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Charles F. Smith

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:600.00 - 800.00 USD
Charles F. Smith

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Auction Date:2013 Jul 25 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Highly regarded military officer (1807–1862) who served in the Mexican and Civil Wars; during the latter, he injured his leg while jumping into a rowboat, leading to an infection that claimed his life. Scarce war-dated ALS signed “C. F. Smith,” four pages, lightly-lined on two adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 9.75, December 31, 1861, headed at the top, “Copy of my letter to Genl. Cullum.” Letter to Brig. General George Washington Cullum. In part: “I have been gratified by the receipt of your letter…enclosing a copy of Genl Halleck’s telegram to Genl. McClellan…I thank Genl. Halleck for his manliness and just appreciation of me. But what am I to think of those in authority who, at the say-so of political tricksters, condemn one of my age, general reputation, and service without the slightest opportunity of self defense. I ask myself who is safe. I can at times scarcely restrain my indignation within the bounds of decency…My military pride has been forever stricken down; how or why it is needless to inquire; but my stern sense of duty to my country…carry me on in the straight path, in whatever condition I am placed, without a murmur…Until this Civil War is over I shall, to my best ability, serve in any capacity, under any commander, where chance may place me, but on its conclusion, I shall certainly, from a sense of self respect, retire from the service of a Government where to be suspected merely is to be damned…Whilst my experience of human nature teaches me to know the manner in which volunteer troops ought to be treated to make them soldiers…My education, habits, associations nor temper fit me to command them to the best advantage. Some ignorant political general may do much better. This is a frank confession for those who rule my position.” Smith adds a brief postscript which reads, “This is my reply to Cullum’s unofficial letter of which I sent you a copy a day or so ago. C. F. S.” In fine condition. An uncommon Civil War signature of a superior Union officer who would have led the Union forces at Shiloh had he not become injured.