Dan McGinnis, a woodsman, raftsman & entertainer around the Flat River camps, wrote this in the early 1860's according to Doerflinger (see Shantymen & Shantyboys), 1872 says Mrs. Chickering. Dan was upset over a promotion of woods boss going to the younger George Mercer (a friend of Jack Haggery & Anne's sweetheart). Anne, the belle of Greenville & the daughter of a Flat River blacksmith hardly even knew Jack. Also see Viking Book Of Folk Ballads. Don't remember where I got this bit, but George left the Flat River camps because of all the riddicule taken as a result of the songs wide spread popularity. Barry