Log 401  William Lord Stevens on the ship TRESCOTT, from Mystic CT to San Francisco CA

A journal of the ship Trescott 1850

Written on board of her on her passage from Mystic Connecticut to San Francisco

By

William Lord Stevens of  Conn  Stonington



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One winters morn in a suny bay

A noble ship at anchor lay

Her signal gay now floats on high

Which tells her sailing time is nigh 

For from A foreign Land their came

Great tales of welth with none to claim

From month to month the storys told

That California filled with Gold

Now ships and passengers prepare

To go and try their fortunes their

Among the foremost of the fleet 

The Trescott Ship was fitted neat

A skillful Captain next was found

Who oft Cape Horn had sailed around

And proved himself well skilled to trace

This watery path from place to place

The snow white topsails now are set   

The crew all Strangers now have met

The Anchor hoisted to the bow

And she begins the waves to plough

A dangerous reef now lies before

Our pilot oft has sailed it ore

Though a skillful man was at the wheel

Uppon this reef we grazed our heel

But still unhamed her way did cleave

Until the Pilot took his leave

Then with smooth sea and pleasent gale

Our Captain spread each stich of sail

Then like A thing of life she flew

Our homes no longer we can view

We strain our eyes but in its place

A long dark cloud all we can trace

But before the day had turned to night

This cloud had vanished from our sight

And nought is left but sky and ocean blue

Which our good ship was plowing through

But few that night their eyes did close



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For thoughts of home before them rose

Of friends and kindred left behind

For welth in foreign land's to find

That night past slow and lonesome by

Att last the daylight hit the sky

The breese was blowing fresh and strong

With Topsails reefed we skim along

Now woe to those who never ore

Old Ocean waves have sailed before

For the strange motion of the waves

A horrid sickness to them gave

And now wele[?] look uppon the crew

A finer set you never knew

Our Captain first from Mystic came

In station short of stout built frame

A sailor he and well dose know 

To guide his Ship in heavyest blow

Next in command Just Mark the name

Bill Bliven from New London came

In whose sleek face and  vacent eyes 

To Live[?] ere folly did despise

Next in command is the second mate

From Mystic came in Blue Law State

A man well liked by all the crew

Who knew and how and what to do

Our third mate next whose jolly voice

When heard in spirit makes all rejoice

Our  Docter next A man whose mind

Is stored with learning of all kind

Though young in years his skill is great

Decended from the cheif of  State

He oft does bost that he may claim

A Linage of illustrious name*

Now from the cabin we forward go 

The seaman's names we soon will know

??? Burrows first before us come

Herculean both in strength and frame

??? Burrows next though small and slim

*Perry



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In spareness few can equal him

Next Dewey we will kindly scan 

None know him but to praise the man

Groton they claim as their birth place

Whose Ledyard did the British face

at when at last he was forced to yeald

Was basely murdered on the field

A Henry Morris next we will scan

A low Deceatful ignorant man

Our Cooper next a Whaleman he

Who oft before has crossed the sea

Simons his name sole endowed

Of such may parents well be proud

In haveing from dame nature won

The bliss of having such a son

Our carpenter next claims my time

Timothy Lane just in his prime

He knows his traid as his work will show

And does it well but Thundering slow

Next Stephen Baker  hese always gay

Paid Fifty Dollars to work his way

A lively man you nere can trace

A sign of anger in his face

A William Harding with Baker came

Hes young in years of slender frame

Next Peter Tufts hese free and kind

A better shipmate hard to find

George Prentice and Ned Avery to

With William Falkner are of the crew

And Thomas Ash who is young and smart

On bord of the ship can do his part

Next last not least Bill Stevens stands

But him Ill leave to abler hands

For in this World you will find but few

That can this Stevens justic do

These forteen men make up our crew

Of passengers their is fifty two

Now on we sail each day we sail



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Until in the latitude of twelve we came

But their a dreadful cry did hear 

Which struck the boldest heart with fear

A cry of fire through the Ship ran

Which terror struck to every man

Now up each hatch a heavy cloud

Of smoke arose now voices loud

But above them all one calm arose

And bade the crew the hatches close

No sign of fear did the Captain show

But straite to the cooking range did go

Which set at home in careless haste

So very near the deck was placed

That from the heat the fire caught

Which all this fright and trouble brought

From bricks and morter the range we drew

And soon the fire we did subdue

The fire was quenched but not the fright

When we set the waches for the night

Again all right with breeze' fine

Until two degrees north of the line

But their in calms some days we lay

And we lowered the boats to pass away

The time which past most horrid slow

And in one our Docter bold did go

Now Docter Hazzard could not swim

Which they all knew so to plague him

A wicked plan these rogues did lay

The boat to capsize on this day

And this wicked deed was duly done

And the risk of drownding all did run

For twice our Docter deep sunk down

And many thought that he would drown

But God ordained that he should live

And to the sick and suffering give

But his bever hat and compass wet

Learnt him a lesson he wont forget

??? now with the breeze strong



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Again our good ship drives along

We crossed the line where Neptune came

On bord and took each strangers name

On on we sail ore ocean blue

Till in the Lattitude of Forty two

But here the wind did haul ahead

And dark clouds the rain in torrents shed

The Thunders loud and deafening roar

No mortal eares ere heard before

The lightening flashes sharp and near

Filled every one on bord with fear

For hours the rain its torrents shed

The thunders roar the lightening sped

Flashes near and bright and every blast

Like reede's(?) bent are our quivering masts

With winds ahead and gales so strong

But slowly now we get along

At length one morning cold we see

Old Staten land far off our lea

Whose rock bound coast and mountains white

With snow was plainly in our sight

But on still on we quickly go 

Through squalls of rain of hale and snow

Now off Cape Horn our good ship lies

To beat around in vain she tries

For many dayes in gales we lay

Until we take the wind from another way,

Were round the Cape but the north wind blow

We still pass on though very slow

For Tulca(?) that Glorious Place

Where live the fairest of human race

Now once again free winds we take

And soon the cost of Chilli make

Now with winds fair we make our way

Through waters smooth up Conception bay

And when at night the sun went down

We all saw Turkawana(?) town

It rained that night and squaly blew



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At nine O clock when we came to

