This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2014
In February of 1832, Samuel Francis Smith, a 23 year theological student in his last year of seminary at Andover, came upon an inspiration. Noting that German school children recite a national hymn everyday he decided to compose one for students of this country as well. Within thirty minutes his new poem, titled America, was born. It would later be set to music, borrowing a familiar international melody which was most notably used in Britain's anthem God Save the King. The musical piece was first performed on July 4, 1832 and immediately became one of this country's most memorable and loved patriotic songs. We are proud to present in the special lot an approximately 8"" x 10"" lightly-lined off-white sheet, signed at the bottom, “S. F. Smith, Written in 1832, Dec. 2, 1891.” Smith pens all four stanzas of ‘America,’ in full: “My country ‘tis of thee/Sweet land of liberty/Of thee I sing/Land where my fathers died/Land of the pilgrim’s pride/From every mountain side/Let freedom ring/My native country thee/Land of the noble free/Thy name I love/I love thy rocks and rills/Thy woods and templed hills/My heart with rapture thrills/Like that above/ Let music swell the breeze/And ring from all the trees/Sweet freedom’s song/Let mortal tongues awake/Let all that breathe partake/Let rocks their silence break/The sound prolong/Our fathers’ God to Thee/Author of liberty/To Thee we sing/Long may our land be bright/With freedom’s holy light/Protect us by Thy might/Great God our King,” Signed at the bottom, “S. F. Smith, Written in 1832, Dec 2, 1891.” The sheet exhibits moderate toning and has been adhered to a board of equal size for added support. In overall very good condition. Still as moving and pertinent today as it was in 1832, these beautifully penned words are exceedingly rare and highly-desirable. Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA.