Page:War and its Heroes.djvu/47

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

THE WAR AND ITS HEROES. 49 upon Richmond — his services upon the battle-field of "Seven Pines," wkerc he had no special command until after General Johnston was wounded — his conduct as commander of Johnston's army from the time the latter was wounded until General Lee was ordered to take command of that army — his services as commander of Richmond and its defences, including the country from Wil- mington to "Winchester — his services in North Carolina during the two threat- ened advances of the enemy in December, 1802, and the following January, cannot and will not be forgotten by the army or the people. In the early part of 186-3, owing to some misunderstanding between himself and the President, General Smith resigned. Immediately after his resignation was accepted, such wns his patriotic desire to aid all in his power in our great struggle that he offered his services to General Beauregard as volunteer aid in the then expected attack on Charleston, in any capacity in which he could for the time being be made useful This offer was accepted, and he was with General Beauregard in the gallant defence of that city in April, 1*G3. He now occupies the position as President of the Georgia Manufacturing and Mining Company at Etowah, Georgia ; but we understand accepted this lucra- tive and responsible position with the distinct understanding that if ever his services arc needed, or can be made available in defence of the State of Geor- gia, hifl present residence, or if when the great struggle is mad*' by Kmtuckians for Kentucky, which he believes is sure to come, that he must be relieved of the responsibilities of President, and receive his orders from the Governor either of tl U s, to both of whom he has already pledged his sen;