The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-12-29
LETTER OF COL. HGDON TO LIEUT.. COL. KYLE KH@
 WHICH PROVOKED HIS VERY CAUSTC REPLY
(continued from Page ID
soon after taking his oath of office:
 Headquarters 3rd Infantry,
"Birmingham, Ala. April I5, 10

"Birmingham, Ala, April 15 1e01. ITO the Commissioned oficers srd zn-
 fantryy A. N. G.. e s'S>. Ss-- ITO the officer receiving this commu- Is nication: aas
 'Sir-In assuming command again of the 3rd Infantry, Alabama National Guard, I realize there is much to be &C., complished in bringing the regiment up to the high standard it should occupy.
 Ut shall be my aim and desire to see the twelve companies composing the regi- ment fully equipped and so efficient in drill and discipline that the law abiding people of our great State will recognize that they have a real military organiza- that can be called upon at a moments notice to defend the honor of our State. Having this object in view I shall expect the hearty cooperation of every mem ber of the regiment whether officer or private. I shall expect the officers to en- courage the men by setting the example of punctuality. drill and duty, When you are honored with an office don't abuse it. If you are so situated you cam not give the office you are holding the attention it requires you owe 1t to your self as well as the regiment to let them elect some man who will give the office the time necessary. Don't let a member of your company say No use going to the armory; the officers take no interest; why should I? want to see eachzGom- p&ffy put on new life and each month show an improvement. would hate very much to recommend the disbandment of a single company. but since my election have had three applications for positions in the regiment and must have the proper interest manifested by the officers and their men from each section or will certainly ask the Governor to make room for these new companies.
 'I will personally visit every company in my regiment In the next sixty days and want to see all the members present and how you care for property issued and see your requirement In the way of equipage and as far as in my power equip all companies alike.
 Let every officer go to work and get his battalion or company in good shape and let the encampment this year be the largest and best the regiment has ever enjoyed.
 Iwould like to hear from every off, ficer In the regiment. Can I depend on you to do your part in making the 3rd Alabama the pride of the State.
 every respectfully,
 'E. L. Higdon, Colonel Kyle Did Not Reply. V e. Colonel 3rd Infantry, A. N. G."
 Replies to this circular letter were re- ceived from nearly every commissioned officer in the regiment, but Lieutenant Colonel Kyle did not pay any attention to the communication.
 Within a few weeks after the publica- ton of the foregoing letter, Colonel Hig- don requested the officers of his staff in- cluding Lieutenant Colonel Kyle. to ac- company him upon a tour of inspection of the companies composing the regiment. No answer was received from Lieutenant Colonel Kyle. The inspection trip was made by Colonel Higdon and his staff, after which Colonel Higdon. sent the fol- lowing letter to the Lieutenant Colonel:
 Headquarters 3rd Infantry, IF Alabama National Guard.
 Birmingham, Ala, May 16. 1901.
 (Unofficial.)
 Colonel o. Kyle, Decatur. Ala: i, My Dear Sir--It was very much dis appointed in not hearing from you or having you with me on my inspection tour in compliance with my request of the 7th instant. I thought sure you would be on hand Tuesday evening the 14th when I inspected your old company in Decatur for you were in Decatur on that day. This makes two communica- tions you have ignored from me since I was elected Colonel of the regiment. Now, Colonel, I want your assistance. It is required to make the regiment efficient. want your assurance that you will give me all the time you can. It will en- courage others.
 Awaiting your early reply, am,
 "Very respectfully, lVt' -',- ~ "E. l.. Higdon,