Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Chapter XXII: Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Mississippi, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. March 4-June 10, 1862., Part II: Correspondence, Orders, and Returns.
Lieut. Col. Robert N. Scott, Ed.

General orders, no. 21.

The major-general commanding announces with deep regret to the troops of this department the death of Maj. Gen. Charles F. Smith, who at 4 o'clock p. m. to-day departed this life at Savannah, on the Tennessee River.

General Smith had been in the service of his country for more than forty years, and had passed through all the military grades from cadet to major-general. He had fought with distinction in nearly all the battles of Mexico, and by his gallantry and skill had gained imperishable laurels at the siege of Fort Donelson. He combined the qualities of a faithful officer, an excellent disciplinarian, an able commander, and a modest and courteous gentleman. In his death the Army has lost one of its brightest ornaments and the country a general whose place it will be difficult to supply.

By command of Major-General Halleck:

I am anxious to gratify you, but you will see the propriety of making all other considerations yield to that disposition of the troops which is necessary for the security of Nashville and Middle Tennessee.¹

sir: Some plan of recruitment for the regiments now in service is rapidly becoming a matter of vital importance. Very many of the regiments in my command are already reduced by deaths, discharges, and sickness to not more than 500 effective men. Many of them have not 300 men for duty.

Your obedient servant,

dear sir: The following brief account of my proceedings in the preparation of extempore steam-rams will, I think, enable you to respond to the inquiries contained in Commodore Foote's letter of instructions to you:

I was instructed by the Secretary of War, March 27, to proceed immediately