I have a copy of "Folk Songs of Peggy Seeger" (Oak Publications 1964)and the book includes this song. She makes the following comment:

"There is hardly a vestige of this excellent song in print, although Cazden includes a curious combination of it with "Devilish Mary" in his ABELARD SONGBOOK. It was supposed to have been a marching song used by the American troops in the Revoltionary Army, but it has covered its tracks admirably in print."

The time signature is very weird: 2/4 3/4 and changes every second bar. Suggested speed is "moderately fast" and I find it easiest to sing fast.

Rosemary