[SoCal Pubbie]

As for a “Confederate” version of John Brown’s Body preceding that song, in my view that is unlikely. The tune is taken from Say Brother, Will You Meet Us which arose from Christian camp meetings as early as the 1700s. The definitive origin of the melody is uncertain, and may go back to old negro folk songs. Since the abolitionist movement was lead by devout Christians, and slaves would have sung it, the association makes little sense for confederates to use it unless it was after the fact as a satirical response.

[dsc]

“the association makes little sense for confederates to use it”

Well, they did. That’s a fact.

Perhaps you’re thinking of those passages in the Bible where slaves are encouraged to rise up and slay their owners.