The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1882-1884, 1883-08-09
NAIL COLUMBIA.

JAMES PARTON's ACCOUNT OF HOW
THIS NATIONAL HYMN CAME
TO BE WRITTEN.
youths Companion.l
"Hail Columbia was written in
the summer of 1898, at moment
when the United States seemed about
to be drawn into a war with France,
their old ally and friend. The Amer
ican ENJOYS sent out by President
Adams, with no other object than to
restore a good understanding. were
thought to have been grossly insulted
by France. An army and navy we're
in preparation. General Washing.
ION had accepted the chief command,
with Alexander Hamilton as his
second, and nothing was thought of
but impending war.
A vocalist. by the name of Fox,
was about to have a benefit in Phila.
delphia, and owing to the excitement
that prevailed, the prospect Of q good
attendance was not encouraging.
His benefit was announced for q
Monday evening, and it was only ON
a Saturday previous that he had an
idea for ''drawing q house"
One of his school-fellows, Joseph
Hopkinson, so1 Of distinguished
father, had become himself man of
pote in the intellectual circles of
Philadelphia society. He was vice.
President of TIE American Philo.
sophical Society, founded by DR..
Franklin, and presided over by Thos.
Jefferson. He was President of the
Academy of Fine Arts. and was
!, somewhat noted for his poetical effu.
sions.
The vocalist. in his extremity,
went to his old school-friend, and
told him that he had little chance OF
a paying audience unless he could
announce something new and stri
!, king in the way of patriotic song,
a piece that could be sung by the
whole company to an easy or familiar
tune, like the presidents March,
, He a,.ded that the poets Of the com
pany had been trying to produce the
, required song, but had been unable
) to accomp'is it.
Il will try what I can do for you.' .
, said Hopkinson.
, The vocalist called the next after
, noon. when the words we're ready fol
him. and he took them at once to {
musician of the theatre, who selected
I and adapted to them an old and easy
air. On Monday morning the son{
, was announced in the newspaper
| and diligently rahearsed upon thu
I stage.
! A crowded house rewarded the ef.
D forts of the singer and the poet, ant
the song was received with th'
/. greatest enthusiasm. The words ant
J. music were at once published, ant
v the piece was sung at every patriotl
r gathering during that period of ex
cltement.
II
. The object of the author was t.
q get up an American spirit, whicl
4 should be independent of and hbov
8 the interest, passion and pol icy o
q both belligerents. and look and fee
. Exclusively for our honor and rights
No allusion is made to France o
|. England, or the quarrel between
them, or to the question which wa
r most in fault in their treatment Q
!. us; of course, the song found favo
Il with both parties, for both wer
!. American at least, neither coult
h dlsown the sentiments and feeling
II it indicated"
II The following are the words of tn
n song, as originally written at Phila
v delphia, in 1898:
Hail Columbia happy land!
u Hail We heroes Heaven-born hand!
,e Who fought and bled in Freedom S cause
v. Who f,ugh and bled in Freedom s cause
II And when the storm of war was gone,
:. Enioyed the peace your valor won.
10 Let independence be your boast,
liver mindful what it cost.
Of Ever grateful for the prize,
m Let its altar reach the skies.
"a Firm-united-let US be,
Rallying round our Liberty,
~ AS a band of brothers joined,
= Peace and safety we shall find.
Ke II.
e. Immortal patriots rise once more!
70 Defend our rights defend our shore.
:. Let no rude foe with impious hand,
: Let no rude foe with impious hand,
7o Invade the shrine where sacred lies.
ur OF toll and blood the well-earned prize
8. While offering peace sincere and just,
er In heaven we place manly trust
!, ~ That truth and justice may prevail:
:" - And every scheme of bondage fail.
D. Firm--united--let us be, etc.
eS Ill.
in Sound, sound the trump of fame!
". Let Washington's great name.
- Ring thro' the world with loud applause
uo Ring thro' the world with loud applause
e. Let every cline to Freedom dear
Listen with joyful ear.
With equal skill and god-like power
He governs IN the fearful hour
TO- Of horrid war, or guides with ease
ID, rhe happier times Of honest peace.