1) Weren't the Buffalo Soldiers the 10th US Cavalry, primarily a black regiment from AFTER the Civil War? (In James Michener's book TEXAS I know it is, but I have learned not to rely on Michener's research; too bad cause he told some great stories) this would seem to preclude a song written before the "late unpleasantness" ((my g-grandfather marched with Sherman to the sea)) from being about the Buffalo Soldiers and their sweethearts. 2) I also would adapt the song to the locale. I first heard the song on Oscar Brand's radio show on WNYC in about 1960 where he would sing New York Gals. So I decided that was a good idea, later heard the Skillet Lickers sing Alabama Gals which I decided scanned MUCH better) and have sung , while in Florida, first chorus: Gainesville Gals second chorus: Florida Gals third chorus: Micanopy Gals (you have to be from there. It's pronounced Mick-kuh-no-pie with the first syllable accented. Like all northerners, I first said My-canopy) anyway welcome, dedlyperil