The New York herald., 1879-11-27
Mr.. P. S. Gilmore on His New Ma
tional Anthem.
IAN ANGELIC INSPIRATIONS
How 1t Came in the Night and was
Welded to Words.

"Columbia" the greatest interest In the matter mas
been felt in musical and social circles Excellent
judges have declared that the composition is SO full
of merit that it will Immediately become popular.
reporter OF the HERALD visited the composer
Yesterday at his residence in Twelfth street. His
home is one in which any person would like to
nger. The pictures on the WALL the relics of artis
tic success: brc-a-brac scattered here and there's
library well thumbed and a library table well
tumbled. faced by Beethoven and score
Of the satellites of the musical world;
battle pictures resting on easels and water
pitchers in other suggestive situations
these Gil the eye while the visitor is hunting among
the easy chairs to choose seat. Mr.. Gilmore is ut
all times one of the most approachabe gentlemen in
his profession when it Is desirable to obtain infor
nation for the public. Yesterday. however.
he frankly confessed that he did not
know where to begin the story con-
nected with his recent composition or to
give the incident intelligent shape. II have been."
he said ..in q condition OF mental excitement such
as have never known in my career. and until this
Heaven inspired production is presented to the
public in the IN manner which have planned expect
to have rest"
"But how did this trouble originator inquired
the reporter.
81 was lying on yonder lounge in half dreamy
mood" he said, "when suddenly there flashed
upon me, complete in of all its details. just like
perfect picture. a melody. a thought. ran to my
desk and put it paper. Here! see! there is
change in but one note. There it is-the original,
Just as it came inspired by the angels
It isn't mine I make no claim to it.
It has como from God. am only
the messenger From that moment it assumed
form. aud to me possessed SOUL The melody
filled my nature to degree that was unable to
repress. Going to the Grand Opera House to attend
the usual Sunday evening concert, l found myself
the direction Of tho music of my band in
purely mechanical way. sometimes being
Obliged to count the nssf en- mU Uf owS my
identity. To tell you the truth, spiritually was
not there at all. remember that the overture OF
the evening was from 'Wilam Tell" which is as
familiar to me as A, b. c. and that as an automaton
went through certain motions. but the melody that
had come to me an hour or two before SO possessed
my being that nothing else could take its place
'What was your first thought when this melody
presented itself?'
was gift from above. Then came the desire to wed
this beautiful music to verse. Returning from the
Opera House retired but during the night scarcely
closod my eyes. said to myself have secured the
soul. but where is the body? and SO, tumbng
and tossing, restless and uneasy. struggling with
something. know not what for two or three days
and nights suddenly. as II by inspiration. there
appeared the Of m yersa ner
/ sprang from one Of those sleepless beds,
and with only. the few interlineations you see
Mr. Gilmore here produced the original copy i'll
penciD transcribed what has been sent to me by
heaven / believe it-yes; don't smile. it is i'm
land how do you propose to utilize this idea?"
inquired the writer.
I'm business way I have protected tee my my.
is concerned. but wherever the words and
music are combined in & the schools schools ! shall shall
there will be public occasion on which after
while the stirring notes of my anthem Will not be
heard. The last verse is especially adapted for
every reyerental occasion. For myself sing 1t MS
my morning and evening prayer, aud my FAMILY
Join me in using it as part OF our nightly praise 10
"How did the name Columbia SO happily occur
to y,9,uy .,.,v ,o ., those nannv thoughts that
grow around q man when he is intellectually in
process Of incubation. The great events OF the ma
in speli-a frenzy. They shaped them
selves 1 was only the amanuensis. and
i stn sns %he h
felt as II 1 had lived fifty years"
''I infer from your conversation that you DO not
regard this q commercial enterprise"
mot in the least From the moment called my
poem Columbia / felt that the music and the
words would make their mark on the face OF time
They have been sent from heaven and are an 1nspi-
ration. Such words ana music never would have
been given me IL they were not intended Tor great
and beautiful mission"
"Have you any objection to the publication of the
words" -
None whatever Here they are" And Mr.. Gill
more presented the writer with copy from which
the following publication is made-
COLUMBIA, First and 'fairest gem
On Natures brow--a diadem,
Whose lustre. bright as heavenly star
The light of Freedom sheds afar.
Like Noah's Ark. God-sent bark.
In search of land, through day and dark.
First found thee hold By natures child,
The red man in his wigwam, Wild
CoIuxprAl Soon the tidings spread
OF what Columbus saw and said;
The eyes of man they turned to thee,
The new land rising from the sea;
Each spread his sail before the gale.
To verify the wondrous tale.
And thus began what was to be
The hope and home OF Liberty.
COLUMBIA! In thine early dayn,
Our Pilgrim Fathers sang thy praise.
They landed from the Mayhower's deck,
On Plymouth Rock-a snow clad speck-
That marks the place from which the race
OF Puritans, their true blood trace.
Who bought our Independence dear
With hearts of steel that knew no fear.
COLUMBIA! Twas in fire and blood
Brave Washington, the foremost stood.
With banner high and sword in hand,
He drove the tyraLt from the land;
Thy breast still sore, to thy hearts core,
Till washed again in human gore
In martyr blood! Shed not In vain.
It left thee whole without stain.
COLUMBIA! Sec what thou art now.
crown of stars Oh Natures brow;
With fields of gold and teemng marts.
with fifty million loving hearts,
Who cling to thee from to sea
To guard thy peace and liberty;
Who man to man shall e'er be just
And in the Lord place all their trust.
q.
CoLuMp1Ai Lift thine eyes on high.
See Him who dwclls in yondefs sky.
The King of Glory on His throne.
Who looks on all, for alls His own.
Our earthly gain would be In vain.
A home In heaven to attain.
III with our hearts We did not pay
Our debt to Him. Then let us pray.
z.
AT morn, at noon, at eventide.
oh. Lprdi be ever ut our side,
That we Thy voice may always hear,
And feel that Thou art ever near.
In mercy spare from grief and caro-
The nation, bowed In fervcnt prayer,
who ask with rcverent love and awe,
Gop BLESS AND SAVE AMEnrcAi
"Many attempts" said Mr.. Gilmore. 'havc been
made 70 write national song to order, but they
have ali failed. Music and sentiment cannot be
made By machinery. II what have done is
efcctive as believe IL will be- the credit will come
i y - l.