Hi Mike,

Thanks for clarifying- I meant the title "In Seaport Town" which was used by Sharp as his heading for the ballad (versions A-I).

Since the earliest reported US versions seem to be disseminated primarily from the NY area (NJ to Ohio) the ballad has different points of origin. One is the Virginia Colony. How do these texts differ?

In Sharp E we find the town is named Bridgewater. We know that Gardham identifies Bridewater as the hypothetical setting of this ballad. His reconstructed hypothetical version constructed from extant versions begins (see link above):

The Bridgewater Merchant

1. 'Twas near Bridgewater a rich man lived
Who had two sons and a daughter fair;
Of life by death they were bereaved,
Which filled these children's hearts with care.

Is Bridgewater a clue to the origin? Why does it usually appear as Seaport in Appalachia?

Why does Gardham call it a "reconstructed broadside ballad"?

Richie