American Hymn

M. Keller is an adopted citizen of the United States. During the war for the Union a prize was offered for a national hymn, and he felt a strong desire to produce such a composition for his adopted country. It was first sung in New York, but awakened no interest.* Mr. Keller went to Boston, gave his hymn to the bands to play, and it soon became a favorite in that city, and was sung on all patriotic occasions where a large chorus was employed. It was sung at the Peace Jubilee, at the reception of the battle flags at the Statehouse, by the request of Gov. Andrew, and by an adopted custom is the first piece played on the Common by bands on Independence days.