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EARLY AMERICAN SOCIAL DANCE
A Bibliography of Sources to 1820
by Kate Van Winkle Keller ^{© 2001}

Those who see eighteenth century Americans through the dour eyes of strict New England church leaders will be surprised to learn that the earliest dance source we have found was made in 1721 by a recent Harvard graduate, Ebenezer Parkman, who would soon be ordained as a minister in Westborough, Massachusetts.

He played the fiddle and kept a pocket-size notebook in which he wrote psalm tunes, songs of love, and tunes from The Dancing Master like “The Beaux Delight.” Nine years later, James Alexander, a middle-aged Scottish lawyer in New York, collected country dance figures in a small booklet held together by a long straight pin. His Dutch-American wife kept a dry goods shop and the fabric samples of her inventory are still bright, telling a vibrant tale of festive evening parties dancing “Christ Church Bells” and “Valentines Day” with her husband and their friends.

These are the first two entries in the bibliography that follows—a list of every book, pamphlet, broadside, periodical or manuscript published or made in North America to 1820 that we have found that contain dance figures, and a few without figures that may have had figures in a different edition. Undoubtedly there are more sources to be located, and some that we know about have not been relocated.

Over 80 percent of these sources date between 1790 and 1810, which has led some scholars to assume that Americans did not dance much before that time. This is not the case at all. Dancing among all classes was common throughout the colonial period and the surviving documents are in about the same proportion as those of other cultural arts.

In the seventeenth century the records about dance are sparse, since the population was small and most of the colonists’ needs, including books and musical instruments, were imported. Probate, court records and letters give the few details we have.  As the population increased and diversified, newspapers were established and more details of music and dance activities appeared. Dancing masters advertised classes; boarding school mistresses noted that drawing, embroidery, and dancing were part of their curriculum; and musical instruments and equipment like strings, bridges, and bows were offered for sale.

As years went by, more and more Americans left concrete traces of their leisure hour activities. Letters sent to England requested household servants who were also accomplished on musical instruments and orders for music of current fashion and harpsichords “of the latest construction.”  Teachers claimed to teach “in the newest and most approved method from London and Paris” and obtained much of their repertory from the same sources. In 1789 John Griffiths was teaching “new cotillions, which have been but four months since invented in Paris; and a Solo-minuet which was never before danced in America.” By 1800, the United States was a fully established nation, with music and dancing comparable with many European countries.

In newspapers, literature, diaries, letters, and even in topical songs we see that social dancing was important to early Americans and economically rewarding to entrepreneurs. There was a growing market in America for teaching and sales, and that market is well documented by this bibliography. The list does not include the dance and music books imported from Britain, France and Italy, nor the over 400 known American hand-written tune collections made during this period. These merely reinforce the dramatic story.

As dancing masters traveled from town to town, carrying their imported and self-made reference books, they must have encouraged their students to copy out figures and tunes. When John Griffiths arrived in Norwich in the fall of 1787, he found an apt student in fiddler John Turner. The young Turner borrowed Griffiths’ imported collection of dances and copied over 100 English and Scottish tunes into his notebook. Griffiths entrusted his own “Griffiths Whim” to Turner as well, thus saving that spirited tune from oblivion. In Pepperill, Massachusetts, Nancy Shepley wrote out the figures for a number of dances that Elizabeth Bancroft mentioned in her diary. It appears that the two attended the same school, run by a French dancing master in 1794.

The form of dance documented by all of there sources is overwhelmingly that of the longways English country dance for as many couples as wished to join the dance. Beginning in 1772, the French cotillion for four couples (usually but not always in square formation) was introduced in eastern American towns. Of all the dances types current, these were the most easily written down. The dances of ceremony, chiefly the Minuet, taught in dancing schools from the late seventeenth to well into the nineteenth century, were considered vital in dance training. But they were difficult to capture on paper and were taught by example. Gavottes, Rigadoons, hornpipes and other solo or duo dances for stage or individual performance were also transmitted by example, tailored to the individual dancer's skills. The more unstructured jigs and reels, chief dance types of the lower classes, needed little instruction although they often involved complex stepping and improvisation. They survive only in passing references and iconographic sources.

The first step in reconstructing the dances of early America is to collect and study all the evidence. For country dances and cotillions we have a rich supply. The promise of these books is joyous, for, as we leaf through the pages, we envision our ancestors in their classrooms, parlors, and ballrooms, flirting, showing off, learning, overcoming shyness, and delighting in the company of loved ones. In the manuscripts we see awkward letters and splattered ink revealing impatient young hands irritated by the tedium of instruction or foiled by poor quality paper and quill pens. Worn corners, water stains and wax spots tell of many trips in a waistcoat pocket or violin case.

Each document must be studied carefully for all aspects of its story. Some can be compared with British counterparts, of which several are direct copies. Other are copied from contemporary American publications, and several show creative choreography. When concordances can be found, the differences are interesting. Spelling of technical terms and phrases give clues about the teachers, their backgrounds and instructional methods.  After 1788, everyone seems to know John Griffiths’ country dance,  “Fisher’s Hornpipe,” and it appears from many title pages that a whole generation of New England youngsters could find plenty of ideas for misbehavior in his “Instances of Ill Manners To Be Carefully Avoided by Youth of Both Sexes.” This compilation of all sorts of rude things that one should NOT do was reprinted a number of times between 1794 and 1808!  Another long-lived set of manners was printed in 1722 in Boston, William Winstanley’s “Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour.”  His were more positive, framed as rules, not examples. It was Winstanley’s work, possibly the London edition of 1733, that the young George Washington found and copied in 1747: “1st Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.” At the age of fourteen, Washington was learning the proper bows and other signs of respect that would serve him so well as an adult in ballrooms throughout the colonies and the new nation.

For those interested in seeing copies of items cited here, most of those with “Evans” numbers have been photographed and are available in major research libraries on the microprint series Early American Imprints, 1639–1800, published by Readex Corporation with the American Antiquarian Society. Originally issued on white microcards, this series is now available as microfiche, from which good copies can be made. Many of the manuscripts have been microfilmed by their holding libraries and copies can be obtained by writing directly to them. Pages from a number of these sources are illustrated in Joy Van Cleef and Kate Van Winkle Keller, “Selected American Country Dances and Their English Sources,” in Music in Colonial Massachusetts, 1630–1820. I. Music in Public Places, ed. by Barbara Lambert (Boston: Colonial Society of Massachusetts, 1980), pp. 2–73. Photocopies of many are available for study at the library of the Country Dance and Song Society of America at the University of New Hampshire.

To find melodies to accompany the dances in these sources, first check The National Tune Index, which includes all American imprints of music, many important manuscripts, and most of the British sources for American dance. For hints on research techniques, bibliographies of reference materials, customs, clothing and other relevant material, consult Kate Keller, “Resources for the Reconstruction of English Country Dances” (1983), available from the Country Dance and Song Society. For an index of the dance titles and the figures in most of the works cited here, see Robert M. Keller’s Dance Figures Index, available on this site online or in printed format in the Sales part of this web site.
 
 

EAMES     Keller, Robert M. et al. Early American Music and Its European Sources. Annapolis: The Colonial Music Institute, 2001. In preparation

Evans      Evans, Charles. American Bibliography. Worcester, MA: AmericanAntiquarian Society, 1956–1959, 14 vols. This series provides item numbers for access in Early American Imprints, 1639–1800. Worcester, MA: American Antiquarian Society. [Readex Microprint series]

Fuld/Davidson   Fuld, James J.,  and Mary Wallace Davidson. 18th-CenturyAmerican Secular Music Manuscripts: An Inventory. Philadelphia: Music Library Association, 1980, MLA Index & Bibliography Series, Number 20.

