Thanks for the replies. I'm trying to remember my Irish History. I know that 1847 was the big year of the potato famine. Had it started in '44 when the song was published? I don't think so. If not, what is the meaning of the song? Atwell I guess was a NY publisher? I'll have to look it up again. There was a derviation of this song collected in Vermont called Over Here. Curiouser and curiuser.

Bob