Samuel Francis Smith

SMITH, Samuel Francis (1808-1895). Autograph manuscript signed ("S.F. Smith") a fair copy of the traditional four verses of "America" ("My country 'tis of thee ...") N.p., 1883.

One page, bifolium, 204 x 125mm, 28 lines in 4 stanzas (mild wear at lower margin, lightly toned)

The four original verses of "America"." Although Smith habitually noted that the verses had been written in 1832, while he attended Andover Theological Seminary, they were in fact first printed in a rare broadside under the title "Celebration of American Independence," published by the Boston Sabbath School Union on 4 July 1831. The words (originally five stanzas) and the tune ("God Save the King") first appeared together under the title "America" in 1832. Smith wrote this song in just thirty minutes, after being asked to contribute to a song-book. "America" became the national hymn of the United States in 1832. An attractive fair copy of Smith's classic, neatly written out. See James J. Fuld, The Book of World-Famous Music, pp. 249-251.