New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-05-22
CAPTAIN ROMEYN's CASE.
r>v,r ,,oRGAN,s RECOLLECTIONs OF HIS
DISTINGUISHED WAR RECORD AND
HONORABLE CAREER.

To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir. Unusual public interest has been manifested
IN the case Of Captain Henry Romeyn. 9Th United
states Infantry who has recently been on trial be-
fore a court-martial at Mcpherson Barracks Al
lanta Ca The general charge against him was
conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman
and the two most significant specifications were
tina. he had said uncompiimentary things regard
ing the wife OF Lieutenant O'Bren, and. under
strong excitement. had struck Lieutenant OBrien
IN the face The Captains defence was that the
statements made with reference TO Mrs O'Brien
were fully justified by the facts. and that his
striking his fellow officer was warranted by the
strong provocation given. 1t has come out in
your columns this morning that the court has
found Romeyn guilty Of the charge, which carries
with IL by the Army regulations. dismissal from
the service unless the President sees fit 10 eXeT~
else his prerogativS Of setting aside the verdict
wish 10 say few things regarding captain
Romeyn which / am your many readers viii
be glad 10 know. In october. 1862 Captain Ro-
r1eyn then a young sergeant In Michigan regi-
ment reported at Gallatin. Tenn. and was
assigned 70 duty captain in the 14th United States
Volunteer Infantry. which l was at that time organ
izng We served together until left the service in
August 1865 During that time had very lnti-
mate associations with him. in camp, on the march
and JeE e at Snshve in Ss
me conclusion of the Captain Romeyn entered
thirty-tWo years. making continuous service as
nm officer and solder for than tnirty-hve
V Years. He Will reach the limit Of retirement by
reason OF age on the first Of next month when.
acOrdlng 10 law, he will be entitled 10 honorable
retirement with half pay. for the remainder OF
his life. . ,,,,
habts a Christian gentleman, especially Interested
in humane and phianthropic causes. During the
civil war while in command of his company. he
took the utmost possible pains to promote the
physical intellectual and moral well-being Of his
men and his soldiers were greatly indebted to
him for his advice and help. For several years he
was commandant OF cadets at Hampton Institute.
where ne enjoyed the friendship OF General Arm
strong and where he eXertcd most Wholesome
influence upon the large body Of negro and indian
students Among all the officers with whom l
associated during the war should place cap
tain Romeyn among the very first by reason or his
sterling integrity his devotion 10 duty, MS up
right life and his almost reckless personal courage
the battle OF Decatur in October, 1854, and also III
the battle OF Nashville. few weeks later IN
after years, while serving on the frontier; he was
wounded while fighting the Indians. Iie wears
medal awarded him by Congress. His long
arduous service has undermined his health anG
brought on frequent attacks OF heart trouble which
al Times have seriously threatened his life .
,h"''hout passing judgment upon the merits ot
re controversy between him and Lieutenant
~ bIieh controversy In which personal and FAMILY
press myself emphatically OF the opinion tina:
Whatever may be the judgment Of the court martial
ts 20 me technical charge against Captain Ro-
meyhi ms dismissal from the service now. under
ne cIrcums'ahces: would be gross Injustice 10
p pm ana 70 rs family. do not believe that
ice, 10 say nothing Of his tender sympathy and
clemency, VIII allow himself 10 afiix his signature
~ an order Diminishing from the service q
Mlsn VINO has given his lifo to his country. and
o., captain Henry Romeyn. r j. MORGAN.
New-York. May I5, 1887