Boston-born Baptist minister and academic (1808–1895) best known as the lyricist of ‘America’ (’My Country ’Tis of Thee’), written while he was a student at Andover Theological Seminary. ALS signed “S. F. Smith,” one page, lightly-lined both sides, 5.5 x 9, September 25, 1895. Letter to “My dear old friend.” In part: “Notwithstanding your thoughtful suggestion not to feel that I must answer all your letters directly, I am moved to reply to yours of yesterday & another a few days earlier. I am greatly interested in your pen-&-ink sketch. I know you are such master in that art. Your topic is lovely. It is near the heart of nature, & therefore will reach the heart. I am glad if the book pleases you. It has variety in it and I should judge is selling very well. As to ‘bill’ there is no bill. I am most happy to have it in your possession, with no clink or stain of money about it. My daughter Mrs. Candee has a graphophone cylinder having my voice in ‘America’ on it. It was given her by an agent of the Graph [Graphapohone] who came here & exhibited it.” Intersecting folds, a small separation to vertical fold, a mild overall shade of toning, and a couple light creases, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$50.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
