The Wichita daily eagle., 1894-01-28
RETIREMENT OF COLONEL BRYANT

RETIREMENT OF COLONEL BRYANT
Fort SILL, o. T., Jan. 27.-[Special.l-
Colonel Montgomery Bryant. Thirteenth
infantry, having applied to be retired
from active service, the secretary Of war
directed his relief from duty in the de-
partment Of the Missouri by the COM
manding general of that department.
This was accomplished by a special order
issued by command of General Miles,
upon receipt of which Colonel Bryant. on
the 2lst inst, relinquished command Of
the post of Fort Sill, 0. T., .and of the
Thirteenth regiment OF United States in-
fant:y.
On the afternoon of the 23l the non
commissioned officers of his staff assem-
bled in full-dress uniform at the SER
geant ma jor's Office, from which place
they proceeded ir body to the colonefs
headquarters. Upon arrival Sergeant
Msjor Stephenson. in few words, in
formed the colonel that his non-commis-
stoned officers had assembled and had eX
pressed desire to take him by the hand
and say that hardest of all words, Good
by" The colonel whose emotion was
notceab bic, re ceived them in his room.
where he pade each a kind farewell. Ia
the evening a ball was given at the post
IL
to the colonel and his family. The hall
was beautifully festooned with flags, dec
orations and mottoes, and, as mark of
respect, all the men wore full-dress uni
forms. During the evening the following
letter wns received and read:
FORT SILL, o. T., Jan. %, 1893.
Sergeant Major Frank Stephenson. Thirteenth
II regret very much, owing to sickness
in the family, that it will be impossible
for Mrs. Bryant, Miss Bryant or myself
to accept the complimentary entertain
ment rendered to US by the enlisted men
of the Thirteenth infantry. The invita-
ton is nevertheless highly appreciated, as
showing the kindly feelings entertained
for the family by those you represent, and
is fully reciprocated. l feel particularly
gratified that my administration OF affairs
since | have been your colonel has been
the means of engendering this mutual re-
gard. officially aud privately. Myself and
family desire to tender to all concerned
our best wishes for your future happiness
as men and soldiers. Very respectfully
your obedient servant, NJ. BRYANT,
Colonel Thirteenth Infantry"
During the period Colonel Bryant has
been the commanding officer of the
Thirteenth infantry. five and IA half years,
he has endeared himself SO much to the
enlisted men of the regiment that his re-
tirement Is regarded as an irredeemable
loss. Those who have had the good for
tune to serve under him have high ap-
probation OF his administration of a
military post, and will always remember
him as an officer kind by nature, coDscien-
tious and just. and every ready with wise
counsel to those in need; man of gener-
Gus impulses, modest and unaffected in
his life; an officer and gentleman. The
friendly feelings, and even affection, OH
the part of the men for their commander.
of which there has been abundant proof
evinced, is attended with deep regret at
the separation. Colonel Bryant carries
with him into his retirement the heartfelt
wish of the entire command that he may
be spared to ripe old age. and that
health, happiness and prosperity may at
tend him and his estin,able family. 1t is
understood that he will make Wichita,
Kan, his future home.