But soon the ship and sails all right

We set the watches for the night

Next morn as soon as twas fairly light

That noble town was plain in sight

Turkawana(?) is a glorious place

The females is farrest of human race

With dance halls large and woman fair

No city can with thee compair

What though thy houses are rough and low

What though through mud your forced to go

The people are all kind and free

With smiles the Girls will welcome thee

Then wonder not midst scenes so gay

That time like light'ning flew away

Now in two weeks our wants supplied

With wood and coal and fright 

Beside three passengers to go

All in the cabin down below 

One Gentleman and two Ladies gay

Who for a cabin passage pay

At half past three were under way

And slowly sailing down the bay    

As the night drew near the breeze grew strong

With all sail set we skim along

Next morn from land our ship was clear

Now we for California steer

At ten O clock our Females come As yet no one has heard their name

The eldest one in age and crime

Has seen hard service in her time

If we by looks can rightly tell

She has done enough to merit hell

Her age I judge is twenty eight

In statue tall shes slim and strait

Her hair and eyes as black as night

With features long complexion light

With teeth uneven and black as A coal



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And on her chin is a large hair mole

And to tell her from the other dame

They call her Nancy for want of a name

The yonger one of medium height

With eyes and hair as dark as night

Complexion dark nose flat and wide

And a lip thats curled with scorne and pride

With cheek bones high teeth white and clear

In Spanish her name is pronounced Andrear

No maden modesty they show

With dresses unhooked around they go

On deck they laugh and talk as loud

As though around them stood no crowd

Now on we move now fast now slow

The wind most time from north did blow

So day by day  each one the same

As the one before we slowly came

At length one morning bright and clear

On deck our Docter did appearAnd in his hands a rool did bear

Of cotton canvass white and fair

With palm and needle in his hand

Upon a cask he took his stand

And there his every thought he bent

To sewing canvass for a tent

A passenger was passing by

When this white canvass caught his eye

And becaus for Hazzard he had a spite

With paint he stained his canvass white

The Docter he had tamely bore

A thousand things he had done before

But worst of all of spirit proud

Hes borne the laughter of the crowd

With a great effort all this he bore

Till now but he could stand no more

With livid lips and flashing eye

A stick of wood he soon let fly

With lightning speed at his old foe



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Which had it hit would have laid him low

And freed him from all earthly pain

Or wish to fool with man again

But luckely his aim want true

And overboard his wepon flew

Then curses deep from his lips did flow

He hastened down to meet his foe

His arms entwined around his neck

And tried to haul him to the deck

But all in vain though angry still

His strength want equal to his will

His opponant finding it no joke

Resolved in turn his foe to choke

With iron grasp his hands he drew

Till his breath grew faint and his face grew blue 

His eyes were starting from his head

And befor his eyes was visions dread

Then he with shocking voice did cry

O take him off before I die

And then helpe came before it was to late

And saved him from a horrid fate

Such scenes as this help pass away

The lonesome hours of mainy a day

But foure weeks past with wether fine

And breezes fair we have crossed the line

It chanced one night that down below

To sleep the Stabord watch did go

That angry words down their arose

Between two sworn and mortal foes

At length the yonger one did dare

To use such words as none can bear

That is one man unto the other

For they were insulting to his Mother

Our Carpenter could stand no more

One bound he maide accross the floor

Where all unconcious set his foe

He raised his hand and delt a blow

??? lightly he this blow did deal



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For long his foe the smart would feel

But not he the one to tamely stand

And take A blow from freemans hands

With anger then that know no bound

And flashing eye he looked around

Then quick as thought to his berth he flew

And from thence A huge sling shot he drew

A weppon that the boldest dread

It's A piece of rope atached to lead

If in strong hands and used with skill

On A mans head is sure to kill

But he in anger swung it round

And down it came with hollow sound

On poor Lanes head with such a blow

That from A deep wound the blood did flow

Down from his head in gushing tide

And soon his neck and face was died

But not content his foe once more

With vengence brought his weppon ore

And in its course it swept the light

And in darkness hid this desperate fight

But still uncheced it onward sped

And another wound cut in Lanes head

Naught seen or heard but curses loud

Until some one among the crowd

Who anxious was to see the fight

Got out of bed and lit A light

Which did A horrid sight disclose

Thare face to face was these two foes

Our Carpenter their upright stood

His face stained ore with his own blood

And siting on A chest quite near

Was his old foe though pale with fear

To part them now some one took care

Though deep revenge poor Lane did sweare

Then quick for the Docter ran the cook

Who hastened down with solemn look

Washed off the blood and two gashes found



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Then with solemn vissage looked around

With sober look and solemn face

Pronounced them in A dangerous place

With quack like skill he dressed each wound

Then started aft now still all round

We sought our berths and tried to sleep

But Lanes dread curses loud and deep

Kept us awake until the wach past by 

And in sleep no one had closed an eye

Next day our Captain forward went

And strait for the offender sent

Who with slow steps to him drew near

When such an cursing he did hear

As mortal ears nere heard before

He promised to do so no more

And thanked his God it was no worse

Glad to get clear with such A curse

We still sail on weve crossed the line

The wind still fair and wether fine

But here A secret comes to light

That makes more sport than any fight

Our Spanish Ladies you must know

Pay for A passage down below

There was no spare berth down their except

One in the room where the Captain slept

The upper bearth was very wide

So both could sleep their side by side

The Captain took the one below

So if he was called to quickly go

Close to the door A dimijohn stood

Twas filled with brandy strong and good

And oft at night when all was still

Our third mate went and drinked his fill

He chanced to be on deck one night

When the wind blew out the cabin light

And after he had paused to think

He swore hed go and get A drink

He crept along and then for fear



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That some one might his footsteps hear

He off with shoes and then did go

With footsteps light straight down below

With outstreched arms and careful tread

And soon the door he felt ahead

Then set him down upon the deck

Streached out his hands and by the neck

Took dinijohn in careful haste

And the nose between his lips he plaiced

And took A draught twas long and deep

Then paused to listen all is a sleep

Then took another longer drink

And set it down and began to think

A last he muttered I will try

If Im found out I can but die

Then with A laugh he shook his head   

Arose and went straite to the bed

In wich these Spanish women lay

And began with force to pull away

The cloths that kept them from the cold

For brandy strong had made him bold

Then one awoke in A great fright But he

he stooped ore and whispered light 

Its me my dear now pray lye still

Until of you I have had my will

But how she whisperd back I pray

Their is no room here so go away

For the Captain may perhaps awake

And you know my honor is at stake

Now go away or I will call

The Captain up and tell him all

These words did his ferce passion cool

He damed her for A Spanish fool

And then with step light and slow

Strait to the dinijohn did go

And in the contents sought to find

Something to calm his troubled mind

And soon his true old friend he found

He raised him up without A sound



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And plaiced him to his lips once more

