General Smith was instrumental in advancing a campaign , begun by a contribution of five dollars from a freed slave , Charlotte Scott , towards the erection in 1876 of the Freedmen 's monument in Washington , DC in memory of President Lincoln . General Smith remained active in business , veterans ' affairs and Republican politics , although he lost much of his wealth in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 . After his friend , Rutherford B. Hayes , was elected President , Smith became one of Hayes ' unofficial advisors . He was named Chief of the Appointment Division of the Treasury department , where he oversaw all matters pertaining to the department 's personnel , including dealing with candidates for Treasury offices . After his service in the Treasury Department , he was appointed Paymaster in the regular army with the rank of Major on April 17 , 1878 . He served for a year in Washington , during which time he testified at West Point before the special commission investigating the case of General Fitz John Porter . In July 1879 he was appointed Paymaster in Santa Fe , New Mexico where he served until September 1882 . Major Smith retired from the army in March 24 , 1883 , at the age of sixty-four , and settled in California
Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
Thomas C. H. Smith