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, 5 x 8, Davenport, Iowa, May 1, 1893. Letter to an admirer. In full: “Mosher, of Chicago, has a recent negative from which I doubt not he will be glad to prepare a photograph. Hardy, of Washington St., Boston, also has a negative, from which he has often sent copies to applicants. They are both good. Hastings, of Davenport, also has a negative, very good, though his pictures are produced by artists as less finished.” Intersecting folds, and light toning and soiling, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by an unsigned original cabinet memorial photo of Smith, by Mosher of Chicago. RR Auction COA.
