Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1892-04-14
GENERAL THOMAS A. ssrYrH.
The Poem That Brought About the Pro
motion of the Gallant Wilmingtoniun.


The Poem That Brought About the Pro-
motion of the Gallant wilmingtoniun.
Saturday was theanniversary Of the death
of the most gallant OF Wilmingtons mar
tial sons, General Thomas A. Smyth, who
fell MORALLY wounded by a sharpshooter,
near Farmville, Va. on April 9Th, 1868.
He died in Petersburg, Va, three days
afterwards.
In his youth he emigrated to this coun-
try, settling here, when he engaged in the
coach making business. At the beginning
mington and joined q three months regi-
ment in Philadelphia, serving in the
Shenandoah valley. On his return he was
made major of one of the Delaware regi.
ments, rose successfully to the ranks of
lieutenant-colonel, colonel, and COM
manded a brigade, winning a high reputa--
ton for bravery and skill. For gallant
conduct at Cold Harbor, Va, he was APP
pointed brigadier-general United States
Volunteers, October LIST, 1864.
General Smyth was known by many
Delawareans, but above all best by Colo
mel 5. A. Macalister, who was member
OF his staff throughout his southern cam
paign. AT the moment General Smyth re-
ceived the fatal shot he was on horseback,
accompanied by his staff inspecting the
progress of the fight. Colonel Macalister
was next to him and was the first to re-
ceive the body of his chief as he swayed
in his saddle from the effects of the bullet.
The following was recently published in
the Washington Eeeaiag Star:
For some time IN the fall of 1863 and spring
OF 1864 Colonel Smyth commanded the lrish
corps, and the whole army wondered why ho
was not promoted. His reputation as n mus
terly soldier was of the highest, but he was no
politician, and i'll spite OF every effort Of his
friends his claims were unnoticed, until In
sheer desperation old Lara Reynolds sur
eeon,. Irish brigade. wro'e the inclosed. =
copy falling into the hands OF General Grant
he was then immediately promoted, thus show
| ing how small thing will sometimes produce
| results tho most strenuous efforts failed To ac-
| cnmplish. General Smyth was the last gen
| eral officer killed In our civil war He had
| three horses shot under him and his clothing
| cut several times, vert through 30 engage
4 mcnts and fell the morning Lee surrendered
| If you doom 1t worthy Of publication it woult
4 no doubt prove very interesting to many of til,
! survivors of the old second ARMY corps. all d
whom knew him. Respectfully,
/ Late A. D. C. I'd div, I'd A. G.,
Army Of the Potomac.
"THERE's NOT STAR FOR YoU, TOM sMYTH."
IA song addressed to the brave Col. Thoma
| A. Sinyth OF Wilmington, First Regiment o
Delaware volunteers, by Laurence Reynolds
| surgeon Sixty-thrd Regiment New York vol
| unteers, Irish brigade.l
Though stars are falling very thick,
On many curious spot;
And warriors rising very quick,
Who never heard shot.
Still, though you periled limb and life,
And many fight went through.
And laurels Won in every strife;
There not u star for you, Tom Smyth,
There's not Il star Tor you'll
It's true when close the hostile lines,
The headlong charge YOU lead,
And your sword, glorys beacon, shines,
In front of your brigade;
But you can't like a courtier grin,
No little work can do,
So you perchance ball may win;
But there's no star Tor you, Tom Smyth,
There's no altar for you.
Whene'er You tread the crimson sod,
Your form and soul expand:
In olden times you'd seem god,
Not Hancock selts more grand.
But then your sword d willy tongue,
Far greater deeds can do:
For while stars grace the gabhy throng,
: There's not star for you, Tom smyth,
There's not u star for you.
: No coward in the ranks is seen,
When gallant Smyth appears,
, Men kindle at his voice and mien,
And move on with gay cheers
Smyths spirit moves the glowing mass,
Deeds past their power To do:
: Yet while such things you bring to pass,
, There's nota star for you, om Smyth,
I There's not q star for you
G But by you for no selfish cause
n Il battles flag unturled,
: You fight TO save our glorious laws,
n 10 bless the future world.
Brave Hancock owns you're skilled and BRAY
The army own II too
+ Then the proud feeling you must have
i Is rank and n star for YOU, Tom Sinyth
r n At fp-