Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1857-07-12

The following history o. the how famous
song Of q HALL Columbia (Which we pub
lish beIow,) from the pen Of the author, Judge
Joss HopxISsos, viii be read with interest BY
those Of our readers who are unaequsintsd
with its history. The author says
"The song was written In the summer Of
f7g8 when a war with France was thought 70
Be insyitable-Conqess being then In session
at Philadelphia, celebrating upon that imp0r-
tsnt subject, and acts Of hostility having ae-
tualiY occurred. The contest between Eng
land and France was raging. and the people
were divided into parties FOR the one aide OF the
othsr-some thinking that policy and duty re-
quired US to take part with RsPabteGB FrGHes,
as che was called oth-rs were for our ton
Meeting ourselves with England, under the be-
lief that she was the great pseservdtiye power
Of good principles and safe government. Ths
violation Of our rights By both beligerents was
forcing US from the just and wise policy Of
President Washington, which was to do equal
Justice TO both, 70 take part with neither, but
TO keep a strict and honest neutrality between
them. The prospect Of a rupture with France
was exceedingly offensive 10 the portion Of the
people who espoused her cause, and the vio-
lence Of the spirit Of party has never risen
higher think not 50 hign as it did at that
time on that question. The theatre was then
open in our city. A young man belonging to
j., whose talent was a singer, was about to
take his benefit. I had known him whsa he
was at school. On this acquaintance he called
on ne in the afternoon, bis benefit being an
nouneed for the following day. He said be had
no boxes taken, and the prospect was that be
should suffer a loss instead Of receiving a 0ene-
fit from the performance but that II he could
get a patriotic song adapted to the tune Of the
Z" Presidents March" thea the popular air, he
! Al - I.rrkN - q ell m.u-a hit Nh. -
Of the theatrical corps had been trying to se-
comPlish it, bat were satisfied hat no words
could be composed TO suit the music of that
march. / told him | would try for him. He
came the next afternoon, and the song, such 40
it was, was ready for him. Il was announced
on Monday morning, and the thearte was
crowded TO excess, and so 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.
1t 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, we may say, 10 every
part Of the United States. The object Of the
author was TO get up American spirit which
should be independent Of, and above the inter-
ests, passions, and policy Of both beligsrents,
and look and feel for our own honor and
rights. Not an ~allusion was made either 10
France or England, or the quarrel between
them, or to which was the most in fault in
their treatment Of us. or course the song
found favor with both parties at least, neither
OF them could disown the sentiments inculca-
ted. IL was truly American, and nothing else.
and the patriotic feelings Of every American
heart responded to Il. Such is the history Of
this song, which has endured infinitely beyond
ssy expectation Of the author, and beyond
any merit it can boast Of, except that Of being
truly and exclusively patriotic in its sentiments
and spirit"
HAIL COLUMBIAi
Hail Colunbla, happy land,
Hall ye heroes. he4ven-5orn band,
who fought and bied IN freedou's cause,
who fouRht and bed in freed0m'E cause,
Ami when the storm o. var wss gene,
Eui3J'd the peace year valor w0n-
LEI Independence be eur boast,
Ever mindful what itoosti
Ever grateful for the prize,
let 10 altar reach the skies.
CHORUS.
Firm united, let rs BE-.
RsllyinE around orr LIBERTY;
As Aband % brother . i5ln'd,
Peace and safety We shall and.
Immortal patriotsi rise onoe more,
Defend your rights. defend your shore,
Let no rude foe with im9i0us hand,
Invade the shrine where sacred lies,
OF toll and blood the we'll earned prEsi
While Offering Peace sincere andJusts
In Heaven we pisce a manly trust,
That truth and justice viii prevail,
And every scheme q Dondage fall.
CHORUs-Firm. united, &c.
Sound. o sosna the trump Of fame,
And let WashiuEt0u's Erear name !
Ring through me word win ioud apaiauae,
HIM through the wUrc with loud applause,
Let every cline % freedom dear
Listen with a Joyful ear;
VITA equal skin. with Eojlikep0wer, i
He governs IN the fearful hour
o. h0uid war, or guides With ease
Our councils 10 the time cf peace.
CHoRUs-Firm united, sc.
]
Behold the chief who now commands. I
once more 10 serve his country stands,
The rock on which TIE storm viii beat,
TIE rock on which the storm vii Leaf. |
But amid in virtue. nrn and true. Il
His hopes are hx'd on heav,n and you;
When hope was slnkinG In dismay,
When gloon obscu-ed Colu1tiais day,
HIS steady mind, from changes free,
Resolved on death o. liberty.
CHORUs-Firm, united, Ec.