"The Sun Was Slowly Setting" (5 Dec 1849)
Ballad
The Poetry Written by John Hill Hewitt, Esqr., 1801-1890
Adapted to Music by Estelle Hewitt.
[NOTE: John Hill Hewitt and [Mrs.] Estelle [Manguin]
Hewitt were married from 1827 to 1860.]

Baltimore, MD: F. D. Benteen
New Orleans, LA: W. T. Mayo
Plate No. 1621, engraved by Webb.
[Source: 431550@LoC]

1. 
The sun was slowly setting 
Behind the woody hills; 
And murm'ring sounds were gushing 
From many joyous rills; 
When thro' the shadow'd valley 
An aged soldier came; 
His stern and hardy features 
Bore many a mark of fame.

2. 
He gaz'd upon the Village 
Where first the light he saw; 
Where was his father's cottage, 
By elm trees shaded o'er? 
The church was there-- the graveyard, 
And there the old oak tree; 
"Ah! happy days of childhood! 
But none remember me!"

3. 
He found his home in ruins, 
The graveyard told the rest; 
There slept his aged parents, 
Beneath earth's grassy breast. 
Although he'd breasted danger 
And bled on land and sea; 
He sigh'd, "I now surrender, 
For none remember me!"