As far as the tune is concerned, (I know nothing about the history of the words). Emmett, with a drummer named Geo. Bruce, wrote and published a book in I believe 1861, titled A Fifers and Drummers Guide by Geo. Bruce and Daniel Emmett. The book is still in print, and has a great version of Dixie with a 3rd part that I've never heard in minstrel or song versions. The book was accually used as a tutor by the union army, so is an important resource for Fifers and Drummers today