Two references found at the Library of Congress "Chronicling America" website:
1. Speaking in opposition of a plan to make the land west of the Blue Ridge non-slave, Mr. Thornton said, "In his imagination, he stood upon the Blue Ridge and observed with breathless anxiety the fugitive slaves passing from Eastern Virginia to the tune, 'Run, nigger, run, the patroler catch you." May 20, 1859 Richmond [Virginia] Enquirer p. 2, col. 2
2. "One of the rebel flags captured by General Curtis' troops, near Grand Glaize, in Arkansas, bore the following pleasant mottoes: 'Run, nigger, run! or Lincoln will catch you'" July 30, 1862 [Clearfield, Pa.] Raftsman's Journal p. 1, Col. 4.
I'd like to see a discussion of the tune(s) attached to this song.
Also, since the 1851 Serenaders' Songbook is not on line, it would help if someone would post the version of the song that allegedly apprears therein.