Samuel Francis Smith (1808-1895), Manuscript Document Signed "S. F. Smith, December 21, 1894, one page on ruled note paper, octavo, with all four stanzas of America in Reverend Smith's hand; presented in a two-sided black wooden frame, the verso displays a second sheet on un-lined stock, which outlines the document's history of descent from Smith to Daniel Pell Lews to Mr. & Mrs. Edward Gay, and finally, to their grandson, Richard Gay Coker, in 1920. Mr. Coker died in 1991.

Frame dimensions 17 x 19 in.; sight size 6-3/4 x 8-3/4 in.

Private Estate, North Carolina

Edward B. Gay, a one-time recipient of this manuscript, was a noted Irish-American landscape artist and a member of the National Academy. He came to this country with his family during the great Potato Famine of 1848 and no doubt felt a special affinity for our "Sweet land of liberty."

Both sheets with moderate brown toning, the Smith sheet with light, scattered foxing. Overall very good condition. Not examined out of the frame.

$800 - 1,200