And A larger drought took than before

Then with strong heart and burning face

He turned and left this dangerous place

And in his way found nought to check

His further progress to the deck

Now safe on deck he had just found

His shoes when with A welcome sound

The old bell rang that all might know

The watch on deck might go below

With heated brain and acheing head

That night he quickly sought his bed

Now of this scrape no one did know

Until the Captain sent for him below

This Spanish lady it does appear

Did for her honor greatly fear

And the next morning with sober face

She told the Captain what had took place

And he on A coart martial bent

Then straiteway for the Third mate sent

Who dare not fore his life say no

Did to the cabin quickly go

There sat the Captain cold and stern

Well sir he said I wish to learn

If you yourself do rightly know

Why you last night came down below

Well sir he said I will tell you true

The only reason that I knew

A Passenger A noble youth

Who I would  sweare had spoke the truith

Told me for eather love or spite

Theyd tried to coax him down at night

A mister John Shaw was his name

But still I dont think him to blame

I thought that I could do as well

Not thinking that the Bitch would tell

Call down Jack Shaw the Captain cried

Ill humble down the coxcombs pride



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Down came poor Shaw with crimson face

And next to Harley(?) took his place

The Captain said young man I find

That you have been so very kind

As around the Ship the news to spread

These women asked you to their bed

It was a joke this young man cried

And told as such although I lied

Nor thought I that he would ever go

To trouble them when down below

The Captain then did loudly sweare

That neither one had business their

And if again they dared to show

Their heads or sholders down below

Hed thrash them as he would A dog

And put it down in the ships log

And then he bade them leve him straite

Nor for farther orders did they wait

But quickly hastened to the deck

To give vent to feelings held in check

But different far these two did show 

Their feelings for what had passed below

The Third Mate with A laughing face

Told all the crew what had took place

And for what hed done he cared no mor

Than for the clouds that passing ore

But different far the other bore

His fate such shame he were before

Had felt or such A resk had run

A he for this small lie had done

He quickly hastened to his bed

Nor showed again that night his head

Next morning sun shone bright and clear

And Shaw his spirits dull to cheer

Took down A bottle and deep and long

He drinked of brandy pure and strong

This caused his courage to arrise

Then with fulshed face and sparkling eye

The bottle he did seize again



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And every drop from it did draine

Which quickly flew into his head

And he ded drunk was put to bed

But now the wind has hauled ahead

The sun his burning heat does shead

Were forced to stand well into land 

And here for weeks we are at A stand

Old Seventeen Six* we cant get by

For days and weeks in vain we try

For two long week with winds ahead

And now we begin to greatly dread

Our water will not last us there

Unless we use it with more care

They reckoned up what was below

And found on an allowance we must go

And the Captain on deck that night did say

Each one should have two quarts A day

And as the Ships duty they must do

An extra pint gave to the crew

July the Forth now came along

And with it was A breeze quite strong

The Sun shone out both bright and clear

And all hands hailed it with a cheer

In the forenoon A tent was spread

Our Countrys Flag streached overhead

With chairs and Tables and paintings gay

He dressed the tent up for A play

A carpet on the deck we spread

That all might walk with noiseless tread 

The chairs and carpet Clancy(?) lent

That we might furnish up the tent

By twelve the tent and all things right

The play to begin at seven at night

With fireing guns and lively play

The day was quickly past away

The women then were very kind

The shawls and dresses they did find

The Curtain arose and all things right 

*The latitude of 17' 06 North



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Before us was A splendid sight

The Lanterns hung around the tent

Their light to every corner sent

Their lads in Ladys dresses gay

A Mister Russell and Mister Day

Came on the stage beside five more

And each their part with honor bore

The pistols report and in the light

Drawn swords and daggers flashing bright

Served well to pass the time away

And end in sport A holaday

At ten O clock the play did close

And all well pleased then sought repose

From home A Captain with us came

A noble man Brewster ??? name

Who had on the Ocean spent his life

To support at home A Loving Wife

Nor did he toil so hard in vain

For a handsome property did gain

Then tired of such a wandering round

He bought himself a piece of ground

Resolved that he would stay at home

And on the Ocean no more roam

But when he heard the news of Gold

His piece of land he quickly sold

Then bought a boat and quick prepared

To journey whither no one cared

By fate or chance or God knows what

On board the Trescott ship he got

And thus he left his native land

Impasioned for the Golden strand

When on this side close to the line

Where God allowed no wether fine

He played no cards nor lay around

But some employment always found

His boat uppon the quarter deck stood

Upon her keel blocked up with wood 

And as her sides was much to low



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When loded deep to safely go

The three streeks(?) upon her sides did raise

Which did employ him many days

No cost nor labor did he spare 

To have her ready when he got their

And when she was finished he did proclaim

The Sacramento was her name

But now he has impatient grown

With sober face he stands alone

Or walks the deck with heavy tread

And cries my man how does she head

On June the tenth fair winds we take

And once again our course we make

And now our hearts with hopes beat high

Old seventeen six we have passed by

At length one day at half past three

An Island far we saw a lea

And for it then our course did steer

Till night set in with wether clear

The wind departed with the day

And through the night we listless lay

And ship and man alike did yawn

Until the coming of the morn

When smiling in he morning light

The land beamed full uppon our sight

The wind breathed lightly ore the tide

Of Ocean in his morning pride

And now two boats we did prepare

To try if fish were sporting thair

And as to land we neirer drew

We did no signs of beings vew

But barren rocks of verdure shorn

Uphevens(?) to the riseing morn

On whose bald pate and cheereless brest

No cloud would ever deign to rest

Within two miles the ship came to 

And now each boat with A full crew

Beside each had a jug of Wine



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And furnished well with hook and line

In one the Captain and ten more

The Third Mate at the steering oar

Both Spanish woman in their to

Who wished this fishing scrape to vew

The other boat but ten men took

Resolved for water they would look

With Captain Brewster in command

And starting both to pull for land

As tward the land our light boat drew

Three Turtles large we plain did vew

They still upon the water lay

But to capture them we had no way

So we approached near as we dare

For breakers large ware rooling thare

Our anchor here we quick let go

And overboard our lines did throw

The fish in plenty here we found

And sharkes in hundreds swarmed around

And as our lines we upward drew

These Devils bit our fish in two

Now Captain Brewsters boat came thare

And us did hooks and sinkers spare

Then told the Captain hed go around on

And see if water could be found

But as the sun was getting low

Our boat unto the Ship did go

But Brewster came and with him brought

A Turtle large which they had caught

He said the breakers rooled so high

To land his boat he dared not try

No signs of water he could trace

He bade the boats resume their place

And as the wind was blowing fair

The yards we did quickly square

That night we had the fish to clean

And such damed(?) decks was never seen

For several weeks the wind did blow



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So that the ship her course would go

