New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1856-07-21
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Hiatory 81 Hail colr1,nI,ia.

- s. = VI
n The following history Of the now famous song Of
Hail Columbia, y (Which we publish beIow,) from
the pen Of the author Judge Hopkinson, will be read
with interest by those Of our readers who are unac.
quainted with its history. The author says
The song was written in the summer Of 1898, when
a war with France was thought to be inevitable
Congress being then in session at Philadelphia DELHI
Grating upon that important subject, and acts of hos
tlty having actually occurred The contest between
England and France was raging, and the people were
divided into parties for the one side or the other
some thinking tlat policy and duty required us to
take part with Repu6 France. as she was caled
others were tor our connecting ourselves with Eng
and under the belief that she was the great prese
ative power Of good principles and safe government
The violation Of rights by both belligerents was
forcing us from the 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 between them. The prospect Of rupture
with France was exceedingly offensive to the portion
Of the people which espoused her cause, and the yio
ence OF the spirit Of party has never risen higher
THINK not 50 hlgias it did at that time thatques
ton. The theater was then open in our city. a
young man belonging to it, whose talent was singer
was about to take his benefit. i had known him when
he was at school. On this acquaintance he called On
me N the afternoon his benefit being announced for
the following day. He said he had no boxes taken,
and the prospect was that he should suffer loss in
stead of receiving benefit from the performance
but that if he could get patriotic song adapted to
the t'tLle ol tne fresdenGS March, then the pOpu
lar air. he did not doubt Of a full house: that the
poets Of the theatrical corps had been trying to ac
complish it, but were satisfied that no words could be
composed to suit the music Of that march, told him
Wonld try for him. He came the next afternoon,
and the song, such as il was ready for him. twas
announced on Monday. morning and the tfeater was
crowded to excess and continued night after night
for the rest OF the season. the song being encored and
repeated many times during each night, the whole
audience joining in the chorus. II was also sung at
night in the streets by large assemblies Of citizens
including members Of Congress 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
independent Of and above the interests passions and
policy Of both belgerents and look and feel for our
own honor and rights. Not aluson 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 Of them could disoWn the
sentiments it ineugated i was truly 4leica and
lean heart responded to it. Such is the history Of
this song which has endured infinitely beyond any
pectaton Of the author and beyond any merit it can
boast Of except that of being truly and exclusively
patriotic in its sentiments and spirit. .s f s5{$