Show AUTHOR OF AMERICA a Autograph Copy of Sly Country etc For the Vatican library Bridgeport Conn Dec 26A copy of My Country Tis of Thee in the handwriting of the Rev Dr Samuel Smith 5o wrote the hymn in 1832 ig now on the way to Rome the gift of David Secor Poll of this city to the pope for the Vatican library It is not the original manuscript as has I been stated Mr Poll said in an interview The author of America Dr Smith I who was m the same class with Oliver I Wendell Holmes is now living in Newton New-ton Mass He is S6 yearn old Dr Smith and I were together at the Worlds fair I was judge of gold and silver and other exhibits from all countries Dr Smith wrote out five copies for me which were sent to Russia Rus-sia Denmark Spain Italy and Japan Last summer I told the story to theRe the-Re William Mahard of Milford who I suggested that we communicate with Mgr Satolli in reference to sending n copy similar to the others to his holiness holi-ness the pope We did so with the I result you know The copy is in a I handsome frame The national hymn was directed to Dr OConnell rector of American college col-lege in Rome and we will hear more about it no doubt from the highest source Mr Poll 4s in this 71st year and is devoting his time to art and science collections The collections in the Bridgeport Scientific society were made I and arranged by him |