Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1857-07-11
History Of s. 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 I'M
acquainted with its history. The author
says:
The song was written in the summer of
1893, when war with France was thought
to be neyitable-Congrcss being then in
session at Philadelphia, celebrating upon
that important subject, and acts of hostility
having actually occurred. The contest be-
tween England and France was raging, and
the people were divided into parties for the
one side or the other-somo thinking that
policy and duty required us TO take part with
RepHblican France, as she was called +; 9TH
ors were for connecting ourselves with Eng
land, under the belief that she was the great
preventative power Of good principles aud
safe government.
The violation Of our rights by both bel
Egerents 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 a
rupture with France was exceedingly often
sive TO the portion Of the people who espous-
cd her cause, and the violence of the spirit,
of party had 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. \ young man belonging to it, whose
talent as Il singer, was about to take his
benefit l had known him when he was at
school On this acquaintance he called on
me in the afternoon, his benefit being an
nounccd for the following day. lie said he
had no boxes taken, and tie prospect was
that he should suffer loss instead of re-
Ieeivine benefit from the performance; but
that if he could get song adapted to the
tune of the Presidents March, then the
popular cir, he did not doubt Of Il fall 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 that march. | told him |
would try for him.
lie came the next afternoon and the song,
such as it was, was ready for him. i was
announced en- Monday morning, and the
theatre YVES crowded to excess. and so con-
tnucd night after night for the rest Of the
season, the song being encored and repeat
ed many times during each night the whole
audience joining in the Chorus. Il was ALTO
sung at night in the street by large assem-
bles Of citizens, including members of Con
eress. The enthusiasm was general, ana
tue 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 aliasion is made
either to France or England, or the quarrel
betwecn 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 SEN
timents it inculeated. 1t was truly Ameri-
can, and nothing else, and the patriotic feel
ing of every American heart responded to
it. Such is the history Of the song, which
has endured infinitely beyond any expeeta-
ton of the author. and beyond any merit it
can boast of, except that Of being truly and
exclusively patriotic in ita sentiments and
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