Hi Val Some nice verses I have that are slightly different

It was on a bright may morning I bid Orleans adieu
& steered a course to Jackson my fortune to renew
I cursed all forgien money no credit could I gain
Which left me here alonging for the Lakes Of Pon.

Through swamps and alligators I wound my weary way
Over railroad tracks and crossings my weary feet did stray
Until the shades of evening when higher ground I did gain
It was there I met the Creole Girl by the L.O.P.

I said my pretty creole girl my money it is no good
If it weren't for the alligators I'd sleep out in the woods
She said you're welcome kind stranger our house it is quite plain
And we've never turned a stranger out on the L.O.P.

She took me to her mammy's house & treated me right well
The hair upon her shoulders in jet black ringlets fell
To try and paint her beauty t'would surely be in vain
So handsome was the Creole Girl by the L.O.P.

I asked her if she'd marry me, she said no could never be
She said she had a lover and he was far at sea
She said that she would wait for him and true she would remain
Till he returned to greet his bride by the L.O.P.

So fare thee well my bonny wee lass I never will see you more
I ne'er will forget your kindness at your cottage by the shore
And at each social gathering a Dripping bowl I'll drain
And I'll drink to the health of the Creole Girl by the L.O.P.

In all the versions, she's the 'Creole Girl' who's always true to her lover. The newly arrived Irish were, by one way or another, made to serve in our wars (see Paddy's Green Shamrock Shores [we were taken as prisoners & led round in 6 different ways]), here, after leaving home to seek fame or fortune and ending up broke after the war, but not broken spirited, may have finnally gone home broken hearted.
Val my old e-mail is back, are you married yet, if so congratulations, and the best of luck.
Barry