In the introduction to The Civil War Songbook (Dover Publications), Richard Crawford reports that the Battle Hymn (published 1862) was sung to the tune of John Brown's Body, which was sung to a Sunday School hymn tune. The publication reprinted for JB's Body was titled "Glory, Hallelujah" and has the primary name as "Ellsworth's body lies...", with "John Brown's" written beneath it in subscript. Crawford makes no comment to enlighten this situation.

There is then another set of verses listed as sung by the Fourth Battalion of Rifles, 13th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. It has the chorus starting "Glory! Glory! Glory for the North!"

I also saw the PBS show on John Brown. I'm not sure just what "the proper light" is on such individuals or times nor just how people are supposed to arrive at it. It seems to me that there are always many different opinions, just as with modern events. I was struck by the tone in the documentary that he certainly seemed like a religious zealot who was convinced that he was absolutely right. I can both admire and fear such people, whatever their cause may be. I am afraid that such things underlie much extremism, including such things as shooting people who disagree.

Anyway, enjoy music. May it bring more peace and understanding than it does enmity and disharmony.