Samuel Woodworth (1784–1842)

Sung at the anniversary dinner, on the 8th January, 1830

Tune—“Anacreon in Heaven”

AMERICA’S glory, which dazzled the world,

When the toils of our sires had achieved independence;

Was brighten’d, when Jackson her banners unfurl’d,

To protect the dear boon for their grateful descendants,

When the conquerors of Spain

Cross’d the boisterous main,

Boldly threat’ning to rivet our fetters again;

But a happy New Year for Columbia begun,

When our Jackson secured what our Washington won.

The hero, surrounded by hearts like his own,

When the pure flame of freedom was vividly burning,

While its lights from their optics indignantly shone,

The fatigues and the dangers of war nobly spurning;

Bade the bright banner wave

O’er the heads of the brave,

To light them to glory—the foe to his grave.

Then a happy New Year for Columbia begun,

For our Jackson secured what our Washington won.

The foeman advanced in the pride of his strength,

As the giant of Gath met the youth he derided,

A veteran phalanx, of measureless length,

Whose arms had the fortunes of monarchs decided.

In martial array,

They advance to the fray,

While freemen impatiently chide their delay;

Then a happy New Year for Columbia begun,

And our Jackson secured what our Washington won.

In Heaven and Justice our veterans trust,

As they wait for the onset with courage unaltered.

But “Booty and Beauty,” or plunder and lust,

Was the watch word that rallied the foe when he falter’d.

While his doubling drums play,

And his war-trumpets bray,

And his proud banners wave, as he moves to the fray.

Then a happy New Year for Columbia begun,

And our Jackson secured what our Washington won.

The conflict was dreadful, for freemen were brave,

And they meted the foe such a stern retribution,

That thousands were doom’d to a premature grave,

While their comrades in arms fled the field in confusion;

And our heroes may claim

Living chaplets of fame,

While we honour the chief who directed their aim.

When a happy New Year for Columbia begun,

And our Jackson secured what our Washington won.