The White River Shore- Ingenthron (Mo.) 1958
[This is from the Max Hunter Collection. Ingenthron sang the ballad almost 20 year earlier for Vance Randolph and it had an additional verse and a partial verse. This version is important because it shows clearly the connection of the "New River Shore" ballads with the "Bold Soldier" ballads. See also Randolph's nearly identical version by Ingenthron from 1940.
R. Matteson 2014]
The White River Shore - As sung by Mr. C. W. Ingenthron, Walnut Shade, Missouri on November 19, 1958.
VERSE 1: At the foot of yonders mountain, where fountain do flow
The valley was covered all over with snow
I courted a fair damsel fer six months or more
And I gained her affections on the White River shore
VERSE 2: And when her cruel ole Father came this for to know
He swore he would send me to th regions below
He gathered up an army of twenty men or more
For to fight for his daughter, on th White River shore
VERSE 3: Let's retreat, says the lady, for fear we be slain
O no, says the bold soldier, I see it's all in vain
He drew his sword and pistol and hung them by his side
He swore he would get married, at what might be tried
VERSE 4: The first one he came to, he pierced him thru the main
The next one he came to, he pierced him just the same
Out'a twenty, he killed seven and wounded six more
And he gained his dear darling on the White River shore
VERSE 5: Let's retreat, says the ole man, for fear we be slain
To fight a gallant soldier boy, I see it's all in vain
Come hold your hand, bold soldier, the portion is to small
Come hold your hand, bold soldier, and you may have it all