Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1857-07-16
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HISTORY OF "HAIL COLUMBIA, ,,

HISTORY OF "HAIL COLUMBIA
The following history of the now famous
song of "Hail Columbia" (Which we pub
lish below,) from the pen Of the author:
Judge John Hopkinson, will be read with
interest by those of our readers who are un-
acquainted 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, deliberating upon
that important subject, the acts of hostility
having occurred. The contest between Eng.
land and France was raging, and the people
were divided into parties for one side or the
other-some thinking that policy and duty
required us to take part with Republican
France, as she was called others were for
connecting ourselves with England, under
the belief that she was the great preserva-
tive power of good principles and safe gov
ernment.
The violation of our rights by both be-
ligereuts was forcing US from the just and
wise policy 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
a rapture with France was exceedingly offen-
sive to the portion of the people who espou-
sed her cause, and the violence of the spirit
of party has never risen higher-I think
not so high as it did at that time on that
question. The theatre was then open in our
city. A young man belonging to it, whose
talent was singer, was about to take a bene-
fit. Ihad known him when he was at school.
On this acquaintance he called on me in the
afternoon, his benefit being announced for
the following Monday. He said he had no
boxes taken, and the prospect was that he
should suffer loss instead of receiving a
benefit from the performance but that if he
could get patriotic song adapted to the tune
of the "President's March," then the pop
ular air, he did not doubt of a full house !;
that the poets of the theatrical corps had
been trying to accomplish it, but were salts
fed that no words could be composed to suit
the music of thatmarch. told him I would
try for him.
He came the next afternoon, and the song,
such as it was, was ready for him. 1t was
announced on Monday morning, and the
theatre was crowded to excess, and so con-
tiuued night after night for the rest Of the
season, the song being eucored and repeated
many times during each night, the whole
audience joining in the chorus. Itwas 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, we 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
belligerents, and look and feel for our own
honor and rights. Not an allusion is made
either to France or England or the quarrel
between them, or as to which Was the most
in fault of their treatment of US. Of course
the song found favor with both parties; at
least, neither of them could disown the sem
timents it inculcated 1t was truly Ameri-
can, and nothing else, and the patriotic feel
ings of every American heart responded to
it. Such is the history of the song, which
has endured infinitely beyond any expecta-
ton of the author, and beyond any merit it
can boast of, except that of being truly and
exclusively patriotic in its sentiments and
spirits,
HAIL. COLUMBIA.
Hail Columbia, happy land,
Hail! ye heroes, heaven.born band,
Who fought and bled in freedoms cause
Who fought and bled in freedoms cause,
And when the storm Of war was gone,
Enjoyed the peace your valor won.
Let Independence be our boast,
Ever mindful what it cost,
Ever grateful for the prize,
Let its altar reach the skies.
CHORUS.
Firm, united, let US be,
Rallying round our liberty;
As band Of brothers Joined,
Peace and safety we shall find.
Immortal patriots rise once more,
Defend your rights defend your shore,
Let no rude foe with impious hand,
Let no rude foe with impious hand,
Invade the shrine where sacred lies,
Of toll and blood the we'll earned prize;
While offering Peace, sincere and just,
In Heaven we place manly trust
That truth and justice will prevail
And every scheme Of bondage fail.
CHoRUs.-Firm, united, sc.
Sound, o sound the trump Of fame,
And let Washngton's great name
Ring through the world with loud applause,
Ring through the world with loud applause,
Let every cline to freedom dear
Listen with joyful ear;
With equal skill, with god-ke power,
He governs in the fearful hour
Of horrid war, or guides with ease
Our councils in the time of peace.
CHoRUs-Firm, united, &c.
Behold the chief who now commands,
Once more to serve his country stands,
The rock on which the storm will beat,
The rock on which the storm will beat,
But arm'd in virtue, firm and true,
His hopes are fxd on Heaven and you;
When hope was sinking in dismay,
When gloom obscured Columbia day,
His steady mind, from changes free,
Resolved on death or liberty.
CHoRUs.-Firm, united, &c.
He DRINKS How ominous that sen
tence falls! How we pause in conversation
and eiaculate-nIts a pityW How hi