From 1867 to 1879 Smith was promoted multiple times while a member of the Company B of the Burnside National Guard and the Battalions of the Rhode Island Militia. While in the Burnside National Guard, he achieved the rank of First Lieutenant, while also being elected to the office of Commissary. Then while a member of the 6th battalion, Smith achieved the rank of Major. Finally, while in the 4th battalion he was eventually elected to Adjutant.

On June 24, 1885, a letter was addressed to Smith that called for the discharge of George H. Simms, who was the Quartermaster of the 4th Battalion of Infantry. The letter was signed by Governor George Peabody Wetmore and Adjutant General Elisha Dyer, Jr.

On January 31, 1887, Smith received a letter from the Adjutant General Dyer containing orders to honorably discharge the following men; 1st Lieutenant Thomas Brinn - Adjutant, 1st Lieutenant William F Jackson - Quartermaster, 1st Lieutenant Joseph Monroe - Commissary, 1st Lieutenant John S Brown - Paymaster and 1st Lieutenant Mahlon Van Horne - Chaplain.

Additional documents in the collection are Smith family papers. These include a plot deed and map of the Pocasset Cemetery in Cranston, belonging to Lucy A. Smith, dated August 5, 1907, and a warranty deed for a property on Ninigret Avenue, in Providence, which was sold to Gertrude E. Smith from Hallis and Lina Smith, dated November 19, 1918.