The daily national Whig. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1847-1849, 1848-01-04
Origin of "Hnii Columbia. ),

This, the most popular OF all the national songs of
America, was written by the late Judge Joseph Hop
klnson uuder the circumstances related in the notice
given below. y, ", " '.. ~.
Joseph Hopkinson, son of Francis Hopkinson,
one OF the signers of the Declaration of 1ndepen-
dlence, was born in Philadelphia November H. ITO.
he was educated At the University Of Pennsylvania;
studied law with Judge Wilson and Mr. Rawle; and
practsed with brilliant in his native city;
was twice elected to Congress from Philadelphia,
tlSl5 and 1879 In 1928 he was appointed Judge OF
the district court for the eastern district Of Pennsyl
vania-this being the same Office which his father
ned by Washington's appointment. Judge Joseph
Hopkinson remained in Office till his decease, which
took place June l5 1872. He was the delight of the
circle of society in which he moved. g His accom-
plished mind, says Mr. Walsh " obseryant Of all the
events, characters, and opinions of the day, pc
culiarly qualified 10 delight besides instructing, in
eonvvial intercourse by strong relish for refined
society," cheerful and viyatious spirit and peculiar
poirnancy of remark and raciness of anecdote."
The following Is Judge Hopkinson's own account
OF the origin Of g Hail Columbia" written August
"a, l94o, for the Wyoming Band, at Wilksbarre, at
their desire.
"Tlis song was written in the summer of l79a
when war with Franco was thought to be inevta-
ble-Congress then being in session in Philadelphia,
delberating upon that Important subject and acts OF
hostility having actually occurred. The contest be-
tween England and France was raging, and the peo-
pie of the United States divided into parties for
the one side the other !; some thinking that policy
and duty required US TO IKE part with republican
France as she was calGl; others were for our con-
Meeting ourselves with ENGLAND, under the belief that
she was the great pra5aNatve power of good princi
pies and safe g0vbrRAunt. The violation OF our
just and wise policy Of President Washington which
was to do equal justice TO both TO take part with
neither, but to keep strict and honest neutrality be-
tween them. The prospect OF rupture with France
exceedingly offensive to the portion of the peo
pie which espoused her cause; and the violence of
the spirit OF party has never risen higher think not
50 high as IL did at that time, on that question: The
theatre was then open in our city. young man be-
a -,S n nhp
TO take his benefit had known him when he was
al school. On this acquaintance, he called on
Saturday atterngon-his benefit being announce for
the following Monday. He said he had no boxes
taken and his prospect was, that he should suffer
loss instead Of receiving benefit from the perfor-
nance; but thar II he could get patriotic sony
adapted 10 the tune Of the Presidents March, (then
the popular lirl he did not doubt of full house !;
that the poets of the theatrical corps had been trying
TO accomplish Ii, but were satisfied that no words
could be composed to suit the music of the march.
told nm would try for him. He came the next
afternoon. and the song, such II IL, ready for
him |! was announced on Monday morning, and
the Theatre was crowded TO excess, and continued
night AFTER night for the rest of the seasonthe song
being cHcored and repeated many times each night
the audience Joining in the chorus. II was also sung
ut ngDt IN the streets by large assemblies Of citizens,
including members Of Congress The enthusiasm
was gengrai, and the song was heard | may say, in
cycry part Of the United States
The object Of the author was to get up an Ameri-
can fG9R whtch should be independent of and above
lle nv rests passions and policy of both belgerens
ahd I3oA and feel exclusively for our honor and our
rights. Not uilnsion is made either to France or
hugidnd' Or the quarrel between them, or to which
was the most IN fault in their treatment of us. OF
course the song found favor with both parties-at
least neither could 'dsayow the sentiments it incu-
cated, II was truly American, and nothing else |;
and the patriotic feelings of every American heart
responded TO 1t. Such is the history Of this song,
winch h9s endured infinitely beyond any expectation
OF the an'hor ant beyond any merit it can boast Of
It's sentiments and spirit.p