Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1870-09-25
A CARD PROM TOM BENTON
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| ASHLAND, Tenn, Sept "a, 1870-Fellov-
citizens: In coming before you as candi.
date for Congress, do so fully aware Of
the great responsibility that will rest on
me if elected, propose to fight it out
on the Hon. Edward Mcpherson line,
Clerk of the House of Representatives. In
letter to me under date of Aug. p, 1870,
he says:
eff the House believed You to be the per-
son relieved, and that the constitutional
provision on the subject was actually car
ried out in your case, you would not be
required to take the test-oath, as q special
oath is administered to persons relieved of
disabilities by act of Congress-"
Ny identity is the only point have to
prove, and the following letter, which pro-
NOTED me to Brigadiership, will establish
that fact beyond ali con troversy.
I am, fellow-citizens, very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
Tom BENTON SMITH.
HEADoUARTEB's, TYLER's BRIGADE, In
TIE FIELD, July II, 1864.-Sir: have the
honor to call to your attention the services
and recommend to your favorable consider
alton the department of Col. Thos. B.
Smiths 10th Tennessee regiment.
As commanding officer, he has signal
lied his peculiar fitness upona greater por-
ton of the battle fields in the Western de-
partment, and has shown undoubted evi-
dences Of ability for higher command.
AS Captain, he commanded q company
at the battle of Fishing Creek, Kentucky;
also, in the battle of Shiloh, with the same
rank, where he was wounded.
At the reorganization of the army he
was elected Colonel of the 18th Tennessee
Regiment. He commanded this regiment
in the first seige of Vicksburg. On the
death of Gen. Stalem, being the senior
Colonel he commanded the 4th Brigade
with distinction at the battle of Baton
Rouge, La. At the battle of Murfreesboro
be commanded hisregiment, and was twice
wounded. At Chickmauga, again in COM
mand Of his regiment he was severely
wounded. Since the commencing of Sher-
mans operation in North Georgia he has
commanded brigade with much success
and ability.
1t is believed that his long and valuable
services entitle him to promotion. Re-
specially, your obedient servant,
(Signed.) &c TYLER,
Bigadier General, CSA
Gen. 5. COOPER, A. and ], Gen.
HEADQUARTERS, BATES DIVISION, July
IA, 1864, Re forwarded.-Col T. B. Smith,
of the 10th Tennessee, has been in my
command for more than year. He con
Quoted his regiment with success at Hoov-
ers Gap and Chickamauga. He was
wounded at the latter place. Col. Z. @.
Tyler having been promoted to Brigadier
General and assigned to the command of
the brigade in which Col. Smith is Semi or
Colonel and being severely wounded at
Missionary Ridge, the command of his
brigade devolVed on Col Smith, who has
conducted it through the North Georgia
campaign with success. Col Smith is a
young man with high points Of gallantry,
with military taste and promise. BE is still
commanding Tyler's Brigade. / cordially
recommend him for Brigadiership where
ever there is a vacancy. WIN B BATE,
.-.. Major General.
I cordially endorse all that Gen Bate has
said respecting Col Smith, and recommend
him for promotion. WI HARDEE,
Lieutenant General.
Col Smith has had already much expe
rience as brigade commander. He is
well qualified for that position, and is
among the senior Tennessee colonies. He
served for some six months in my division,
including the Chickamauga campaign, so
that / have had good opportunity
to become well acquainted with him, do
not know any officer of his rank who
would be likely to succeed better in cJm-
mand of brigade. ALEX P. STEWART,
July 4, 1864. Lieut.. Gen.
Concurring fully with the distinguished
head officers who recommended Col.
Smith, l suggest his promotion to the bri-
gsde he has been commanding with dis
tinction, ]. E. JOHNSTON,
General.