249. _Yankee Doodle._--Can any of your correspondents explain the origin
of this song, or state in what book a correct version of it can be
found? Likewise, whether the tune is of older date than the song. To
some these may appear trite questions; but I can assure you that I have
been unable to obtain the information I require elsewhere, and my
applications for the song at several music shops, when I was last in
London, were unsuccessful.