Keller         Keller, Kate Van Winkle. Popular Secular Music in America through 1800: A Preliminary Checklist of Manuscripts in North American Collections. Philadelphia: Music Library Association, 1981, MLA Index & Bibliography Series, Number 21.

Lowens    Lowens, Irving. A Bibliography of Songsters Printed in America Before 1821. Worcester: American Antiquarian Society, 1976.

NTI       Keller, Kate Van Winkle, and Carolyn Rabson. The National Tune Index:18th-Century Secular Music. New York: University Music Editions, 1980.

Sonneck   Sonneck, Oscar George Theodore. A Bibliography of Early Secular American Music (18th Century). Revised and enlarged by William Treat Upton. New York: Da Capo Press, 1964.

SS        Shipton, Clifford K., ed. Early American Imprints. Second series, 1801–1819. Worcester, MA: American Antiquarian Society. Readex Microprint's second series accessed through numbers in Shaw and Shoemaker’s American Bibliography. New York: Scarecrow Press, 1958–1965.

Wolfe    Wolfe, Richard. Secular Music in America, 1801–1825. 3 vols.  New
York: New York Public Library, 1964.
 
 

1749     Bayer, Richard Otto. “The Soldier Laddie A Double Dance” [figures for country dance in manuscript opposite page 11 of Wright’s Compleat Collection of Celebrated Country Dances. . . Voll. 1st (London: I. Johnson, 1740)]. Salem, MA, 1749.
            EAMES D201.
            Essex Institute. Music for dance is on page 10.

[1769     Johnson, Jno. “Taught by Jno Johnson Dancing Master. Newly Corrected a Sett of the Choicest Country Dances most in voge this present Year 1769.” [England?]: 1769.
            EAMES D204.
            Mills College, Parton Collection. Although it has been suggested that this is of American provenance, Janice Braun, Special Collections Curator, F. W. Olin Library, Mills College (in June, 2000) believes it to be of English origin. The contents and watermarks  (closest is “Britannia” in Heawood, Watermarks, mainly of the 17th and 18th Centuries,  Hilversum: Paper Publications Society, 1950, vol. 1 of  Monumenta Chartae Papyraceae, #201 (London, 1765) also suggest anEnglish compilation.]

1772     Garcia Joseph Maria. [Copybook containing 298 melodies, 76 with figures of country dances in manuscript.] Chalco, Mexico: 1772. 100 lvs. Southwest Museum, Eleanor Hague Collection, MS 203.
            EAMES K100.
This manuscript reflects English, French, and Spanish sources. The country dances are written in Spanish but many of the titles are mis-understood English words. See Craig H. Russell's article, "The Eleanor Hague Manuscript: A Sampler of Musical Life in Eighteenth-Century Mexico," Inter-American Music Review 14/2 (Winter-Spring), 1995, 39–62. A large number of minuets are included. Russell includes incipits of each tune and concordances where known.

1777     Thompson, Aaron, Compiler. "A Table of Time." [Commonplace book containing instructions and tunes for the fife including 5 with figures of country dances, plus journal entries, song-texts, mathematical accounts, and penmanship exercises.  New Jersey, 1777–1782]. Pp.3–127. Lacking Pp.13-14, 35-36; 55-56 cut off.
             NTI/EAMES A10; Fuld/Davidson 2.
            Yale University, Sterling Library, Manuscripts and Archives. Misc. Mss. 72; Microfilm 44. Dances with music and figures include "Sweet Richard," "Miss Mores Rant," "Flowers of Edenburough," "The Dutches of Brumswick Country Dance," and "Allmon Swiss Country Dance." Page 51 of this MS is illustrated in Joy Van Cleef, "Rural Felicity: Social Dance in 18th-Century Connecticut," Dance Perspectives 65 (1976), vol. 17, cover.

 1780?  Five playing cards containing the figures of country dances entitled: "The Military Assembly," "The Success of the Campaign," "The Defeat of Burgoyne,"  "Lady Buckley's Whim," and "The Retreat of Clinton." Pennsylvania? ca. 1780.]
            Keller p. 84.
These cards are described in Catherine Perry Hargrave, "The Playing Cards of Puritan New England," Old-Time New England 18 (1928):173. Her citation implies that the cards are located at the United States Playing Card Company in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Director of that institution replied to my inquiry in December, 1986 that they were not there. I have writtento a number of other institutions without luck. We hope that these cards will reappear some day. The date and location are based on the Marquis de Chastellux’s remarks after attendingan assembly in Philadelphia on December 14, 1780: “These dances, like the ‘toasts’ we drink at table, have a marked connection with politics: one is called ‘the success of the campaign,’ another ‘Burgoyne’s defeat,’ and a third, ‘Clinton’s retreat. . . .’ (Howard C. Rice, Jr. ed.  Travels in North America in the Years 1780, 1781 and 1782 by the Marquis deChastellux. Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina Press, 1963, vol. 1, p. 177.)

1781 [Commonplace book containing the figures of 35 country dances, copied "in a round, girlish hand," 178-?]
           EAMES D111.
           Unlocated. This manuscript is described in detail, with the figures of some of the dances, in George Champlin Mason, Reminiscences of Newport (Newport: Charles E. Hammet, 1884), pp. 80–81.

1782 "Twenty Four Country Dances for the Year 1782 With proper Directions to each Dance as they are performed at Court Almacks Bath Pantheon and all Public Assemblies."  [Commonplace book containing a manuscript copy of the figures for twenty dances from Twenty four Country Dances for the Year 1782 (London:, T. Skillern, 1782) and four additional dances.]
           EAMES D121.
           New England Historical Geneological Society. MSS C29. A copy of Twenty four Country Dances . . . (London: T. Skillern, 1782) is located at the Vaughan Williams Library of the English Folk Dance and Song Society.

1782   Brown, Jeremiah. [Commonplace book containing 234 melodies and figures of 22 country dances.] Seabrook, [NH, 178-].
           EAMES D181.
           American Antiquarian Society

1783     “The First Assembly. Philadelphia, 1783." [Single sheet containing 3 melodies, one with figures for a country dance.]
           Fuld/Davidson 38; EAMES D119 (Philadelphia MS, 1783).
           Columbia University, Hunt-Berol: The First Assembly.

1783     Weeks, Clement. "A Collection of Dances belonging to Clement Weeks of Greenland Feb 12th, 1783." [Commonplace book containing the figures of 43 countrydances.] Greenland, New Hampshire, 1783.
           EAMES D123
           American Antiquarian Society, Manuscript Collection. Transcription published in Abbot Lowell Cummings, "An Eighteenth-century Collection of Contra Dances,"  Old-TimeNew England, 47(1957), pp. 108-111.

1784     Walker, Benjamin. Orders for a Dancing School. [Rules of school and figures of 26 country dances.] Lunenburg, [VA], 1784.
           EAMES D199.
           Virginia Historical Society. BDSDS1784:1 oversize. Modern edition in preparation by George A. Fogg and Kate Van Winkle Keller

1785     Cantelo, Mr., ed. Twenty Four American Country Dances as Danced by the Britishduring their Winter Quarters at Philadelphia, New York, & Charles Town. London: Longman and Broderip, [1785].
            NTI/EAMES E79;  Sonneck-Upton, pp 97-98.
Copies at British Library, (Music Room, b.53.(2.), Library Company of Philadelphia (Am 1785 Cant), the Clements Library,University of Michigan, the Bodleian Library and the Kongelige Bibliotek in Denmark.Figures and music. For sample pages, contents and essay, see Kate Van Winkle Keller,“Hezekiah Cantelo, an Eighteenth-Century Dance Collector in British-Occupied New York”  in Susan L. Porter and John Graziano, eds., Vistas of American Music: Essays and Compositions in Honor of William K. Kearns (Warren, MI: Harmonie Park Press, 1999), 19–38.

