Civil War Key Confederate Adj. General Samuel Cooper Promotes Soldier PSA Auto

Title:
1852 ALS Promotion Notification Signed by Samuel Cooper — Commissioning Joseph Rowe Smith Sr. as Major, PSA Certified

Description:
Original Adjutant General’s Office letter, dated August 13, 1852, signed by Colonel Samuel Cooper, informing Joseph Rowe Smith Sr. of his promotion to Major in the 7th United States Infantry. This Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) is neatly penned on official military stationery and measures approximately 7.75" x 9.75", folded once horizontally and vertically for mailing. The reverse bears a handwritten notation summarizing the letter's content and date. Cooper’s flowing signature appears clearly at the bottom of the letter. The document shows expected light toning and minor spotting but remains in very good condition overall, with strong ink and legibility.

Historical Context:
Joseph Rowe Smith Sr. (1802–1868) was a career military officer who graduated from West Point in 1823, launching a decades-long career in the U.S. Army. Initially assigned to the Infantry, Smith was quickly appointed adjutant of his regiment and joined a survey expedition in Florida in 1823, where he fought against Seminole forces. Between 1823 and 1835, Smith was stationed across New York, Michigan, and Florida, culminating in his 1835 appointment as adjutant of the 2nd Infantry.

Smith later served during the Mexican border conflicts, where he sustained two wounds, including a serious elbow injury that left him partially disabled. Nevertheless, he returned to duty during the Civil War, serving as the military commander of Detroit with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. At the war’s conclusion, in recognition of his long and faithful service, Smith was brevetted Brigadier General, U.S. Regular Army, on April 9, 1865.

Samuel Cooper (1798–1876), the signer, held the rank of Colonel at the time of this letter and was the Adjutant General of the U.S. Army. He would later serve as Adjutant and Inspector General of the Confederate Army, becoming its highest-ranking general during the Civil War. This letter reflects the administrative role Cooper played in shaping the officer corps during the pre-war years.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Authenticated by PSA/DNA with full Letter of Authenticity issued December 8, 2025

• Certification Number: AQ03028

• Signer: Samuel Cooper

• Item Type: Document

• PSA tamper-evident sticker affixed to the item for verification

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This rare and historically rich ALS bridges two key eras of 19th-century American military history. With direct ties to both the Seminole Wars and Civil War, and signed by Samuel Cooper, a figure of national importance in both U.S. and Confederate military command, this document is a meaningful and tangible link to a transitional moment in U.S. Army leadership. For collectors of early American military ephemera and autograph material, this PSA-authenticated letter is an exceptional artifact.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.