The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1842-05-14

HAIL CnuNBIA. We took OCCASION
few weeks ago, 10 correct an error n,o
which portion of the newspaper press of
the country had fallen, in attribuing The au
thorship Of the patriotic and popular song,
Hail Columbia TO Robert Treat Paine,
Esq formerly of Boston. We did this on
no lighter authority than that Of the veneta.
bly, author himself who has now descended
10 the tomp of his fathers--a man who was
as emi..ent for his sterling patriotism and
excellen, qualities of heart, as he was dis
lingnished for his profound learning and
unbending integrity as a Judge.
A new volume of american Poetry
which has recently been published by
Carey & Hart, contains the following letter
which Judge Hopklnson wrote shor,
time before his decease, to the editor, Rufus
Griswold, Esq. |. fully coroborates all
thai we said at the time we made the cor
reciion referred to, and rei,erates the remark
which the venerably Judge has more than
once made in our hearing that the popuari
ty of the song was more the result Of the
patriotism which pervaded il, than Of any
merit j, possessed as poelical composition:
Reporter
1T was written in the summer of l79S,
when war with France was thought 10 be in
evitable-Congress was then in session in
Philadelphia, dellberating upon that imper-
isni subject, and acts of hostility had ac-
luafy taken place. The contest between
England and France was raging. and the
people of the United States were divided
into parties for the one side or the other,
some thinking that policy and duty required
us to espouse the cause of republican
France, as she was called; while others
were for connecting ourselves with Eng
land, under the belief that she was the grea,
preservative power of good principles and
safe government. The violation of our
rights by both belgeren,s was forcing US
from the policy of President Washington,
which was to do equal justice to both. to
take part with neither, but to preserve a
strict and homes. neutrality between them.
The prospect of rupture with France was
exceedingly offensive TO the portion Of the
people who espoused her house, and the
violence of the spirit of party has never
risen higher; l think not so high in our
country, as it did at that time, upon that
question. The theatre was then open in
our city. youn man belonging to it,
who had taen, as singer was about to
take his benefit | had known him when he
was at school. On this acquaintance, he
called on me one Sunday afternoon, his
benefit being announced for the following
Monday. His prospects were very dis
oearlening; but he said if he could get a
patriotic song adopted to the tune of the
Presidents March, he did not doubt Of
full house; that the poets of The theatrical
corps had been trying 10 accomplish II, but
had not succeeded. told him l would
| iswySya q !, arefnooh; and the song, such as it is,
aulher was Va. 6 ttSr alh2 him. The object of the
which should be independent dentteeoaIean o. a. Sp,r'l
the interests passions, and policy of boIih
belligerents; and looks and feels exclusively
for our own honor and rights. No allusion
Is made to France or England, or the quar-.
rel between them; or 10 the question, which
was most in fault in their treatment of us.
oil course the song found favor with both
parties, for both were Americans; al least.
neltber could dsavow the sentiments and
feelings il iuculcated. Such is the history
OF this song. which has endured infinitely
beyond the expectation of The anthor, az
oeyond any merit it can boast Of exec ut
that of being truly and exclusively patriotic
IN It's sentiments and spirit.
Very respectfully, your obedien. servant,
JOSEPH HopKINsoN.
Rev. Rufus w. Griswold.
szzzsrra..auzux-sz.