1786     [Griffiths, John? A Collection of Figures of the Newest and Most Fashionable Country Dances. New Haven: Daniel Bowen, 1786.]
           Unlocated. Adv. in the New Haven Chronicle on Sept. 12, 1786: "Also may be had at said office..."

1788     Griffith[s], John. A Collection of The newest and most fashionable Country Dancesand Cotillions. The greater Part by Mr. John Griffith, Dancing-Master in Providence.  Providence: [John Carter], 1788.
           Evans 21122; Sonneck-Upton p. 75; EAMES D145
           Rhode Island Historical Society. Figures only.

1788      Turner, John. "John Turner's Liber, 1788." [Commonplace book containing 225 dance melodies, many apparently copied from Thompson's Compleat Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances, Vollm. III (London, Charles and Samuel Thompsons [sic], [1773]).  Norwich, Connecticut, 1788.
           NTI/EAMES E95.
           Connecticut Historical Society, Manuscript Collection.

1788     [A Variety of Country Dances for 1788. Portsmouth, NH: 1788]
           Unlocated. Adv. in  [Portsmouth] New Hampshire Spy Jan. 25, 1788: "to be sold opposite to the postoffice." The adv. appeared several times during the year. The title is not common to London publications of the period and may refer to a local imprint.

1790s     Richmond Dancing Assemblies: “Fair Hybernian” and “Fisher’s Hornpipe” [Sheets with figures of country dances in manuscript] Richmond, VA: [ca. 179-]
           EAMES D207, D208 (Richmond MS-1, 1790 & MS-2, 1790).
           Virginia Historical Society. Mss4 R41524B. Figures only. Modern edition in preparation by George A. Fogg and Kate Van Winkle Keller.

1790  Philo-Musico [pseud.] "Columbia. A New Country Dance." The Massachusetts Magazine, vol.2. Boston: Isaiah Thomas and E. T. Andrews, Feb., 1790. p. 125
           Evans 22663; NTI/EAMES E61; Sonneck-Upton p. 78.
           Library of Congress. Music and figures.

179?  Roth, Philip.  [Copy book containing music for keyboard solo or voice and keyboard, and melody, bass, and the music and figures for three cotillions: "The Pantaloon,"  "The Federation," and "L'Armadille" in manuscript. 179?]
           Fuld/Davidson 58; EAMES D209 (Roth MS, 1790).
           Free Library of Philadelphia, Music Division, Manuscript music from the Estate of Benjamin Carr.

1790?      "No. 1 Sweet Richard" [Commonplace book containing the figures in manuscript of 14 country dances largely derived from Longman and Broderip's Selection of the Most Favorite Country Dances, Reels &c  (London: c. 1790), vol. 1 and 2.]
           EAMES D117 (Pennsylvania MS, 1790).
           Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Manuscript collection. Figures only. As of January 12, 1988, the staff was unable to locate this item. Described and illustrated in Lichtenwanger, William, ed. Church Music and Musical Life in Pennsylvania in the Eighteenth Century, vol. 3, part 2 (Philadelphia: Pennsylvania Society of the Colonial Dames of America, 1947), pp. 518-523.

1791     Duport, Pierre Landrin. United States Country Dances. Philadelphia: Pierre Landrin Duport, 1791.]
           Unlocated. Cited by Lillian Moore, The Duport Mystery (New York: DancePerspectives, 1960), pp. 27–28 and 98n11) from an advertisement in  Dunlap's American Daily Advertiser, January 25, 1791. See below, number 74.

1792     Allen, Jacob (1776-1860). "Jacob Allen's Arithmetic Manuscript. Walpole, March 17th 1792." [Copybook containing figures for 27 country dances in manuscript (pp. 131-137)]. Walpole, Massachusetts, 1792.
           EAMES D104.
In a private collection. Photocopy at CDSS library, University of New Hampshire.

1792     Loring Andrews, published of the Western Star, in Stockbridge, MA, advertised inMarch 20, 1792: “A small work containing a description of a choice collection of Country dances, for sale at the printing office. . .”
           Unlocated. See 1794, A Collection of Contra Dances.

 1793     Frobischer, C[arolyn] R[achel]. [Musical copybook containing 42 pieces in manuscript arranged for harpsichord, most with lyrics, 14 with figures for country dances.] Montreal, 1793.
           NTI/EAMES E90.
           Montreal, Hôpital Général.

1793     The New Ladies Memorandum-Book for the Year MDCCXCIV. Containing  oeconomical tables, [24] country dances for the year 1794.  London: James Evans. North America. Boston: Sold by Messrs Thomas & Andrews, [1793]
           Evans 27191; D154.
           American Antiquarian Society. Figures only. Entry in Evans is taken from a Carter adv before a copy was located. Figures only, pp. 145–147, derived directly from Twenty Four Country Dances for the Year 1794 (London: Saml. Ann & Peter Thompson, 1794) (NTI/EAMES E77), which was also published in the fall of 1793.

1793    St. Armand. [Half sheet with figures for 8 country dances in manuscript. Newport, RI, 1793.]Rhode Island Historical Society, "Dancing" files.

1793     Young's Vocal and Instrumental Musical Miscellany. Philadelphia: Young andCarey, [1793-1795.]
            Evans 26522; NTI/EAMES E60.
           Library of Congress.  Music and figures of three country dances, "Bonny Lem of Aberdeen as a Contry Dance,"  p.7, "Cymro-Oble or the Welch question," p.17, and "Dibdin's Fancy," p. 30.

1793     Willcox, Asa (b. 1756). "The Property of Asa Willcox 1793." [Commonplace book containing the figures of 37 country dances and 3 cotillions in manuscript. New Hartford, Connecticut,]1793.
           EAMES D124.
           Chicago, Newberry Library. A transcription of the manuscript was published as Asa Willcox's Book of Figures 1793  (Chicago:  Newberry Library, n.d.). Facsimile of typescript available on Library of Congress, "American Memory" website, in Dance Manuals.

1794?     Crawford, Elisabeth. [Commonplace book containing rules of grammer and the figures of 13 country dances. 179?]
           EAMES D106.
           Harvard University, Theatre Collection, MS Thr 286. Date based on similarity of contents to Griffiths’ 1794 edition.

1794     A Collection of Contra Dances containing the Newest, most Approved and Fashionable Figures. Stockbridge: Loring Andrews, 1794.
           Evans 46413; EAMES D164.
           American Antiquarian Society. Figures only. Redated by the holding library from 1792 based on inclusion of “Genet’s Recall.”

1794     Douglas, Saml. "The 14th of Feby." [Country dance figures written on verso of title page of Twenty four Country Dances for the year 1794 (London: Preston & Son, 1794).]
           EAMES D107.
           Library of Congress, M1450.P74 Case.

1794     Griffiths, John. A Collection of the Newest Cotillions, and Country Dances; Principally Composed by John Griffiths, Dancing Master. To Which is Added, Instances of Ill Manners, to be carefully avoided by Youth of both sexes. Northampton: [1794].
           Evans 21121; Sonneck-Upton, p. 76; EAMES D156
           American Antiquarian Society. Figures only. A discussion and complete facsimile of this influential book was published in Kate Van Winkle Keller, "John Griffiths, Eighteenth-Century Itinerant Dancing Master," Itinerancy in New England and New York (Boston: Boston University, 1986), pp.106–111.

