Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1857-01-28
tI.tiOrE of,Iinii Eninuihim.n

The following history Of the famous song
"llail! Columbia from the pen Of tho author,
Judge John liopkinson. viii be rend with inter
est 10y those 81 oar readers who ara unacquaint-
e with its history. The author says:
"J'ho song written in the summer of 1898.
when with France was thought to be inevi-
table Congress being then in session at Phila-
d'lphja, celebrating upon that important sub
jcct, and ncis Of hostility having actually occur
red. Tha contest between England and France
raging, and the people were divided into
parties for the one side the other some think
ing that policy aud daiy required US TO take
part with Republican France. as she was called;
other, for our connecting ourselves with
England. under the belief that she the great
preservatiye power of good principles and safe
government. The violation of oar rights by
both helligerents WAS forcing from the just
AMI wise policy Of President Washington, which
was to do tqntl justice 10 both, to take part with
neither, but to keepa strict and honest neutrali-
ty between them. The prospect Of rupture
with France was exceedingly offensive to the
portion of the people which espouscd her cause,
and the violence of the spirit of party has never
risen higher-l think not so hgh-as it did at
that time ON that question. Tho theatre was
then open in our city.
Young man belonging to it. whose talent was
Il singer was about to take his benefit. | had
known him when be was at school. On this ac-
benefit being annoanc d for the following day.
lie said he had 10 boxes taken, and the prospect
was that hn should Suif5ra loss instead of receiy-
ing a benefit from the performance; but that if he
could get II PATRIOTIC song iapted to the tune
of the "lrcsident's March," then the popular
mir, lac did not doubt of full house; but that the
poets of the theatrical corps had been trying to
accomplish il. hnt we've satisfied that no words
could be composed To suit the music If that march
| t"ld him would try for him. He came the
next afternoon, and the song such rs it was was
ready for him. 1t announced on Monday
morning. aud the theatre was crowded 20 excess,
aud 50 continued n ght after night for the rest of
the season; the song being encorcd and repeated
many times during each night the whole an Hence
joining IN the chorus. |, was also SUM at nipht
IN the streets by large assemblies of citizens in.
Guiding members of Congress. The enthusiasm
was general, and The song was heard, NAV say
IN every part of the United States. The object
OF inc author was to get up an 4mericGn spirit
winch should be independent of, and above the
nlrrest,passlons and policy of both belIigerents.
and look and feel for oGr own honor and ,ights.
Not an allnsion Is made either to France or Eng
land, or the quarrel between them, or TO which
wa the most IN fault in their treatment Of us
o. course the song found favor with both oar
ties; at least, neither of them could disowu The
sentiments It incaleulated. TWAS fully Amer
F'nand nothing else. anl ibr patriotic feelings Of
every American heart responded to it, Sueh is
the history OF this song, which has endured in
hhlt'Iy beyond any expectation Of the author.
beyond any mcit il can boast Of except that of
being truly AMI exclusively patriotic III its scnti
ments and spirit"