Tom,

Unfortunately, Michael's reasoning is most probable. But good luck finding something!

Might I also note the fondness for singing of "General [Zachary] Taylor" in the minstrel songs, which seems to have been passed on to shanties.


From NEGRO SINGER'S OWN BOOK (1840s minstrel songster):
"Get out de way for General Taylor
To whip the Mex'cans he's a whaler."

They most certainly mean Zachary Taylor, but odd to rhyme it with "whaler"! (I realize whaler doesn't necessarily meanwhaleman, but still the couplet is awkward and seems forced.)