And we all hoped he Trades to take

At last one night a sail we make

And strait for us she seemed to steer

The wind was light and wether clear

But darkness hid her from our sight

Till eight O clock she showed her light

We backed our topsail then straitway

And cleared our Starboard boat away

Then with the Captain and A full crew

Our light boat swift toward the light flew

A Spanish Brig as hey did say

But three days out from Monteray

And what did interest us mor

She left Francisco ten days before

Great tales of riches their they told

For A monstrous price their cargo sold

We eager listened to each word

Until the Captains voice was heard

In pleasant tones come man the boat

When each man started at the note

Our boat was maned all in high glee

And like A bird skimed ore the sea

At last we gained our Ship once more

And now each man lays in his oar

The boat was hoisted in her place

And forward quick our yards we brace

Now all on board went smooth and right

Until California hove in sight

And as our Ship to it drew near

Each man hailed it with A cheer

The wind was blowing strong and free

And soon the harbor all could see

At seven Oclock our Ship came to

And now to writing Ill bid Adue



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To My Mother

Dear Mother Ive wandered far from thee

Ore Oceans stormy brest

Ive braved the dangers of the sea

For thee whom I love best

But times rolled on since I left home

And brought with him care and pain

But hope still cheers me while I rome

To meet thee once again



2

I often think of the bright days

When with such tender care

You taught my childlike voice to raise

To God in earnest prayer

But time has rooled along since then

And Ive forgot to pray

Ive lernt the ways of wicked men

And far Ive gone astray



3

But O I would not have thee know

What A load of sin I bear

Twould fill youre heart with bitter woe

To see me bowed down with care

And often when my voice is raised 

In anger ferce and wild

I think I hear my Mother cry

Twere not at all my child



4

Dear Mother Im far far from thee

With none to guide me now 

And if Im sick no friend with me

To bathe my burning brow

But oft thy warning voice I heare

When Im about to sin

Its mournful tones comes to my ear

And warnes one back again



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5

Long yeares have rooled at length away

Since from youre side I came

Although Ive sinned and gone astray

I love you still the same

And O I long Old Stonington

Thy shores once more to tread

That I may heare my Mothers voice

Ask blessings on my head



Wrote while on Deer Creek in California

  Nov. 5th 1850 {1850/11/05}



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My Home



Land of my youth I sigh once more

With joyous steps to tread thy shore

I bring once more my friends to meet

And bow me to my Mothers feet

And tell my sorrows ore.



2

My youth is past old age draws nigh

When thought flies back Im forced to sigh

Too yeares that past when A Mothers voice

Has made my drooping heart rejoice

And look for hope on high



3

Woe worth the day I left that shore

For distant lands to wander ore

Lifes picture then was bright and fair

But passing time brought pain and care

I looked to God no more



4

The lessons of my youth forgot

Although my Mothers voice is not

Its mild sweet tones I often hear

Mornfuly regret my wild carreer

Although it chides me not



5

I seen(?) as though led on by fate

Thought never come until to late

Then sorrow comes and repentance ore

The deeds I had swarn to do no more

Such deed as good men hate



6

Could I hear my Mothers voice once more

And tread once again my native shore

Id turn me from temptations ways

And try to spend my remaining days

Repenting of those before



April 17th Sacramento City



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Another Year



1

Another year Another year at length has onward sped

And O how many of my friends are numbered with the dead                                                                                    

I left my home two years ago to cross the raging main

 And left Dear friends behind I fear I near shal ??? again                                         



2

The thoughts of gain lured me away to seek for hidden gold

I find alas twas false the flattering tales they told

In this wild country far from home many A grave have found

But few can bost of welth they got by working in the ground



3

Another yeare Another yeare at length has onward sped roold

And thousands have died within that year who came to seek for gold

For the Cholery that fell disease has reached this fatal shore

And many that came here to get rich will never leve here more                                

                                                                                          

4

Within some small and cheerless tent no friend to him is nigh

Deprived of all that makes dear thus many on one does die                                                                     

By strangers hands consigned to earth no funeral prayer is said

Thus many a Husband, Brother, Friend is numbered with the dead



5                                                                                          

A mound of earth is all thats seen no monument on high

To tell his name ore place of birth to those thats(?) passing by

Above his grave no tears are shed no kneeling form is their

No kneeling form of Wife or Friend to offer up a prayer



6

Those that still live are weak and pale bowed down with care and pain

And all regret the hour they their homes in search of gain

Theyve lost their helth theyve gained no gold their toil is all in vain

Theyle be content without the gold if they get home again



7

Another Year Another Year has begun his weary course

The rain is decending every day the wind is howling horse

But who will live to see its end and leve this fatal shore                            But few I feare who wait for fall will ever leve here more



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8

At home youre Strangers ??? want youre all that you can crave

Think of the wanders in this land and of the Strangers Grave

And when you kneel to thank your God if you ever kneel to pray

Offer up one prayer for them thats toiling far away

Deer Creek Dec 6th 1850 {1850/12/06}



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Happiness



1

Where can true Happiness be found

Ive mixed in Pleasures giddy round

Ive deeply drank of the choyest wine

Ive been where wit and Beauty sined



2

All these passed off like A wild dream

Making life more dark and lonely seem   

Ive seen the Miser horde his Gold

Until his heart grew hard and cold



3

Ive been where fortunes quick were made

Ive been where cards and dice were played

Ive tasted of pleasures of all kinds

But true happiness I nere could find



4

It is not in disepations(?) gay

Their pleasures fall to quick away

Its not in possessing countless welth

And seldom found with helth and strength



5

Its not in Wine or  Cards or Dice

Or with women stained with creme and vice(?)

Its not with those who happyest seem 

Whose smile and eye does brightest gleam



6

For the brightest eye and happyest smile

The deepest greif may vail awhile

It not among A joyous crowd

Their joy is like A passing cloud



7

Ive sought midst pleasures whose after pain

Have taught me that I sought in vain

Long have I sought I now dispair

Of finding this treasure rich and rare



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Pleasure



Its done the dream of joys are Ore

Nere to return again

So hopes of joy can lure me more

To mix in pleasures then{?)



2

Bright hopes once cheered me on through life

Those hopes have all decayed

And left me nought but toil and  strife

Thus earthly pleasures fade



3

The past seems like A pleasant dream

Which working hours dispell

No hope does through the future gleam

To joys Ive bid farewell



4

Mans made to mourn(?) in youth we ar taught

In age we find it true

Each earthly pleasures dearly bought

And vanishes like dew



5

Each hour of pleasure here on earth

Must be paid with years of pain

Then who would waste their hours in mirth

Could they live life ore again



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Hope



What cheers man on through lifes dark way

When far from home his footsteps stray

When sickness brings him near to death

With no friend to watch his parting breath

What cheers him on through pain and care

And contents him with his huble(?) fair

Its Hope whose sweet but elusive(?) voice

Still bids mans drooping heart rejoice



But when man has lived until hope has fled

Till all he loved on earth is dead

Till his friends in coldness pass him by

Until home has lost its only tige(?)

