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Case Auctions
Live Auction

2024 Summer Fine Art & Antiques (Day 1)

Sat, Jul 6, 2024 09:00AM EDT
Lot 563

5 KY related Civil War Items incl. Gen Gustavus Smith

Estimate: $400 - $600

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$3,000 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000

1st item: CSA Major General Gustavus Smith (1821-1896), two signed pages from his letterbook, dated Richmond, Nov. 13, 1862, and signed twice "G.W. Smith Maj Gen". 10 3/4" x 7 1/4" . Note: Smith, a Kentuckian, graduated from West Point and served in Mexico. He was street commissioner of New York City when the Civil War began. He served the Confederates in the Peninsula Campaign, then organized the Georgia forces. These pages were written two days before Smith became the interim Confederate Secretary of War. The document reads "Wilmington - General Whiting I understand is to be ordered to report directly here... General Lee under date of the 10th inst writes that 'when the regiments are filled by conscripts they could .. in addition to those you now have enable you to receive the forage, beef and pork in the Eastern part of the state'... I always keep an eye to Petersburg and Weldon, and the Railroad.." (Full transcript available on request and to winning bidder). 2nd and 3rd items: two (2) ALS written in March, 1862 by Colonel Thomas Johnson of the 2nd Kentucky Mounted Infantry, from Wise County, VA to his brother, James, in Montgomery County, KY. Johnson was related by marriage to Gen. Roger W. Hanson, commander of Kentucky's famed Orphan Brigade. 9" x 5 1/4". Johnson writes mainly to direct his brother on how to handle business arrangements at home in his absence, although he does mention, that "since our defeat at Fort Donalson [sic], no exchange can be had. I hope for a change for the better - you must not let our reverses put you down in spirit". 4th and 5th items: Signed Confederate pay vouchers for H.M. Thomas (Company B, 6th KY Volunteers) Nov. 21, 1862, and for Army of Tennessee Captain Darwin Bell, Co. A 1st (Helm's) Ky Cav. and Co. A & H, 2nd (Woodward's) Ky Cav., July 4, 1862. Note: Darwin Bell participated in the Skirmish at Elk River, Tullahoma Campaign, Chickamauga, Chattanooga Siege, and Chattanooga. He was captured in Dixon Co. on Jan. 11, 1864 and sent to Louisville Prison, then to Camp Chase. He was exchanged on Oct. 11, 1864. 

PROVENANCE: Private Kentucky Collection. Gustavus Smith DS acquired through Stuart Lutz Historic Documents Inc. 

Condition

Gustavus Smith pages are in very good condition. Johnson letters both have tape to tears at center fold lines. Significant toning to Thomas pay voucher. Bell pay voucher has fading, toning and creasing. 

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Private Kentucky Collection. Gustavus Smith DS acquired through Stuart Lutz Historic Documents Inc.