The following may not be directly relevant to chanties, but it is another example of the observation of Black boatmen's songs, with a text in a familiar topical style, and with a sentiment that reveals the author finds them to be both unusual and interesting.

1856        Lanman, Charles. Adventures in the Wilds of the United States and British American Provinces. Vol. II. Philadelphia: John W. Moore.

The writings come from tours in North America from the previous 10 years, i.e. since 1846.

Up the Chattahoochee River, through Georgia, on steamboat South Carolina, manned by Black slaves (who received some pay).

Pg149:
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But I must not forget to mention the cheerful aspect which our steamboat presented as she came in sight of Columbus and paddled her way up to the levee. While the captain invited the passengers to assemble on the upper-deck the mate treated his negro boatmen to a drink of whiskey, which was a signal for them to march to the bow of the boat for the purpose of singing a song. There were twenty of them, and the ceremony was commenced by one of the fellows mounting the capstan and pretending to read the words to be sung from a newspaper, which he held upside down. Their voices were exceedingly good, but, instead of a regular song, the music was more of an incoherent chant, wild and mournful, and breathing forth such impromptu words as these:

"We's up the Chattahoochee, 

On de good old South Calina, 

Going to see my true love, 

How is you my darlin?

Now de work is over 

We's all coming home I"

To my unsophisticated ear there was more melody and pure sentiment in this native chant as it echoed over the tranquil waters, than I ever enjoyed in a fashionable concert room.
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