Till hese drank to its dregs the cup of woe

And even his tears have refused to flow

Whats left him then but woe and grief

Then what but deth can bring relief



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To Infidels



1

O who shall dout the power of God who vew

The Ocean, Sky and Stars, and shining Sun

What is vile Man that he deems it true

That God made these and other wonders done



2

How fallen is man now steeped in crime and sin

That does the Great Redeemers power deny                 

And tell us all these came by chance and then begin

To Blasphemiously call the Book of God A lie



3

O why are such wretches suffered still on earth to live 

To lure the minds of youth to worse than deth

O why did woman give these monsters birth

Much better for the world they nere'd drawn breth



4The wildest savage in the wildest region known

As nature made them Savage, Wild, Untaught

Do each and all some superor being own

Though Savages endowed with reverance and thought



5

Thou Infidel who lost(?) or in Christian land

Go learn youre duty of the Savages on earth

They will tell you that an allmighty hand

Made all these things and also caused youre breth



6

Then bow before the God a home you deny

And try by penitance and prayer to gain his trust

That he may hear you now repenting cry

And forgive youre sins before youre turned to dust



7

Misguided man if you indeed beleive what pretend

If not your Foolish thus blindly to pursue

A path which leads to torments without end

Which will be youres if Gods own words be true



[end of page 28.gif]



8

An awful doom the Infidel does wait when he shall stand

At that great day before Gods judgment seat on high            

And trembling hear the Almightys dread command

Depart ye cursed who on earth did me deny



9

Then O forsake this dangerous path before it is to late

And dare not tamper with Gods mercy here

But paus and think of what an awful fate           

Awates the Infidels then bow you down with piety and fear



Worte on Deer Creek in California Nov 5 1850 {1850/11/5}

on hearing an Infidel deny the truth of the Bible



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Sin



Let their be the Almighty ruler said

The Sun arose and ore all earth she shead

A bright and dazeling light,, then man was made

And plaiced in Paradise whose cooling shade

Was welcome,, for with scorching rays the sun

Came downe on man,, for man was then but one

Then God caused man to sleep his feeling all forsook

His frame,, then from his side God straitway took

A rib,, and A woman form he placed her by mans side

Whom he awoke,, to vew his work with reverance and pride

God gave man paradise, and of all the trees but one

He bade him eat the fruit,, but that he bade him ???

Nor dare to, touch, nor Eat, nor yet draw nigh,

For if he eat therof hed surely die

Now of all the beasts or reptiles God had made

The most subtile was the Serpant,, Who quickly laid

A plain to vain man, The woman he met as she passed by

He told her the forbidden fruit to eat and that to die

She need not fear,, She should not die for it was the tree of life

She listened to his words and did eat,, and did give to man     Who also eat,, and then sin first on earth began.                                                         

And has incresed and multiplied till all on earth

Have more ore less which they inherit now by birth

Then God came in Paradise to walk and called mans name

Who,d hid himself for new he,d lernt to feel his shame

Then God was angry,, And he from Paradise man drove

To gain his bread by toil,, and ore earth to rove

The first borne sone of man was Cain and borne in sin

Which showed itself when speech did first begin                            

In fruitless murmers that he was forced to toil to gain                     

His bread,, Then Able was borne much milder he than Cain                      

Now Cain was a tiller of the ground but would not pray

To God but Abel tended sheep and on each day

He offered up A sacrafice to God and then he went               

To Cain and tried to persuaide at length Cain did consent

To build an alter an straightway both did build

Cain gathered fruit for his but Abel killed



[end of page 30.gif]



A lamb,, when all was ready both knelt down to pray

Then fire from Heaven lit Ables pile but swept away

The offering of Cain,, then jelousy did fill     

Cains heart,, seized A brand and struck that blow did kill

His brother Abel,, then while Cain stood looking in fear

Upon his brothers corps,, He did an mighty voice hear

Saying Cain where is thy brother Abel Cain replied

I know not I am not my brothers keeper thus he said

To hide the Awful crime which he had done                                                                                             

From God While on the ground his brothers blood did run

Then God said from from out the ground your brothers blood does cry

For vengence but you shall not yet die

But you are cursed and when you till the ground

She shall not yeild and you shall wander round

The earth a Vagabond and Fugative and lest men should stray

God set A marke on Cain and bade him go his way

Time passed on and men had daughters fair                                                                                              

And Lovely,, and the sones of God did with them pair

From them decended Giants and men of might

Who lived in Sin and scorned the way of right

Now that he had made man God did repent

And for their sins A Deluge ore all earth he sent

But for Noha and his Family God did provide

An arke in which ore water they could safely ride

But time passed on again inhabitants did throng                                                                                        

The Earth but still they scorned the good and clung to wrong

Then all on earth did use one language and one speech

They said lets build a tower whose top will reach

To Heaven and let us make ourselves a name

And build a city where we a Home can claim                                                                              

Lest we be scattered ore the earth but the Lord came down                                                                                       

To view the Tower and City and on their work did  frown

And did confound their language and drove 

Them forth again ore the broad world to rove

But time passed along Sin also did gain                                                                                       

Till on the citys of Sodom and Gomorrach God did rain

Brimstone and fire and from them did only save

Lot and his Two Daughters who sought shelter in a cave



[end of page 31.gif]



