Description:

THOMAS A. SMYTH
(1832 - 1865) Irish-American Union brigadier general, lieutenant colonel of the 1st Delaware Infantry at Antietam, where the regiment lost almost one-third of its force. Promoted to brigadier general of volunteers in 1864, Smyth was shot in the mouth by a Confederate sharpshooter in action near Farmville, Virginia, succumbing to his wound two days later on April 9, 1865, the day of Lee's surrender at Appomattox. He was the last Union general to be killed in action during the war. Rare war-date A.E.S. on the verso of an interesting manuscript document, 1p. oblong 8vo. ‘Near Brandy Station, Va', April 1, 1864, a ‘Consolidated Invoice of Officers' orders given T. Duffy Sutler 28 Mass. Vols. by Officers of that Regiment', listing several articles, including ‘1 Basket Champaigne [sic]… 21 Doz. Whiskey… 1 Bbl. Cider… 16 doz. Scotch ale… 2 Bottles Walnut Ketchup...' and more, primarily liquor. The verso bears the signed endorsement of Lt. Col. George W. Cartwright, commanding the 28th Massachusetts Volunteers. Smyth pens his endorsement below, in full: ‘Head Qu. 2nd Brig 1st Div. April 1, 1862 Respectfully forwarded and approved. Thos. A. Smyth Col 1st Del Vols Com'g Brigade'. The invoice shows a horizontal fold at center, with the endorsed side faintly toned, otherwise in very good to fine condition. The first Smyth signature we have handled.

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

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000