The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1848-01-26
From, the National Wig.


This, the most popular ofaIl the national
songs Of America, was written by the late
Judge Joseph HopIsinson, under the cir
cumstances related in the notice given be-
low.
Joseph Hopllinson, son of Francis Hop
kinson, one of the signcrs Of tue Declaration
OF Independence, was born in Philadelphia,
November IL, l77O. He was educated Il,
the University Of Pennsylvania; studied
law with Judge Wilson and Mr.. Rawle
aud prac,iced with brilliant success in his
native city was twice elected to Congress
from Phlladelp phia, (lel5 and 1879 In
1923 he was appointed Jud &c oi',he District
Court for the Eastern District Of Pennsyl-
vania-this being the same Office which his
father held by Washngton's appointment.
Judge Joseph Hopkinson remained in office
till his decease, which took place June Is,
1912. He was the delight of the circle of
society in which he moved. 'His accom-
plished mind," says Mr.. Walsh, "observan,
ofall the events, characters, and opinions
ofthe day was peculiarly qualified 10 de-
light, besides instructing, in convivial in
tercouLse, by IA strong relish for refined so.
ciety, cheerful and vivacinus spirit, and IL
peculiar poignancy of remark and raciness
Of anecdote."
The following is Judg Hopknson's own
account OF the origin Of {. Hail Columbia"
written Angus, "a, 1910, for the Wyoming
Band at Wilkesbarre, al their desire.
This song was written in the summer
of 1898, when war with France was
though, to be ncvitabc-Congrcss then
being in session in Philadelphia, dc!ihcra-
ting upon that important subject, and acts
of hostility having actually occurred. The
contest between England anl 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 take part with republi-
can France, as she was called others were
for connecting ourselves with England, un-
der the belief that she was the great perscr-
va,ive power Of good principles and safe
government. The violation Of our r ighrs
by both bclligercnts was forcing US from
the just and wise policy of the President
Washington, which was to do equal justice
to both; to take part with neither. but to
keep u stric. and honest neutrality between
them. The prospect of IL rupture with
France was exceedingly offensive TO the
portion Of people which espoused her cause,
and the violence OF the spirit of party has
never risen higher, think not so high. us
theatre was then open in our city. A
young man belonging to it, whose talent
was as singer: was abou. TO take his ben
eft. had known him when he was at
school. On this acquaintance. he called on
me on Saturday atternoon-his ben.fit BE-
ing announced for the following Monday.
He said he had no boxes taken, and his
prospect was, that he should suffer loss in
stead Of receiving benefit from the per-
formance; but that if he could get pa:ri-
oic song adapted to the tune of the Pres-
dents March, (then the popular air,) he
did not doubt of full house; that the poets
oflhe theatrical corps had been trying to
accomplish it, but were satisfied that no
words could be composed to suit the march.
told him l would try for him. He came
the next afternoon, and the song, such as it
was, was ready for him.
alt was announced on Monday morning,
and the theatre was crowded to excess, and
SO continued night after night, for the rest
of the season-.he song being encored and
repeated many times each night, the audi
ence joining in the chorus. 1t was also
sung at night in the streets by large assem-
blies Of citizens, including members of Con-
gress. The enthusiasm was general, and
the song was heard, [ may say, in every
part OF the United States.
"The object of the author was to get up
an American spirit which should be indie
pendent Of and above the interest Of passions,
and policy of both bsIigerents, and look and
feel exclusively for our honor and our rights
Not an allusion is made either to France or
England, 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 disavow the sentiment it inculcated
1t was truly American, and nothing else :,
and the patriotic feelings of every Ameri-
cun heart responded to il. Such is the his
tory ofthis song, which has endured inf
nitely beyond any expectation Of the author
and beyond any merit it can boast of ex-
cept that Of being truly and exclusively pa.
| triOtic in its sentiment and spirit"