slain
And she never shed a tear
Untill she seen her old father father
Her father she loved so dear

6. Hold your hands hold your hands sweet william
Your blows are to severe
For truelovers i can have enough
But a father i have no more

7. Sweet william mounted the milk white steed
Lady margaret the dapple gray
He rode on and she rode on
Untill they came to the broad waters side

8. Light down light down lady margaret said he
Untill we drink of the waters so clear
Whats that what that dear william said she
That shines in the water so clear

9. Its nothing but the shadow of my red scarlet cloak
That shines in the waters my dear
Sweet william mounted the milk white steed
Lady margaret the dapple grey

10. He rode on and she rode on
Till they came to their old mothers door
Open your door dear mother said he
And let your own son son in

11. For i have received my own death wound
And a fair lady i have won
Make my bed make my bed dear mother said he
Put the pillow under the sheet

12. Lay my true love in my armes
That the sweeter i may sleep
Sweet william died just at midnight
Lady margaret just before day

So come along come along ye true lovers all
For youll talk more pleasure than i

----------------------
Written By Wm A Larkins / April the 25th 68

The Dying Californian [45] No 39th

1. Lay up near, brother near
For my limbs are growing cold
And thy presence seemeth dear
When thy arms around me fold
I am dying brother dying
Soon you will miss me in your berth
And my form will soon be lying
Neath the oceans briny surf

2. Hearken to me brother hearken
I have somthing i would say
Ere this vail my visions darken
And i go from hense away
I am going surely going
But my hopes in god are strong
I am willing brother knowing
That he doeth nothing wrong

3. Tell my father when you greet him
That in death i prayed for him
Prayed that I might one day meet him
In a world thats free from sin
Tell my mother god assist her
Now that she is growing old
That her son would glad have kissed (her)
When his lips grew pale and cold

4. Hearken to me katch each whisper
Tis my wife i speak of now
Tell oh tell her how i missed her
When the fever burnt my brow
Hearken to me closely listen
Don't forget a single word
That in death my eyes did glisten
When the tears her memory stird

5. Tell her then to kiss my children
Like the kiss i last impressed
Hold them fast as i last held them
Folded closely to my breast
Give them each to there maker
Puting all there trust in god
And he will never forsake her
He has said so in his word

6. Tell my children heaven bless them
They were all my life to me
Would i could once more carress them
Ere i sink beneath the sea
Twas for them i crossed the ocean
What my hopes were ill not tell (I'll)
But they have gained an orphan portion
Yet he doeth all things well

7. Tell my sisters i remember
Every kindly parting word
And my heart has been kept tender
By the thoughts their memory stird
Tell them i never reached the haven
Where i sought the precious dust
But we gained a fort called heaven
Where the gold doth never rust

8. Urge them to secure an entrance
For they will find their brother there
Faith in jesus and repentance
Will secure for them a share
Hark i hear my savior calling
Tis his voice i know so well
When i am gone oh dont be weeping
Brother here my last farewell

--------------------------------------
Written By / Wm A Larkins / april the 28th 68

Poison Serpent [46] No 40th

1. In springfield mountains there did dwell
A pretty youth was known full well
For tenant mary his only sun
A pretty youth near twenty one

2. One mondays moring he did go
Down in the meadow all for to mow
He mowed about from field to field
With a poison serpent at his heals

3. When he received his deadly wound
He lade his scythe down on the ground
To return home was his intent
A crying loud long as he went

4. As he was hern both far and near
None of his friends seemd to appeare
He thought he did some workman call
A lass poor man a lone must fall

5. When he laid down copell to death
Folding his arme across his breast
His eyes and mouth were tite and fast
A lass poor man must breath his last

6. Whe the dark night came approaching on
The father went to seek his sun
And there his only sun he found
Ded as a ston lying on the ground

7. Sixteenth of august sixty one
When this sad accident was done
May this a warning be to all
To be prepared when god doth call

-----------------------------------------

Written By / Wm A Larkins / April the 26th

Georgia[47] No 41st

I. As i crossed over poland bridge
It was all on a misty morning
O there i spied a pretty little miss
A lamenting for her Georgia

2. Go bring me up my milk white steed
My bridal rains make ready
I will go she said i will see lord judge
I will pleade for the life of georgia

3. The judge stood looking over his left shoulder
A looking as though he was sorry
Oh my dear madam you have come to late
For your georgia is to hang to morry

4. As georgia was walking up and down
A taking his leave of many
A taking his leave of his own true love
Whitch grieved him the worst of any

5. As georgia was walking up and down
A taking his leave of many
If your own confessions will hang you
May the lord have mercy on you

