This tune was known in colonial times and was already known as "Fisher's Hornpipe" in both England and post revolutionary United States when it was written out by John Greenwood in his Copybook for the German flute of c. 1783. Another 18th century American publication, a 1796 collection entitled An Evening Amusement for German Flute and Violin, was printed in Philadelphia by Benjamin and Joseph Carr and contains the hornpipe set in 'D' Major. An American country dance was composed to the tune and first appeared in this country in John Griffith's Collection, a Rhode Island publication of 1788. I learned this some time ago. I don't remember from whom.