(Based primarily on the version in Leah Jackson Wolford, The Play-Party in Indiana, with some reference to the version in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s On the Banks of Plum Creek. Tune is “Yankee Doodle.” The names of a boy and girl should be filled in as indicated.)

Recording by Curtis and Loretta: 

Uncle John is sick abed,
What shall we send him?
Three good wishes, three good kisses
And a slice of ginger bread.
What shall we send it in?
In a piece of paper,
Paper is not fine enough,
But in a golden saucer

Who shall we send it by?
By the governor’s daughter,
Take her by the lily white hand
And lead her ‘cross the water.
[First Name, Last Name], so they say,
Goes a-courting night and day,
With a sword by his side,
And takes Miss [First Name] by his side.