Hello again. I would think that the use of the words maiden form was just poetic licence... I know it should be maidenhead. As to which town Jeffreys was thinking of for the song.. well who knows! It could be the one in England or Scotland. If its just for either a boat or a song does it matter that the town is in land.
Yes, it is also about a lady who went off with her lover although I dont think there is anything to suggest he was in the Navy... but I still think the "Rose of Allandale" is the boat they sailed on. It may mention a desert... but you have to get there don't you? Anyway.. surely we all know better than to try and analyse songs/poetry too deeply.
I'm interested in who Charles Dibden is that Barry Finn says wrote it in 1776. I note that all the refs he gives for it are much later.