Description:

John C. Smith
Chicago, IL, November 13, 1902
John C. Smith Pleads His Case for a Medal of Honor at Chickamauga, And Is Denied
Archive
A superb archive relative to Brigadier General John Corson Smith's attempt to secure the Medal of Honor, comprising four letters, together with a mourning card for Smith's passing and a portrait engraving. In overall very good condition.

The centerpiece of this archive is a lengthy and fine content autograph letter signed by Smith, four pages, 8.25" x 13.25", Chicago, November 13, 1902, to Elihu Root. Smith makes the case for his award, in part: "…During the Tullahoma Campaign of the Army of the Cumberland ending in the Battle of Chickamauga, Sept. 19th & 20th, 1863, I was Major of the 96th Regt. Ills. Vols. Infty. serving on the Staff of Brig. Gen. James B. Steedman, commanding 1st Div. Reserve Corps Army of the Cumberland. During the movements of the Army, before and after the battle as well as in the fighting September 19th & 20th, I was with and close by Gen. Steedman endeavoring to do my duty as a soldier. How well I did it my corps commander, Gen. George Granger, tells in his report of that battle when naming the staff officers of General Steedman. Page 857. Series/Vol. XXX, Part I reports War of the Rebellion…".

Smith then recounts how he was noted as "conspicuous for officering and bravery, and deserving special attention…Major (J.C.) Smith, Staff Officer First Division…On returning from Gen. Thomas during the battle of Sept. 20, 1863 to whom I had been sent to report that we were holding our own on the right and learn how the battle was going on the left. I met one of your regiments, being driven back in disorder which I endeavored to check and succeeded in stopping the colors. Liet. John B. Hayys, 19th U.S. Infty. Staff of Gen. Steedman and Lieut. George W. Pepoon, staff of Gen. Whittaker appearing, I ordered Lieut. Hays to the left and Lieut. Pepoon to the right, myself being in the center when we succeeded in checking the retreat, and Gen. Steedman coming up grasped the colors and together we hurled the regiment back upon the enemy and thus saved the line from disaster. I need not speculate what might have happened had I failed to realize the situation…".

He continues: "…There was a scene on the battlefield that I have think I have not mentioned and if I have it will bear repetition. It was during the heaviest of the battle, shortly after the General's horse was shot. I was engaged in rallying the left of the – Regt. when the center broke. Gen. Steedman coming up at that time grasped the colors saying ‘Boys you may disgrace yourselves but there colors never can be. I'll carry your colors if you defend them.' Such a scene never can be forgotten. The boys rallied instantly and nobly defended their flag. We only left the field when the last cartridge was fired…".

Smith then relates another account of bravery: "…The 22nd Michigan (and 89th Ohio) temporarily attached to our Division, were cut to pieces. All the troops got out of ammunition at dark, which caused us to fall back (to the next ridge). Col. [Heber] Le Favour of the 22nd Michigan asked me what he should do as he had no cartridges. I told him to give them cold steel. He did so and has never been seen or heard from since. He saved us and he has made a brilliant record…I gave the order, lost the two regiments, but saved the division an attack upon its left flank in the dusk of evening and as the enemy reports now show by the brigades of Cols. [John T.] Triggs and [John H. ] Kelly which were to be supported by two others. That order was approved by my commanders…".

Accompanying this superb account are three typed letters signed: the first is directed to Smith by the Record and Pension Office, Washington, Oct. 13, 1903, and informs him that: "…a medal of honor cannot be awarded to a person not in the military service of the United States unless an application or recommendation for the award of a medal to him was made while he was in the military service…".

The second heartbreaking letter is written to Smith from the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Washington, Feb. 2, 1904, informing him that: "…Since receipt of your letter…I was informed by General Ainsworth that the decision there was final, and that under the law and the decision of the President, a medal of honor was unobtainable there…".

The third letter, again from the Record and Pension Office, is directed to R. R. Hitt in the House of Representatives, Feb. 9, 1904, and forwards the papers from Smith upon his request for return.

John Corson Smith (1832-1910) was, in addition to his actions at Chickamauga, brevetted for his bravery at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain during which he was severely wounded. After the war, he served as State Treasurer for Illinois from 1870-1881, thence Lieutenant Governor from 1886-1889.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8" x 13"
  • Medium: Archive

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