6. I never robed on the kings high way
I never murdered any
But i stolde sixteen of my kings best steeds
And i solde them in bohamy

7. Oh georgia was hung with a golden chain
Sutch links you will find not many
Because he was of a humble birth
And was loved by a royal lady

8. I wish i were on younders hill
Where i have had kisses plenty
With a buckle to my side (buckler?)
And a sworde in my hand i would fight
I would fight for the life of georgia
------------------------------------

Written by Wm A Larkins April the 28th

Confession of Mc ifee [48] No. 42nd

1. Draw near young friends and learn of me
My sad and mournfull history
Oh may you near forgetful be
Of all this day you learn of me

2. I had scarsely reached by fifth year
When my father and my mother dear
Was both laid in there silent grave
By him who did there beings gave

3. But providence the orphant friend
A kind relief did quickrely lend
And snatched from want and penury
Poor little orphant Mackifee

4. Beneath my ucles friend roof
From dangerous cares and far aloof
Nine years I was so kindly served
And of his kind advice I herd

5. But i was thoughtless young and gay
And of times broke the sabbath day
In wickedness i took delight
And off times did what was not right

6. And when my uncle would me chide
I would turn from him dissatisfied
And join again in wickedness
And so to serve with eagerness

7. So at length arived the fatal day
When from my home i ran away
And to my sorrowed sin sick life
I took unto my self awife

8. And she was good and kind to me
As any woman kneeds to be
My love for hur would have bin no dout
Had i not seen miss hetty rhout

9. It was on one pleasant summer day
When hetty stold my heart away
My love for her controlled my will
And caused me my poor wife to kill

10. It was on one pleasant summer night
The sky was clear the stars shone bright
My wife was lying on the bed
When i approached hur and said

11. Dear wife here is medison i have brought
Oh for you now this day I bought
And i no dear it will cure you
Of those vile fitts pray take it do

12. She gave to me a tender look
And in her mouth the poison took
And With her baby on the bed
Down to her last long sleep she lade

13. But thinking that she was not dead
My hands upon her throat I laid
And there sutch deep impressions made
Her sole soon from her body fled

14. Then my vile heart was filled with woe
I cried oh whither shal i go
How can i quit this mournful place
The world again how can i face

15. I would freely give up all my store
Had i ten thousand pounds or more
If i could only bring to life
My dear my darling loveing wife

16. Her body now lies beneath the sod
Her sole i hope is with its god
And soon into eternity
My guilty sole will all so be

I7. Oh now the time is drawing nigh
When from this world my sole shall fly
To meete jehova at his bar
And there my final sentance here

18. So now dear friends to all adew
No more on earth will i see you
But on heavens bright and flowery plain
i hope to mete you all again

-------------------------------

Written By / Wm A Larkins / November the 1st 186

Increase of Crime [49] [43]

I. Ive bin thinking of late Ive bin thinking
My thoughts I can hardly define
Ive bin thinking why people can wonder
At this terrible increase of crime

2. I am sure wee have plenty of gold sir
Our banks are as full as can hold air
Wee could by the whole world I am told sir
Yet still theres an increase of crime

3. It is true what you say uncle samuel
Wee have plenty of gold laid away
Moulded with mildew and rust sir
Guarded by night and by day

4. While you like a dog in a manger
Your gold to your self you confine
When a little would make a great change sir
In this terrible increase of crime

5. Can you wonder at weak constitutions
When bloodsucking firms bravely give
Enough to keep off destitootion
A girl though shes poor she must live

6. Theres our poor needles girl God defend her
With feelings as proud and as tender
As your proud city lady remember
Yet still you do wonder at crime

7. Can you wonder at crime can you wonder
When you see the poliece on his beat
Arresting a poor starving man sir
For begging his bread on the street

8. While the thief on the corner stands grining
In the broad open light of the say
And your pocket hed pick for a shilling
And the law can not touch him they say

9. He smiles with contempt and derision
He defines the whole poliece division
While the poor man is sent off to prision
Uncle sam can you wonder at crime

10. Just think while your drinking your wine sir
How the poor of our land they are fed
While you with your ritch folks can dine sir
Tis a God send for them to get bread

11. Go visit the homes of the poor sir
sutch sights you will never behold
To our prisons then go and explore sir
And scatter your hoardings of gold

12. A little would soon break asunder
The chains the poor sufferer is under
Go list to that great voice of hunger
And you will never more wonder at crime
---------------------------

Eras Grahame
To Wm A Larkins
March the 24th 1877

43a. Remember well and bear in mind
A trusty girl is hard to find
But when you find one good and true
Change not the old one for the new

Lavilla E. Larkins

43b. Many friend kind and true
Ever stand by your side
and pleasures ever new
always with you abide.

