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NATIONAL AND PATRIOTIC SONGS.

"I knew a very wise man, who believed that if a man were permitted to make all the ballads, he need not care who should make the laws, of a nation.". Andrew Fletcher.

HAIL COLUMBIA.

BY JOSEPH HOPKINSON.

The author of this lyric was the Hon. Joseph Hopkinson, LL.D., a son of Francis Hopkinson. He was Vice-President of the American Philosophical Society, and President of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, &c. He died at Philadelphia, Jan. 15, 1842, aged seventytwo years. In a letter addressed to the Rev. Rufus W. Griswold, a few months before his death, he wrote:

"Hail Columbia' was written in the summer of 1798, when war with France was thought to be inevitable. Congress was then in session in Philadelphia, deliberating upon that important subject, and acts of hostility had actually taken place. The contest between England and France was raging, and the people of the United States were divided into parties for the one side or the other, some thinking that policy and duty required us to espouse the cause of republican France, as she was called, while others were for connecting ourselves with England, under the belief that she was the great preservative power of good principles and safe government. The violation of our rights by both belligerents was forcing us from the just and wise policy of President Washington, which was to do equal justice to both, but to take part with neither, and to preserve a strict and honest neutrality between them. The prospect of a rupture with France was exceedingly offensive to the portion of the people who espoused her cause, and the violence of the spirit of party has never risen higher, I think not so high, in our country, as it did at that time, upon that question. The theatre was then open in our city. A young man belonging to it, whose talent was high as a singer, was about to take a benefit. I had known him when he was at school. On this acquaintance, he called on me one Saturday afternoon, his benefit being announced for the following Monday. His prospects were very disheartening; but he said that if he could get a patriotic song adapted to 'The President's March' he did not doubt of a full house; that the poets of the theatrical corps had been trying to accomplish it, but had not succeeded. I told him I would try what I could do for him. He

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came the next afternoon, and the song, such as it is, was ready for him. The object of the author was to get up an American spirit which should be independent of, and above the interests, passion, and policy of both belligerents, and look and feel exclusively for our honor and rights. No allusion is made to France or England, or the quarrel between them, or to the question which was most in fault in their treatment of us. Of course the song found favor with both parties, for both were American; at least, neither could disown the sentiments and feelings it indicated. Such is the history of this song, which has endured infinitely beyond the expectation of the author, as it is beyond any merit it can boast of except that of being truly and exclusively patriotic in its sentiments and spirit.

"Very respectfully,

"Rev. RUFUS W. GRISWOLD."

"Your most obedient servant,

"Jos. HOPKINSON.

Mr. Hopkinson was twenty-eight years old when he wrote 'Hail Columbia.' Printed and written documents show it was written in April, at 132 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, where he then resided. 'The Aurora' of May 5, says: "Joseph Hopkinson, the author of the late Federal song to the tune of 'The President's March,' has been nominated by the President a commissioner to transact some business with the Indians. He has written his song to some tune, — that's clear!"

Mr. Reinagle, with Mr. Wignall, of the new theatre, on Chestnut Street, arranged the music for the song, and for 'The President's March.' Both were printed by Willig, the music-seller on South Fourth Street, Philadelphia. The author, in a letter to 'The Wyoming Bard,' Aug. 24, 1840, giving a particular history of its composition, says it was called for on Saturday, completed on Sunday evening, announced Monday morning, and sung at the theatre the same evening. A correspondent of the 'Historical Magazine' says it was written "at the request of Mr. Gilbert Fox," a professed vocalist, who was, no doubt, the actor alluded to by Mr. Hopkinson.

The morning papers of the 25th of April announced the tragedy of 'The Italian Monk' for the benefit of Mr. Fox, "after which an entire new song (written by a citizen of Philadelphia), to the tune of The President's March,' will be sung, accompanied by a full band and a grand chorus." It was encored, and repeated eight times, the audience at last joining in the chorus. The words were immediately caught up and repeated in all parts of the city, and thence throughout the country. It was sung at night in the streets by large assemblies of citizens, including some members of Congress.

Hail Columbia

Hail Colomba happy land,
Hail ye Heroes - heav'n born band,
Who fought and bled in Freedom's Cause!
Who fright and bled in Freedom's Causes
And when the storms of war was done.
Enjoy'd the peace your Valours won -
Let Indyrendince be our boost,

Ever mindful what it cost;
Ever grateful for the prezes

Let it's altars reach thithies
Farm, united lot as be,

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wind surdiberty,

As a band of bothers found,
Peace and Safety we shale find

Immortal Patusts, rise once more, · Defend your rights; defend your shore; Let no rude for with improns hand, Let no rude for impious hands Invade the shrine, where sacred lies,

with

Of wil and blood, the well earned preze -
While offering Peace, sincere andifiest,
In Heaven we place a manly trist,
That Truth and Justice will prevail
And every scheme of bondage fare-
Firm, united, let us be;

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Sound, Sound the trump of

Fame,

Let Washington's great name,

Ring through the world with loud efflan
Ring through the world with loud applause.
Let every Clime to Freedom dear,
hoten with a joyful ear;

He

a

With equal stile, with godlike power.
will
governs in the fearful hour.
of horred was; or puedes with Cade,
The happice times of honest peace
Firm, united, let us be

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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 armide in vertue, firm and true.
His hopes are fead on Hearn and you.
When hope was sinking in dismay
And Clouds obsund Columba's day.
His steady mind, from changes free,
Resolid on Death on Liberty
fum, united, let us be

Rallying Yound ou

Yound on liberty;

As a band of brothers found,
Peace and safety on sale finds.

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