1794    New Ladies Memorandum-Book for the Year M.DCC.XCIV. London: James Evans, 1794.
            Evans 27191; Lowens pp. 32–33.
            American Antiquarian Society
Figures only. Title page indicates book was published in London, sold in Boston, Worcester and Providence. Dances derived from Twenty Four Country Dances for the year 1794 (London: Saml. Ann & Peter Thompson, 1794).

1794     Shepley, Nancy, compiler? "Nancy Shepley's Book" [Commonplace book containing the figures of 55 country dances. Pepperill [Massachusetts, ca. 1794.]
           EAMES D120.
           American Antiquarian Society, Manuscript collection. Figures only. Date based on descriptions of dancing school in Elizabeth Bancroft's "Diary," at American Antiquarian Society.

1795     Adams, William O., compiler. "William O. Adams's Music Book, London, September 4th, 1795." [Commonplace book containing a number of melodies with topical American titles, and the tune and dance figures of "Columbia - a new Country Dance" (p. 23), in manuscript.]
           Fuld/Davidson 3;  EAMES D168.
           Library of Congress, Music Division. M63.A2M8 Case.

1795     [Griffiths, John. A Collection of the Newest Cotillions and Country Dances. To which is added,Instances of Ill Manners, to be carefully avoided by Youth of both Sexes. By John Griffiths, Dancing Master. Greenfield: Thomas Dickman, 1795.]
           Evans 28774; Sonneck-Upton, p. 76.
           Unlocated. Imprint assumed by Evans from adv.  "For sale at this office..." in the Greenfield Gazette, November 26, 1795. Evans lists this item in volume 10, p. 92, among the entries for 1795 but gives the date as 1794. Since the source for his citation is the newspaper ad from November, 1795, one must assume that his date of 1794 was a misprint.

179?     "Early American Dances. The Apollo, The Bowers, White Cockade..." [Commonplace book containing figures of country dances in manuscript. 179?]
           EAMES D108 (Early Amer MS, 1795)
           Boston Athenaeum, Mss S53. Figures only.

1795?      J., W. The Dancer's Instructor. Containing a Collection of the newest Cotillions, and Country Dances. Keene: [c.1795].
            Not in Evans;  EAMES D134 (Dancer’s Instructor, 1795)
             New Hampshire Historical Society. Figures only.

1795     Merrill, Joseph (1774-1798). "New Country Dances. The property of Joseph Hinkley." [Commonplace book containing a manuscript copy of the dance figures in Twenty four Country Dances for the Year 1793 (London, Saml., Ann & Peter Thompson, 1793) and six additional dances. Maine? ca. 179-]
           EAMES D112
           Pejepscot Historical Society, Brunswick, Maine.
My thanks to Robb Spivey and George Fogg for help with details about this manuscript. A copy of Twenty four Country Dances . . . 1793  with music and figures is located in the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library of the English Folk Dance and Song Society and is indexed in NTI/EAMES E76.

1795?      "Square Dances. Manuscript instructions." [Commonplace book containing the figures for 54 country dances in manuscript. New Hampshire? ca. 1795.]
               EAMES D115 (New Hampshire MS, 1795)
              New Hampshire Historical Society, V793 S773m.

1795      Muzzey, Lucy. "Revenge" [Commonplace book containing the figures of 42 country dances in manuscript].  Plainfield, Vermont: 1790 [ca. 1795 for dance entries]
           EAMES D114
           Vermont Historical Society.

1795      [St. Vellum. A Collection of Country Dances by Mons[ieur] St. Vellum, A French Dancing Master. Walpole: Isaiah Thomas and David Carlisle, 1795.]
           Evans 29462.
           Unlocated. Imprint assumed by Evans from adv. in The New-hampshire and Vermont Journal, November 3, 1795.

1795      A New Academy of Complements: or the Lover's Secretary...to which is added, A choice Collection of above one hundred and twenty Love Songs . . .with plain Instructions for Dancing. Worcester: 1795.
           Evans 29145; Lowens 98; EAMES D153 (New Academy, 1795).
           American Antiquarian Society and New York Public Library.  Pp. 140-144 contain "The Modish Dancing Master. Or Brief and Plain Instructions for Dancing Country Dances." The figures of 14 dances (three given twice) are unusual for this period and are closely related to dances published in later editions of The Dancing Master(London: 1686-1728). The dances are identical tothose published in A New Academy of Complements, 4th edition (London: C. Bates and A. Bettesworth, 1715) which were repeated in later editions of the same volume, notably the 17th edition published by J. Bew in 1784. Although they are not quite as antiquarian as the dances, the songs in this volume are also rather old-fashioned.

1796      American Ladies Pocket Book for MDCCXCVII. Philadelphia: W. Y. Birch, 1796.
           Evans 29972; Lowens 120; EAMES D125.
           American Antiquarian Society and Pennsylvania Historical Society. Figures only. Pp. 145-146 contain  "Country Dances for the Year 1797."

1796    A Choice Collection of New and Approved Country Dances. Northampton: 1796.
            Evans 47752, not on microprint; EAMES D156.
Free Library of Philadelphia, Rare Book Room, Rosenbach-CH 206. Figures only.

1796     [A Collection of Contra Dances, containing a Hundred and Forty Fashionable Figures. Hanover: Dunham & True, 1796.]
            Evans 30236.
            Unlocated. Imprint assumed by Evans from adv: "Just Published and for sale at this office" in the Eagle, March 7,1796.

1796     Fraisier, M.J.C. The Scholars Companion, containing a Choice Collection of Cotillons & Country-Dances. Boston: Columbian Museum Press, [1796].
           Evans 32146; EAMES D 139 (Fraisier CD, 1796).
           Library of Congress. Figures only. Facsimile available on Library of Congress, "American Memory" website, in Dance manuals.

1796    The Lady's and Gentleman's Pocket Magazine. New York: J. Tiebout, 1796.
            American Periodical Series microfilm.
Figures only. Dance section, pp. 180–181, titled "Select Country Dances for the year 1796." Dances from Ladies Mirror . . . 1796 (London: S. Chapple, 1796).

1797     Arnold, Wm, attributed owner. "Love in a Village" [Commonplace book containing the figures of 13 country dances in manuscript, ca. 1797]
           EAMES D105 (Arnold MS, 1797).
           Rhode Island Historical Society, Misc. Mss. D-195.

1797      [A Collection of Country Dances and Cotillions with their proper figures for the pianoforte and violin. Baltimore: J. Carr, 1797.]
            Sonneck-Upton p. 66. Unlocated. Advertised by J. Carr in September, 1797 among  "music lately published."]

1797     [American Ladies' Pocket Book, for 1798. Containing the usual number of ruled pages for Memorandums, an Almanac, new Country Dances, &c. ornamented with a handsome Frontisepiece, 1797.]
           Evans 31722.
           Unlocated. Adv. in Columbian Centinel [Boston, Massachusetts], January 3, 1798, "Just received, and for sale by David West. . . ."  My thanks to George A. Fogg for this citation.

1797      [Griffiths, John.  A Collection of the Newest Cotillions and Country Dances principally compiled by J. Griffiths, Dancing-Master. To which is added, Rules for Conversation and Instances of Ill Manners to be avoided by Youth. Hartford: J. Babcock, 1797.]
           Evans 32213.
           Unlocated. Imprint assumed by Evans from Babcock advertisements.

1797     Hewitt, James. The Wampum Belt. [Single Sheet containing Hewitt's song and the music for pianoforte and the music and figures of "The Rangers Cotillon." Page 8 from an unidentified collection of instrumental and vocal music. New York: Hewitt & Rausch, [1797].
           Sonneck-Upton, p. 448; EAMES D192.
           Library of Congress, M1 A1 U

1797     [A Large Collection of Cotillions and Country Dances. Rutland: Josiah Fay, 1797.]
               Evans 32352.
               Unlocated. Imprint assumed by Evans from adv. in  Rutland Herald, August 21, 1797.