Ruth
-------------------------------
Lyda May [44]
1st Death has taken from among us,
From this Earthly home away,
The hearts Idol of our house-hold,
Happy angel Lyda May.

Cho
She is now in heaven singing,
Songs of holy extacy
She is free from pain forever,
Happy angel Lyda May.

2d When the evening Shadows gather,
And we are done the toil of day,
Then we Sit So Sad and lonly,
Tthinking of our Lyda May.

3d There is her cradle Standing emty,
And her clothes are laid away,
In the Bureau neatly folded,
Worn no more by Lyda May.

4th In the corner lies her play things
Oft She's Sat with them to play,
They will be touched no more forever,
By the hands of Lyda May.

5th It was on one bright June morning,
Jesus to our Lamb did Say,
Rise up higher leave the earthly
Saviours Lyda May.

6th And we must prepare to meet her,
As she walks the golden way,
On the streets thats pure and holy,
We will join our Lyda May.
---------------------------------------

Written by Lavila E. Larkins,
For William A Larkins,
This dec 15 A D 1878.

44a. My pen is poor
my ink is pail
My love for you
Is as long as a sail

44b. In looking over this paper well
you will find stains where tear drops fell
Although miles wee are apart
I hope to meet you soon never to part
----------------------------------

I'll be a good boy[50] [45]

I. I went to the ale house
To sport and to play
We danced all that night
And the half of next day
And about midnight boys
We made the fiddles roar
And I'll be a good boy
And do so no more

2. There were Nancy and Sally
And Phebe likewise
And I have talked to them all
Till the tears came in their eyes
And I have talked to them all
Till the tears fell on the floor
And I'll be a good boy
And do so no more

3. Its many a fine horse
In my life I have stole
And many a rich man
I have robbed of his gold
But in sporting and swearing
I have spent all my store
And I'll be a good boy
And do so no more

4. The jail it stood open
For me to walk in
The Jail it is a hell boys
You told me so before
And I'll be a good boy
And do so no more

5. Before I had been there
Above a half a year
I was glad to drink cold water
Insted of strong beer
I was glad to eat the crums boy
That fell down on the floor
And I'll be a good boy
And do so no more

6. I had a rich uncle
That lived in the west
He heard of my transgressions
And could not aggress
He came for to see me
And paid of my score
And I'll be a good boy
And do so no more

7. I'll go home I'll go home
I'll go home to my wife
I'll work and maintain her
The rest of my life
I'll work and get money
And lay it up in store
And I'll be a good boy
And do so no more

8. And now my brave boys
My story I have told
The now my dear boys
Its now I am getting old
And the thoughts of the grave boys
Grieves my heart full sore
And I'll be a good boy
And do So no more

---------------------------------
Written By
James "O" Larkins
For
William "A" Larkins

45a. Nelly Was A lady [51]
Down on the Mississippi floating
Long time I trabble on the way
All night the cotten wood a toating
Sang for my true love all the day"

Chorus
Nellie was a lady
last night she died
Toll the bell my lovely nel
My dark virginia bride"

---------------------

Fairmont State College,
Fairmont, West Virginia

--------------------
Footnotes:

1. Mr. Larkin apparently relished signing his name, since almost all pieces bear his signature, with the given name in full or abbreviated, and the last name written both as "Larkin" or "Larkins," and occasionally spelled with a small "1," as in line 2 of the prefatory note reproduced herewith (see photo also), and at the end of Nos. 36 and 37. No. 4 is signed "Mr. Larkins." Nos. 5, 29, and perhaps 44 were written by others.

2. A few entries are undated, and Nos. i, I8, 40, 4I, and 42 bear incomplete dates. Witty remarks to rhyme with the date in question have been added to Nos. I8, 22, and 27. Only two items (28 and 29) include references to places where the songs were entered in the album.

3. Specimens of the spacing have been attempted in Nos. i, i, 2, 5, i8, 29, 43, 44, and the
prefatory note. To conserve space all other signatory data running more than one line have
been combined, with breaks being indicated by virgule.

4. Periods have been added uniformly after stanza numbers, choruses marked by italics and indented, and italics introduced in the titles. The ordinal numbering of the songs in the upper right hand corner has been kept. To facilitate reference, numbers have been assigned to "Johnnie Sands" (i), and to the last three titles in the album, and numbers supplied to the "posy rings"
as detailed in note 10.

