ANS signed “J. W. Howe,” one page trimmed to a size of 4 x 2, no date. Howe writes, in full: “I did not write ‘Hail Columbia.’ I did write the ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic.’” Small tear near top affecting a single word of text, closely trimmed edges, and some scattered light toning, otherwise fine condition. ‘Hail Columbia’ was composed by Philip Phile in 1789 for the first inauguration of George Washington, with lyrics by Joseph Hopkinson in 1798. It was considered one of the unofficial national anthems of the United States up until 1931. RR Auction COA.
