I am being heavily flattered here. Gibb and Jon's Knowledge on these matters far exceed mine but by all means let's keep a commentary going. I'm keen to learn. I'm showing a pronounced interest in odd little references like the 'All the Year Round' quotation that Jon posted. It would be good to have a record of the earliest reference to each chantey. I have bits and pieces of such info all over the place and my interest in ballad histories takes priority, but I ought to pull together these references and I'm making a start.

Jon
I do have copies of 'Mobile Bay' in Colcord etc., but it's not one I remember hearing sung.

Thanks for the latest info on Tozer and Davis. Very useful. I haven't seen a full copy of any edition but I fully accept your opinion on the veracity of what it contains. Bowdlerisation was the norm at the time.