The Origin of Hail Columbia [published in 'Recollections of Washington'] This short passage contains an extract from the book <cite> Recollections of Washington </cite>.  It presents the origins of the song "Hail Columbia."  A songwriter Mr. Hopkinson wrote it for an actor friend who then performed it at a benefit.  The audience asked for it to be repeated eight times. On the ninth iteration, they stood up and sang along.