1797     [Linley’s Selection of Country Dances and Reels, with their proper figures for the pianoforte or violin. Baltimore: J. Carr, 1797.]
               Unlocated.
              Adv. in Sept, 1797 by J. Carr, Baltimore, among “music lately published.” Sonneck, p. 230.

1797     The Skylark: or Gentlemen & Ladies' Complete Songster. 2nd. ed. Worcester: Isaiah Thomas, jun., 1797.
           Evans 32829; Lowens 130; EAMES D163.
           American Antiquarian Society. Figures only. Pp. 301-310 contain "A Collection of the Newest Cotillions and Country Dances."

1798      American Ladies Pocket Book, for the year 1799: containing . . . New Country Dances. Philadelphia: William Y. Birch, [1798].
           Evans 48338; Bristol-Evans B10203; Lowens 167; EAMES D126.
           American Antiquarian Society and New York Public Library.

1798         D., W.  An Elegant Collection of New Figures Lately Composed for the Use of Dancing Schools. Amherst: Samuel Preston, 1798.
            Evans 33594, not on microprint; EAMES D128 (Amherst CD, 1798)
            New Hampshire Historical Society, V793.D. Figures only.

1798     The Echo: or, Federal Songster. Brookfield: E. Merriam & Co., [1798].
           Evans 33663; Lowens 147; EAMES D136
           American Antiquarian Society. Pp. 231-236 contain "A Collection of the most Celebrated Cotillions and Country Dances." Figures only.

1798     The Gentleman & Lady's Companion; Containing, the Newest Cotillions and Country Dances;, to which is added, Instances of Ill Manners to be carefully avoided by Youth of both sexes. Norwich: J. Trumbull, 1798.
           Evans 48462; EAMES D142.
           American Antiquarian Society. Facsimile available on Library of Congress, "American Memory" website, in Dance manuals. Figures only.

1798     Gentleman & Lady's Companion; containing, the newest Cotillions and Country Dances; to which are added, Instances of Ill Manners, to be carefully avoided by Youth of both sexes. 2nd ed. Stonington-Port: John Trumbull, 1798.
               Evans 33823; EAMES D143.
               John Carter Brown Library. Figures only. This is another edition of the Norwich issue of 1798 above. Country dance LXXII, "Belles of Middletown," is omitted.

179?      Webb, Mrs. George, owner. "Country Dances." [Commonplace book containing figures for country dances. n.p.  179-?]
               EAMES D122
              Vermont Historical Society, Misc. File #1619. Figures only.

1799?     [Allen, Nathan, compiler. Select Country Dances. [New Hampshire? ca. 1799.] 8 pp.
               Not in Evans; EAMES D103 (Allen CD, 1799).
               Winterthur; Clements Library at the University of Michigan. Figures only. Last page is signed: "YOUNG MISSES and MASTERS, These Instructions are Selected by your greatest friend, With respect, NATHAN ALLEN, A native of the State of New-Hampshire, N. England."

1799     American Ladies Pocket Book, for the year 1799. . . Country Dances. Philadelphia: William Y. Birch, 1799.
               E 48338; Lowens 167; EAMES D126.
               American Antiquarian Society. Figures only. Dance section (p. 4) titled “Country Dances.”

1799        Burbank, John.  New Collection of Country Dances for the Year 1799.  Brookfield: 1799.
                Evans 48814; EAMES D132.
                American Antiquarian Society. Figures only.

1799         A Collection of Contra Dances of Late, Approved, and Fashionable Figures. Walpole: Museum Press, 1799.
                Evans 35320; EAMES D165.
American Antiquarian Society. Figures only.

1799       A Collection of Contradances containing newest, most Approved and Fashionable Figures. Stockbridge: 1799.
               Bristol 10742.
                Unlocated. This appears to be a ghost of the 1794 edition.

1799         [A Collection of the Newest Cotillions and Country Dances, for the use of Schools. Newport, RI: 1799.]
            Unlocated.
             Adv. in the [Newport] Weekly Companion, Saturday, June 15, 1799, p. 3, col. 3,  as “Just published and for sale.”

1799     Fisin, James. Ode to May . [Single sheet containing the music and lyrics of "Ode to May" followed by the music and figures for "Speed the Plough".] New York: J. & M. Paff, [ca. 1799-1803].
            Not in Evans; Sonneck-Upton p. 313.
            New York Public Library and Library of Congress.

1799    The Gentleman & Lady's Companion; containing, the Newest Cotillions and Country Dances; to which is added, Instances of Ill Manners to be carefully avoided by Youth of both Sexes. Newport: Oliver Farnsworth, 1799.
            Evans 48865; Bristol 10786; EAMES D141.
            Newport Historical Society.

1799      [Ives, John H.  Twenty-four Dance Figures of the Most fashionable Country-Dances, together with Eight Cotillions in the year 1800. Hartford: 1799.]
            Unlocated. This edition of the New Haven publication (below) is cited in J. Hammond Trumbull,  The Memorial History of Hartford County Connecticut 1633-1884 (Boston, Edward L. Osgood, 1886), vol. 1, p. 586.

1799      Ives, John H.  Twenty-four Figures of The Most Fashionable Country Dances: Together with Eight Cotillions, for the Year Eighteen Hundred. New Haven: Reed & Morse, 1799.
            Evans 35658; EAMES D148.
            Henry E. Huntington Library. Figures only.

1799     A New Collection of Country Dances, For the Use of Dancing Assemblies: in the year 1799. Leominster: 1799
            Evans 35867; EAMES D150.
            American Antiquarian Society. Figures only.

1799     [New Song Book, To which is added the Figures of 24 new Country Dances. Portsmouth, NH: Charles Peirce, 1799.]
            Unlocated. Adv. as "just published and for sale at 1s 6" in the Oracle of the Day, March 19, 1799. Cited by Louis Pichierri, Music in New Hampshire 1623-1800 (New York, Columbia University Press, 1960), 60-61 and 252n27.

1799         Ridgely, Henry Moore. [Commonplace book containing the figures of 37 country dances in manuscript. 1799].
            EAMES D113 (Ridgely MS, 1799).
            Delaware State Library, Ridgely Collection, Box 257, D.S. A.
Figures only. See Jack Gardner, “Contradances and Cotillions: Dancing in Eighteenth Century Delaware” in Delaware History 22(1986), 39–47.

1799    The President. [Broadside sheet with 4 dances and music for pianoforte. New York: John and Michael Paff?, ca. 1799].
            Library of Congress, M1.A1.P, an edition of Wolfe 10193.

1799     Twelve New Country Dances, with figures. New York: I. and M. Paff, [between 1799-1803.]
            Wolfe 10198.
            Unlocated. Imprint assumed from title page of Four New Country Dances. [music only] Arranged for the piano forte, flute or violin. Also just published: Twelve new country dances, with figures . . . Paffs collection of country dances . . . (Wolfe 10197).

1799     Twenty Four Fashionable Country Dances for the Year 1799 With their proper Figures as performed at Court, Bath and all Public Assemblies. London Printed Boston Reprinted: W. Norman, [1799].
            Evans 36460; Sonneck-Upton, p. 98; NTI/EAMES J19.
            The figures of two country dances in manuscript appear in the New York Public Library copy filmed by Readex. Another copy at American Antiquarian Society with variant paging.  According to Evans, the plates were engraved by John Norman (c. 1748–1817, see Willig fife tutor (1805) for another of his plates.) John Norman was running a bookshop near the Boston Stone Church in Boston. See ad in the back of the G entlemen & Ladies Town & Country Magazine.

