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. Smith’s stirring patriotic song, set to the same melody as the British national anthem (“God Save the Queen”), served as a de facto national anthem for much of the 19th century. Neatly penned AQS on a lightly lined off-white 10 x 8 sheet, signed at the bottom “S. F. Smith” and dated at the bottom, “Written in 1832. This autograph, Feb 16, 1895.” In part: “America. 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 mountainside, Let freedom ring.” A small photo of Smith is affixed to the upper right corner. Small separation along central vertical fold, a mild shade of toning, and slightly heavier toning to edges from mounting remnants on reverse, otherwise fine condition. Signed manuscript copies of Smith’s immortal lyrics remain one of the most desirable prizes for serious collectors of Americana. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
