Ballad of Peter Alston

In shadows deep, where rivers wind,

A tale unfolds of outlaw kind.

Born to a man of counterfeit fame,

Peter Alston was his name.

From Carolina's distant shore,

To Natchez trails and caves galore,

He rode with Harpe, a deadly pair,

Spreading terror everywhere.

At Cave-in-Rock, their lair concealed,

Coins they forged and goods they steeled.

With Mason's gang, they shared the loot,

Their crimes and legends took deep root.

But greed and treachery entwined,

They sought to leave their past behind.

They turned on Mason, claimed his head,

But justice found them both instead.

At Greenville's gallows, ropes were tied,

For all the sins they could not hide.

Thus ended Alston's dark crusade,

In history's shadow, his name stayed.