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, Newton Center, Massachusetts, November 13, 1893. Letter to George Corthall. In part: “Your two letters are at hand,—one, of thanks, which I appreciate; the other inquiring about a copy of America, with portrait accompanying…The sheet was gotten up, I think about in Dec. last, for some sort of school fair or bazaar, so called, by a female school teacher.” In fine condition, with some superficial chipping to top edge. Copies of Smith’s poem were frequently sold at fairs. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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