LS signed “Jno. Pope, B. Maj. Gen. U.S.A.,” four pages on two adjoining gridded sheets, 5 x 8, September 3, 1868. Letter to the widow of General Joseph Rowe Smith. In full: “I received the intelligence of the death of General Smith your respected husband with profound regret and I beg that you will accept my earnest sympathy in your great affliction. In Gen'l Smith the government has lost a distinguished officer & a most faithful public servant, who will be long remembered and regretted by his brother officers. I trust Madam that in your deep distress for which all consolation is unavailing you will remember that your sorrow is shared by the whole Army to which Gen'l Smith was endeared by a whole life of distinguished service. His high qualities as a man & officer will never fade & his example never be lost in the records of the Army. It is with sincere regret that the state of my health prevents me from paying in person my last respects to his remains.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds with some slight separation, light scattered creases, a ding to the left edge, and pencil notations to the reverse. Accompanied by an unsigned engraving of Pope. RR Auction COA.
