Description:

(LINCOLN ASSASSINATION) HENRY W. SMITH
(1836-1869) Union Lieutenant Colonel who apprehended Lewis Payne (Powell) and Mary Surratt two days after Lincoln's death. Rare, fine content war-date A.L.S. 3pp. 4to., Washington, May 7, 1864 on the letterhead of the Headquarters Department of Washington to his brother, Sergeant Joseph R. Smith. In part: ‘…I suppose you are at Little Rock…I see by the papers that Gen. Steele is again at Little Rock. We are in the midst of stirring times here. The Army of the Potomac is across the Rapidan. Burnside with 45,000 men is at Thoroughfare Gap. Couch and Siegel with 50,000 men are advancing from Winchester. ‘Baldy' Smith is on the South Side of James River advancing on Richmond, and Butler moving up the Peninsula and is within 18 miles of Richmond. And we are looking every hour for news of a great battle, it must come off within 48 hours order, must evacuate Richmond, Grant had fully 260,000 men advancing on Richmond in five columns, and unless something unforeseen occurs I think within ten days we will be in Richmond…If General Steele should ask you if you know of a good A.A.G. to be made a Lt. Col…you might suggest me…'. Folds, otherwise very good.

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March 27, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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