But still regardless of their warnings on men do go

Deeper and deeper into sin regardless of the woe

That does await all that dispise A Christian life

They hurry on through sin and crime and strife

Till sickness comes and then in vain they try

By promises and teares to make God hear their cry

Behold the numerous Churches of the present day

How even some of them are led astray

By pride and vanity each trying to excel                                                                 

??? others in the splender of their Churches as well

As Preachers and Organ and many things beside

Which tell of worldly feelings and of pride                                                                                 

Not that I wish to say that none are good I do not mean

Any such a thing But some use as for A screin                                                                                 

Religions name, and by pride and sin disgraced the name

They beare, and thus the good must beare the blame                                                                                         

These are vile hipocrites of such the prophets oft fortold                                                                                   

Wolves clothed like Sheep who thus get in the fold                                                                                                   

Of such beware,, their tongues are smooth,, their words so gently flow                                                                                      

Like to the Serpent they would lure you to crtain woe

Where shall we seek when looking for the true

Christain on earth I, know theirs some but fear but few

Can rightly claim that name I, only say I, fear

I want you all to understand that I am clear

Of writing ought but what I think is strictly true

And hope that in the end they `l not prove so few

And now I think I'll close if any one ask why

I wrote these lines I will tell them just to satisfy                                                                                 

Their Curiosity, This evening my Bible to to me lay near

Nay do not start I keep a Bible even here

But as I said before my Bible near me lay

An as twas evening I, took it up to pass the time away

I opened it the first chapter of Genises met my sight

I read awhile and then I thought I'd, write

And if in all I've wrote you find one line

In which I am wrong remember I am no Divine

I've wrote what I believe is strictly true

And with concience clear I bid you all adue

Thursday evening Nov 22ond 1850 {1850/11/22} Deer Creek Ca



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Wine

They Preach its A sin to drink of bright wine

When it was made at A feast by A Saviour Devine

They tell us its A sin good liquor to drain 

That it distroyes the reason and mounts(?) to the Brain

So you will find it with eating if you eat to excess

And if Liquor affects you you must only drink less

Let A man be A Glutton and you will see him no dout

Eather cursed with the Palsey or down with the Gout

Just drink of Cold Water when you sweat to excess

You will groan out in your Misery I wish Id drank less

But give me for a drink A full glass of bright Wine

It will drive away away care it will caus wit to shine

It will drown all your sorrows it will give you new Life

It will console you for the loss of Sweetheart or Wife

Then fill up the  goblet and free let wine flow                                                                                    

If in Trouble drink deep it will drowned all your woe

It will make you feel happy it will drive away care

It will rais you to Bliss from the Depths of Dispair

Then who would refuse in sorrow or grief

To partake of A portion that will give them Relief

Shall the words of fals prophets deprive us of Wine

When it was made and partaken of by A Saviour Devine

Away with such Preachers theyd have us forego                                                                                           

The only Portion on Earth which will sooth care and woe



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The Gamblers



1

The wine cup was flowing the laughter was high

And the fire of excitement shone forth in each eye

The cards were delt out with a hearty good will

And the Landlord stood smileing the Tumblers to fill



2                                                                                   

But more wild grew the laugher each cup fully they  drain                                                                                    

And more loud grew their curses as it mounts to their brain

And more loudly they swear as they pile down their Gold

For the Liquor they swallowed has made them more bold



3

Their is one sit at that Table whose voice is not high

And the wine in its course he lets untasted pass by

There he sits at that Table and before him behold

Piled high are large heaps of both Silver and Gold



4

His dark hair was waveing round A forehead snow white

His teeth white as ivory and his eye dark as night

But with all of his beauty he wase vain heartless and cold

He worshipped but one God and that God was Gold



5

A smile wreathed his lips and bright shone his dark eye

As the revels grew loud and the stakes were raised high

For he was A Gambler and to Compasion grown cold

He cared not whom he ruined if he could get Gold



6

He heeds not the curse of the louses at play

As he rakes up the Gold which on the table they lay

He calls for raw Brandy and A glass full does drain

Which affects not his play for it mounts not to his brain



7

But hark its the voice of A woman now heared

In tones soft and gentle like the song of A bird

For the crowd round the door like waves do divide                                                                                     

And between them the fair form of a woman does glide



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8

O why comes this Femail to this Hell upon earth

Does she come to reproach them for their sinful mirth

Lo she walks to the table without the least shame

And with Gold for her sining she bets on the game



9



Now look at the Gambler see the flash of his eye

He has marked her for his victim She always bets high                                                                                         

Now the cards are delt out and shes wone the Gold

Now she Stakes all her money for lucks made her bold



10

Now look at the Gambler he like A Demon does grin

As he deals out the cards for he is sure to win

Already he has won and with A cry of Dispair

Out rushes his victim but he seems not to care



11

He deals out the Cards and the betters draw nigh

Again they have lost Hark their voices are raised high

They are cursing the Gambler with voice feirce and loud

So he drawes out A Pistol and fires at the crowd



12

O God hear that Scream Long Peircing and high

It tell by that shot that some victim must die

But unmoved was the Gambler as he gathered his Gold

He gazed on his victim stern angry and cold



13                                                                                  

Then unharmed sought his lodgins from all danger clear

And as for the Law he had nothing to fear

Thus in California here Gamblers may kill

For the seats of the Ruler the Gamblers do fill

Nevada City Dec 10th 1850 {1850/12/10}



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False Friends

1

Talk not to me of friendships claim

Vain fals and hollow is the name

When fortune smiles they flock around

But vanish at misfortunes sound.



