Description:

(CONFEDERATE SIGNAL CORPS) AUGUSTINE T. SMYTHE
(1842-1914) Confederate cadet who was present at the shelling of Fort Sumter and was later assigned to the Confederate Signal Corps as an observer. He served at Fort Sumter, Battery Wagner, aboard the ironclad CSS Palmetto State and then occupied a post high above Charleston in the steeple of St. Michael's Episcopal Church. In 1864, he was given command of an experiment utilizing a captured Union balloon as an observation post over the city, and made several ascents. Scarce A.L.S., 1p. 4to., Charleston, Jan. 29, 1886, on his law firm's letterhead, discussing an ongoing trial. He signs at the conclusion in black ink. Shows original mailing folds, evenly toned overall, and showing bleed-through from another sheet, else very good.

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November 14, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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