September 22, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/22/2011
Outstanding group of materials pertaining to General John Corson Smith's attempt at securing the Congressional Medal of Honor, includes: Autograph Letter Signed by General Smith, 5pp. folio, November 13, 1902, addressed to Elihu Root as Secretary of War, and reads in part: "...Having had my attention called to the distribution of the 'Congressional Medal of Honor" awarded soldiers for special acts of a distinguished character in action. I respectfully submit the following case owing to the death of my commanding officers I will have to rely upon the official records and the following statement of facts to merit your recognition. During the Tullahoma Campaign of the Army of the Cumberland ending in the battle of Chickamauga, September 19 & 20, 1863. I was the major of the 96th Regt. Ills. Infty Vols. serving on the Staff of Brig. Gen. James B. Steedman, commanding 1st Div. Reserve Corps Army of the Cumberland. During the movements of the army, before and after the battle, as well as in the fighting Sept. 19th & 20th, I was with and close by Gen. Steedman endeavoring to do my duty as a soldier..." and goes on to recount how "On returning from Gen. Thomas during the battle on Sept. 20, 1863 to whom I had been sent to report that we were holding our own on the right and learn how the battle was going on the left. I met one of our regiments being driven back in disorder which I endeavored to check and succeeded in stopping the colors. Lieut John B. Hays 19th US Infty staff of Gen. Steedman and Lieut George W. Pepoon staff of Gen. Whitaker appearing I ordered Lieut Hays to the left and Lieut Pepoon to the right, myself being in the center when we succeeded in checking the retreat and Gen. Steedman coming up grasped the colors and together we hurled the regiment back upon the enemy and thus saved the line from disaster...There was a scene on the battlefield that I think I have not mentioned and if I have it will bear repetition. It was during the heaviest of the battle, shortly after the General's horse was shot. I was engaged in rallying the left of the Regt. When the center broke. Gen. Steedman coming up at the time grasped the colors saying 'Boys you may disgrace yourselves but these colors never can be. I'll carry your colors if you'll defend them' Such a scene can never be forgotten, the boys rallied instantly and nobly defended their flag. We only left the field when the last cartridge was fired..." He follows this incident with an account of how he ordered Col. H.Le Favour Comdg 22 Regt Michigan Infantry and the 89th Ohio's Colonel Carlton "to charge the enemy and give them cold steel which they did and the command was captured..." Fine condition...with two typed letters responding to the request of General Smith and denying him by order of the President of the Untied States a Congressional Medal of Honor. ...plus; Memorial card for Smith and photograph of the general. A nice little archive. ( 5 items)
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