American military officer (1824?1893) who, after serving as lieutenant and captain in the Mexican-American War, became an officer in the Confederate Army. A key participant at Bull Run and Richmond, he was placed in charge of the Trans-Mississippi Department in 1863 and ultimately reached the rank of full general. After taking the Oath of Amnesty following the war, he became president of the Atlantic Telegraph Company and later resumed his academic career as a mathematician. Striking 4.25 x 6.5 cabinet photo of an older Smith in his spectacles and a military uniform coat, beautifully signed in ink on the mount beneath the image, ?E. Kirby Smith.? In very fine condition. Signed photos of Smith represent a notable scarcity among Confederate autograph material, and this fresh?that is, pristine?example may safely be regarded as unsurpassable in every respect. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
