The songs of this group are connected
more or less closely with American colonial times.
For most of them it is fair to infer a British origin.
[To America], ii, 4aabb,
8ca: An [English] sailor, bound for America
to serve his King, is forgotten by his sweetheart.
Returning to her father’s hall, he finds her
married, and vows to return to Charlestown, where
cannon-balls are flying.
The silk merchant’s
daughter, 2aa, 17: A London lad and his sweetheart
set sail for America. The ship springs a leak,
the passengers drift in a long-boat. Lot falls
to the girl to be slain, her lover takes her place.
A passing ship carries them back to London, and they
are married.
The pretty Mohee (Maumee),
iii, 4aabb, 7: An Indian maid falls in love with
a young adventurer and wooes him. He tells her
he must return to his love across the sea. This
he does, but dissatisfied returns to the “pretty
Mohee.”
Sweet Jane. 4a3b4c3b, 12:
Her lover sails for America “to dig the golden
ore,” “loads up” his trunk with it,
and after many trials reaches home, across the main,
and reclaims his bride.