2

I have stood where flocked around A crowd

Of these fatheless friends whose voices loud

With prais and flattery filled my ear

With words twas pleasant then to hear



3

But soon A Change came ore that dream

Those that my truest friends did seem

Grew bold and distant Stern and shye

Unseen they sought to pass me by



4

Or if sudden meet A haughty bow

Is all that markes their friendship now

I have Traveled for years Ive wandered ore

Old Oceans waves from Shore to Shore



5

I have stood where Rugged mountain frown

Whose tops the Snows perpetual crown

Ive sought in this cold land to find

A friend in Actions speech and mind



6

Friends their I found but heartless friends

When favours ceased their friendships ends

I have sought beneath the burning sun

In pleasant Isles to meet with one



7

Who would be A true unchanging friend

Through good and bad until life should end

But all in vain its but A name

No Man A true stanch friend can claim



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8

If  you meet A friend look out and find

A Man whose maners suit youre mind

When such you find his acquaintance make

And find what bait he best will take



9

Perhaps soft flattery will suit his ear

For most men like their prais to hear

Perhapes som man he hates if so

With bitter curses load his foe



10

If he chance to Love then with loud voice

You must praise the object of his choice

Or if in Love you chance to fail

And does bitterly against the femails rail



12

You must sweare that all the famail sex

Was only formed the Males to vex

You will gain in this way whats called A friend

Who will help you all youre cash to spend



13

Who will be clothed and borded at youre expense

And Laugh becaus youve no better sence

I have done with friends they are all A curse

Without them one cannot be worse



14

To enlist recruits for Hell they are sent

And they fully answer their intent

More Souls through friends are Dammed each day

Than Hell itself can stow away



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To Mrs--

1

In Memory still I see thy form

In fancy feell those kisses warm

In dreames the music of thy voice

Bids my lonely heart rejoice



2                                                                             

Again in dreams I tread that Shore  

That oft with you Ive wandered ore

Again returnes those hours of bliss

The fond embrace the burning kiss



3

Again I clasp you to my heart

And swore no more on earth to part

But the awakening hours brings more of woe

Than Hell doomed Mortals ere shall know



4

That parting kiss that braid of hair

Has cheered me through sickness and dispair

Long years have past since I left youre side

They tell me you now are Anothers Bride



5

And must another clasp that form

And press those lips with kisses warm

The very thought does fire my brain

With madness, That if we should meet again



6

With coldness we must each other greet

Far better that we never meet

My native land has not now one ray

To light me on my lonesome way



7

Their is not one fond hope to call me their

Not one who does for the wanderer care

But A short time past since I longed once more

To reach once more my native shore



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8

That Longings past henceforth my home

Is in whatever land I chance to roam

All Lands is the same but that dear spot

Where I once loved so well but am now forgot



9

Farewell my fondest dreams are ore

On earth at least we meet no mor

I wish you all heaven can bestow

Of joy without one shad of woe



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The Shipwreck



Yon Gallant bark has spread her sail

Which proudly swells before the gale

Her gallant crew with spirits high

To shore have bid their last good bye

Brave hearts are and men of skill

Who guides that Ship as suits their will

And now before A favouring breeze

She plows her liquid way with ease

The receeding land is soon lost to vew

Nought seen but sky and ocean blue

The Sun sank slowly in the west                                                          

No breez disturbs old Oceans breast

The sails flap idley against the mast

As if to woo the tardy blast

The Ship swang idely on the tide

The helm no more has power to guide

As smooth as A Lake Old Ocean lay

While around in schools the Dolphins play

The Moon shone forth her silver beam

Made Ocean like A Mirror seem

While with A slow and measured pace

The Mate the quarter deck did traice

While ever and anon his eye

Was cast along the cloudless sky

And then along the calm smooth seas

As if impatient for A breeze

Around in the groups the crew did throng

To listen to some tale or song

Thare one A gray haired Salor old

Of his boyhood days A story told

How he from home had run away

And for years in foreign Land's did stray

He told of deeds of Blood and Crime

That he had witnessed in that  time

For he A prisoner had been(?) to those

Who count all mankind as their foes



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Pirates who crused uppon the main

To plunder Ships in scerch of gain

His storyes were such as Salors delight

To hear to pass away the night

Another to pass the hours away

Sung in low voice some Lovers lay

Sudden the Mates stern voice they hear

Stand by the halyards see all clear

Quick to his to his post each one now flies

For threatening clouds ore cast the sky

Let go the halyards is the command

Clew up the Topsails hand boys hand

While with such fury came the blast

Like reeds it bent the towering mast

Like paper the flapping Sails were rent

While low to the blast the good Ship bent  

The rain in torrents now does pour

Loud wild and deep the thunders roar

Bright sharp and near the Lightning flash

Which follows quick the Thunders crash

One moment streaming ore the wave

As if to show the Salors grave

And then as quick to disappear

And leave each heart bemoned with fear

The Captain quick haistened to the deck

And in fancy vews his Ship A wreck

With beating heart and eager eye

He scans the Dark and threatening Sky

One anxious look ore Ocean cast

One moment listened to the blast

One moment vewd the riseing Sea 

Then gave his orders loud and free

Nore voices nore looks did fear betray

The mainmast he ordered cut away

Twas done and eased of such A strain

Slowly the good Ship rights again

And then before the driveing gale

She flies without one stick of sail 



[end of page 41.gif]



For canvass nere from Loom was cast

That would stand one moment in that blast

Two men at the wheel hard work now find

To keep that Ship before the wind

Fore should she with that sea broach to

It would be the last of Ship or Crew

On on she flies like A thing of life

That flew before the Temptest strife

At length the daylight slow appears

Instead of hope it brought fresh fears

For streached acrost their cours before                                                   

Each eye beholds A rock bound shore

And sullen Breakers rooling high

Toward which the Ships fast drawing nigh

Twas A sight to Chill the Bravest heart

Each knew that he with life must part

No human power their ship could save

Or wrest them from an Ocean Grave

The lips more used to curse and sweare

Was heard to murmer words of prayer

Brave men were their whose paled cheek

Was all that did their feares bespeak

While those whose knees were bent in prayer

Now knelt and prayed in wild dispair

Some murmered the name of Child or Wife

That was dearer to their hearts than life

Some silent stood nor word nor groan

There silent prayer or thoughts made known

All was confusion when A sudden shock

So plainly told theyd struck a rock

Then each seized to A spar or roap

Although theyd not one ray of hope

It was vain nore rope nor Spar could save 

Them from the feirce and angry wave

Quickly the Breakers swept the deck

And left the Ship A sinking wreck

While above the Tempest through the Air

Rang(?) one loud Shrick of wild Dispair



[end of page 42.gif]



Then all was still except the roar

As broak the waves along the shore

Of all that crew who the night before

Their tales and Songs were telling ore

Not one was saved all found A Grave

Benath relentless Oceans wave



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The Rev Mr. Chase' Address



On Sabbath we at half past nine

The Rev Mr. Chas

Becaus the sinners would not pray

Called God to curse this place



2

This was his prayer come listen all

And see if it can be beat

With trembling voice he did cry

Come take the anxious seat



3

But when he found that none were their

That wished their souls to save

He as crazy as A bed bug grew

And loud did cry and rave 



4

And then such groans did fill the room

As nere were heard before

Some in affright did leave their seats

And started for the door 



5

Joe Hisch voice was heard aloud

The hipocrete was their

And to appear more rightous cried

Almighty God heare prayer



6

Hed quite forgot the shilling peice

He from the widdow stole

And now comes Groaning to God

As though he had A soul



7

Then Mr. Chase knelt down to pray

And with loud voice and clear

Cried Joe just stop your groans awhile

So God my prayer can hear



[end of page 44.gif]



8

O God I dare not for mercy ask

For sinners of this place

But when youve pitched them all to Hell

Reward your brother Chase



9

And as for them to whome Ive called

And theyve refused to pray

Destroy their houses O my my God

and sweep their welth away



10

May they be wanderers here on earth

May sickness waste the frames

Of all to whome Ive called this night

That will not prais thy name



11

But just before they die O Lord

Caus them their wills to make

And leve their property to me

Who labours for thy sake



12

And as for us that labour here

One spoon(?) of the we crave

May riches shower upon our heads

They are what we long to see



13

Though Brother Sawyers black

His soul is white as Snow

And while in Hell these sinners groan

To heaven Old Sawyer will go



14

And when you see his sable form

Uppon the throne so high

Youll know him by his every while

 And the working of his eye



[end of page 45.gif]