5. See note Io for an index of "posy rings" and other kinds of album inscriptions. Mr. Larkin's spellings have been retained in the index even when they differ (as they frequently do) from the spellings of the titles themselves in the text.

 6 This number, which may be a fragment, appears not to have been written down by Mr. Larkin. It is almost impossible to read, and whoever wrote it evidently scribbled it in at the beginning of the collection after it was well under way or perhaps completed.

7 whose (?)

8 below (?)

9. I've wished (?)

10. Album verses of this kind, sometimes known as "posy rings," I believe, are found here and there throughout the collection. Numbers have been assigned to them, as follows: ia, ib, ic, id, ii, ia, ib, 3a, 7a, 7b, I4a, I6a, 16b, i8a, 22a, 22b, i, 22b, 2, 24a, 33a, 35a, 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, 43a, 43b, 45a. Items ii, 43a, and 43b (44a, 44b?) are signed. For a brief general treatment
of sentimental and satiric verse of this kind see Paul G. Brewster, "The Friendship Verse, A Hardy Perennial," Hoosier Folklore, 5 (I946), 111-114.

11. H . M. Belden, Ballads and Songs Collected by the Missouri Folk-Lore Society,p p. 182-183; Cox, Folk-Songs of the South, pp. 382-383; Creighton, Songs and Ballads from Nova Scotia, pp. 64-67; Sharp, English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachians, I, 373-376; Mackenzie, Ballads and Sea Songs from Nova Scotia, pp. I32-I34; Randolph, Ozark Folksongs, pp. 295-296; Greenleaf and Mansfield, Ballads and Sea Songs from Newfoundland, pp. 49-50; Sharp, One Hundred English Folk Songs, pp. 160-16; Barry, JAF, 22 (1909), 74; ibid., 380-382; Lomax, JAF, 28 (1915), 162-163.

12. This is sometimes given as "The Death of the Romish Lady," as in Louise Pound's American Ballads and Songs. Versions are found in the following: Belden (5 versions), pp. 450-455; Brewster, Ballads and Songs of Indiana, pp. 257-259; Eddy, Ballads and Songs from Ohio, pp. 220-222; Pound, American Ballads and Songs, pp. 63-66; Pound, Folk-Song of Nebraska and the Central West, a Syllabus, p. I4; Pound, JAF, 26 (I913), 355.

 13 Pound, Folk-Song ... p. 40. Miss Pound gives the chorus (at least what Mr. Larkins gives as the chorus) and comments: "Words of a soldier lying on the field of battle among his comrades. Companion piece of the preceding." (The "preceding" song is "Just Before the Battle.")

14 This is probably in most collections that contain Civil War Songs. Other collections in cluding this are: Belden, p. 381; Dolph, Sound Off pp. 339-341.

15 Colonel E. E. (Ephraim Elmer) Ellsworth was a Civil War hero, born in Mechanicsville, N. Y. in I837. In 1859 he organized a zouave corps which became noted for its excellent discipline. In i86I he accompanied President Lincoln to Washington, and later went to New York where he organized a zouave regiment of firemen of which he was made colonel. In May he was sent to Alexandria, Virginia, where he took down a Confederate flag from a hotel, for which the hotel keeper shot and killed him, and was himself shot in turn by one of Ellsworth's men. A picture of Col. Elmer Ellsworth appears on page 291, and a picture of the Marshall House at Alexandria, Virginia, where he met his death, appears on page 265 in Roy Meredith's Mr. Lincoln's Camera Man (New York: Scribners, I946). This ballad is contained in Pound, Folk-Song . . ., p. 13, under the title "The Soldier's Funeral," with Miss Pound's comment: "Meditations, general in character, on a soldier's death." She gives one stanza, very similar to  the first stanza of "Ellsworth's Funeral." This stanza is:

Hark to the shrill bugle calling,
It pierces the soft summer air;
Tears from each comrade are falling,
For the widow and the orphans are there.

Since the first stanza of "Ellsworth's Funeral" is almost exactly the same as the first three lines here, except that "yurvave" is substituted for comrade, it appears likely that either the song commemorating Ellsworth's death was closely patterned after some general song of a soldier's death, or, that such a general song was fashioned from a song expressly composed on the death of Col. E. E. Ellsworth.

