It is amazing the things I learn from you guys. I have the Kingston Trio version on record but i normally sing the bluegrass version at Civil War emcampments. I was led to believe the song predated the Civil War. Is it possible the music is from the antibellum period and the lyrics were added after Laura Foster's murder and Tom's fair trial followed by a first-class hanging? None of the versions of lyrics I've seen mention the unfortunate disease Dolley (Or Dula) was afflicted with. Is it possible he was trying to b.s. the jury into an aquittal? Kindest reguards, Neil