1800       A Collection of the Newest Cotillions and Country Dances. To which is added, a Variety of Modern Songs. Also, rules for conversation and instances of ill manners: to be carefully avoided by both sexes. Worcester: [Isaiah Thomas & Son], 1800.
            Evans 37202; Lowens 188; EAMES D167.
            American Antiquarian Society and New York Public Library. Figures only.

1800       Contra Dances. [n.p., c.1800]
            EAMES D133; Not in Evans, not on microprint.
            American Antiquarian Society. Figures only.

1800         Densmore, Benjamin. [Family Papers, including manuscript copies of the figures of five cotillions,  c. 1800].
            EAMES D202.
            Minnesota Historical Society, Densmore (Benjamin and Family) Papers, vol. 1b.

1800         Duport, Pierre Landrin. "Dance tunes. A collection of melodies (begun in 1780) many of which were current in this country before the turn of the century. Composer's holograph." [Copybook containing about 104 dance melodies, six with figures of cotillions.]  Paris, Dublin, Boston, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore,
Washington, Williamsburg, 1780-1834.
            Sonneck-Upton, p. 96-97; EAMES K125.
             Library of Congress, Music Division. ML96 D89. Available on microfilm. See also Moore, "The Duport Mystery," Dance Perspectives 7 (1960) Cotillions date from about 1800.

1800         Duport, Pierre Landrin. Favorite Cotillions. New York: I. & M. Paff, [ca. 1800].
            Not in Evans; Sonneck-Upton, pp. 89-90.
            Grosvenor Library, Buffalo, NY

1800         Duport, Pierre Landrin. A New Sett of Cotilions [sic] with Figures called after the American Navy composed by Mr. P. Landrin Duport, Professor of Dancing from Paris and Original Composer of Cadriels. New York: Duport, 1800.
            NTI/EAMES M12; Not in Evans; Sonneck-Upton, p. 90.
            Library of Congress. Music and figures.

1800         Duport, Pierre Landrin. Two New Favorite Cotillions. Baltimore: Carr's Music Store, [ca. 1800].
            Not in Evans; Sonneck-Upton, p. 90.
            In 1945 this sheet music was in the private collection of Josephine A. McDevitt and Edith A. Wright of Washington, DC. I have not been able to verify its present location.

1800        Duport, Pierre Landrin. United States Country Dances. New York: 1800
            Evans 37336; NTI/EAMES A143; Sonneck-Upton, p. 98.
            Library of Congress. See above, number 15. Music and figures.

1800       The Echo: or, Columbian Songster. 2nd. ed.  Brookfield: D. Merriam, 1800.
            Evans 37344; Lowens 189; EAMES D137.
            Harvard University and Boston Public Library. Figures only. Pp. 203-208 contain "Collection of the most celebrated cotillions and country dances."

1800       The English Archer; or Robert Earl of Huntington: . . . containing thirty-two songs . . . . Baltimore: Bonsal & Niles, 1800.
            Bristol B11030a; Lowens 190; Not on microprint; EAMES D138
            American Antiquarian Society. Figures only. Pp. 120-144 contain "The Complete Country-Dancer" containing figures for 101 country dances.

1800         "Humors of Boston" [Commonplace book containing figures of 18 country dances. ?Casco Bay, ME: ca. 1800.]
            EAMES D110.
            In private collection. Figures only. Location based on inclusion of "Casco Bay Lasses."

1800         Ludlows, H. F. “H. F. Ludlows” [Copybook containing 44 tunes, about half scored for keyboard and voice,  rest for keyboard, and figures for three dances.] 62 pp.
            Center for Popular Music, Middle Tennessee State University.

1800         Reinagle, Alexander. Mr. Francis's Ballroom Assistant. Being a collection of the most admired cotillions and country dances with their proper figures annexed. Including a variety of marches, minutes [sic], reels, gavots, hornpipes, &c. The music composed and selected and the whole arranged as lessons for the piano forte by Mr. Reinagle. The work to consist of eight  numbers to be published every other week. Philadelphia: G. Willig,
[1798-1804].
            Not in Evans; Sonneck-Upton p. 146-147; EAMES D140.
            Copies of various states of this periodical publication are in several locations. According to Wolfe (p. 1026) complete copies with title page are at Lester S. Levy and Brown University. Pp. 14-15 are at the Library of Congress, Music Division.  Pp. 6-17 are at the Library Company of Philadelphia (X. M 1801 Rei (17) 1550.F. 18-20.)

1800         Perkins, Betsey. [Commonplace book containing 20 country dances in manuscript. Litchfield, Connecticut: ca. 1800.]
            EAMES D118.
Litchfield Historical Society. Figures only.

1801?         [A Collection of Cotillions with the Figures].
            Adv by James Hewitt. Unlocated. Wolfe 1992

1801       The Lady's Monitor. Nov. 28, 1801- Jan 2, 1802.  New York.
            EAMES 149.
            Figures only. Country dances published weekly in this periodical.

1801         Rice, P. A Choice Collection of Contra Dances, Principally composed by P. Rice, for the use of Dancing Schools [with figures for 26 country dances and 4 cotillions].  Harvard, Massachusetts: L. Parker, [1801]. 14 p.
            SS 1247; EAMES D159.
            American Antiquarian Society copy has MS signature: "William Turner his property presented by a friend Ca..? Farra." The Turner family taught dancing in Boston for three generations.

1802         Mueller, H. F.  A Collection of New Country Dances, Waltzes & Cotillions. For the Piano Forte. Composed by H. F. Mueller.  New York: G. Gilfert, [1802?] pp. 15.
            Wolfe 6356;  SS 50309.
            Library of Congress, Harvard University Library. Music only.

1802       The American Ladies Pocket Book: or an Useful Register of Business and Amusement . . . for the year 1802. Philadelphia: John Morgan and H. Maxwell, 1802.
            EAMES D127; Lowen 225.
            University of Virginia. Figures only. Pp. 77-82, "New Country Dances"

1802       A Collection of the Most Favorite Country Dances.  Arranged for the Piano Forte, harp, flute or violin. The figures to be had in a separate book.  New York: J. Hewitt, [1802?]. [32] p.
            Wolfe 2008;  SS 50285, not on microprint.
 Forty-eight tunes in music book once at New York Public Library, Lincoln Center, presently unlocated.  Dances in Peter H. Munson, The Figures of the Newest and Most Fashionable Country Dances for the Year 1808 just received of James Hewitt, New York.  Hudson, [New York?], The Balance-Press for P. Munson, 1808, q.v. Transcriptions of “Harriet’s Birthday” (p. 5) and “Jefferson’s Hornpipe” (p. 11) are in H. Wiley Hitchcock’s Music in the United States. 2nd edition (Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1969), pp. 44–45.

1802         Saltator [pseud.]  A Treatise on Dancing; and on Various other matters, which are connected with that accomplishment and which are requisite to make Youth well received, and regulate their behavior in company, together with a full description of dancing in general—lessons, steps, figures, &c. Boston:  Commercial Gazette,
1802.  99 p.
            SS 3178; EAMES D160.
            Figures only. Detailed descriptions of steps, fancy dances, 10 cotillions and 64 country dances.

1803         [Innocent Recreation. New England: Printed for the Purchasers, 1803.]
            Described by J. Hammond Trumbull in The Memorial History of Hartford County Connecticut (Boston: Edward L Osgood, 1886), p. 586.  Dances listed: Constancy, Orange Tree, Springfield Assembly, Miss Foster's Delight, The President.  Trumbull also makes reference to "Federal Dances" and "Pettycoatees" but gives no source.

1803       Collection of New Cotillions. New York: J. Hewitt, [1803], pp. 21.
            Wolfe 50346.
            Library of Congress. Music only.