16. The word "yurvave" at first presented some difficulties, but after suggestions by Dr. J. W.
Ashton and Dr. A. F. R. Lawrence, I believe that it undoubtedly is "zouave," from the name
of Ellsworth's company. Dr. Lawrence also suggests that since Mr. Larkins credits a Mr. Pushroot
with having written the song, perhaps Mr. Larkins misread his writing, with this interesting
word as a result, or, if the song were not original with Mr. Pushroot, he may have made this
error in copying. In either case the error can not be ascribed to oral transmission. Dr. Lawrence
suggests further that since there is some similarity between this ballad and "Soldier Rest" in
Sir Walter Scott's Lady of the Lake as well as between it and "The Burial of Sir John Moore at
Corunna," by Charles Wolfe (1791-1823), the original author must have been well acquainted
with English literature.

17 Barbara Allen (Child No. 84) is perhaps the most popular of all the old ballads, and appears in almost every collection. Its wide occurrence can be charted in Child, and in such representative American collections as Belden, Sharp, Randolph, Barry-Eckstorm-Smyth (British Ballads from Maine), and Davis (Traditional Ballads of Virginia).

18 This song is included in Cox, p. 277; Pound, Folk-Song . .., p. 40; Dolph, pp. 33I-334,
and in many collections containing Civil War songs.

19 Sharp includes this in his English Folk Songs... as "I Must and I Will Get Married."
It is also found in Belden, p. 266 ("Mother and Daughter"),

20 Although Mr. Larkin gives this twice (9, 32) I am unable to identify it satisfactorily. In most collections, such as Cox (p. 387), Randolph (p. 415), and Lomax-Lomax, Our Singing Country (pp. 172-174), etc., "Pretty Polly" tells the tale of the murder of a girl after her lover tells her "I was digging your grave the best part of last night." (This tragedy is sometimes known as "The Cruel Ship's Carpenter.") "Lady Isabel and the Elf-Knight" (Child No. 4) is sometimes also called "Pretty Polly" or "Purty Polly." In Mary 0. Eddy's Ballads and Songs from Ohio, "Pretty Polly" has a happy ending-i.e., the girl marries the man after seven years, when his wife dies-but it may not be the same song at all. The closest version I have found is Version A of "Sally and Her True-Love Billy" (Barry, Eckstorm, and Smyth, British Ballads from Maine, pp. 418-425). This version has a happy ending, and the same theme as that of "Pretty Polly" in the Larkin Album. For other material bearing on this see Randolph, Ozark
Folksongs, pp. 205-2I2 ("Pretty Sally of London"). Cf. Child No. 295.

21 This is sometimes known as "The Valiant Soldier" or "The Bold Soldier," "The Lady and the Dragoon" or "The Soldier's Wooing." Brewster identifies it as "Erlington" (Child No. 8), because of the happy ending, as do Gardner and Chickering, Barry, Eckstorm and Smyth, and others. Mary 0. Eddy lists this as a version of "Earl Brand" (Child No. 7), although this is strictly tragic. This is found in many collections, including Belden, pp. 103-Io4; Brewster, pp. 40-4I; Sharp, English Folk Songs ... (8 versions), I, 333-340; Cox, pp. 375-376; Randolph, pp. 303-307; Pound, American Ballads and Songs, pp. 68-69; Pound, Folk-Song . . ., p. 4; Barry, Eckstorm and Smyth, pp. 377-382; Creighton, pp. 25-26; Scarborough, A Song Catcher in Southern Mountains, pp. 20I-203; Eddy, pp. 14-17; Gardner and Chickering, Ballads and Songs of Southern Michigan, pp. 380-38I; Tollman and Eddy, JAF, 35 (1922), 414; Henry, Folk Songs from the Southern Highlands, pp. I85-I87. (This, of course, is a version of Burl Ives's "The Bold Soldier.")

22. This is sometimes known as "The Lover's Lament." It is included in: Belden, pp. 164- 165; Brewster, pp. I96-I97; Sharp, English Folk Songs..., II, o03-io8; Cox, p. 342; Randolph, pp. 146-147; Scarborough, pp. 3II-312; Eddy, pp. II3-II4; Sharp, American-English Folk-Songs, p'p. 48-52; Kittredge, JAF, 26 (1913), I76-177; Perrow, JAF, 28 (9I5S), I47; Kittredge, JAF, 30 (1917), 334-335.

23 Cox, p. 293; Randolph, p. 338; Creighton, pp. 145-146; Eddy, pp. 163-164.

24. This is usually known as "The Silver Dagger" and is included in Belden (8 texts), pp. 123-I26; Brewster (4 texts), pp. 2II-214; Cox, pp. 350-352; Eddy, pp. 227-229; Gardner and Chickering, pp. 88-89; Pound, American Ballads and Songs, pp. 12I-I24; Pound, Folk-Song ... pp. 17-18; Sharp, English Folk Songs .. ., II, 229-230; Thomas, Devil's Ditties, pp. 110- 111; Belden JAF, 25 (1912), 13; Barry JAF, 25 (I912), 282; Kittredge, JAF, 30 (1917), 362-363.

