SMITH, SAMUEL FRANCIS
Manuscript fair copy of his poem America. An undated and untitled fair copy in ink on watermarked wove paper of the full four stanzas of Smith's poem "America." 12 x 6 inches (31 x 15 cm). Mat toned, folds, one short tear into margin, offered with a portrait.
Samuel Francis Smith first wrote "America" (its opening line "My country 'tis of thee ..." known to generations of school children) in 1832. Dashed off in under thirty minutes as a contribution to a song-book and originally five stanzas, the poem became the national hymn of the United States in 1832.
Sold for $1,250
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SMITH, SAMUEL FRANCIS
Manuscript fair copy of his poem America. An undated and untitled fair copy in ink on watermarked wove paper of the full four stanzas of Smith's poem "America." 12 x 6 inches (31 x 15 cm). Mat toned, folds, one short tear into margin, offered with a portrait.
Samuel Francis Smith first wrote "America" (its opening line "My country 'tis of thee ..." known to generations of school children) in 1832. Dashed off in under thirty minutes as a contribution to a song-book and originally five stanzas, the poem became the national hymn of the United States in 1832.
Auction: Rare Books, Autographs & Maps, May 11, 2023