songs have been given: but as they seem to refer to important eras in our political history, the compiler hopes he may be pardoned for introducing them, especially as he has shown himself impartial, by giving as many on the opposite side of the question.

SIR:

Philadelphia, April 24, 1841.

In compliance with your request, I give you an account of the occasion and circumstances attending the composition of the national song of "HAIL COLUMBIA."

It was written in the summer of 1798, when war with France was thought to be inevitable. Congress was then in session in this city, 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; 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; to take part with neither, but to preserve a strict and honest neutrality between them. The prospect of a rupture with France was exceedingly

cause,

offensive to the portion of the people which espoused her 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 as a singer, was about to take his benefit. I had known him when he was at school. On this acquaintance, he called on me on 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 tune of 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 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, passions, and policy of both belligerents: and look and feel exclusively for our own honour 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 favour with both parties, for both were Americans; at least neither could disavow the sentiments and feelings it inculcated. 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,

Your most obedient servant,
Jos. HOPKINSON.

Rev. Rufus W. Griswold.

THE

AMERICAN NATIONAL

SONG-BOOK.

PATRIOTIC SONGS.

1

From the Pennsylvania Chronicle, July 4, 1768.

A SONG.

To the Tune of "Hearts of Oak," &c.

COME, join hand in hand, brave Americans all,
And rouse your bold hearts at fair Liberty's call;
No tyrannous acts shall suppress your just claim,
Or stain with dishonour America's name.

In freedom we're born, and in freedom we'll live!
Our purses are ready—

Steady, friends, steady;

Not as slaves, but as freemen our money we'll give.

Our worthy forefathers (let's give them a cheer)
To climates unknown did courageously steer;
Through oceans to deserts for freedom they came,
And, dying, bequeath'd us their freedom and fame.
In freedom we're born, &c.

Their generous bosoms all dangers despised,
So highly, so wisely their birthrights they prized;
We'll keep what they gave, we will piously keep,
Nor frustrate their toils on the land and the deep.
In freedom we're born, &c.

The tree their own hands had to Liberty rear'd,
They lived to behold growing strong and revered;
With transport then cried, "Now our wishes we gain,
For our children shall gather the fruits of our pain."
In freedom we're born, &c.

How sweet are the labours that freemen endure,
That they shall enjoy all the profit, secure-
No more such sweet labours Americans know,
If Britons shall reap what Americans sow.
In freedom we're born, &c.

Swarms of placemen and pensioners* soon will appear,
Like locusts deforming the charms of the year;
Suns vainly will rise, showers vainly descend,
If we are to drudge for what others shall spend.
In freedom we're born, &c.

Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all,
By uniting, we stand, by dividing, we fall;
In so righteous a cause let us hope to succeed
For Heaven approves of each generous deed.
In freedom we're born, &c.

*The ministry have already begun to give away in pensions the money they lately took out of our pockets, without

our consent.

All

ages shall speak with amaze and applause Of the courage we'll show in support of our laws; To die we can bear, but to serve we disdain, For shame is to freemen more dreadful than pain. In freedom we're born, &c.

This bumper I crown for our sovereign's health,
And this for Britannia's glory and wealth;
That wealth and that glory immortal may be,
If she is but just, and if we are but free.
In freedom we're born, &c.

From the Pennsylvania Magazine, for July, 1775.
LIBERTY-TREE.-A NEW SONG.

BY ATLANTICUS, (THOMAS PAINE.)

Tune-" The Gods of the Greeks," or, “In a Mouldering Cave."

In a chariot of light from the regions of day,
The goddess of Liberty came:

Ten thousand celestials directed the way,
And hither conducted the dame.

A fair budding branch from the gardens above,
Where millions with millions agree,

She brought in her hand, as a pledge of her love,
And the plant she named LIBERTY TREE.

The celestial exotic struck deep in the ground,
Like a native it flourish'd and bore;

The fame of its fruit drew the nations around,
To seek out this peaceable shore.