This manuscript was hand written by Burns in 1793. The song is said to be in honour of Jean Lorimer (Chloris), the daughter of a Dumfries farmer who eloped with a young Cumberland farmer called Whelpdale in 1793. The marriage only lasted a few weeks before she returned to her father’s house.
This song was sent to George Thomson for his ‘Select Collection of Scottish Airs’. Jean Lorimer was the inspiration for 24 songs, including ‘Lassie wi’the Lint-White Locks.’