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Vance, Abner ballad anc_LAltizer

20241214GHLn-
Peggy Louise Altizer Mynes originally shared this on 10 Sep 2024
Shared by Chris Haddox
9/10/2024, 11:32?AM

Found this in the papers of Louis Watson Chappell at the WV and Regional History Collection. Chappell is the fellow who recorded Kate Toney (and others) from Logan-Mingo area back in 1940. I don't know who Mrs. L. McDonald was, but she provided Chappell with this copy of lyrics to Vance's Confession. Looks like it was out of a song book (perhaps she typed up the lyrics, though).

Green are the woods where Sandy flows, and peace it dwelleth there.
In the valley, the deer, they like secure and the red buck roam everywhere.
But Vance no more shall Sandy behold, nor drink of it's crystal wave.
The partial judge has pronounced his doom, the hunter has found his grave.

The judge said he was my friend, though Elliot's life I saved.
A jury man, I did become, that, Elliot, he might live.
The friendship that I have shown to others has not been shown to me.
Humanity, it belongs to the brave and I hope it remains with me.

It was by the advice of McFarland that Judge Johnson did me call.
I was taken from my native home and placed in yon stone wall.
My persecutors have gained their quest, they promised to make good.
They swore that they would never rest till they had gained my life's blood.

There are David Horton, Bob and Bill, a lie against me swore,
in order to take my life away that I might be no more.
But they and I must meet when Gabriel's trump shall blow.
Perhaps I shall rest in Abraham's breast while they roll in the gulf below.

I killed a man, I don't deny, he threatened to kill me.
And for this I am condemned to die, the jury all agree.
But, I and they together must meet when all things are made known.
And if I have shed innocent blood, I hope mercy will be shown.

Bright shines the sun over Clinch's hills, so soft the west wind blows.
The valley, it is covered all over with bloom, perfumed by the sweet red rose.
But Vance no more shall Sandy behold nor smell it's sweet perfume.
This day his eyes must close in death, his body conveyed to the tomb.

Farewell, my friends and children, dear. To you I bid farewell.
The love I have for your precious souls no mortal tongue can tell.
Farewell, my true and loving wife, to you I bid adieu,
and when I reach fair Cannan's shore,
I'll wait and watch for you.

Linked to
Abner Vance Sr. Rev.

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