The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-29
CAPTAIN JOHN G. SMITH WELL DESERVES
 HONOR FOR WHICH HE HAS BEEN NOMINATED

The nomination of Capt. John G. Smith, federate Veterans, for brigader-general of the Fourth brigade, Alabama Confed- rate Veterans, has received the heartiest approval from not only the members Of Camp Wilcox, but the scores of veterans throughout the state who know the ven erable captain and his long and honorable record in the army of the south. The records at Washington show that Cap tain Smith enlisted as a private in 1861 and fought throughout the war and by distinguished service and gallantry on the field of battle was promoted by regu- lar gradations to the captaincy of his command.
 That Captain Smith will be honored by his comrades at the state Confederate reunion which meets the latter part of September at Selma, Is generally admit ted, and many there are who say 1t will be an honor well deserved. His work at Richmond in securing the next gen. eral reunion of the Confederate veterans for Birmingham will be remembered and the veterans deem it fitting that when the reunion is held in Birmingham, the
 
 high in rank.
 Of Captain Smiths other activities, business, civic, religious, fraternal and social only brief mention will be made in this article Suffice to say he has been successful sn business, patriotic in his civic duties reverent to the church. given high honors by his fraternal brethren and a warm and social friend and com panion. He is one of Birminghams fore most citizens and the city is proud of him and his honorable record in all lines of endeavor.
 When asked for statement of his mil- tary record, Captain Smith smiled ana said it had been the subject of investiga- ton recently and gave the writer the following communications which are ex- planatory:
 Hon George Huddleston. Representa-
 tive in Congress, Birmingham.
 Dear Sir: Referring to your letter of the 25th instant in which you request the military record of J. G. Smith, as a mem Der of Company I, Fourth Georgia infan- try, and of Company c, Eighth Georgia cavalry, Confederate states army, 1 have the honor to inform you as follows:
 ''The records show that John G. Smith, private, Company l, Fourth Georgia in fantry, Confederate states army, enlisted April 29, 1S61 at Oglethorpe, Ga., and was discharged November 13. 1861, at Camp Jackson, by reason of surgeons cer tificate.
 "The records also show that John G. Smith, served a first lieutenant and as captain in Company c, Sixty-second Georgia cavalry, which became Company c, Eighth Georgia cavalry, Confederate states army, and that he enlisted May 31, year not stated. at Griffin, Ga.
 "A record dated July 23, 1863, shows May 1s, 1862, as the date of his commits sion. The muster roll for March and April, 1864 show him present with the rank of captain On muster roll for Sep tember and October 1864, last roll of company on file, he was reported present. No later record of him has been found. Yours truly, H. P. MCCAIN
 "Adjutant General" Capt. John G. Smith. Birmingham, Ala
 Dear Sir: Some days ago had mes sage from - -. asking me to accordingly done so, and enclose you the letter from General Mccain herein. congratulate you on the possession of such an honorable record.
 With kind regards, I am, yours sin cerely, GEORGE HUDDLESTON."
 Tn talking of his career as soldier and officer in the Confederate army Cap tain Smith stated it was difficult to dc so without using the personal equal tion but that he would give his record as best he could and would ask the indul. gence of the reader of an old soldier who cherishes the traditions of the past ant who can only give briefly mere synopsis of more than four years of bloody war fare. Captain Smith said:
 Tn 1856, while residing at Oglethorpe Macon county Georgia, I joined the Ma con County Volunteers and served some time as a private in the ranks. At ar | annual election held about 1858 I wa. elected and commissioned as an ensgr of the company, and held this rank ant commission when the company was or dered by Gov. Joseph E. Brown to pro | ceed to Norfolk. Va, for service in thu Confederate States army. The company being a well drilled one, was ordered t, proceed to Norfolk and report to tn commanding officer there.
 ''If my memory serves me correctly W, | arrived in Portsmouth Va, on the morn | ing of April 21, 1861, and were marched | immediately to the Gosport Navy yard where the company remained until Apri 1 29 1861; it was then mustered as Compan, l, Fourth regiment, Georgia Volunteers | George Doles, colonel commanding; Phillil l CoOk adi,1taDt If was while at the nav