Beside the older versions I've posted which date in the 1800s is The Bridgewater Merchant, from New York MS taken from an aunt of Artemas Stevens that I've dated circa 1820. It's part of Douglass/Stevens MS from A Pioneer Songster- Thompson, 1958. Thompson comments: "This great-aunt died in the early 1850's so the ballad apparently antedates those years by some time."
This is the main version used by Gardham to create his composite. This is the original MS- spelling not corrected.
The Bridgewater Merchant
1. At Bridgewater there lived a Merchant, Who had two sons and a daughter fair. Of life by death they were berieved, Which filled their children's heart with care.
2. 'Twas o'er the seas their sons did venture All for to bring, bring back their gain. They had an apprentice by firm indenture They sent him factor o'er the main.
3. He was of a fair complexion, Strate and complete in every limb; Their sister placed her whole affection, On this young man, unbeknown to them.
4. Three thousand pounds it was the portion All for this fair and butiful dame. To this young man that crossed the ocean She was resolved to bestow the same
5. It was one day the youngest brother By chance did see them sport and play. He told it secret to the other And then these words they both did say,
6. Of parents mean he has descended, May be he thinks her for to have; But this courtship shall soon be ended, We'll send him headlong to the grave.
7. Now to contrive this bloody slaughter, They did conclude it should be so, That this young man they both would flatter With them a hunting for to go.
8. In a small wood not much frequented Where harmless lambs did sport and play These villains could not be contented But must take his precious life away
9. In a dry ditch where there was no water Where thorns and briers had overgrown There for to hide their bloody slaughter There this young man was killed and thrown
10. When they returned to their sister Who asks where is your serveant man I ask because you seem to whisper Dear brothers tell me if you can
11. We lost him in our game of hunting And nothing more of him could see To tell you plain I am affronted What makes you thus examine me.
12. That very night as she lay sleeping There this young man he came and stood By her bedside he stood a weeping All covered o'er in gore of blood
13. It is vain says he my jewel For you to murmur or repine Your brothers have killed me being cruel And in such a place you may me find
14. The very next day to the woods she retired With many a sigh and a bitter grown And there she found whom she admired In that same place was killed and thrown
15. Although his lips with blood were dyed Her tears as salt as any brine She ofttimes kissed him and cried Alas! thou bosom friend of mine
16. Although my brothers have been cruel To take your precious life away One grave shall serve for both my jewel While I have breath I will by thee stay
17. Three days and nights there she sat weeping 'Till seemed her heart would burst with woe Feeling sharp hunger on her creeping Homeward she was forced to go
18. When she returned to her brothers Who when these murderers came see With blushes they of her inquired What makes you look so mournfully
19. Oh! dear brothers thou knowest the reason That makes your sister look so wan Against the law you have acted treason And for the same shall surely swing *
20. The murderers knowing their grief and sorrow Strateway on board of a ship did go If you will believe me on the morrow Black clouds and storms were seen to blow
21. While in a rage and a foaming billow Which cast both ship and gunnel too These murderers knowing their grief and sorrow Began to tremble and look blue
22. For to look blue it was no wonder Just like an overbreaking wave Both these young men were washed over And the seas became their silent grave.