Alton C. Morris published this gem in Folksongs of Florida. Isabel was a six-oar rowboat ordered from Lord and Taylor in New York City. It was delivered to Judge Henry O’Neill’s plantation on Amelia Island in Florida and named after his youngest daughter. Three slaves rowed the Judge and his family on picnics and outings throughout the surrounding waterways. When Federal troops occupied the plantation during the Civil War, the handsome hardwood boat, along with other possessions were confiscated and never found when the family returned. The song was composed and sung by the slaves themselves. It was sung slowly to coincide with the hypnotic motion of the dipping and raising of the oars.