1803       Collection of New Cotillions arranged for the Pianoforte, Harp, Flute, and Violin. New York: J. Hewitt, [1803 ?], pp. 29.
            Wolfe 50347.
            Library of Congress. Music only.

1803       The Ladies and Gentlemen's Companion: containing the Newest Cotillions and Country Dances, adapted to the capacity of Beginners. Dedham: [n.p.,] 1803.
            SS 4498; EAMES D135.
            Figures only.

1804         The Merry Medly, or Pocket Companion. Lansingburgh, [NY:] Francis Adancort and Samuel Shaw, 1804.
            SS 6772;  Lowens 275; EAMES D151.
            Figures only. "A collection of the newest and most favorite country-dances, reels and cotillions", p. 140-142.

1804       Collection of the Most Favorite Cottillions. Philadelphia: G. E. Blake, [1804?],  pp. 30
            SS 50418; EAMES D180.
            Music and figures.

1805         [Meves], Augustus. A New Collection of Cotillions arranged for the Piano Forte. composed by Mr. Augustus. New York: Geo. Gilfert, 1805. pp. 11
            SS 50570; Wolfe 5853; EAMES D174 (Augustus Cots, 1805).
            Music and figures.

1806         Berault, Charles.  A Collection of New Cotillions for the Piano-Forte selected by Mr. Berault, the Figures by Miss Gervais.  New York: George Gilfert, [1806?].
            SS 9958; EAMES D175.
            Library of Congress. Music and figures.

1807         Dale, J. The Honey Moon. New York: J. &. M. Paff, [1807-1808].
            Wolfe 4780.
            Johns Hopkins University, Lester Levy Collection, Box 109, Item 158. Figures and music

1807         LaBottiere, George.  New Cotillions; Figures composed by M. George LaBottiere, instructor of dancing in Boston.  Five or Six Cotillions make one set. Boston: Belcher and Armstrong, 1807.
            EAMES D182.
            Wake Forest University, 793.L11. Figures only.

1807         Saltator [pseud.]  A Treatise on Dancing; and on various other matters, which are connected with that accomplishment; and which are requisite to make Youth well received, and regulate their behavior in company, together with lessons, the figures of country dances, and cotillions. Boston:  Printed for the Booksellers, 1807. Pp. 92.
            Not in Shaw Shoemaker; EAMES D161.
            Copy at the Huntington Library (RB 480827). Huntington lists other copies at Yale, Harvard, BPL and Worcester Art Museum, but I think these are the 1802 edition. The Huntington book is a distinctly different edition.  Detailed descriptions of steps, fancy dances, 10 cotillions and 64 country dances.  Figures only.

1808         Adams, Josiah, compiler. "Manuscript. Framingham Singing Society." [Copybook containing several melodies and the figures for 7 country dances.] Framingham, MA, 1808.
            EAMES D102.
            Framingham Historical Society.

1808          A Selection of Cotillions and Country Dances, arranged for the Violin and Piano Forte accompanied with appropriate figures and rules for dancing Cotillions.  Boston: J. T. Buckingham for the compiler., 1808. pp. 16
            SS 16166; EAMES D131.
            Massachusetts Historical Society. Music and figures.

1808         Munson, Peter H.  The Figures of the Newest and Most Fashionable Country Dances for the Year 1808 just received of James Hewitt, New York.  Hudson (NY): The Balance-Press for P. Munson, 1808
            SS 50849; Wolfe 2791; EAMES D152.
            Brown University. This appeares to be copy of the figures book referred to in  A Collection of the Most Favorite Country Dances.  Arranged for the Piano Forte, harp, flute or violin. The figures to be had in a separate book.  New York: J. Hewitt, [1802?]. [32] p. (Wolfe 2147), presently unlocated.

1808       A Collection of Country Dances and Cotillions arranged for the pianoforte. Boston: G. Graupner, 1808?–1811?.
            Wolfe 1993, 1994 (2 sets); EAMES D144.
            Brown University,  M32.8. -C6 *.  Figures only. Sets 3-4 published in 1811, q.v.

1808       A Select Collection of the Newest and most favorite country dances, waltzes, reels & cotillions as performed at Court and all grand assemblies. Comprising upwards of 350 figures.  Otsego: H. & E. Phinney,
Jun., 1088 [i.e. 1808]. Pp. 74.
            SS 16164; EAMES D157.
            Figures for 318 country dances,  several set to tunes called "waltz" or "reel," and 7 cotillions selected from Griffiths' Northampton issue of 1794, and a shortened version of his "Instances of Ill Manners," This collection seems to be derived from almost every dance book printed in the past 15 years, including some English ones (see pgs. 37–39 and refer to The Ladies Mirror or Mental Companion for the year 1796 (London: S. Chappel, 1796), 13 dances copied verbatim and in order except for 2 addition figures intermixed.

1809         Blanchard, Willard.  A Collection of the Most Celebrated Country Dances and Cotillions.  Windsor, VT: J. Cunningham, 1809.  22 p.
            SS 17058; EAMES D130.
            American Antiquarian Society. Figures of 30 country dances, 14 changes and figures of 4 cotillions. AAS copy lacking most of  pp. 21-22 and all following.

1809         Schaffer, George.  Two sets of New Cotillions arranged for the Piano-Forte or Violin and Bass . . . figures by G. Schaffer. Boston: Manning and Loring for G. Schaffer. 1809.  16 p.
            Wolfe 7845;  EAMES D190.
            Included 2 country dances in the back. Two cotillions are missing from the first set.  George Schaffer was the son of F. C. Schaffer. Music and figures.

1810       A Collection of the Most Favorite Cottillions  for the Piano Forte, Violin or German Flute, arranged in Setts with figures to each.  Philadelphia: G. E. Blake, ca. 1810.
            SS 50418.

1810        Dupouy, Alexander.  Cotillions and Country Dances selected and arranged with figures by Alexr. Dupouy for the use of his Cotillion parties. Philadelphia: Willig, [1810?]
            SS 51000.
            Music and figures.

1810       Cotillions. Boston: House, [1810?].  8 pp.
           SS 19871; EAMES D116.
            American Antiquarian Society. Figures only.

1810         Nichols, Francis D.  A Guide to Politeness . . . with a variety of Approved sets of Cotillions and Contra Dances.  Boston: 1810.
            SS 20920; EAMES D155.
            Figures only.

1810         “A Selection of Music as Performed by the Pierian Society. . . [p. XX:] "Tarten Set of Cotillions " [Copybook with music and figures of cotillions.]
            EAMES D206.
            Harvard University, MS Mus 94 *

1810         F. C. Schaffer.  A Collection of the most Fashionable Cotillions and  Contra Dances. Selected by F. C. Schaffer. Portsmouth: S. Whidden, 1810.
            Wolfe 7843; EAMES D162
            Harvard University, music and figures.

1810         [Single sheet containing music and figures for a cotillion in two parts entitled "Walz." and " Woodly." Np. np. [ca.1810]
           EAMES D166 (Walz CD, 1810).
           Library of Congress, M1 A1 W

1811       Amusement, or a new collection of pleasing songs, humorous jests, and the most approved country dances; selected from various authors.  Montpelier, VT: Printed and for sale at the Montpelier Bookstore, 1811.
            Lowens 381; EAMES D178 (Finch Amusement, 1811).
            Figures only. Pp. 68–72. "Country Dances."  Published separately and also as an integral part of Margaret Finch, The Universal Fortune-teller, 1811, see below.  An English edition was published in 1816 (London: T. Maiden), copy at  Harvard University.  Pp 68–70 include "Lines on Dancing" which comprise an excerpt from Soames  Jenyns' The Art of Dancing (1729). Pp. 70–72 contain the same 13 dances.