15

Such eyes as his in human head

Was never seem to roll

They seem to tell the sinner all

The feelings of his soul



[end of page 46.gif]



To My Sister



I know that you still love me

Although Im far away

And I thank the God above me

That when ere I chance to stray

Their is one twill not forget me 

Though my faults are frelly told

And the time perhaps may yet be

That well meet again as of old

But when ere my footsteps lead me

Be sure Ill love you still

And however bad my deeds be

That love theyll never chill

I know I once did blame the

When you was not to blame

My anger then ovecame me 

I own it now with shame

But henceforth I neverll blame the

Whatever may betide

Although virtue(?) Ive no claim to

My faults Ill try to hide

And now may God protect you

May we live to meet again

As for me I expect to

Meet with ought on earth but pain



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The Talors Downfall



1

When man first sined God did ordane

That all should toil their bread to gain

To each he gave a genius rair

That all might do a different shair



2

Some had the art to work on gold                                                                     

And some all kinds of  wood to mold 

Some sailed in ships the world around

While others worked to till the ground



3

At last a lot of things he found

That was not fit to till the ground

Their heads so hard they could not learn

A traid by which their bread to earn



4

Now as they would not learn a traid

And to go to sea they were affraid

At last he hit on a fine plan

It would take just nine to make a man



5

And as no other work they would do

He thought them how to cut and sew

The cloths for other folks to use                                                                

And he gave them cabbage box and goose



6

Though being last of all that came

This last of things must have a name                                                                 

And as the last he named before was salor                                                                 

He thought he would call this tail end talors 



7

Thats is the truith none can deny

That they all cheat as well as lie 

Besides they steal youre patches all

And swere the pattern was to small



[end of page 48.gif]



8

And then such cloths themselves they were

That they were Lords you would almost swere

But if you traid with them just mind

For they are not Lords nore Gods you would find



9

I once knew a talor small

Who did from a high station fall                                                  

In Stonington he then did dwell

And what I have heard to you I will tell



10

But yet the names I must conceal 

So that the law cant with me deal

He had a shop it was called his own

But yet he did not work alone



11

Their was a little maiden fair

That worked for him and I will swere

She was as handsome as any queen

And they say her age was just sixteene



12

Her name stood fair on the curch books

Her charicter was as good as her looks

It is hard to tall which girl is best

But every one knows East from West



13

The devel he is always near 

To lead astray such fools as hear

So he this talor did persuaide

To try and win this fair maid



14

Then being their with her alone

He thought the deede would never be known

Then with fair words and bribes to aid

He soon ore come this bashful maid



[end of page 49.gif]



15

Now haveing got a taste for sin

She promised next day to come again

They thought all safe so home they went

But God to stop their singing sent



16

A man to publish forth their shame

If name of man shoemakers claim

For this thing lived by makeing shoes

And running around to tell the news



17                                                                  

It chanced his shop joined that of the draper

And the partition being as thin as paper

Whith his shoe knife he soon cut through

And this tempting sight he plan could vew



18

He thought it over his chance was spare

For coming in to get a shair

So he off with apron down strap and shoe

and started off to tell the news



19

He only told some two or three

To come to his shop next day and see

Next day they came and all did swere                                                               

They would like right well to have a share



20

The sun that night had not gone down

Before it was spread all round the town

The men did swere and women scold

They said she had sold herself for gold



21

The talor he denied it well

And for a long time she would not tell

Unatil they did a meeting call 

And their they made her confess all



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22

Then from their curch they turned her out

They said disgraice she had brought about

And she no more should drink their wine

For she had disgraiced their church divine



23

The talor to the church did try

And he most loud did all deny

But from their table they set him aside

Which greatly hurt this talors pride



24

Good bye dear talor fare you well

You have sealed youre doome you will go to hell

Perhaps the cobler their you will meet

Pray shair with him youre sulphery seat



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Spending Sunday night



1

Sitting by the window

On a Sunday eve

With a taper finger

Resting on your sleeve

Starelight eyes are casting

On your face their light

Bless me aint it pleasant

Sparking Sunday night



2

How youre heart is thumping

Gainst youre Sunday vest

How wickedly it is working 

On this day of rest

Hours seem but moments

As they take their flight

Bless me aint it pleasant

Sparking Sunday night



3

Dad and mom are sleeping

In their peiceful bed

Dreaming of the things

The folks in meeting said

Love ye one another

Minister recites

Bless me dont we do it

Sparking Sunday night



4

One arm with gentle pressure

Lingers round her waist

You squeeze her dimpled hand

Her pouting lips you kiss

She freely slaps your face

But more in love tan spite

O thunder aint it pleasant

Sparking Sunday night



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5

But hark the clock is strikeing

It is two oclock I swan

As sure as I am a sinner

The time to go has come

You ask in spiteful accents

If that old clock is right

And wonder if it ever

Sparked on Sunday night



6

One two three sweet kisses

Four five six you hook

 But thinking that you rob her

Put  back part those you took 

And as for home you hurry

From the fair ones side

Dont you wish each day was

Was only Sunday night



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The Rooling Stone



Since times are so hard

Ill tell you sweetheart

I have a mind to leave off

My plough and my cart

Away to California

A journey to go

To double oure fortunes

As outher folks do

While here we may labour

Each day in the field

And the winter consumes 

All the summer doth yeld



2

O husband Ive noticed

With sorrowful heart

That you long have neglected

Your plough and youre cart

Your sheep goes ramberling

And disorderly run

And youre new Sunday jacket

Goes every day on

Then stick to youre farm

And youll suffer no loss

Fore a stone that is rooling

Can gather no moss



3

Oh wife let us go 

And dont let us wait

For I long to be their

I long to be great

You may be some rich lady

And who knows but I

May be come rich governer

So long ere I die

While here we may labour

Each day in the field

And in winter consume

All that summer doth yeld



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4

Oh husband remember

That youre land is to clear

Which will cost you the 

Labour of mainy a year

Youve horses sheep cattle

And tooles for to buy

And you will hardly get settled

Before you will die

Then stick to youre farm

And you will suffer no loss

For a stone that is rolling

Can gather no moss



5

Then husband remember 

Youre land of delight

Is surrounded by Indians

Who murder by night

Youre house may be plundered

And burnt to the ground

Youre wife and youre children

Lay murdered all round

Then stick to youre farm

And you will suffer no loss

For a stone that is rolling

Can gather no moss



6 

Oh wife you have convinced me

I argure no more

I never once thought

Of your dying before

I love my dear children

Although they are small

And my nice little wife

More precious than all

So we'll stick to our farm

And suffer no loss

Fore a stone that is rolling

Can gather no moss



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