The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-10-24

sodierly bearing that was not sur
passed by any other in the vast army
that was encamped at Chickamagua.
Their record was spotless, and Mon
tana has every reason to feel proud
of her cavalry squadron. The medals
that will be bestowed upon the men
of this command will be most worthily
given. 1t was the fortune of war that
these men We're denied the privilege of
distinguishing themselves on the field
of battle. Wire pulling robbed them of
the right to fight that was theirs by
priority, and that they endured the
sufferings and abuses of camp life I'M
der the Alger regime. and that with
out complaint, is as much to their
credit as if they had lost their men in
battle. 1t is a greater test of soldierly
qualities to endure thus than to charge
a redoubt.
No commander in the army loved his
men more than did Colonel Melvin
Griggsby, and no commander had to
greater degree the affection of his
troops in return. His last general or
der, issued before the muster out.
breathes in every line the affection and
pride that he had for the soldiers in
his command 1t is given herewith in
full.
1t is General Orders No. S. dated at
Headquarters, Sd U. S. Vol. Cav, Camp
George H. Thomas. Chickamauga
The time being close at hand when this
organization will cease to exist as
military body, take this opportunity to
thank the officers and men of this regi-
ment for their patriotism. fidelity. zeal
and attention to duty The regiment is
one that it has been an honor to COM
mand and OF which any commander could
be justly proud.
Although it is great disappointment
n n II of hat 4
to form a part of the line of battle at the
front. it cannot be said OF the Cowboy
regiment'-either officers or men--that
they did not do everything possible, not
only to get ready at the earliest possible
moment for active service. but also to in
duce those in authority to select this resi-
ment as part of the army of invasion.
1t has been well and justly said by Pres
ident Mckinley that those soldiers who
rendered their lives to the country and
performed uncomplainngly their duties
in camps of Instruction. under conditions
most unfavorable to health and comfort
most of them subjected to dangers from
diseases that are liable to affect men who
leave their northern homes for southern
climate in midsummer and who did not
get a chance to get to the front-are de-
serving of as much credit as those who
We're chosen to so against the enemy.
And I wish to add in this Connection that
il has been matter of infinite pride and
satisfaction to your commander to hea.
from all sides favorable and compliment
tary comments upon your soldierly appear
ance. your proficiency in drill and per-
feet gentilit,- and soldierly courtesy that
has characterized your relations with the
camp at large and the citizens of Chat
tanooga and vicinity You have so well
maintained your characters as gentlemen
that 1t is everywhere remarked that the
Cowboy cavalry" was one of the most
orderly and gentlemanly organizations that
has been in Camp Thomas. This reputa-
ton carries with 1t responsibility, and
that responsibility is to see that we live
up to our reputation and leave Chatta-
noosa and go to our homes quietly. sat
isfied that we have done our whole duty
and have left an example of the true
type of the American citizen-solder
Do not imagine that the time spent in
TINS camp has been wasted for yourselves
or that your country has not received
fun value for all expenses incurred. You
nave but to consult the records of the
nation to discover that 4 knowledge of the
duties OF a soldier fits men to better per-
form the functions of civil life. The pres
cnt president.of the United States was a
private soldier in 1861. 1t is not unreason-
able 10 predict that members of this
cowboy regiment will hereafter be
found i'll the legislative halls, in congress,
anu III armies that VIII hereafter be call
ed INTO service. In any and all of these
positions as well as in the humber sta
ton the knowledge and discipline that
you have acquired will be invaluable to
many of you as well as to your country.
Whatever may be your future condition
of life whether of low or high degree,
you will all be ever gratefully remem-
bered by your late commander whose
latch string will always hang out for ev-
cry man-officer or priyate--of the Cav
boy cavalry MELVIN GRIGGSBY.
Colonel Commanding Sd L. S, Volunteer
Cavalry.