Autographs
Samuel Francis Smith Author of “America” Signed Letter
SAMUEL FRANCIS SMITH (1808-1895). Poet and Author best known for writing the lyrics to the historic patriotic song, “AMERICA.”
September 28, 1894-Dated, Autograph Letter Signed, “S. F. Smith,” 1 page, measuring 8” x 5.5” written at Newton Centre, Massachusetts, Choice Very Fine. In this finely penned Handwritten Letter, Smith expresses his regrets to a child who had written to request a photograph of Smith and had enclosed a poem. Smith did not have a spare photo available, and instead, sent the child a handwritten copy of “the poem” (not present with this letter). Though this poem is not named, we may speculate that it was indeed his most famous, “America.” Aside from a few tiny edge nicks reinforced with a couple tiny pieces of tape, this original Letter is in great condition with sharply written deep brown text and signature that is excellent for display.
Samuel Francis Smith (1808-1895). Clergyman, Writer and Poet, best known for writing the lyrics to the patriotic song “America.” Written in 30 minutes, the song was first sung in Boston on July 4, 1832. After graduating from Harvard in 1829, Smith began a career in which he was at various times a Baptist minister, a professor of modern foreign languages, and a writer for magazines and the Encyclopedia Americana.