L. W. Currey, Inc.

(California Literature; Slip Ballad) Anonymous. THE CALIFORNIA BROTHERS [caption title]. N.p., n.d. [Circa (late?) 1850s.]. Single sheet, printed on one side only, 24x7.5 cm (9 1/2 x 3 inches), text within a typographical border. "I am dying, brother! dying!" A mournful, religious, very popular folk song about a young miner's last requests as he lies dying far from home and family during the California Gold Rush. Also known as "The Dying Californian" or "The Brother's Request," the lyrics by an unknown lyricist were first published in the 1850's in a New England newspaper. The song was set to music by A. L. Lee and published by Oliver Ditson of Boston in 1855. The ballad concludes with the well-known refrain: "Tell them I never reached the haven Where I sought the precious dust, But I've gained a port called heaven Where the gold doth never rust." Several light creases at the top right corner, two tiny tears along right margin, old horizontal center fold, a very good copy. (#178579).

Price: $350.00