Samuel F. Smith

Samuel F. Smith Autograph Manuscript Signed. Two pages, 4.75" x 7.75" (sight), no place; no date. Autograph manuscript of Smith's most well-known song, "My Country, 'Tis of Thee," titled here as "America." Smith writes out all four stanzas, including the iconic opening, "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." Signed, "S.F. Smith." Smith wrote "America" as a seminary student in 1831 after composer Lowell Mason asked Smith to translate or write new lyrics for a series of German songs. The song adopted the same tune as the British royal anthem to make a statement about American democracy. Smith later wrote an additional stanza for Washington's Centennial Celebration but ultimately removed it because he felt it was not consistent with the song's original message. Condition: Pages are creased at the folds and toned throughout. Minor staining to the second page with a small, closed tear and separation at the right margin. Not examined outside of the frame. Frame has minor chips to left and right side.