Confederate general from Kentucky (1821-1896) who took command of the Army of Northern Virginia for one day in 1862 before being replaced by Robert E. Lee. Civil War-dated manuscript copies of five telegrams, signed four times, “G. W. Smith,” three pages both sides, 7.25 x 10.75, October 1-4, 1862. A message of October 1st, which is secretarially signed, is to "Jones Gen'l," in part: "Inform Gen'l Lee that a fleet of One hundred & twenty five transports moved up towards Alexandria on the 29th Ulto; that the enemy had blown up to fortifications at Evansport…It is reported that Siegel…moved on Centerville, with thirty thousand men, mostly new regiments." Another message of October 1st, signed by Smith, sent to a general in Petersburg, reads: "Prepare all your troops that could possibly be spared, in any emergency, for a prompt movement in this direction. You may be called on at any moment. I desire you to be ready."
Much longer messages are to Gen. Robert E. Lee and Maj. Gen Samuel Gibbs French, discussing a recent battle near the Rappahannock, a wounded soldier, and strategic troop movements. Discussing strategy in a message to French, Smith notes: "It has occurred to me that from Suffolk they might make a dash on Weldon, and that it would be well for you to station two or three regiments there with some artillery. Besides protecting that point, these troops would be in position to move at once in this direction rapidly." In one instance, Smith notes the Army's poor supplies: "Our means are inadequate, certainly very scant—The blanket is not only too short, but is very thin, and the material is not the best." In overall fine condition. A fascinating compilation of scarce Confederate material, touching upon many aspects of the war.
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