38 This is commonly known as "Sweet William," "The Sailor's Sweetheart," "Oh Captain,
Captain, Tell Me True," etc. It is found in Belden (6 versions), pp. 186-191; Brewster, pp.
269-270; Cox, pp. 353-357; Randolph, pp. 296-300; Creighton, pp. 89-91; Scarborough, pp.
318-320; Eddy, pp. 97-I03; Gardner and Chickering, p. 94; Henry, Folk Songs . . ., pp. i88-
190; Henry, Songs Sung in the Southern Appalachians, pp. 177-178; Sharp, One Hundred English
Folksongs, pp. 162-163; Pound, Folk-Song ... p. 42; Tolman, JAF, 29 (I9I6), I99; Kittredge,
JAF, 30 (1917), 363-364; Tolman and Eddy, JAF, 35 (1922), 4I0-42I; Rickaby, Ballads and
Songs of the Shanty-Boy, pp. 85-86.


25 Belden calls this "The Rolling Stone" (2 versions), pp. 351-352; Tollman and Eddy, JAF, 35 (I922), 408-4IO.
 26 Stout, Folklore from Iowa (MAFS, Vol. 29, 1936), pp. 68-69.
27 Eddy, p. 313. (Here it is called "A Damsel Possessed of Great Beauty," and the first two
stanzas are given.)

28 According to information sent to me by Miss Caroline Dunn, Librarian of the Indiana
Historical Society, Indianapolis, the shooting of Warren took place on January io, I820 (the
day set for the wedding of Warren and the girl) and the hanging of Fuller, after an appeal to the
State Supreme Court failed, on August 14, 1820. According to information published by Paul
Brewster in his Ballads and Songs of Indiana, Fuller was a Kentuckian. On the day he was to
be hanged, there was a rescue party, that planned to save his life, but the group was unable to
ford the river until after the hanging was over. This song appears in Cox, p. 217; Pound, American
Ballads and Songs, pp. 116-118; Belden (4 versions), pp. 302-307; Brewster (7 versions),
PP. 363-368.

29 This is usually called "The Drowsy Sleeper," or sometimes "Awake! Awake!" or "Who
is Tapping at my Bedroom Window?", and appears in Belden (8 versions), pp. II8-123;
Brewster (6 versions), pp. 170-174; Sharp, English Folk Songs . . . (io versions), I, 358-364;
Cox, pp. 348-349; Randolph, pp. 244-249; Pound, American Ballads and Songs, pp. 51-53;
Pound, Folk-Song .,., pp. 18-19; Scarborough (4 versions), pp. 139-142; Eddy, pp. 92-94;
Gardner and Chickering, pp. 86-88; Sharp, One Hundred English Folk Songs, pp. 106-107;
Henry, p. I9o; Kittredge, JA F, 20 (I907), 260-26i; Pound, 26 (1913), 354; Raun and Peabody,
JAF, 29 (1916), 200-201; Kittredge, JAF, 30 (1917), 338-343; Tollman and Eddy, JAF, 35
(1922), 356.
30 I believe this is an Americanized version of "Caroline of Edinborough Town" (sometimes
Edinboro or Edinburgh) although the ending is happy in Mr. Larkins's version, and the girl
lives on "Dry Crick." Nevertheless, her lover wins her "with flattering tongue," the father
bitterly objects, and they run away. Every complete version of "Caroline of Edinborough
Town," I believe, ends with the lover's going back to sea, and Caroline's giving "three shrieks
for Henry" (one shriek in one case) and throwing herself into the sea or river. Helen Creighton's
"Caroline and Her Young Sailor Bold" in Songs and Ballads from Nova Scotia, ends happily
(pp. 66-67). Collections including "Caroline of Edinborough Town" are Sharp, English Folk
Songs..., I, 404; Mackenzie, pp. 94-95; Cox, pp. 362-363; Randolph, pp. 240-243; Eddy,
pp. 165-166; Gardner and Chickering, pp. 64-65; Linscott, Folk Songs of Old New England,
pp. 183-185; Flanders, Ballard, Brown, Barry, The Green Mountain Songster, pp. 79-83, etc.
225
 31 Belden gives two texts for this (pp. 197-198).
32 Henry gives a text of this, and calls it "I Rode to Church Last Sunday" (Folk Songs ....
pp. 255-256).
33 Louise Pound gives the first stanza of this song in Folk-Song... (p. I4). She also gives
with this first stanza the following note: "The singer's lady has proved inconstant and is soon
to be the bride of another. He goes to fight the Saracens in Palestine."

