29 SEPTEMBER 1838, Page 15

NATIONAL ENGLISH MUSIC.

TO Tile EDITOR OF THE SPECTATOR.

54., New Hood Street, 23th 3ept 'Tuber I ,A3S.

Sin—Allow me to reply to a request contained in the following passage from the Sp:eta:or of last week—" Among the nautical songs, are the original melodies of l :SC'S. DON'S celebrated ballads, ' The Storm 'and' Black - eyed Susan.'

The latter is attributed to LEV I: k E, and perhaps correctly ; but it is not in our copy either of the folio or octavo edition of his songs." " Per halm! Mr. CH A PPE LI. will do us the favour to state his authotity."

I feel the greatest pleasure in swing, that I found " Sweet William's Fare- well to Black-ey'd Susan. by Mr. Gay ; the tune by Mr. Levet idge," at page 14-S. Vol. IV. of the Musical Miscellany, published by Wars, A.D. 17:30; also, on a half-sheet song which contains three or four settings by other authors of the same words. As LFVERIDGE died about 1733. (at the advanced age of ninety.) the firstmamed publication must have taken place during his lifetime.

With best thanks for the liberality which has allowed his' to give this ex-

planation, I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

WILLiAm CU PPELL.