"De History ob de World" appeared as sheet music in 1847, pub. by C. Keith in Boston; sung by Wm. Parker in "Buffalo Gals at the Adelphi."
C. Contreso was the arranger of the published piano version, the composer is uncertain. (Copies at American Memory). The words posted from "Minstrel Songs Old and New" by Gibb Sahib are the same; thanks for saving me from having to copy it.
Its relation to the Whall chantey is obvious.

In a very short time in the 1840s, the shortening of the name 'bull engine' for smaller steam engines to 'bullgine,' the expression 'Clear the track, let the bullgine run,' several versions of a music hall song, and the fame of the regular schedule of the Margaret Evans and similar passenger and mail packets all came together.
This seems to have occurred in the ports and music halls of New York and Boston, and the ports and music halls of London, etc.

American and British sailors, especially Liverpool sailors and cotton screwers, as well as music hall performers, probably took the songs to the southern ports of Mobile and New Orleans almost as soon as they were performed in New York and Boston music halls.

An interesting period; still much to learn.