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. Exquisitely penned AQS on two off-white 5 x 8 sheets, lightly lined, dated March 29, 1887, signed at the conclusion in ink, "S. F. Smith." Smith pens the four original verses of 'America' in their entirety, in part: "My country, 'tis of thee, / Sweet land of liberty, / Of thee I sing; / Land where my fathers died, / Land of the pilgrims' pride, / From every mountain side, / Let freedom ring." In very good to fine condition, with a few clean splits and tears, minor paper loss to edges, and blocks of uniform toning from prior display. A highly appealing display piece enhanced furthermore by its lovely penmanship.
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.
