The New International Encyclopædia/Yankee Doodle

YANKEE DOODLE. A national air of the United States, the origin of which is unknown. The words, which were in derision of the ill-assorted provincial troops, are said to have been written in 1755 by Dr. Schuckburgh, who served as surgeon under General Amherst during the French and Indian War. The original title of the song, not the tune, was The Yankee's Return from Camp, and several versions are extant. The tune passed through various changes. Its historical association has modified criticism of the melody, which is shallow and shrill. It has been ascribed to various countries, but is probably of English birth. It occurs in Samuel Arnold's opera of Two to One (London, 1784), under the name of Yankee Doodle. Consult: Johnson, Our Familiar Songs (New York, 1881); Fitz-Gerald, Stories of Famous Songs (London, 1897).