This is an American version of "The Gosport Tragedy" which dates from at least the 1760's. Later American versions are often performed on the banjo. It was recorded by John Hammond as "Purty Polly" in 1925 and 1927, and by B.F. Shelton and Dock Boggs, both in 1927. Woody Guthrie used the tune of "Pretty Polly" for "Pastures of Plenty". It was also recorded by Judy Collins, Burl Ives, Jean Ritchie, Pete Seeger, Hobart Smith, The Stanley Brothers and others.