Fyvie, as has already been mentioned is in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. This song dates back to the era of The Marqius of Montrose, at the time of the, "covenanters," and civil war between King Charles and Parliment.(Circa 1644) After his victories in Aberdeenshire, he was set to march on Aberdeen. He promised not to send his Irish troops, who were seen as savages by the locals, into Aberdeen, but found himsel having to go back on his word, and to cover this, mounted them and called them dragoons.

Can't say if Malaria was a problem in rural Aberdeenshire in the 17th century or not, but I doubt it since I saw my first mosquito last year at the age of 56. I've always though it was too cold here for the little bu**ers. Global warming?

Incidentally - in "our," local version, "lady like a dove," is nowhere to be seen.
The Captain's fa'in in love wi' a bonny, bonny lass,
And her name it is cried Pretty Peggy O.