Description:

THOMAS BENTON SMITH
(1838 - 1923) Confederate brigadier general who was severely beaten after surrendering to Union forces at the Battle of Nashville on December 16, 1864. The resulting brain injuries eventually drove Smith to insanity and he spent the last 47 years of his life in an asylum. A.L.S. 2pp. 8vo., [Nashville], Mar. 25, 1903, in pencil. A rambling and incoherent letter reflecting the former general's state of mind later in life: "I wrote General U S Grant a letter Christmas 1874 and backed it in Dr W J McMurry office stating that I was going to Caddo [?] And put all the negroes in the United States back into slavery as the year when my mother was born in 1805. I mailed the letter to John Sherman in Nashville then went to Caddo and issued my proclamation I went by Memphis and give my card to President Jefferson Davis the Democrat. I slept one night in Dr. McMurry house and Eat Supper & Breakfast at this table Dec 31st 1874 after Gen US Grant gave me the sellers patent for the Improve[d] Locomotive August 1874 I worn my Blue Uniform 7 Years before in War began put it on at Tysen[?] Springs 1854. Tom Benton Smith President F D Grant Vice President March 25, 1903" Light toning and expected folds, else fine condition.

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December 16, 2010 11:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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