Henry Reed's air is evidence of the folksongs in circulation about John Brown that became the basis for Julia Ward Howe's patriotic hymn "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." His version implies a verse and refrain using essentially the same melodic material, as is the case with "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Title change: The title appeared in the fieldnotes as "John Brown's a-Hangin' on a Sour Apple Tree." Key: D Meter: 4/4 Strains: 2 (middle-middle, 4-4) Rendition: 1-2-1 Phrase Structure: ABAC A'B'A'C (abcd abef a'b'c'd' abef)