34 This is also known as "The Golden Glove," and appears in Belden, pp. 229-231; Sharp,
English Folk Songs ..., I, 377-378; Cox, pp. 384-386; Randolph, pp. 308-3o1; Scarborough,
pp. 227-230; Eddy, pp. 173-I75; Gardner and Chickering, pp. 195-197; Flanders, Ballard,
Brown, Barry, The Green Mountain Songster, pp. 29-31; Thomas, pp. I70-I71; Tolman, JAF,
29 (1916), 17I-I73; Bell, Ancient Poems, Ballads and Songs, pp. 70-72; Bell, Early Ballads and
Songs, pp. 290-292.

 35. This is the same theme as "The Cuckoo" or "The Unconstant Lover," and verses 8 and 9
are more or less identical with similar verses in most versions of these songs dealing with forsaken
maidens. This one, however, goes farther than most. The unconstant lover marries an
old, crippled widow for her gold, and then goes back to his young love, who refuses to have
anything more to do with him. All of which makes him "curse the hour he married for gold."
36 This is sometimes called "The Maid on Shore" or "The Maiden Who Dwelt by the
Shore" and is included in Mackenzie, pp. 74-75; Greenleaf and Mansfield, pp. 63-64; Belden,
pp. 107-109.

37 This is "James Harris, the Daemon Lover" (Child No. 243). American texts are usually
called "The House Carpenter." Other collections containing this are Sharp, English Folk Songs
... (22 texts and tunes), I, 244-258; Cox, pp. 139-149; Randolph, pp. I66-I70; Randolph,
Ozark Mountain Folks, pp. 20I-203; Pound, American Ballads and Songs, pp. 43-45; Pound,
Folk-Song..., p. io; Barry, Eckstorm and Smyth, pp. 304-310; Scarborough, pp. I50-159;
Eddy, pp. 70-77; Gardner and Chickering, pp. 54-58; Sandburg, The American Songbag, pp.
66-67; Stout, pp. 11-I3; Davis (27 texts and 2 appendices), pp. 439-478; Belden (9 texts),
pp. 79-87; Brewster (9 texts), pp. 136-148; Flanders, Ballard, Brown, Barry, The Green Mountain
Songster, pp. 95-96; Thomas, pp. 172-173; Smith, South Carolina Ballads, pp. I5I-155;
Henry, Songs Sung in the Southern Appalachians..., pp. 59-61; Henry, Folk-Songs....
pp. 113-118; Barry, JAF, I8 (1905), 207-209; Belden, JAF, 29 (1906), 295-297; Kittredge,
JAF, 20 (1907), 257-258; Barry, JAF, 25 (1912), 271-275; Pound, JAF, 26 (I913) (parts given
from) p. 350 (?); Kittredge, JAF, 30 (I9I7), 325-327; Tolman and Eddy, JAF, 35 (I922),
347-348.
39 This is usually known as "The True Lover's Farewell" and appears in Sharp, English
Folk-Songs ..., pp. 113-118; Sharp, One Hundred English Folksongs, p. 126; Cox, pp. 413-414;
Sandburg, pp. 98-99, and I26-I27; Lomax-Lomax, Our Singing Country, pp. 140-14I; Belden,
pp. 480-482; Brewster, pp. 348-349; Henry, Songs Sung in the Southern Appalachians, pp. I75-
176; Henry, Folk Songs . . ., pp. 205-207.
40 This is the same as number 9, above.
41 This is usually known as "The Mermaid" (Child No. 289), and appears in Sharp, English
Folk Songs ... (4 versions), I, 291-293; Mackenzie, p. 65; Cox, pp. 172-173; Barry, Eckstorm
and Smyth, pp. 363-368; Scarborough, pp. I89-I90; Stout, pp. 14-15; Belden, pp. oI-Io02;
Lomax-Lomax, Our Singing Country, pp. 151-152; Sharp, A Book of British Song, pp. 34-35;
Henry, Folk Songs ..., pp. 133-134; Pound, Folk-Song ..., p. o1; Chappell, Popular Music
of the Olden Time, II, 742-743; Barry, JAF, I8 (1905), 136; Barry, JAF, 22 (1909), 78; Kittredge,
JAF, 26 (I913), pp. I75-I76.
42 Reported in Mackenzie, pp. 347-348; Eddy, pp. I8I-184; Sandburg, p. 47; Belden, pp.
437-439; Lomax-Lomax, American Ballads and Folk Songs, pp. 156-158; Pound, American
Ballads and Songs, pp. 207-208; Pound, Folk-Song .. ., p. 58.