1811         Finch, Margaret.  The Universal Fortune-teller, and complete dream dictionary with charms and ceremonies. Montpelier, VT: Printed and for sale at the Montpelier Book-store, 1811.
            Lowens 402; SS 22820; EAMES D129 (Finch Universal, 1811).
            Vermont Historical Society. Only known copy lacks pp. 61-72, but dances are presumed to be the same as those in Amusement, above.

1811       Country Dances and Cotillions.  Boston: G. Graupner, [1811?] no. 9012. pp. 9–16.
            Wolfe 1995, 1996 [Sets 3-4]; EAMES D144.
            Music and figures.

1811       A Choice Collection of Fashionable Cotillions arranged for the Pianoforte. Book “1st” [in ms] containing three setts.  New York, John Paff, 1811-1817.
            Wolfe 1999.
            Johns Hopkins University, Levy Collection; Harvard University; Free Library of Philadelphia. Music only. Contents untitled.  Music for pianoforte. Reprinted by William Dubois in 1817. Book 6 in Hunt Collection, Book 7 at Free Library; Book 9 at Brown University.

1812       A New Set of Country Dances, for the piano forte. New York: Joseph Willson, 1812.
            Wolfe 7894.
            Unlocated.

1812         Appel, A. Ten Cotillions for the Piano Forte. New York: John Appel’s Musical Repository,  [1812?]
            Wolfe 135a; EAMES D173.
            Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Music and figures.

1812       Willig's Collection of Popular Country Dances. Philadelphia: G. Willig, [1812]. Nos. 1–4.
            EAMES D194–197.
            Free Library of Philadelphia, Keffer Collection, Box 34, #18, Music and figures.

1813       The Polyanthos. vol. 3.  Boston: T. Buckingham, 1813.
            EAMES D198.
            "The Moral Censor...No. XIII. pp. 21-25. [Copy of dances from an English dance book of 1706 as curiosities]. Includes figures of Joan Sanderson, or the Cushion Dance, Hobb's Wedding, Moll Peatly, The New Way, Akeroyde's Padd, The New Round O.

1813         Duport, P. L.  Decatur's March.  Baltimore: Carr's Music Store, 1813.
            EAMES.
            With figure for country dance.  Also includes "The Fair Sex. (Cotillion)"  with figures, and music for "Fancy Minuet."

1813       The Second Sett of Cotillions. New York: J. Appel, [1813–1814]
            Wolfe 7901; SS 20854.
            Grosvenor Library, Buffalo, NY, Pianoforte, 2 hands. No figures. Reissued by A. Geib in [1815]. Wolfe 7901a

1814         Finch, Margaret.  The Little Gipsy-Girl, or universal fortune-teller, with charms and ceremonies for knowing future events. [N.p.]: Printed for travelling book-sellers, 1814.
            Lowens 469.
            Figures only. Includes [pp. 61-72] "Amusement, or a new collection of pleasing songs, humorous jests, and the
most approved country dances selected from various authors." Dances are identical to 1811 issue.

1814         Finch, Margaret.  The Little Gipsy Girl, or universal fortune-teller, with charms and ceremonies for knowing future events. 10th ed.   Windsor:  Printed by Jesse Cochran,  1814.
            McCorison Addenda 1602A; Lowens 470.
            Figures only. Includes [pp. 59-70] "humorous and interesting jests and country dances."  Dances are identical
to 1811 issue.

1814       Two set of Cottillions and two hornpipes for the piano forte.  New York: John Paff, [1814].
            Wolfe 7898; EAMES D188.
            Johns Hopkins University, Lester Levy Collection. Music and figures.

1815         [Davy, John] The African Dance [ with figures for a country dance].  Boston: G. Graupner, [1815–1816]. Also music for "Aria in the Brazen Mask" and "Rondo".
            EAMES D177; Wolfe 2285.
            Library of Congress

1815       Cotillions & Waltzes. Selected for the Cotillion Balls. Adapted for the piano forte.  Philadelphia.  G. Willig., [ca 1815]. 9 pp
            Wolfe 2139; EAMES D193.
            Figures (in French and English) and music.

1815       The First Sett of Cotillions. New York: A. Geib, [1815]. 3 pp.
            Wolfe 7899.
            Library of Congress. Music only. Reissued from plates used by John Appel in 1813–1814. Also 2nd, 3rd and 4th sets, Wolfe 7901a, 7902, 7203a.

1817       A Choice Collection of Fashionable Cotillions arranged for the Pianoforte. Book [ ] containing three setts.  New York, John Paff, 1811–1817. Reprinted by William Dubois in 1817.
             Wolfe 1999; EAMES D188.
            J. F Driscoll Collection, Brown University. Music only.

1817       Paddy Carey. A Favorite Cotillion. Philadelphia: G. Willig's Musical Magazine, [1817–1819].
           Wolfe 6719. Music for pianoforte, figures.
            M'Ilvain Album in Keller Collection. Photocopy at Univ. of New Hampshire, CDSS Collection

1817         Schaffer, George.  A Collection of Cotillions and Contra Dances. Boston:  Elisha Bellamy, 1817. pp. 12.
            EAMES D191.
            American Antiquarian Society. Figures only.

1818         Masi, Vincent. The Cotillion Party's Assistant; and Ladies Musical Companion. Boston: [1818]. 38 pp.
            EAMES D184 (Cotillion Party, 1818).
            Library of Congress. Figures and music.

1818     The American Lady's Pocket Book, for the year 1818. Containing an almanac. . . Remarks on behaviour in company, by Lord Chesterfield, . . . New Country Dances and waltzes . . . New and celebrated songs. Philadelphia: A. Small, 1818.
            Lowens 563;  SS 51643; EAMES D170.
            Figures only. Dances on pp. 139-142. Section titled “New Country Dances and Waltzes, for 1817 [sic].”

1818     The First Set of Cotillions. New York: J.A. & W. Geib, [1818-1821]. 3 pp
            Wolfe 7900.
            Library of Congress. Piano only.

1819    The American Ladies Pocket Book for the year 1819.  Philadelphia: A. Small, 1819.
            SS 51733;  Lowens 611; EAMES D171.
            Figures only. Pp. 162–165 contains 40 "New Country Dances and Waltzes, for 1818 [sic]."

1819?     Davies, John. The First Set of Country Dances with Figures arranged for the Piano Forte. Philadelphia:
            John G. Klemm, 1819?  1 leaf.
            EAMES D220.
            Copy in Mary M'Ilvain Collection in library of R. M. Keller. Photocopy at UNH, CDSS Collection. Four dances: "Sir Alexander Don, Byrne's Hornpipe, The Priest in his Boots, and Birks of Dunbayne" with figures.

1820     Johnson, Francis.Bingham's Cotillion for the Piano Forte with an accompaniment for the Flute or Violin ad lib. Philadelphia: George Willig, [1820].
            Wolfe 4642.
            Library of Congress, M1.A1 J. With figures.

1820     [Single sheet folio, containing music set for keyboard and the figures of four country dances:] The President, The Adams, The Constellation, The Falls of Patterson. Np.: np, [before 1820.]
            Library of Congress, M1.A1.P

1830     "Contra Dance Steps" [Commonplace book containing the figures for 57 country dances and several cotillions.] n.p. ca. 1830. Includes material relevant to the first decade of the 19th century.
            EAMES D109 (Essex MS, 1830).
            Essex Institute.

    * This article first appeared in Country Dance and Song 18 (June, 1988), pp. 9–22.
       For this edition, new sources have been added and corrections made to many entries.
       © 2001 by Kate Van Winkle Keller
 

Created and published September 18, 2001
© 2001. Colonial Music Institute^(tm)