Yes. Actually even older.My ancestors. I posted that in my reply to you the first time.The use of the term "darkie" was racist. Was it KKK level virulent racism? Probably not but it was always racist especially back in 1852.Largely true, although the Underground Railroad and the Abolitionist Movement were going on at the time so it might be a stretch to say "almost nobody".
But the point remains, in the context of this song lyric there's no such sentiment expressed, no wish of ill upon "darkies", etc. If there were, it would count as racism. So the only question remaining is whether the term "darky" -- in itself, standing alone -- was a term of disparagement, or whether it was simply neutral, in 1852.
And again -- what's your source for the vernacular of 1852? We're going in circles here.
You have ancestors that are 170 years old?
We all have that but -- you have ancestors still alive to recount these things to you?