43 Reported in Pound, Folk-Song .... p. 37. Miss Pound makes the following comment
about stanza 4, "Regrets of a lover for the death of his early sweetheart."
44 This is "Earl Brand" (Child No. 7). Other collections containing this are Sharp, English
Folk Songs ... (Io versions), I, 25; Mackenzie, pp. 9-II; Cox, pp. I8-19; Randolph, pp. 48-49;
Barry, Eckstorm and Smyth, pp. 35-40; Greenleaf and Mansfield, pp. 7-8; Davis, pp. 86-92;
Belden, pp. 5-16; Brewster, pp. 37-39; Randolph, Ozark Mountain Folks, pp. 219-221; Henry,
Songs Sung in the Southern Appalachians, pp. 45-46; Henry, Folk Songs ... pp. 36-37; Bell,
Ancient Poems Ballads and Songs, pp. 122-124; Randolph, The Ozarks, pp. 8I--I83; Perrow,
JAF, 28 (1915), 152-154.
45 Reported in Belden, pp. 350-351; Cox, pp. 232-233; Pound, American Ballads and Songs,
pp. I9I-I93; Pound, Folk-Song ..., p. 20; Eddy, pp. 286-287; Greenleaf and Mansfield, pp.
359-360; Pound, JAF, 26 (19I3), 357; Tolman and Eddy, JAF, 35 (1922), 364-365.
46 This is usually known as "Springfield Mountain." The Lomaxes call it "Rattle Snake" and
Linscott calls it "The Black Sarpent." It is reported in many collections and periodicals, including
Belden (three versions), pp. 299-300; Brewster, p. 322; Sharp, English Folk Songs .. .
II, I66-I67; Cox, p. 292; Eddy (4 versions), pp. 248-252; Gardner and Chickering, pp. I20-i2I;
Linscott, pp. 285-286; Botkin, A Treasury of American Folklore, pp. 828-829; Lomax-Lomax,
American Ballads and Folk-Songs, pp. 356-357; Flanders, Ballard, Brown, Barry, The Green
Mountain Songster, pp. 159-161; Henry, Songs Sung in the Southern Appalachians, pp. 223-224;
Pound, Folk-Song .. ., p. I9; Gerould, The Ballad of Tradition, p. 276; Coleman and Bregman,
Songs of American Folks, pp. I8-19; JAF, 13 (I900), I07-II2; JAF, I2 (1899), 242-245; Barry,
JAF, I8 (1905), 295-302; Barry, JAF, 22 (1909), 366-367; Perrow, JAF, 28 (1915), I69; Tolman,
JAF, 29 (I916), 188-189; Tolman and Eddy, JAF, 35 (1922), 415-416.
47 This is Child Ballad No. 209, "Geordie." It is also included in Belden (3 versions), pp.
76-78; Sharp, English Folk Songs... (6 versions), I, 240-243; Cox, pp. I35-I36; Randolph
(4 versions), pp. 61-I65; Randolph, Ozark Mountain Folks, pp. 224-225; Scarborough, pp.
213-215; Gardner and Chickering, p. 317; Greenleaf and Mansfield, p. 40; Davis, pp. 435-438;
Sharp, Folk Songs from Somerset, p. 5; Sharp, One Hundred English Folksongs, pp. 24-25;
Pound, Folk-Song..., p. Ir.
48 Reported in Belden (6 versions), pp. 317-321; Sharp, English Folk Songs ... (4 versions),
II, I5-I6; Cox, pp. 192-I96; Pound, American Ballads and Songs, pp. 153-I54; Pound, Folk-
Song ..., p. 34; Eddy, pp. 289-29I; Gardner and Chickering, pp. 337-338; Stout, pp. 107-109;
Randolph, The Ozarks, pp. I99-20I; Tolman, JAF, 29 (1916), 186-187.
49 Carl Sandburg in The American Songbag, p. I95, gives one verse and melody of this and
calls it "The Poor Working Girl." I have thus far found no other version. Sandburg's verse ends;
"My God, can you wonder at crime!"
50 This is in the middle of the album, with no date, and most of it is so dim that I have been
barely able to make it out. So far, I have found no similar version. Carl Sandburg's "The Good
Boy" in his album of ballads and songs, and in The American Songbag, is entirely different.
51 There is a fragment of this, one verse and chorus written at the lower third of the page
where "I'll be a good boy" ends. This, of course, could be found in many collections of American
songs.